New Garden Friend

Published Bi-Weekly Issue 2009-23                                                                      November 9, 2009


 


In This Issue

 

  1.  Caring

  2.  Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

  3.  Four Circles Meeting

  4.  Fit for Freedom

  5.  American Friends Service Committee

  6.  People of Faith Against the Death Penalty

  7.  Religious Education

  8.  Prints of New Garden Meeting

  9.  Finance and Stewardship

10.  Volunteer House

11.  Upcoming Events

12.  National Day of Listening

13.  Simple Christmas

14.  Yoga

15.  Happy November Birthdays

16.  Looking Ahead at New Garden

17.  Poem

 

1. Caring

 

I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the cards, flowers, and prayers following the recent auto accident in which another car hit my car. Recovery is slow, but is expected to be complete. Judith Potthoff

 

Our heartfelt sympathy is with the family of Dorothy Brown, who died October 31, 2009. A memorial service will be held here at New Garden Meeting on Saturday, November 28, 1:00 PM.

 

This Week We Remember:

Harvey L. Morgan, who died November 20, 1999;

Earl Kelley (Sharon Bracci’s father), who died

November 27, 2006.

  If you would like a loved one remembered in this way, contact the Meeting office, 292-5487 or newgardoff@aol.com.

 

Friends May Wish to Hold in the Light: Faith Heider.

 

Oatmeal for Urban Ministry The Social Concerns Committee collects boxes of oatmeal for Urban Ministry. Please bring your contributions of oatmeal to the meeting house and place them in the basket under the coat rack by Friendship Hall. This is a continuing community service project.

 

Some small contributions are welcome to help pay for the food for the homeless who are staying in our meeting house November 8-15. If you would like to help with these expenses, make your check out to New Garden Friends Meeting and put “GIHN” in the memo line.

 

2. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

 

  1. Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses
    the ACSP is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. This program helps people enhance the valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf operations.
  2. Bioremediation
    any process that uses microorganisms, fungi, green plants or their enzymes to return the environment altered by contaminants to its original condition.
  3. Carbon Sequestration
    processes that remove carbon from the atmosphere. A variety of means of artificially capturing and storing carbon, as well as of enhancing natural sequestration processes, are being explored. This is intended to help mitigate climate change.
  4. Forest Certification
    Forest certification is a seal of approval for wood products, allowing consumers to purchase products that minimize harm to forest ecosystems.
  5. Mycofiltration
    the process of using mushroom mycelium mats as biological filters. The term was coined by Paul Stamets.
  6. Mycoremediation
    a form of bioremediation, the process of using fungal mycelia to return an environment (usually soil) contaminated by pollutants to a less contaminated state. The term was coined by Paul Stamets.

 

This information is from www.globalstewards.org.

 

3. Four Circles Meeting

 

Meeting of Four Circles At NGFM

 

The four circles at New Garden – Binford, Gilbert, Margarets, and Parsons – will meet at NGFM in Friendship Hall on November 15 at 2:00 PM.   This meeting is open to anyone who is interested in attending. 

   All members are encouraged to be present for light refreshments and a business session.  The USFW is no longer active at New Garden.  The treasury is being held so that the members of the current circles can decide how these monies will be used.  Those attending will be representing their respective circles.  It will be important to hold discussions within each circle prior to this meeting in order to represent the voice of each circle.

   If you have additional topic(s) for discussion or action, please communicate with Joyce Mers, moderator, at mersj@earthlink.net on or before November 1.  The agenda follows.

   The Louetta Knight Gilbert Circle is pleased to host the meeting of the four circles.

 

Agenda for The Four Circles Business Meeting, November 15, 2:00 PM, Friendship Hall:
1.
Opportunity for each circle to share what they have been doing this past year in terms of programs, activities, and projects.

2. Presentation of the annual treasurer's report that covers
7/1/08 through 6/30/09 and a report for 7/1/09 to the present.

3. Shall we close the New Garden USFW checking and money market accounts and disperse the funds? If so, how do we disperse them?
   Note these considerations if we dispose of these funds: (1) Future cookbook sales--go directly to NGFM? (2) There would be no more funds to subsidize the Spring Banquet. (3) No more memorials from NG-USFW, although individual circle could still do memorials.

4. Spring Banquet--shall we have one and if so, who will be in charge?

5. Any proposed changes in the monthly flower assignments?

6. Is there a need for a business meeting a year from now? If there is one, it's the
Margarets Circle's turn to host.

7. Other business and announcements

If you have any questions, comments, or additions to this agenda, please contact Joyce Mers, 288-4921, or e-mail mersj@earthlink.net.

4.  Fit for Freedom

 

FIT FOR FREEDOM, NOT FOR FRIENDSHIP I: Conclusions

 

Our 6-week study of African Americans and Quakers and the myth of racial justice, using the book by Vanessa Julye and Donna McDaniel, has concluded, with over 30 attending each session. Many shared personal experiences to understand how our different opinions were formed. Some major points of the book are summarized below:

  1. Although Quakers are known as a denomination to have been very active in the civil rights/equality struggle, this is a myth. Actually, it was only a small percentage who deserved this reputation. The majority of Quakers was uninvolved or even against such activism, beginning in the 1680’s with slavery abolition and continuing through voting rights and integration in the 1970’s. Some Quakers were actually members of the KKK. Some believed it was acceptable to own slaves if you taught them the gospel.

 

  1. However, the few were so passionate and tenacious on the cause of equality, that they tried again and again (using more than 20 methods) to work for justice for African Americans. Moreover, in taking their stand, they risked loss of income, status, and even their lives.

 

  1. The Quakers who worked for freedom for blacks did not accept blacks as Friends (members of Meetings) or as friends (social equals). Some Quakers stood in the way of school integration because they feared interracial dating and marriage.         

   

  1. The testimony of peace seems to have gotten in the way of the work for racial justice. Friends were afraid to disturb the peace of the Meeting, by bringing up controversial topics and expressing anger. In fact, some Meetings were split into two schisms: the “quietists” and the (radical) “immediatists”.

 

  1. Those Quakers who chose the path of active antiracism did so for several reasons: they heard equality as a call from God; they saw the model of Christ as an agitator; they realized that both whites and blacks actually need each other.

 

  1. It was often Quaker women or youth who led the charge against racism.

 

  1.  It is racist to assume silent worship is “unsuited” to all African Americans.

 

  1. Locally, Guilford College did not integrate until 1961, with encouragement from Friends World Conference. New Garden Friends Monthly Meeting could not agree to support either the Woolworth’s Sit-Ins (1960), or school integration (1969), but did “liberate” individual members to act on their own leadings.

 

  1. Gaining access for all people to institutions is important, but the real work of antiracism begins AFTER the doors are opened to all. 

 

  1. Now that we recognize the myth of the past, we can be grateful for the opportunity to build greater respect for diversity and inclusion today.

 

Some questions raised by the book:

 

  1. Do Quakers have to give up our group identity to embrace diversity and be more inclusive?
  2. Racism is still a problem in society – judging from the inequities in housing, education, prison, jobs. How many ways are New Gardeners currently active in anti-racism?
  3. New Garden, like other Quaker Meetings, does not reflect the larger society in its membership, being largely made up of middle class white or European Americans.  Are there ways we could attract or be more inclusive of diverse seekers? What about Quakerism might attract poor people or people of color?
  4. What are we doing now that people may look back in  a hundred years and ask, “Why didn’t you do something?!”

                                       

Cathie Holcombe

Oct. 2009

 

5. American Friends Service Committee

 

Holiday Peace Scarves from AFSC

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a 90 year old Quaker organization working for peace, justice and humanitarian assistance worldwide. AFSC's work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
   The purchase of this scarf helps enable AFSC to continue this important work.
Scarf Details: scarves are $15 each, and are approx. 9" wide and 60" long.
Colors available: Charcoal gray, Burgundy, Orange, Purple, Olive Green, Dark blue
Order form available at www.afsc.org/greensboro or call 336-854-0633.

 The American Friends Service Committee

Area Office of the Carolinas

Invites you to our HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE!

Saturday, December 5, 2009; 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Families and children welcome. There will be activities for all.

Celebrate the season with us:

·         Holiday treats and hot drinks

·         Hands-on activities to support peace and justice, like

o   Packing humanitarian assistance kits

o   Making holiday cards for Pres. Obama for peace

o   Knitting circles to make items for those in need

o   Taking action for immigration reform.

·         View short films from the Immigrant and Refugee movie-making class.

·         Opportunity to buy Holiday Peace Scarves.

·         Learn more about the work of our office and how to get involved.

·         Visit with F/friends old and new

6306 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27409

336-854-0633

 

6.  People of Faith Against the Death Penalty

 

People of Faith Against the Death Penalty (PFADP) is launching a major effort to get a bill to abolish the death penalty in North Carolina in the next session of the legislature when it meets in January.  PFADP is asking churches, synagogues, other worship groups, civic clubs and businesses across the state to support a resolution asking for abolition. 

   This resolution was presented to New Garden Monthly Meeting on November 1.  Members present agreed to allow this resolution to “season” until the December monthly meeting for worship and business in order to allow Friends to consider it thoughtfully and to give Friends who were not present on November 1 the opportunity to read and consider it. Interested Friends may then attend December monthly Meeting for discussion of the proposal.

   If you need a copy of this resolution contact Dot Mason at hmason@triad.rr.com or at 288-2852.

 

7.  Religious Education

 

First Day Forum, 9:45 AM, in the parlor

November 15: Islam: an outline, views on Pakistan and Afghanistan, and workable approaches for the US in seeking to resolve problems there, a discussion with Zaki Uddin Khalifa and his wife, Rashida.

November 22: Buddhism, a discussion with Eric Mortenson

 

Brotherhood Class, 9:45 AM, Sundays, Bible Study in the Brotherhood Room

November 15: A Suffering People

November 22: A Faithful People

 

8.  Prints of New Garden Meeting

 

Limited Number of

New Garden Friends Meeting House

Framed Prints Available

 

In an ongoing commitment to fund all the important projects undertaken by the Meeting at large, the Finance and Stewardship Committee will be selling original numbered prints of our Meeting House.  (By the way, these make wonderful Christmas presents!) 

The print was originally drawn by artist Patsy Faires.  Framed, the print measures approximately 17 by 21 inches, with gold-colored moulding by Framerica Corporation, a company founded on a commitment to the use of recycled wood as well as other eco-friendly manufacturing practices.  A prototype of the finished product can be seen in the meeting house foyer. 

" ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾  ¾ ¾

Order Form

                                                                  

                        Quantity     Cost        Total

 

Framed Print     ____         $99.00     ________

 

Unframed Print ____         $35.00     ________    

 

Additional Tax-deductible Donation:   ________

 

Please make checks payable to New Garden Friends Meeting.  You may drop off your order form and payment in the Meeting office, or mail it to New Garden Friends Meeting, 801 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410.  Thanks!

 

9.  Finance and Stewardship

 

Dear Friends,

 

Our New Garden community needs your help in two important ways. 

   As of the end of October, we have brought in substantially less than we need to support our important ongoing operations – including pastoral ministry, religious education for children and adults, and important outreach projects in the community.  This deficit is larger than deficits at this time of year in the past.  We are certain that all New Gardeners will dig deep and rise to the occasion, just as you have in the past.

   Second, please fill out the intention slip below to let us know what you hope to contribute in the coming year.  We know that circumstances change, so we aren’t asking for a guarantee.  But if we hear from you about what you intend to give if you are able, we will have a much better idea of how to develop a realistic 2010 budget for our Meeting.  Please return your card as soon as possible.  You can drop it in the offering plate, email it to the office at newgardoff@aol.com or surface mail it to the office.

   We thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely, Your Finance and Stewardship Committee

 

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill

 

INTENTION TO GIVE TO NEW GARDEN MEETING IN 2010

 

_____ I/We plan to contribute $____________ in 2010 to support the Meeting’s programs.

 

_____ I/We will contribute in 2010 to support the Meeting’s programs.

 

 

Name(s)  _____________________________________

 

10.  Volunteer House

 

Exciting Project of Quaker Relations Committee: Volunteer House

With today’s economy, it’s hard for young people who have just graduated from college to find jobs, much less meaningful work that provides an opportunity for service to their communities. In the future, we at NGFM may be able to solve this dilemma for a small group of young people. Our Quaker Relations Committee has been discussing a proposal by Friends Center of Guilford College for a Volunteer House in our area.

   The Volunteer House would provide room, board and a small stipend to 4-6 people, probably recent college graduates, so that they could live in community for one year while offering service to their neighbors. This project will be a collaborative effort of Friends Center, NGFM, and possibly other local meetings and Americorps, who will form an oversight committee to guide the residents of the Volunteer House in choosing local service opportunities that will truly benefit our community.

   This project is in the planning stages. The Quaker Relations Committee will soon be organizing forums and other opportunities for as many New Gardeners as possible to help develop the plans for our Volunteer House before we propose this project to Monthly Meeting for Business. We will seek off-budget funding, most likely to include a grant from the Sampson fund, and other outside funding. We plan to solicit the partnership of other local meetings.

   If the project is approved, we would look to rent a house nearby and form a committee to oversee all aspects of the Volunteer House, including the development of the application process and selection of residents.

   For more information on a similar Volunteer House in Chicago, please visit http://www.quakervolunteers.org/Welcome.html.  According to Max Carter and Frank Massey of Friends Center, a movement is forming in the broader Quaker community to create more service opportunities of this type. If you would like to help work on this proposal, please contact Chandlee White, Clerk of the Quaker Relations Committee, at accessinfo@clearwire.net.

 

11.  Upcoming Events

 

Taking Action for Equality and Anti-Racism

A focus for Social Concerns this year is our testimony of equality; specifically, what are our past efforts as Quakers against racism, and what new steps of inclusivity can we take, both as individuals and as a Meeting group? Since the summer we have offered a six-week book study, a visit from author Vanessa Julye, and a session with Mayor Yvonne Johnson, all generating discussion and ideas on the topic. Still to come are an experiential workshop with a Friends General Conference trainer, a visit from syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts in January, and more in 2010!

   The FGC workshop related to Quaker efforts on racial justice in the past, present, and future will be a half-day (3 hours) on a Saturday at the Meeting house. Dates considered are Jan.9, 16, 23.  PLEASE LET CATHIE HOLCOMBE KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING EITHER DATE. (288-7555 or holcombecatherine@yahoo.com)

 

The 18th Annual Winter Walk for Aids is Sunday, December 6, 2009, War Memorial Stadium.  Registering is easy, simply go to www.winterwalkforaids.kintera.org or call the Triad Health Project office at 336-275-1654.  The Winter Walk for Aids flyer says, “ At the heart of every major religion there is a devoted marriage between prayer and social action.  In the case of AIDS, which thrives on silence, fear and prejudice, the need for visible action and support has never been more keenly felt.  Please, please walk with us…and for us.”  Flyers will be available in the lobby at the rise of meeting.

 

New Garden will again be responsible for the midnight portion of the 24 Hours of Prayer for Peace service at First Friends Meeting on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2009 to January 1, 2010.  Kate Hood is coordinating plans for this service and would like to invite others to help with music, speaking, reading and luminaries. 

   Please contact her if you are interested in being a part of this collaborative Friends’ tradition of welcoming the new year: khood@guilford.edu or 292-4275.

 

The United Way is hosting “You’re Invited to Tell Us What You Think…” This is an opportunity for you to tell the United Way, local foundations, and local leaders about the strengths, challenges, and barriers you see related to quality of life for all in Greensboro. Your insights and ideas are valued. Your voice is important. Meetings are  scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 10, 6:30 PM, at Aycock Middle School, 811 Cypress Street; Thursday, Nov 12, 6:30 PM, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1301 Alamance Church Road; and Tuesday, Nov 17, 6:30 PM, Smith High School, 2407 S. Holden Road. For more information contact Sarah Glover, sarah.glover@unitedwaygso.org. 

 

The public is invited to drop in for a simple meal of soup and bread any time between 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 19 for the 18th annual Feast of Caring.  This meal, in the soup kitchen tradition, kicks off the Greensboro Urban Ministry’s annual operating fund campaign.  Attendees are requested to make their 2010 Annual Pledge or Gift at the event.   The event is free and no reservations are necessary.

Rev. Mike Aiken, Executive Director, Greensboro Urban Ministry, 336-271-5959x302, http://www.greensborourbanministry.org

 

Max Carter will be speaking at Forsyth Friends on November 12, 7:00 PM. The title of the talk will be “Quaker Influence on Early American History,” drawing heavily from David Yount’s book How the Quakers Invented America.

Holocaust Survivor Speaks to Greensboro Community

On Sunday, November 15, at 1:00 PM Temple Emanuel, 1129 Jefferson Road, Greensboro, will welcome Rabbi Laszlo Berkowits, who will speak about his experiences during the holocaust. Rabbi Berkowits is the author of The Boy Who Lost His Birthday.  It is the uplifting story of one man’s journey from boyhood in rural Hungary to triumph over oppression during the Holocaust and finally to a role as a spiritual leader in America.  Rabbi Berkowits’ compelling memoir recounts his happy childhood memories in Hungary where he was a member of a thriving Jewish community.  Stricken with wartime poverty, Berkowits and his father left their home and family behind to seek work in Budapest.  It was there that they were rounded up with other Budapest Jews and shipped by sealed train to Auschwitz in the summer of 1944.  Rabbi Berkowits will talk about his treacherous experience as a sixteen year-old boy surviving in the notorious Nazi concentration camp until its liberation by American troops. 

   There will be a question and answer period after the Rabbi’s talk and he will be available to sign his book which will be for sale that day.

   Please plan to come early and stay after the program to shop at our Holiday Bazaar.  There will be art, jewelry, clothing, pottery, food items, crafts, photos, stationery and much more to choose from. The proceeds support the Temple Emanuel PreSchool.  Please call the Temple office, 292-7899, for more details.

 

27th Annual Interfaith Celebration

The Piedmont Interfaith Council, in partnership with the Greensboro Human Relations Commission, will present "Celebrating Our Community Kaleidoscope" on Sunday, November 22 at 4:00 PM in the Dana Auditorium on the campus of Guilford College.
   This 27th Annual Interfaith Celebration of Thanksgiving is free and open to the public.  This dramatic program of music, dance, and media will delight people of all ages. 

 

New Garden Friends School is hosting Bruce Stewart, co-founder of NGFS and Retired Head, Sidwell Friends School (where the Obama girls go and where Chelsea Clinton went), for an open forum to discuss “The Importance of Friends Education for the 21st Century”
at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 18, at the Upper Division of New Garden Friends School.
    “In these challenging ethical, political and economic times, the value of a Quaker education has never been more important or more needed. The future seems to be pleading for young leaders who have a clear moral compass, keen intellect, a prizing of diversity and a passion to act to ‘raise the level of all boats.’ Through their testimonies, Friends schools are uniquely suited to instill integrity, compassion, simplicity and a sense of community, justice, service and stewardship in every life they touch.”  Bruce Stewart

   Light refreshments served at 5:00 PM. Program starts at 5:30 PM. Space is limited to 200 persons. Please RSVP by November 16 to Beth Brooks, 235-4287, or bbrooks@purringtonmoody.com. Childcare available. Contact extended@ngfs.org.

 

 

12.  National Day of Listening

 

The National Day of Listening is sponsored by StoryCorps in partnership with NPR and the Library of Congress.  The second National Day of Listening will be Friday, November 27, 2009.  StoryCorps encourages you to record an interview at home or in your community. Ask the people around you about their lives – it can be your grandmother, a teacher, or a neighbor. By listening to their stories, you will be telling them that they matter and they won’t ever be forgotten.

   You can download a free Do-It-Yourself Guide, or a Toolkit for teachers and libraries at  nationaldayoflistening@storycorps.net . Included are questions and suggestions for recording conversations and stories during that day. 

   Think of 2-3 key stories to capture in an interview. Don’t worry about facts, names, dates until later. Instead, capture the feelings and emotions of a memory. Start with an ID question: Can you tell me your name, age, the date, and where we are?

 

GREAT QUESTIONS:

  1. Who was the most important person in your life? Can you tell me about her/him?
  2. What was the happiest moment of your life? The saddest?
  3. Who was the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did they teach you?
  4. Who has been the kindest to you in your life?
  5. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
  6. What is your earliest memory?
  7. What is your favorite memory of me?
  8. If you could hold on to one memory for eternity, what would that be?
  9. Are there any words of wisdom you want to pass on to me?
  10. What are you proudest of in your life?
  11. When in life have you felt most alone?
  12. What are your hopes and dreams for what the future holds for me? For my children?
  13. How has your life been different than what you imagined?
  14. How would you like to be remembered?
  15. Do you have any regrets?
  16. What does your future hold?
  17. Is there anything you’ve never told me but want to tell me now?
  18. Is there something about me that you’ve always wanted to know but have never asked?

 

                                   From Cathie Holcombe

 

13.  Simple Christmas

 

SIMPLE CHRISTMAS DEC 5, 2009

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

FRIENDSHIP HALL

Part of the cutting edge of the Quaker faith is trying to understand how to actually live by our faith in our multicultural and amoral society. Some religions, like the Amish, have withdrawn from society and live by their own rules and theologies in special communities. Other religions have pretty much succumbed to society and are guided by the same principles that our society has accepted. Christmas has been a problem for Quakers as we observe the unseemly emphasis upon materialistic gifts and wasteful spending by people who already have everything they need while there are multitudes who are hungry and homeless. We are planning a day of Simple Christmas (5th Day, 12th Month) to help us all understand better how the testimony of simplicity can influence our Christmas giving and our Christmas spirit. Sure, we want to experience joyful times with our families and friends and to give gifts---but what about a simple home-made gift or a donation to some of the New Garden projects or the budget in honor or memory of a special person? What about being part of a special day together with people who are struggling to make Christmas a meaningful time for all from older adults to young children. We are creating Christmas memories for everyone who participates. We are charting new courses. We are enjoying simple Christmas again this year. We hope you will be a part of it on December 5th.

 

As part of Simple Christmas, Catherine Eagles will present “Yoga for Calming Down,” a 45 minute yoga class at 3:00 PM. There will be gentle yoga stretches to reduce stress and anxiety. You will learn a few yoga poses that will help you center your attention, concentrate, and be present in the moment. This is appropriate for all levels, including beginners and for all ages 12 and up. For questions, contact Catherine at eaglenet@mindspring.com.

 

 

14.  Yoga

 

Monday, November 16 at 5:30 and Thursday, November 19 at 10:30 AM: 

Yoga for Holiday Eating:  Work off some calories with some vigorous standing postures, increase energy with backbends, and get your digestive system in shape with twists.  Some yoga experience recommended.  Two classes offered with different sequences, so feel free to come to both. Class will be in the Meeting Room. No cost and sign up is not required. Contact Catherine Eagles with questions, eaglenet@mindspring.com.  

 

15.  Happy November Birthdays!!

 

November 15: Eric Zopf

November 28: Emily Wilder 

 

16.  Looking Ahead at New Garden

 

The Meeting on Ministry and Counsel

The Meeting on Ministry and Counsel

Wednesday, December 2, 7:00 PM.

 

Monthly Meeting

Monthly Meeting Carry-in Meal

Sunday, December 6, 12:00 PM.

 

Monthly Meeting for Business

Sunday, December 6, 1:00 PM.

 

Choir

Youth Choir Rehearsal

Wednesdays, 5:30 PM.

 

Adult Choir Rehearsal

Wednesdays, 6:00 PM.

 

Committees

House

Thursday, November 12, 7:00 PM.

 

Social Concerns

Wednesday, November 18, 7:00 PM.

 

Young Friends Committee

Sunday, November 22, 4:00 PM.

 

Quaker Relations

Tuesday, December 1, 7:15 PM.

 

Finance and Stewardship

Monday, December 14, 7:00 PM.

 

Circles

Four Circles Meeting

Sunday, November 15, 2:00 PM.

 

Yoga

Monday, November 16, 5:30 PM.

Thursday, November 19, 10:30 AM.

 

Groups

Poetry Group

The first and third Mondays of each month, 12:15 PM, in the parlor. Poets get together and review one another’s poems. All are welcome.

 

The Course in Miracles

Sundays, 7:00 PM.

Newcomers are welcome. For more information call 643-7585.

 

The Meditation Group

Mondays, 7:45 PM.

 

First Day

Silent Meeting for Worship

Sundays, 9:00 AM, in the worship room.

 

First Day Classes for Youth

Sundays, 9:30 AM.

 

First Day Forums

Sundays, 9:45 AM, in the parlor.

 

The Brotherhood Class

Sundays, 9:45 AM, in the Brotherhood Room, #111.

 

Coffee/Fellowship Time

Sundays, 10:40 AM, in Friendship Hall.

 

Semi-programmed Meeting for Worship

Sundays, 11:00 AM, in the worship room.

 

Youth Groups

The Middle School Young Friends (5th & 6th grade)

Sundays, 5:00 PM.

 

Middle School Young Friends (7th & 8th grade) 

Sundays, 5:00 PM.

 

The High School Young Friends

Sundays, 5:00 PM.

 

The High School Young Friends

Wednesdays, dinner, 6:00 PM.

Wednesdays, discussion, 7:00 PM.

 

Social Outreach

Meal for Urban Ministry’s Weaver Center

First Tuesday each month.

Prepare a meal for Weaver Center.

Gather at New Garden, 6:15 PM.

 

17.  Poem

 

Balloon Boy

 

 

Balloon boy’s sad plight captured us all.

Could he survive a sudden swift fall?

Spellbound, we watched as copters churned by

a bright silver sphere against the pale sky.

 

When the wind changed, the bag fluttered down.

Six year old Falcon was not to be found.

Alas, we cried paroxysms of grief.

Could he have slipped unseen from his sheath?

 

Then, as we pondered this ominous fate,

thinking that rescue was botched or too late,

Shazaam—like “happily ever afters,”

Falcon emerged unharmed from the rafters.

 

There he had perched throughout the whole saga,

while Daddy laughed at news folks gone gaga.

This fairy tale had no pleasant ending:

the Sheriff announced that charges were pending,

 

since Falcon told Wolf, his child’s voice so low,

that he had been told to hide for “a show.”

Who are the victims and who are the fools?

Are not the journalists taught in their schools

 

to check out the facts of any hot story,

before they rush in claiming the glory?

For fast breaking news without any proof

may cover a hoax as if it’s the truth.

 

                                 Macon Smith