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of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) |
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Publicize, Publicize, Publicize!We have found that the best and quickest way to get news out is to send it electronically to newsletter editors and monthly meeting contacts—and to include it in Spark and InfoShare. So send us your news and help us get the word out!If your monthly, regional, or quarterly meeting is having a fair, a retreat, a Basic Quakerism course, or some other event, please let us know, so that we can publicize it. (We also list many events on the Events section of the Web site and on the NYYM Calendar, but we can't do that if you don't tell us about them!) We especially encourage newsletter editors, meeting clerks, Ministry and Counsel clerks, Peace and Social Action clerks, etc., to keep in touch with us and inform us of the goings-on in their meetings. And Yearly Meeting committee clerks, please send us your news. Send items to Paul Busby, c/o the NYYM office; e-mail paul@nyym.org. NYYM E-Mail ListThe Yearly Meeting office maintains an e-mail list so that we can disseminate information throughout the meeting quickly. Among other things, the occasional Worship and Action letters from Task Group on Worship and Action go out on this list. (These updates and other information are also sent out by mail to anyone who requests that we send them in this way.) If you wish to be included on the list send your name and e-mail address to office@nyym.org. Also please indicate whether it's okay to share your e-mail address with others on the list. (We do not make the list available to people who are not on the list.)Attention Newsletter Editors and ContributorsDid you know that we read every meeting newsletter that we receive? It's always a joy to share the blessings of meetings and worship groups, whatever form these blessings take. We also pass this information on to other meetings and the Yearly Meeting by way of Spark, InfoShare, and the Web site.Please be sure that we are on the list to receive your newsletter, either by mail or electronically. Also, we need the e-mail addresses of newsletter editors, so that we may inform you of important information. Send items to Paul Busby, c/o the NYYM office; e-mail paul@nyym.org. Supplements for SparkBeginning (probably) with the November 2005 issue, occasional issues of Spark will contain four-page supplements on various topics of interest. Possible topics include Advancement, Deepening the Worship of Our Meetings, and Nurturing Our Children and Youth.What topics would you like to see covered more extensively in a supplement? We invite you to send us your ideas and to submit articles for supplements. send your ideas and articles to paul@nyym.org or mail them to Paul at the Yearly Meeting office, 15 Rutherford Pl., New York NY 10003. Reminder from the TreasurerHarold Risler, NYYM treasurer, reminds committee clerks that checks and vouchers should be sent to the NYYM office, rather than to the treasurer. When sent to the office, vouchers can be processed in a timely fashion and payment can be made more quickly.JYM Blog Is Online!Junior Yearly Meeting has entered cyberspace. Check out our new blog (Web log) at http://youngquakersblog.myblogsite.com. A blog is basically a journal that is available on the web. This is an instrument for Young Friends to talk to each other, post queries, or share information. It is my hope that all young Friends will enjoy this new opportunity. —Kate Lawson, clerk, JYM Committee Film Series Continues at Fifteenth StreetThe first annual Friends Film Series, sponsored by the Arts Committee of 15th Street Meeting, continues with films and other events in April.Thursday, April 7, there will be a book reading and signing of Bound for Canaan: The Underground Railroad and the War for the Soul of America, written and read by Fergus M. Bordewich. The program is to be introduced by Bob Baldridge, with comments by Christopher Sammond, NYYM general secretary, and others to be announced. Friday, April 8, films made by students on peace and other subjects from past Bridges Film Festival entries: a variety of films by children grades 6–12 for Friends schools around the world. Andy Cohen, program director of the festival, and Bob Baldridge invite all for a fun family night of films and discussion . Friday, April 29, The Next Industrial Revolution, a film about the movement to bring together ecology and human design, narrated by Susan Sarandon. Cosponsored by the Fifteenth Street Committee on Unity with Nature. All these events will take place at the 15th Street meetinghouse, 15 Rutherford Pl., in Manhattan. They begin at 7 P.M. Doors open at 6 P.M. Suggested donation: $8 at the door, $5 in advance with check to 15th Street Monthly Meeting, with memo to Quaker Arts Committee. For information contact QuakerTV/RadioProject 48-18 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101; www.quakerarts.org or call 212-388-7999. Peace Conference at Pendle Hill, April 8–10"If We All Want Peace and Justice . . . Why Is It So Hard?" Pendle Hill Peace Center hosts weekend interfaith conference, April 8–10, 2005, at the Arch Street Meetinghouse and Holiday Inn Historic District, Philadelphia.Representatives of several spiritual traditions to join in worship, share the roots of peace and justice in their religious tradition, tell of their work for peace and justice, educate us about how to do our peace and justice work more effectively, and celebrate a shared vision of a more peaceful world. Leaders include Rabbi Michael Lerner, Uma Mysorekar, Imam Rashied Omar, Louise Diamond, and Dr. Jody Kretzmann. Fellowship, sharing, skillbuilding workshops, interfaith worship and discussions, celebration in song and story. Information: http://phpeace.net/phpnev0405/sprconf05.html; 1-800-742-3150 ext. 142. —John J. Meyer, director, Religion & Social Issues Forum, Pendle Hill Preparation for Death Program at Summit MeetingJoin us at Summit Meeting on Saturday, April 16, at Summit Meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for discussion of the practical and the spiritual aspects of the necessary work we each must do in preparing for our death. Procrastination is common in such important matters as will-making, establishing advance directives and power of attorney, making plans for our own memorial meeting, and deciding what's to be done with our body. It can feel overwhelming to contemplate not just these practicalities, but especially what they imply. And yet, as we all know, this work is vital as an act of love for those who will be grieving for us and will find themselves unprepared to fight for rights, hunt down documents, or guess at our intentions at a very emotional time. And since none of us knows when we will die, the time to do the work is now. Summit's Committee on Oversight, together with Ministry & Counsel, has put together a full-day program that we hope will help Friends start—or continue—this important work in a Quaker context. Several professionals, including an eldercare lawyer, a hospice worker, and a memorial society board member (who is also a member of Montclair Meeting) will give presentations and answer questions. A book table will provide additional resources. The program will include discussion and worship sharing on our view of our own dying. The good news is, we'll be among F/friends. Registration is required by April 7 so that we can have sufficient materials on hand (though don't give up if you miss the deadline—just contact Heather Cook as soon as possible). Advance materials will be sent to you when you register, which you are urged to start working with before the program so that you can arrive with real questions. There is a $5 charge for materials. Summit Meeting is at 158 Southern Blvd. in Chatham, N.J. For a map and directions, go to http://www.friends.summit.nj.us/. To register or to ask questions, contact Heather Cook, burritolass@comcast.net or 973-275-9313. Couple Enrichment One-Day Retreat, Burlington VTMary Kay Glazer and Mark Moss will lead their Couple Enrichment Retreat April 16, 2005, 9 A.M.–9 P.M. at the Burlington Friends Meetinghouse, 173 N. Prospect St., Burlington, VT.In a gentle, safe environment, couples will learn new ways to communicate and affirm their commitment to each other. Couples will have the chance to build on their strengths as a couple, improve their communication skills, connect more deeply with each other, and learn how to deal creatively with conflict. The relaxed and supportive atmosphere will help us listen at a deeper level to our own voice and to that of our partner. Mary Kay Glazer and Mark Moss are members of Rochester Monthly Meeting and attend Middlebury, VT, Monthly Meeting. Rochester Monthly Meeting and New York Yearly Meeting support Mark and Mary Kay's ministry as released Friends. Cost: $65 per couple, lunch & dinner included. Registration limited to ten couples. Information: Mary Kay Glazer & Mark Moss, 144 Lake George Ave., Ticonderoga NY 12883; 518-585-7949; mkglazer@verizon.net. Registration Deadline: April 8, 2005. Farmington-Scipio Spring GatheringFarmington-Scipio Spring Gathering will be held May 20–22, 2005, at Long Point, the Salvation Army's camp on Seneca Lake. This decision came after several meetings with the camp director in which Friends addressed directly our concerns about the Salvation Army's published stance on homosexuality and how that would impact gay and lesbian F/friends. Assurances were given, and those in attendance at the meeting (including gay and lesbian F/friends) felt clear that we could hold our Spring Gathering at Long Point.Friends are reminded that Farmington-Scipio welcomes all F/friends from NYYM to Spring Gathering. If you wish to have information about Spring Gathering sent to you, and you are not in the Farmington-Scipio region, please e-mail the region at Fsregion@aol.com. —Sue Tannehill, clerk, F-S Region FWCC Northeast Regional Gathering:
Friends are invited to attend the Friends World Committee for Consultation Section of the Americas gathering that will take place May 20–23, 2005, at Villa Madonna Retreat House, Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada (near Saint John). The gathering will run from Friday evening to after breakfast on Monday morning. Speakers include:
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| Unless otherwise noted, all these events are held at Powell House, Powell House, 524 Pitt Hall Rd., Old Chatham NY 12136-3410; 518-794-8811; fax: 518-794-8815; info@powellhouse.org |
Responding to Grief—Mary Klaus & Kathy Slattery, 4/8/2005-4/10/2005
Each of us has a personal history of losses, including death losses. When we invite Spirit in to this area of "dark" emotion, our grief is transformed into our résumé for responding to others' loss and grief.
This interactive workshop will explore loss, death, grieving and mourning, and practical skills for grief responders, grounded in a Listening Spirituality. A weekend for counselors, clerks, pastors, Ministry and Counsel committees, those involved in pastoral care, and for all of us who are grieving.
The weekend begins with 7 pm dinner on Friday night and concludes with lunch on Sunday. Limited to 20 participants
Cost: $170 adults, $80 children & teens (2–17), $40 infants, $85 commuters; childcare with 3 weeks' notice
Making Friends with Our Anger: Can I be a woman, Quaker & angry?—Anita Paul & Judith Fetterley, 4/22/2005–4/24/2005
As women and as Quakers, we often find it difficult to acknowledge that we are also sometimes angry. This weekend offers an opportunity for us to explore our anger together and to learn how we can dip into the pool of anger and draw up the water of life. Our anger is a wonderful source of energy. It gives us important information. It often keeps us safe. It can be a good friend. Together we will explore the kinds of things that make us angry, the kinds of feelings we have about our anger, the different uses we make of our anger. And we will talk about forgiveness, what it is and what it is not. Structured activities and guided conversations will be combined with free time for personal exploration.
Cost: $170 adults, $80 children & teens (2–17), $40 infants; childcare with 3 weeks' notice
Enlistment Issues: Peer Counselor Training Workshops for Youth & Adults—Oskar Castro 4/29/2005–5/1/2005
Are you tired of being recruited for the military as you walk down your school halls? Are you worried about friends considering joining the military? Do you wish you knew what to say to them? Do you know young friends who face these questions? If so, consider participating in this intergenerational peer counselor training workshop with Oskar Castro of the Militarism and Youth program of AFSC.
The Peer Counselor Training Workshop Project's goal is to develop a resource bank of young people who can assist other youth as they wrestle with recruiter promises and their own future.
This weekend begins with Friday night dinner at 7 pm and concludes with lunch on Sunday. Powell House provides the bedding and towels.
Cost: High School & college students, $80; adults, $170
Despair and Healing in the Quaker Peacemaker—6/3/2005–6/5/2005, Cheshire Frager
Friends hardly need to be told how easy it can be in these times to fall into depression, despair, desperation. What sustains us as we seek to be peacemakers in a time of war? What renews us as we witness to a national culture that seems more and more to turn to violence as a first option? What undergirds our ongoing efforts? Through worship, discussion, experiential exercises, worship sharing, meditation, movement and other means we will seek to move from pain and despair to gratitude, hope and renewed inspiration.
Cost: $170 adults, $80 children & teens (2–17), $40 infants; childcare with 3 weeks' notice
Living from the Divine Center: a Contemplative Retreat—6/17/2005–6/20/2005, Linda Chidsey
In A Testament of Devotion, Thomas Kelly writes: "Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a Holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continuously return. . . ." There are those who have found and those who are finding that a deep life of prayer and attentiveness to God can be genuinely compatible with an active and effective spiritual/Christian presence in the world. What canst thou say?
Come live into both the questions and the promise as we seek to establish a more contemplative rhythm and practice during this extended weekend. There will be times of group discussion and reflection; opportunities for solitude and the practice of both individual and corporate disciplines— prayer, lexio divina (divine reading), journaling, walking the labyrinth. We will share overnight silence and a silent meal.
Perhaps in these times, more than ever before, we long to touch the Divine Center and lay hold of the Source of our lives.
This conference begins with 7 p.m. dinner on Friday and concludes with lunch on Monday.
Cost: $200 adults, $100 children & teens (2-17), $50 infants
Forgiveness As a Spiritual Practice—6/24/2005–6/26/2005, Sue Regen
Life brings to each of us, experiences of anger, fear, hurt, and pain. What we do with these is up to each individual. Choosing to practice forgiveness can bring healing and inner peace. Forgiveness work helps us reconnect with our selves and others in more loving ways. Research shows that it's great for our physical health, too!
Come, join with others who are willing to take some steps along this spiritual path. Focus is on tools and techniques, not on therapy. Workshop will include worship, guided meditation, practicing several techniques, and group and individual time.
Cost: $170 adults, $80 children & teens (2–17), $40 infants; childcare with 3 weeks' notice.
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