65 Ninth
Street
San
Francisco, CA 94103
415-431-7440
May 2015 Newsletter
(Fifth Month)
(Fifth Month)
Meeting for Worship
& First Day
School
Sundays at 11:00
a.m.
Midweek Meeting for
Worship, Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Advices:
It
would go a long way to caution and direct people in their use of the
world,
that they were better studied and knowing in the Creation of it. For how could
[they] find the confidence to abuse it, while they should see the Great Creator
stare them in the face, in all and every part thereof?
William
Penn, Some Fruits of Solitude, 1693
God is revealed in all Creation. We
humans belong to the whole interdependent community of life on earth. Rejoice
in the beauty, complexity, and mystery of creation, with gratitude to be part
of its unfolding. Take time to learn how this community of life is organized
and how it interacts. Live according to principles of right relationship and
right action within this larger whole.
Be aware of the influence humans have
on the health and viability of life on earth. Call attention to what fosters or
harms earth’s exquisite beauty, balances and interdependencies. Guided by
Spirit, work to translate this understanding into ways of living that reflect
our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to
future generations.
Queries:
In what ways do I express gratitude for
the wondrous expressions of life on Earth?
Do I consider the damage I might do to
the Earth’s vulnerable systems in choices I make of what I do, what I buy, and
how I spend my time?
In
our witness for the global environment, are we careful to consider justice and
the well-being of the world’s poorest people?
Does
our way of life threaten the viability of life on Earth?
Queries:
How have I been faithful to the
leadings of the Spirit in choosing work or vocation?
What am I doing with my talents, time,
money, and possessions? Am I sharing them according to the Light I am given?
Is my conduct at the workplace
consistent with my life as a Friend?
How does my daily work enhance my
spiritual life?
How
does the Meeting help and support members who are in job transitions?
San Francisco Monthly Meeting
April (Fourth Month) Meeting for Business
April 12, 2015
April (Fourth Month) Meeting for Business
April 12, 2015
Meeting
for Business began at approximately 1:07 pm with a period of silent worship
with 15 people in attendance.
4-01:
Meeting approves Stephen Matchett as acting clerk.
4-02:
Meeting approves minutes from March 8, 2015.
Clerk’s
Report: There will
be another clerk’s breakfast scheduled for May 17, 2015 at 9:15am that
will include orientation for new incoming clerks as well as returning clerks
(reminder that new officers and committees begin on May 1, 2015). Also there
was in invitation for any and all to attend Arthur Larabee’s workshop on
clerking at Ben Lomond Quaker Center from May 29-31, 2015 it is encouraged that
those among us who clerk or are interested in clerking to attend as we continue
to have a pressing need to grow new leadership among us. Register at http://www.quakercenter.org/.
We
have at last been notified that Zakee McGill’s transfer was accepted by Adelphi
(MD) Monthly Meeting in 2012.
4-03:
Meeting approves State
of the Meeting Report with the recommended addition of a mention of
the Nonviolent Communication discussion group. (Copy of final version
attached to archive copy of these minutes.)
Nominating
Committee: Clerk Beth
Bird presented a report including names brought last month (with the addition
of terms) for action today, and additional names for seasoning until next
month.
4-04:
Meeting approved the following nominations brought last month (terms through
4/30 of the year shown unless otherwise indicated): Clerk: Chad Stephenson
(‘16); Assistant Clerk: Stephen Matchett (‘16); Recording Clerk: Ann Marie
Snell (‘16); Recorder: Bruce Folsom (‘16); FCNL Contact: Paula Stinson (‘16);
FCL Contact: Sandra Schwartz (‘16); AFSC Liaison: Jan Hartsough (‘16);
Historian/Archivist: Bruce Folsom (‘16); CPQM Representative: Alice
Elliott-Sowaal (‘16); PYM Representative: Cheryl Hendrickson (10/1/15-9/30/16);
Hospitality and Community Committee: Peter Rothaug (’16, clerk), Lorin Gillin
(‘17), Bob Kovsky (‘17), John O’Connor (‘17); Library Committee: Bruce Folsom
(clerk ’16), Santiago Myers (‘17); Ministry & Oversight Committee:
Marian Chatfield Taylor (‘18), Sandra Schwartz (‘18); News Committee: Catherine
Fox (’17); Peace and Social Concerns Committee: Charles Martin (‘17); Property
and Finance Committee: Philip Gerrie (‘16, clerk); Rausch Street Committee:
Philip Gerrie (‘17, clerk ‘16), Rolene Walker (‘17), Amy Baker (‘17), Marian
Chatfield-Taylor (‘17); Welcoming Committee: Ann Marie Snell (‘16, clerk).
Names
brought today are below in bold, with people appointed today or
continuing in service shown in regular type, for context. The committee
is in conversation with a possible nominee for Treasurer. There is still
no clerk for Ministry and Oversight.
Officers
and Representatives (term through 4/30 of 2016 except where indicated otherwise: Clerk: Chad Stephenson; Assistant Clerk:
Stephen Matchett; Recording Clerk: Ann Marie Snell; Recorder: Bruce Folsom;
FCNL Contact: Paula Stinson; FCL Contact: Sandra Schwartz; AFSC Liaison:
Jan Hartsough; Historian/Archivist: Bruce Folsom; Treasurer: [open]; CPQM
Representative: Alice Elliott-Sowaal; PYM Representative: Rose Medellin
(9/30/15) & Cheryl Hendrickson (10/1/15-9/30/16); PYM Observer: Cheryl
Hendrickson (9/30/15); San Francisco Friends School Quaker Life Committee
Representatives: David Matchett (8/31/16), Sandra Schwartz (8/31/17)
Committees
(term through 4/30 of year shown):
Children’s
Religious Education: Co
Clerks Ann Marie Snell (‘16) and Beth Bird (‘16), Kate Frankel
(‘17), Lisa Magruder (‘17), Ian Singleton (‘17), Neil Fullagar
('16), David Erickson ('16), David Cowen ('16); Hospitality and
Community: Co Clerks, Peter Rothaug (‘16) and Paula Joyce (‘16),
Dawn Moore (‘17), Anne Brodzky Williams (‘17), Tony Williams (‘17),
David Gregory (‘17) George Michael Payne (‘17), Lorin Gillin (‘17), Bob
Kovsky (‘17), John O’Connor (‘17), Rose Medellin ('16), Eric Myers ('16), Lydia
Cohen ('16); Library: Clerk, Bruce Folsom (ex off.) (clerk ‘16),
Santiago Myers (‘17), David Gregory ('16), Nancy Lewis ('16), Dan Nakamura
('16); Ministry & Oversight: Paula Stinson (‘18), Marian Chatfield
Taylor (‘18), Sandra Schwartz (‘18), Larry Pettit ('17), Krista Barnard ('17),
Robert Kovsky ('17), Steve Leeds ('16), Anne Brodzky Williams ('16), Anne
Collins ('16), Chad Stephenson (ex. off.); News: Kate McCarley
('16) (clerk), Chad Stephenson (‘17), Catherine Fox ‘(17); Peace
and Social Concerns: Co-Clerks, Owain Elliott-Sowaal (‘16) and David
Breitzman (‘16), Devin McCutchen (‘17), Olivia Henry (‘17), Charles
Martin (‘17), Dee Takemura (‘16), Sherri Maurin ('16), Martha Larsen ('16),
Sandra Schwartz (ex off.), Paula Stinson (ex off.), Jan Hartsough (ex
off.); Property and Finance: Clerk, Philip Gerrie (‘16), Joseph
Paley (‘18), Carol Cruickshank ('16), Arthur Koch ('16), [Treasurer, still
unfilled] (ex off.)]; Rausch Street: Clerk, Philip Gerrie
(‘16), David Erickson (‘17), Rolene Walker (‘17), Marian
Chatfield-Taylor (‘17), Amy Baker (‘17); Welcoming: Clerk,
Ann Marie Snell (‘16 ), David Matchett (‘17), David Breitzman (‘17),
Beth Bird (‘16), Dan Nakamura (‘17), Nancy Lewis (‘17), Joseph Paley (‘17),
Cheryl Hendrickson ('16), Ruth Sheldon (‘17), Amy Baker ('16),
Philip Gerrie ('16) Leesa Greenlee ('16); Nominating (through 12/31): Clerk,
Beth Bird (‘16) (clerk ‘15), Jan Hartsough ('15), Ruth Sheldon ('15),
Arthur Koch ('15), Lorin Gillin (‘16).
PYM
Report: Rose Medellin gave a report from
Representative Committee for PYM. Early registration is open for annual
session, discounted registration ends on May 18, 2015 (http://register.pacificyearlymeeting.org/).
Yearly Meeting will be held on July 13-18, 2015 at Walker Creek Ranch, (near
Petaluma). Some of the scheduled events are bible study, dance, family night,
interest groups, JYM, and LLoyd Lee Wilson will be the keynote speaker.
As last year, listening sessions will break up the Plenaries and
encourage deeper engagement; a Buddy Program (to help new attenders), and
a discount for first time attenders. Make special note that the on the agenda
this year is consideration of new schedules to better serve working families.
Property
and Finance: Amy Baker,
Treasurer, presented a proposed amended budget for 2015 (attached to archive
copy of these minutes). It came to light that certain line items needed to be
adjusted: the Property Tax line item did not account for the assessment for the
Community Benefit District; actual cost increases in health care for Meeting
employees; and raising the budgeted donations based on the results of donations
in 2014. This amended budget will season for a month.
Treasurer’s
Report: Amy also presented the 1st
Quarter report (attached to archive copy of these minutes).
Ministry
and Oversight:
Krista Barnard reported that the committee is beginning to collect
information for a new version of the Meeting directory. Forms are available in
the lobby. Today is another opportunity to respond to the first set of queries
from PYM’s Discipline Committee, which is starting the process of revising
Faith and Practice (new queries will come later).
The
Retreats Subcommittee reported on the annual retreat; Bob Kovsky, the current
convenor of the committee, will no longer be able to continue as onsite
coordinator after this year and the committee is looking for a new onsite
coordinator for 2016.
Bob
Kovsky will be giving a second hour titled, "Misfits, Outcasts, Rebels and
Losers, the wounded heart of the Christian community" at 1pm on April 19,
2015.
Ministry
and Oversight is in the process of organizing an event with Christine Hall, of
Whidbey Island (WA) meeting, who runs the Way of the Spirit program.
Peace
and Social Concerns: Clerk
Charles Martin reported about Welcoming clerk Ann Marie Snell’s visit to the
committee about welcoming the homeless population who come to and through our
doors. This meeting raised the issue of needing to talk about these issues as a
community and that a second hour is being developed. Charles also noted that
Kathy Kelly will be speaking on May 4, from 6-9. Committee member Martha
Larsen presented a request for sponsorship and for a $100 donation to the Root
Causes Delegation to Honduras and Guatemala hosted by the Interfaith Coalition
for Immigrant Rights. Peace and Social Concerns is recommending that we
co-sponsor as a Meeting.
4-05:
Meeting approves our sponsoring The Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights’
initiative: A People of Faith, Root Causes, a Delegation to Honduras and
Guatemala. In addition, we will give a $100 donation out of the General Fund.
Rausch
Street Committee: Amy Baker
reported that the renovation is now complete and we are ready to rent. It is
the preference and intention of the Meeting to rent to someone who is part of
the broader Quaker Community. The market rate is around $4500 - $5000 and we
can offer it at $3500. The committee has gone to the Friend’s School to give
the right of first refusal to staff at the Friend’s School. After a renter is
found, we will need to discern around refinancing the property. Philip Gerrie
reported that 15 young people from New Garden Friends Meeting (Greensboro, NC)
were able to be hosted at Rausch Street for their visit to San Francisco at the
beginning of April.
The
meeting closed with a period of Joys and Concerns and prayerful worship Close
at 3:28 pm with 12 people in attendance.
Respectfully
submitted,
Ann Marie Snell, Recording Clerk Stephen Matchett, Acting Clerk
San Francisco Monthly Meeting State of the Meeting Report 2015
Our Meeting continues to thrive in its diversity of attenders and members--families continue to join us in increasing numbers, visitors come from afar to our international city to bring greetings from Africa to Europe to Oceania to Central America, and new voices in ministry continue to be heard.
In terms of outreach, this year saw the birth of a Friday Food Sharing program providing bagged meals to people living on the streets, the expansion of our Saturday Food Pantry, several second-hour programs on timely topics, and a revision of our website. Monthly NonViolent Communication practice meetings, twice-monthly Bible Study, midweek Meeting for Worship, Thursday night potluck and reading group, healthy attention to our building, and the nearly completed renovation of our inherited rental property have all been part of our Meeting’s care for itself.
Committees
are reasonably well staffed, though filling clerkships has become a challenge.
Ministry among us, while grounded in the community, is made more often of buds that
need help to bloom as weightier Friends are fewer than in previous years. The
Meeting is greening, rather than hardening, and growing in new directions as we
transition to new life among us, and continued care is needed in widening and
deepening our root system.
Our First Day School program is consistently filled with children in the nursery and youth up to middle school age. No teens are currently active. We continue to be in search of a center/curriculum to meet the desires of parents for the children, yet provide consistent care each week with the help of paid outside providers and one member of Meeting.
We continue to welcome newcomers and visitors with regularity to
Meeting for Worship on First Day, often more than five. Ministry is varied and
includes many voices, coming sometimes from the depths and sometimes from the
shallows.
Ministry and Oversight Committee has worked without a clerk for nearly
a year, and completing its duties of attention to ministry as well as membership
has been taxing. It continues to work on providing a caring relationship with
members who have moved away and who need to transfer or lay down their
membership in accord with Faith and Practice. Our Meetings for Business
continue to be a shared time of worship and care for our Meeting.
Certain issues regarding the funding of specific programs and around
our inherited property have challenged us. Our unity is sometimes bold,
sometimes more threadbare. Spirit continues to prevail with help from silence
and listening, and we are careful to show kind regard for one another.
The Saturday Food Pantry has expanded both its volunteer and its donor
bases. San Francisco Friends School families take part regularly, and City
College students, other young people and neighbors bring gifts of language and
service. Both the Pantry and the newer Friday Food Sharing receive a bounty of
donated food from local agencies and businesses, to be redistributed to those
in need. These service activities have also introduced some individuals to
Quakerism and to the Meeting as a worshiping community. Our Peace and Social
Concerns Committee provides care and oversight for these programs.
The weekly Peace Vigil started by Meeting members continues after 14
years at its location at the old Federal Building at the corner of Golden Gate
and Larkin St. A new banner has been made to replace the aging one.
Our meetinghouse continues to be a spiritual presence in the ever
busier and gentrifying mid-Market area of the City. We work with representatives
of the local Community Benefit District to keep the front of our property safe
and well-maintained as the continued displacement of people who find themselves
marginalized by society brings more camping, drunkenness, drug use and want,
literally, to our doorstep.
We continue to be engaged with the American Friends Service Committee
(AFSC) and San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), through representation among
both organizations. AFSC’s 67 Sueños program for undocumented youth has used
our kitchen to learn about healthy eating and prepare nutritious meals. A
shared Meeting for Worship/Pancake Breakfast brought many teachers and families
from SFFS to the Meetinghouse in December.
Financial support from donations remains in slow decline; however, we
have received bequests from deceased members that have increased our reserves.
We have put a substantial sum toward the needed renovation of our separate
rental property, with a plan to recoup that cost over several years before
making the space available for our own use or a related purpose. Decisions like
these and others involving the use of Meeting funds remain challenging. Our
finances are healthy, if conservative.
Leadership roles in Meeting are not always easy to fill, and two
important committees currently lack clerks. With fewer seasoned members
available to serve, our Nominating Committee will be working hard to make appointments
for the upcoming year. Meeting faces the challenge of raising new leadership
among our membership or reducing the number of leadership positions.
The outgrowth of the Western Shore Worship Group has allowed another
earlier time for Meeting for Worship to be offered, at 9:30am, and in another
San Francisco location. While this has allowed more blossoming of Friends in
the city, it has also taken some seasoned Friends away from Meeting to tend to
the new group.
As San Francisco Friends Meeting transitions to a “greener” meeting with breadth of Light and ministry among its attenders and members, it continues to work towards being a Meeting of spiritual depth, in faith and practice. We are hopeful in the Spirit that our Meeting will continue to be fruitful in the year to come.
Respectfully submitted,
Chad Stephenson, Clerk
Meeting News
Meeting News
The Memorial Day Retreat at Ben Lomand is approaching. Each year San Francisco Friends Meeting holds a Retreat over Memorial Day at Quaker Center near Santa Cruz. This year the dates are May 22-May 25, 2015. You can share in pleasant relaxation, tasty meals and community fun. Registration starts after Meeting for Worship on April 5, 2015. There will be more information next month.
Submitted by David Harsough, and printed with gratitude by
the Editor:
“Our
gracious Creator cares and provides for all His creatures. His tender mercies
are over all His works, and so far as His love influences our minds, so far as
we become interested in His workmanship, and feel a desire to take hold of
every opportunity to lessen the distresses of the afflicted and to increase the
happiness of the creation. Here we have a prospect of one common interest from
which our own is inseparable, so that to turn all that we possess into the channel
of universal love becomes the business of our lives.”
-John Woolman: The Quaker Journal
San Francisco Monthly Meeting is 75 years old! In celebration of our anniversary, please
join us on Sunday, May 31, 2015 to hear Meeting Historian/Archivist Bruce
Folsom give a talk on "Quakers in San Francisco, 1849 to the
present." The talk will be held
following meeting for worship, about 1:00 to 3:00 pm. There will be some artifacts from our past
on display, and a question and answer session.
News from Friends
News from Friends
2015 May News from Sierra Friends Center
The Woolman semester students began the month of April with the Food Intensive trip, one of several field trips in every semester. Don't forget to check out the Woolman blog – read about the snow on April 7, and about Nicole’s youngest goat. I foresee more very yummy goat cheese! http://blog.woolman.org/
Coming up on May 9 is the firing of the chambered hillside kiln. If you have seen this kiln, you know it will be a major all-day event. Friends are welcome to attend. Please RSVP in advance for Woolman events via http://woolman.org/events
The Woolman Spring 2015 Graduation will be May 23rd at 9am, after the Baccalaureate presentation of their projects at 7pm on May 22nd. Friends are welcome to attend.
Registration is open for Family Work Camp, June 14-21, and there is still space in Camp Woolman (9-14) and Teen Leadership Camp (15-16).
2015 May News from Ben Lomond Quaker Center
Quaker Center
Summer Youth Camps are right
around the corner this summer with Camps Director, Anna Lisa Chacon for the
younger kids' camps and with Stephen Myers and Mary Klein for Peace Action Camp. For more
information visit http://www.quakercenter.org/summer-youth-camps/ or call Bob or Kathy Runyan,
Co-Directors at Quaker Center at 831-336-8333 with
questions.
Family Work Camp is the best family vacation deal
around at only $50 for the full week, which includes meals and lodging. All ages are welcome! We’ll work on improvements to Quaker
Center facilities while building community among us. This week of July 27th – August 1st will include working, cooking, eating
and playing together. Please register online at http://www.quakercenter.org/family-work-camp/.
Join us for Rise Again: A Weekend of Joyous Song, with the authors of Rise Up Singing, Annie Patterson and Peter Blood, Sept. 4-6th. Annie & Peter will teach &
lead songs out of their long-awaited just-released
songbook Rise Again, which includes 1200 new
songs in the same format as Rise
Up Singing. We have reserved both lodges for this workshop and still we expect
it to fill, so please register early at
http://www.quakercenter.org/rise-again-a-weekend-of-joyous-song/.
College Park
Quarterly Meeting
COLLEGE PARK
QUARTERLY MEETING
Spring
Quarterly Meeting: May 15-17, 2015, at Quaker Center
Inreach and
Outreach
We welcome
you to College Park Quarterly Meeting. Join us as we consider how to connect
with each other (inreach) and reach out to those who may wish to learn more
about the Quaker Way (outreach). We have a joyous time together at Quarterly
Meeting getting to know each other more deeply through Worship Sharing, Meeting
for Worship, shared meals and evening skits and singing. We also have time for
sharing with each other about how we are reaching out to the world through
service, each in our own way.
At
Quarterly, we also have an opportunity to hear about the many ways Friends are
called into service at local, national and international levels. REGISTER EARLY
: Register by Monday, May 4, 2015. If you have not registered by the deadline,
you are still welcome to come but will need to be prepared to camp and provide
your own food. Registrations received after the deadline will incur a $20 late
fee per family. Please let us know of any special needs, including financial
assistance, before the registration deadline.
COSTS : See
the registration form for specifics. We set the cost as low as possible. No one
is turned away for lack of funds. If you want to come and can’t afford it,
first check with your own meeting for financial assistance; if that’s not
available, contact the Registrar before the deadline. Teens and young Friends
are especially encouraged to make use of this opportunity. Consider making a
donation to CPQM to help others attend.
WAYS TO
REGISTER:
MAIL the
registration form by Monday, May 4, with a check to made to"CPQM" and
mail to: CPQM Registrar c/o Sandy Kewman, 12960Woolman Lane, Nevada City, CA
95959.
E-MAIL :
Send the info on the registration form to srosekewman@gmail.com by May 4.
Please include “CPQM Registration” in the subject line. Bring payment to
quarterly meeting.
TELEPHONE:
Call Sandy Kewman (530)559-9850 by May 4.
Bring payment
to Quarterly Mtg. The registrar’s hours during the weekend are Friday from 4-8
pm and during meal times on other days. Sarah Tyrell will be the on-site
registrar for the weekend.
WHAT TO
BRING: Essentials: flashlight, towel, soap, and bedding (a pillow case with
either sleeping bag or sheets and blankets), and if you’re camping, a tent (in
case it rains, Oh We Wish!!.) Suggestions: A sweater or jacket for chilly
mornings and evenings. Your own cloth napkin and coffee mug to reduce use of
paper products. Walking shoes for hiking. A small travel alarm or your smart
phone to help you be on time for morning activities. Work gloves for service
projects.
WHAT NOT TO
BRING: Please do not use scented products of any kind, as we often have people
in attendance who are sensitive to these. Do not bring or consume alcohol or
other mind-altering substances. Please do not bring pets of any kind.
ALL
ATTENDERS are expected to participate as they are able in meal preparation and
clean-up, and in final cleaning of their rooms and common spaces. Sign up at
the registration desk.
CHILDREN'S
PROGRAM: Parents are expected to sign their children into the Children's
Program or have them in their own care. Children in their parents’ care need to
be directly supervised by a parent, the child must stay within sight of the
parent. Children cannot be left alone on the campus. The Children’s Program is
offered during worship, plenary sessions, worship-sharing, and interest-groups.
For details, contact Delcy Steffy ( delcysteffy@gmail.com , 916-529-7455).
MIDDLE
SCHOOL PROGRAM: Middle schoolers are welcome to participate with a special role
in the Quarterly Meeting. They sometimes participate with the adult program
(worship sharing and the service project) and they are helpful with the
children. Middle schoolers can choose to attend the children's activities or
may wish to visit the teen program during the day. They are not allowed to stay
overnight with the teen program until age 13. Please contact Delcy Steffy if
you want to know more about the middle school program.
TEEN PROGRAM
(ages 13-18 years) usually includes fun activities, interest groups, community
service, and worship-sharing, as well as a single sleeping area supervised by
at least one RAP (Responsible Adult Presence) at all times. During sleeping
hours, all present will be allotted their own little "yard" (at least
3 feet) of personal space around each person in order to foster safety and
comfort. Teens share meals and most activities with the whole Quarterly Meeting
and have other meetings for business and activities on their own. Bring a
camping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, clothes and walking shoes so you can get
dirty or wet during the service project. Teens are expected to either
participate in the teen program or to be under supervision of a parent,
guardian, or adult sponsor at all times. All minors must have Parental Consent
and Medical History forms. These can be found at www.collegepark.quaker.org or
can be filled out by the parent or guardian at registration.
PRELIMINARY
SCHEDULE Friday Evening 4 pm Sign-in and room assignments 6 pm Simple supper,
followed by Worship, singing, fellowship. Saturday Morning: Breakfast; Family
Worship, Welcome, Plenary (Meeting For Business), Worship Sharing Afternoon:
Lunch; Interest groups, service project, Plenary, Intergenerational Play
Evening: Dinner; inter-generational family night; singing, dancing, etc. Sunday
Morning: Simple Breakfast; Plenary, Brunch, Clean-up, Afternoon: Worship,
Children and Teen Reports, Announcements Goodbyes at 2pm
QUESTIONS?
SPECIAL NEEDS?
CPQM Clerk:
Mary Miche(510-845-8417) marymiche@jps.net Registrar: Sandy Kewman
(530-559-9850) srosekewman@gmail.com Arrangements Coordinator: Owain
Elliott-Sowaal (510)708-1477 aliceandowain@gmail.com
We encourage
Friends to bike, carpool, or take public transportation.
Registration
form located here in newsletter
Pacific Yearly Meeting
Walker Creek Ranch, 13 – 18 July 2015
FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT: LOVE AND
JUSTICE
The
commandment to love one another is at the heart of our Quaker faith, and
centrally featured in its Christian roots. The Religious Society of Friends
takes its name from a passage in the Gospel of John, in which Jesus declares,
This is
my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you . . . you are my
friends if you do what I command you . . .I have called you friends, because I
have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. (John 15:12-15, NRSV)
Early
Friends treasured a passage in St. Paul’s Epistle to Galatians (5:22): “The
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Echoing this passage, George
Fox emphasized the spiritual centrality of love. Early in his ministry, he
wrote to Friends, “I pray that all your hearts may be knit together in love,
and in one spirit to God.” (Ep.
#19, 1652), and later referred frequently to “the Royal Law of Love.”
Early
Friends also understood that loving-kindness, joy, and other fruits of the
Spirit cannot be manufactured by good intentions, but arise spontaneously when
we allow ourselves to become utterly vulnerable to the searching Light within
our conscience. Yielding without reservation to the truth of our condition, we
awaken to a new life—and are enveloped by an astonishing, redemptive love.
Through this radical self-transformation, we awaken to the fruits of the
Spirit. William Penn wrote of the first generation of Quakers, “They were
changed . . . themselves before they went out to change the world.”
Facing
urgent needs for justice, however, we easily become self-righteous, impatient,
strident. Learning of the oppression of indigenous peoples, the harsh reality
of racism today, the gravity of environmental decline, or violence of any kind,
we may be overcome by outrage that blocks the healing power of love. Living in
love is essential not only for our spiritual health, but also for effective
work for justice.
Intertwined
themes of love and justice are featured at the 2015 PYM Annual Session. Our
keynote speaker will be Lloyd
Lee Wilson, a member of North Carolina Yearly Meeting (Conservative), and a
deeply-grounded author on Quaker spirituality. His many writings include Essays on the Quaker Vision of
Gospel Order and a recent
Pendle Hill Pamphlet, Radical
Hospitality (#427). Wilson
has written eloquently of the need to center our Quaker activism in the gestalt
of Quaker practice, knit together in a faithful Quaker community by the
redeeming spiritual power of loving-kindness. He writes that when that
spiritual grounding is absent, “In our hasty desire for the fruit of right
social order, we have neglected the Root from which all good fruit springs.”
We will
also hear a presentation by Jose
Aguto of FCNL on the
challenge of worldwide environmental decay, and from Paula Palmer of Intermountain Yearly Meeting, who will present her powerful
workshop, “Roots of Injustice,
Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with America’s Native Peoples.”
PYM Annual Session News & Registration
Information
Pacific Yearly
Meeting's Annual Session will be held July 13-18, 2015 @
Walker Creek Ranch, Petaluma, CA.
DEADLINE for early registration discount is MAY 18.
First time attender discount also available.
Pacific Yearly Meeting’s Ministry & Oversight
Committee has been listening to our community and in response to a collective
concern regarding difficulties attending the Summer Annual Session because of
the length and configuration, they offer the draft proposal below for
consideration by our Meeting and community of Friends.
Configuration
1: Monday dinner
to Saturday lunch
Current
configuration, no change
Configuration
2: Tuesday lunch
to Sunday afternoon
Similar to the
current configuration in terms of time.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday would feature interest groups,
workshops, and possibly an intergenerational service project. Business sessions
would be held later in the week.
Configuration 3:
Friday dinner to Wednesday lunch
Activities on the Saturday and Sunday would be
geared toward encouraging participation by Friends only able to attend one or
two days of Annual Session, and would include the keynote address and Meeting
for Memorials.
Configuration
4: Thursday lunch
to Sunday afternoon
The
PYM Annual Session community would gather to spend a long weekend together.
Note: All
configurations would include the traditional activities at Annual Session, such
as worship sharing, transformative Quakers, Bible study, interest groups,
worship, Meeting for Memorials, Meetings for Business, and family night.
Please plan to
attend May's Meeting for Business to share your input regarding this
configuration: which you prefer and reasons for your preference. For more
information please contact Rose Medellin 415.452.9565 or chicanitas@hotmail.com
Google Groups for
SF Quakers
The group named "San Francisco Monthly
Meeting" is for sharing announcements or other news with the meeting community.
If you wish to be added to the group, please send a request to clerk@sfquakers.org . You will also need to create a free
Google user ID and password, if you don’t already have one, you can create one at
https://accounts.google.com/signup?service=mail . The address of the group is sfquakers@googlegroups.com
Our redesigned
website (http://www.sfquakers.org) has gone up and it
is made for the 21st century, with a focus on newcomers to Meeting, including an
interactive Google Map to our Meetinghouse, a section for first-time attenders,
a guide to regular Meeting events, and a link to our newsletter. New features
include videos from the QuakerSpeak video series about our faith practice, a
150-year history of Quakers in San Francisco (thanks to
historian/archivist/member Bruce Folsom), and a link to our new Twitter feed
(@sfquakers) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sfquakers). We hope
this outreach will better serve the Meetings communications for better inreach
and outreach for our Quaker community. We look forward to improvements to the
site in the future--please feel free to contact us with suggestions at news@sfquakers.org.
A Google group for Bay Area Quakers is
available at http://groups.google.com/group/bayareaquakers.
The group is for Bay Area Quaker meetings, churches, and organizations, as well
as individual Friends, to share news of events and activities that would be of
interest to Quakers and the general public. Events do not need to be strictly
Quaker. For more information, contact Tom Yamaguchi, tomyamaguchi@mac.com
Help on using Google Groups is also
available at: http://groups.google.com/support
Submissions
to the newsletter are due by the next-to-last First Day (Sunday) of each month
in the News Committee mailbox at the meetinghouse, or by e-mail to news@sfquakers.org. This newsletter is also available for reading or
downloading on our website at http://www.sfquakers.org/news.html.
Members
of the News Committee are Kate McCarley (clerk, editor), Chad Stephenson (web
servant), and Catherine Fox (production)
(all events at 65 9th St., unless noted; *see details
elsewhere in newsletter)
|
Sunday
|
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
|
|
26
11a Meeting for Worship
|
27
|
28
|
29
6p Meeting for Worship
|
30
12p Peace Vigil‡
7p Potluck & Quaker Study
|
1
|
2
10:30a-1p Food Pantry
|
|
3
9:30a Bible Study
11a
Meeting for Worship, Community Potluck following
|
4
|
5
7p Property & Finance Mtg
|
6
1:10p SFFS Meeting for Worship†
6p Meeting for
Worship
7p Ministry & Oversight Mtg
|
7
12p
Peace Vigil‡
7p
Potluck & Quaker Study
|
8
|
9
10:30a-1p Food Pantry
|
|
10
11a
Meeting for Worship
1p
Meeting for Business
|
11
|
12
|
13
6p Meeting for Worship |
14
12p
Peace Vigil‡
7p Potluck & Quaker Study |
15
|
16
10:30a-1p
Food Pantry
|
|
17
9:30a Bible Study
11a Meeting for Worship
|
18
|
19
|
20
6p
Meeting for Worship
|
21
12p
Peace Vigil‡
7p Potluck & Quaker Study |
22
Meeting
Retreat
|
23
Meeting
Retreat
10:30a-1p Food Pantry
|
|
24
Meeting
Retreat
9:15a Non-Violent Comm. Practice Group
9:30a Bible Study
11a Meeting for
Worship______________
31 9a Extended Meeting for Worship
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
12p
Peace Vigil‡
7p Potluck & Quaker Study |
29
|
30
10:30a-1p
Food Pantry
|
†San
Francisco Friends School, 250 Valencia St.
‡Federal Building, Golden Gate Ave. and Larkin St.
SAN FRANCISCO FRIENDS MEETING
2015 ANNUAL RETREAT REGISTRATION FORM
Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25, 2015
Quaker Center, Ben Lomond, California
The Annual Retreat is a traditional seedbed for our Beloved Community. We want all members, attenders and newcomers to participate. The Meeting is committed to maintaining the tradition regardless of cost. At the same time, those participating in the Retreat are asked to pay as much as they can. Please Register on this side of the form and decide on your Payment, as requested on the other side.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 17, 2014
Names of persons in your party and ages of any children
Mail address:
email address:
telephone(s):
Housing: Semi-private rooms are assigned in Orchard Lodge (adjacent to the dining room) and in Redwood Lodge (a short walk away). Redwood Lodge also has a dormitory. There is space for campers to put up tents. Please note if you will be camping or have special needs.
Meal Planning: Friday evening, folks bring dinner and share. Catered meals are vegetarian. The chef purchases food in advance. Everyone should feel satisfied and we also want to avoid waste. Please checkmark your party’s attendance at meals, with notes for dietary needs, etc.
___ Saturday Breakfast ___ Sunday Breakfast ___ Monday Breakfast
___ Saturday Lunch ___ Sunday Lunch ___ Monday Lunch
___ Saturday Dinner ___ Sunday Dinner
Notes:
Please tell us about any changes in attendance or meals as soon as possible.
Service Requirements: Participants in the Retreat Community assist the chef, prepare tables for meals and wash the pots, pans, dishes and utensils. Quaker Center must be as clean when we leave as when we arrived. We will be asking for additional oversight efforts from “senior Retreat participants,” namely, Friends who are familiar with Quaker ways and who have attended previous Retreats.
REGISTRATION FORM, 2015 ANNUAL RETREAT
REQUEST FOR PAYMENT
The Meeting pays the following amounts for Retreat participants:
Adult: Total - $218; Meals - $96; Quaker Center pro rata - $122
Child, 6-11: Total - $170; Meals - $48; Quaker Center pro rata - $122
Child, 3-5: Quaker Center pro rata - $122
Child under 3: No charge
Day use: Quaker Center charge - $8.40
Our payment to Quaker Center has a Base Fee for up to 40 persons, which stays the same if fewer than 40 participate. If more than 40 participate, there is a slight reduction per person. Pro rata costs above are based on 40 participants.
The price appears to be reasonable for a 3-day holiday weekend at a resort in the coastal redwoods with catered meals. The value to our Meeting and to our Community is beyond measure.
We ask that you pay what you are able to pay. Please enclose your Payment with your registration. We are led by Friendly principles of financial stewardship and prefer to avoid pledges or later collections.
We are also asking for additional donations from those who are able to contribute. Additional donations will be accepted at any time.
Please state the amount of the Payment enclosed and advise us of any other matters or concerns.
_______ Amount of Payment
Notes:
Registration must be received before May 17, 2015 for assured registration. Exceptions may be possible but they are chancy. Please send this form and payment check, if any, written to “San Francisco Friends Meeting” to our Registrar:
Ann Marie Snell
303 Ortega St.
San Francisco, CA 94122
Please bring sheets/blankets/pillow or equivalent. (A few bedding sets are available for rental.)
Please bring all needed toiletries, towels, etc. Leave valuables at home; there are no locks on rooms. Please, no pets or alcoholic beverages. Smoking is permitted outdoors in marked areas.
For inquiries about registration matters, please call or write Ann Marie Snell at (415) 810-5670 or hovie1700@mac.com. Ride-sharing arrangements will begin in May. Please direct any other questions to On-site Coordinator Bob Kovsky at (510) 482-4897 or quadnets@gmail.com.
College Park Quarterly Meeting
Spring 2015: May 15–17, Ben Lomond Quaker Center
Registration Form
Name(s)
Sex
Age (for children/teens)
First time at Quarterly? Y N
Meeting Affiliation
Email address
Phone number
Street address
City
State
Zip
Option A: Includes bed for Fri and Sat nights, in Orchard/Redwood Lodges, 6 meals (Fri dinner through Sun lunch), and program fee. Priority for Orchard Lodge given to those with limited mobility.
$139 each for age 25 and older How many? ______
$57 each for under age 25 How many? ______
Option A total $ __________
Option B: Includes camping or floor sleeping on Fri and Sat nights, 6 meals (Fri dinner through Sun lunch), and program fee.
$114 each for age 25 and older How many? ______
$41 each for under age 25 How many? ______
Option B total $ __________
Option C: Weekend Day Use: Includes 3 meals (Sat lunch, Sat dinner, Sun lunch) and program fee (NO housing included)
$59 each for age 25 and older How many? ______
$59 each for age 25 and older How many? ______
$19 each for under age 25 How many? ______
Option C total $ __________
Option D: Program fee only for Sat and/or Sun, NO housing or meals included
$26 each for age 25 and older
How many? _______ Which Day? __________
$4 each for under age 25 How many? _____ Which Day? _________
Option D total $ __________
IF NONE OF OPTIONS A thru D FITS YOUR SITUATION You may use a longer “a la carte” version of the registration form with more choices. Please check the website http://collegepark.quaker.org or ask the CPQM Registrar (name and contact info are below).
Donation to Ben Lomond Quaker Center $ ___________________
Donation to CPQM to help others attend
Quarterly Meeting $ ___________________
NOTE: LISTED PRICES ARE FOR REGISTRATIONS EMAILED OR POSTMARKED BY May 4th . Add a $20 LATE FEE if registering after these dates.
$20 Late Fee, if applicable $ ____________
Total for this registration $ _________________
Use the back of this form for special needs (late arrival, diet, housing, transportation, accessibility, financial aid, etc., or contact the registrar.
For medical and sponsorship forms for children and teens see http://collegepark.quaker.org.
Send checks by May 4, payable to College Park Quarterly Meeting (or CPQM) to:
CPQM Registrar c/o Sandy Kewman, srosekewman@gmail
or 12960 Woolman Lane, Nevada City, CA 95959
530-559-9850 cell
