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InfoShare
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Summer 2002
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Number 4
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Editor: Paul Busby, paul@nyym.org
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Area code change
As many of you know, the area code for some parts of western New York State has changed from 716 to 585. If your area code, or that of your meeting, has changed, please let the Yearly Meeting office know at once. Among other things, this will allow us to have accurate information in the Yearbook.
Tract Association of Friends
The Tract Association of Friends has produced the Friends Calendar annually since 1885. In addition, the association publishes such tracts as "Reclaiming the Bible in Friends' Tradition," "The Sealed Epistle of George Fox," and a tract for children and their parents, "My Friend God." For information contact the association at 1515 Cherry St., Philadelphia PA 19102; www.tractassociation.org. Additional information is available from Marjorie Ewbank, 215-357-3977; hmrl@libertynet.org.
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News from Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC)
Minute on Global War and Terrorism
At the FWCC Section of the Americas annual meeting in March 2002, a minute was passed reflecting our concern and calling for action about the growing danger of global war and terrorism.
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FWCC Section of the Americas urges Friends Churches and Meetings Worldwide to pray and listen deeply to God's leadings for our response to the growing danger of global war and terrorism and to reach out to Faith Communities in these areas. FWCC Section of the Americas will call a special conference as soon as possible for Friend's response to the growing danger of global war and terrorism, following in the tradition of the four conferences sponsored over the past 70 years. We empower the Peace Issues Working Group, working at these sessions to act on behalf of the section to consult and collaborate with traditional peace churches and peace branches of other faiths on common action.
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We urge you and your members and attenders to pray and listen deeply to God's leading for our response to the growing danger of global war and terrorism and to reach out to faith communities in your own areas. This is the fundamental way we can respond to this timely concern - to pray and support each other.
We have called a special conference, only the 5th in 70 years, entitled A Peace Witness in the Time of Crisis. It will be held at Guilford College, Greensboro NC, January 17-20, 2003. We invite every Yearly Meeting to name two people to attend this conference.
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FWCC Peace Conference
In light of the tragedy of September 11, Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) Section of the Americas has called a special conference to consider Friends' responses to the growing dangers of global war and terrorism. The conference, entitled Peace Witness in a Time of Crisis: A Friends' Consultation, will be held at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC, January 17 20, 2003, the weekend of the Martin Luther King holiday.
Participation in the conference will be limited to 200 people, with at least 50 to be young Friends age 18 30. All yearly meetings have been asked to name two or three persons to attend. In addition, each yearly meeting has been asked to sponsor young Friends who wish to attend. After October 1, the remaining places will be opened up to all Friends. Information: FWCC Section of the Americas, 1506 Race St., Philadelphia PA 19102; 215-241-7250; (215)241-7285 (fax); fwccpeace@fwcc.quaker.org.
A Web page will provide a virtual conference, especially for those who cannot attend; we want to hear their voices and share with them.
We hope Friends will find a way to provide financial support for conference attenders. We would also appreciate support for the conference in any amount. Please have checks made out to FWCC earmarked "Peace."
We will appreciate any publicity you can assist with in your newsletters or at your annual sessions or any other place.
George Rubin, member of the working group
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FWCC executive secretary appointed
Friends World Committee for Consultation Section of the Americas announces the appointment of Margaret Fraser as executive secretary effective September 1, 2002. Margaret joined the Religious Society of Friends in 1985 through Eastbourne Preparative Meeting, Lewes MM, Britain YM. She is a graduate of Earlham School of Religion and is currently working on a doctor of ministry degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. Margaret served as dean of Pendle Hill until June 30, 2002, and was one of the adult facilitators for the Quaker Youth Pilgrimage in the southeastern United States this summer. Margaret's connections with FWCC date back to the 1991 World Conference of Friends in Honduras.
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Friends Directory, 2002 available
FWCC's 2002 Friends Directory of Meetings, Churches and Worship Groups in the Section of the Americas & Resource Guide is now for sale. The first new edition since 1996, this 306-page reference contains listings for Friends' places of worship in the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and Latin America. In addition, the Friends Directory also contains nine appendices including Friends schools and other Friends organizations. Copies are available from the Section office for $13 US, which includes postage and handling. Send check to FWCC Section of the Americas, 1506 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19102.
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News from Friends General Conference (FGC)
Circles of Love
Circles of Love--FGC's 2002 Young Quakes Conference--will be October 11-14, 2002, at the Friendly Crossways Hostel and Conference Center, Littleton, Mass. (near Boston). This is a YouthQuake-like experience in the unprogrammed Friends tradition. Young Friends will explore our Friends biblical roots and the Christian and universalist expressions of our faith. Anne Thomas of Canadian YM will lead Bible study; Melanie Watson of Northwest YM and Jorge Arauz of Philadelphia YM will lead on loving God, ourselves, and others. Jonathan Snipes of Philadelphia YM will give a presentation on Elias Hicks.
For information contact Michael Gibson, michael@fgcquaker.org, call 215-561-1700, write Michael at Friends General Conference, 1216 Arch St. #2B, Philadelphia PA 19107, or visit the Web site, www.fgcquaker.org.
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FGC Seeks Development Director
Friends General Conference seeks a deeply committed Friend to serve as development manager in its Philadelphia office. Duties include management of the FGC Annual Fund, grant writing, DonorPerfect database, and communications program. Development experience, writing, and database skills essential. Works with Associate Secretary for Development and Interpretation and support staff. Full-time, full benefits. Send résumé and letter by October 1, 2002, to Bruce Birchard, General Secretary, FGC, 1216 Arch St., 2B, Philadelphia PA 19107; bruceb@fgcquaker.org.
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