by Diane Bowden | Dec 25, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting
Richmond Friends Meeting
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
Twelfth Month 20, 2015
Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Forty (40) members and attenders were present. Laura Cribbs was greeter. Mary Julia Street from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Brooke Davis read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries, Advices, and Voices on Youth.
Religious Education: Catherine Roseberry reported that the children were engaged in a program making Christmas crafts and cookies. She invited Friends to two upcoming events: (1) Candlelight Christmas on Monday, December 21, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Although the program is family-oriented, all are encouraged to attend. (2) The “Bond Fire/S’more Time Together” gathering for pizza dinner, and making dessert around the outdoor fire pit, is planned for Friday, January 15, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Nominating Committee: Brooke Davis reported for the committee: (1) The updated, final roster of nominated positions and committee memberships for 2016 was distributed for the second reading and approval. Brooke thanked Friends for their willingness to serve in positions and on committees, and asked for comments. Two corrections were requested. A Friend asked for clarification about which committees have specified term lengths; Don Miller responded that this applies only to the four committees that require membership in Meeting (Ministry and Worship, Care and Counsel, Nominating, and Adult Spiritual Education). Friends approved the 2016 roster. (2) Brooke encouraged all committees to meet in January and choose a clerk in preparation for the New Clerks/Old Clerks meeting scheduled for February 7, 2016, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am. The Clerk expressed thanks to the Nominating Committee for their work, and to Friends for being willing to serve and create a community that binds us together. Don Miller asked committees to send the names of incoming clerks to the newsletter editors for inclusion in the list of committees to be published in the February newsletter.
BYM Camping Program: Brooke Davis “changed hats” and announced that an open house for the BYM Camping Program will be held January 3, 2016 at rise of Meeting. There will be a variety of activities, and former counselors and campers will talk about the program. Brooke asked Friends to spread the word to any children and parents that might be interested, non-Quakers included. Flyers are available on the table under the bulletin board and directly from Brooke.
Financial Stewardship: (1) Treasurer Bronwyn Hughes and committee clerk Steve Humphrey handed out copies of the final 2016 General Fund Budget for approval. Bronwyn stated that the budget was the same as last year, except for two additional Quaker organizations (Monteverde Radio Station and FGC Bayard-Rustin Fund) and a decrease of $50 in the BYM apportionment. Bronwyn asked for questions. A Friend asked whether contributions had increased enough to meet the budgeted amount in the current year. Bronwyn replied that the assumption and hope is that the full amount will be received, but she will not know until mid-to-late January when all of the checks dated in 2015 are counted. At that time, she will provide an update to the Meeting. Steve commented that contingency funds would be used to cover any shortfall in contributions. Friends approved the 2016 budget. (2) Bronwyn reported that Curian, the investment vehicle currently used for ASE funds, is being closed. She has scheduled a meeting with our investment advisor on December 28th to determine where the money can be invested in a socially-conscious way. Bronwyn encourages anyone interested in attending to contact her for details. The Clerk thanked the treasurer and the committee, and reminded Friends that approval of the budget is a commitment by everyone in our community to support the Meeting with contributions.
Peace and Social Concerns: (1) Dave Depp reported for the committee: He spoke about the history of RFM in supporting refugees from a number of countries, including Cambodia, Iraq, Bosnia, Somalia, and Afghanistan. The committee is looking into how RFM might support refugees from economic conditions or war, perhaps an individual or family from Syria. The committee will provide more information in the coming weeks and will bring a proposal to a future business meeting if so led. In response, a Friend described past efforts of the Meeting and the importance of these activities as witness. Another Friend expressed appreciation to the committee for helping us engage our concerns and leadings regarding the current refugee crisis. (2) Ben Hebner, RFM representative to Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), gave a report on his recent involvement in FCNL activities. He attended a recent FCNL meeting and returned with renewed appreciation for Friends who lobby our government about our concerns. He also spoke about being inspired and moved by a collection of writings by RFM Friends on the Peace Testimony that he found in our library. FCNL is looking for ways to “wage peace,” including lobbying for permanent funding for a commission established by the current administration and guided by principles of the Great Lakes Initiative in Africa (a program with which RFM member Linda Heacock was actively involved). Ben discussed his meetings with the staffs of Virginia’s U.S. senators and Ben’s Congressman. Lastly, Ben described the big push by FCNL to engage youth and get them involved. He asked Friends to help connect interested young people with FCNL.
Ministry and Worship: The Clerk made an announcement for the committee: The Christmas Eve Meeting for Worship will be held Thursday, December 24, 2015. Singing will begin at 4:30 pm, worship will be from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Adult Spiritual Education: Howard Garner reported for the committee. He referred Friends to events listed in the agenda and to the page titled “Living the Quaker Life” attached to the agenda handout. This series grew out of a desire to build upon the old “Quaker 101” program and is designed for new attenders, attenders considering membership, and long-term members and attenders interested in a deeper Quaker experience. The “textbook” is the proposed BYM Faith and Practice (2013), copies of which are available without charge to Friends who intend to participate in the program. Howard encouraged Friends to sign and return the slip at the bottom of the page describing the series as a way of making the commitment to attend, whether or not a copy of F&P was requested.
Eleventh Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved, with correction of a typographical error. It was noted that Care and Counsel’s second reading of a request for membership, referred to in the minutes, is being held over until January so that the family involved can be present.
Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk reviewed the history of the formation of the Ad Hoc Building Use Committee and the creation of revised building use guidelines which were sent to the Richmond Zoning Office in August. Since there has been no need for committee work for a while, and a new Clerk will start in January, the Clerk requested that the committee be laid down. Friends approved. Several Friends asked whether there would be a final report from the committee. The Clerk offered the possibility that the existing documents of the committee’s work and the building use guidelines themselves, all of which have been turned over to the Archivist, were sufficient. After discussion, Friends approved. (2) The Clerk reminded committee clerks to send year-end reports to Ministry and Worship, the Archivist, and the Clerk. (3) As the Clerk announced the next potluck, Bob Alexander reported that the new oven is defective and Hospitality is trying to determine whether it makes sense to hold the potluck on the 27th. The Meeting will be notified whether a potluck lunch will be held. (3) After the Clerk asked if there was any further business, a Friend requested that personal announcements be made immediately. Friends agreed.
Personal Announcements: (1) A Friend expressed appreciation to Barbara Hulburt for her two years’ service as Clerk of Meeting and asked that it be minuted. (2) Janet Worsham announced her plan to create a portable lending library in Puerto Rico and asked for book donations for ages infant to adult, in Spanish and English.
All business being concluded we settled into silence until the rise of meeting was signaled from the facing bench.
Barbara Hulburt, Clerk
James Thoroman, Recording Clerk
by Diane Bowden | Nov 19, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting
MWB Minutes Draft November 2015
Richmond Friends Meeting
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
Eleventh Month 15, 2015
Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Fifty-six (56) members and attenders were present. Clarisse Harton was greeter. Jan Hampton from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Pat Tashjian was welcomed as a first-time attender to MWB; Ellen Arginteanu and Jules Arginteanu were welcomed back after many years away. Leslie Shiel read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries and Voices on Meeting for Business.
Religions Education: Catherine Roseberry announced the following upcoming events listed in the agenda and referred Friends to the Tenth Month minutes for details: (1) The RE Christmas Program will be presented on Sunday, December 13. (2) Handmade Christmas will be held on Sunday, December 20. (3) The Candlelight Christmas celebration for families and all Friends will be held on Monday, December 21, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, at the Meetinghouse. (4) On Friday, January 15, 2016, the “Bond Fire/S’more Time Together” event will be held from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Friends are encouraged to attend.
Care and Counsel: (1) Clarisse Harton introduced and read the memorial minute for Marie DuBois Clark, who died on August 10, 2014. She was the wife of Robert “Bob” Clark. The memorial minute is attached. (2) Bob Alexander presented the committee’s recommendation of approval of membership for Paula McMahon, Thomas Manthey and Luke Manthey. As is our custom, approval will be held over for a month. Friends are encouraged to meet and get to know Paula, Thomas and Luke. (3) Bob also presented the committee’s recommendation to restore the membership of Dave Depp. After being a member for many years, Dave laid down his membership several years ago for reasons of conscience. Dave is now clear that he wishes to rejoin the Meeting. Friends approved.
Nominating Committee: Brooke Davis presented the roster of nominated positions and committee memberships for 2016 for the first reading. She announced two last-minute additions to the Hospitality Committee: Lori Kvam and Melissa Franco. The final roster of nominations will be presented for approval at the Twelfth Month MWB. Committee Member Don Miller encouraged any Friends still considering joining a committee to sign up; committee work is a great way to get to know the Meeting better and to deepen connections with other Friends.
Friend’s General Conference: Michelle Bellows reported on several decisions made by FGC’s Central Committee at their October Meeting. Due to fewer volunteers and reduced funding, Central Committee decided to lay down some programs and projects. Some staff is also being let go; FGC is being as considerate and supportive as possible. Two key points that Michelle mentioned were that Quaker Quest is one the programs being laid down and that the Couples Enrichment program is being spun off. A description of other affected programs is available on the FGC website.
Michelle called particular attention to QuakerBooks, which has seen revenue fall by 70%, in large part because many of the titles can be purchased from other online sources such as Amazon for a few dollars less. Many Friends consider QuakerBooks to be as much a ministry as a bookstore and, while FGC will continue to subsidize it, Michelle encouraged Friends to buy their books from QuakerBooks and spend a few dollars more as a contribution to keeping this ministry available for all Quakers. Quantity purchases of books are eligible for a discount. Friends suggested that Michelle give a more complete presentation of FGC programs at some time in the future and put the information she shared this morning in the newsletter. The Clerk encouraged Friends to visit the FGC website to learn more about FGC and its programs.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bronwyn Hughes handed out copies of the first draft of the proposed 2016 General Fund Budget and described several changes from the 2015 budget. She asked Friends to examine the proposed budget in preparation for approval at the Twelfth Month MWB. A Friend suggested that the final presentation include the other funds, such as the Adult Spiritual Education fund, and the rules for spending them. A member of the committee commented that Financial Stewardship is considering compensation for the Treasurer, since having a CPA do this work is extremely beneficial to Meeting and should be acknowledged. More information will be forthcoming about this idea.
Financial Stewardship Committee Clerk Steve Humphrey stated that, as of mid-November, only approximately 50% of the income budgeted for 2015 had been contributed. And, although it is normal for a significant percentage of contributions to come in late in the year, the amount received to date is $4000 less than this time last year. Steve reminded Meeting that last year contributions met expenses, but only because some expenses were down. If contributions are down this year, the 2016 budget will need to be changed to reflect the lower level of contributions. Steve asked the Meeting to consider our approved budget a commitment to the level of contributions it requires. The Clerk asked Friends to make contributions as an important part of our support of our community.
Ministry and Worship: Michael Pierce announced the Christmas Eve Meeting for Worship to be held Thursday, December 24, with singing at 4:30 pm and worship from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The Clerk reminded Friends that this is distinct from the family-oriented Candlelight Christmas planned for December 21, sponsored by the RE committee (see RE report), and encouraged Friends to come to both.
Adult Spiritual Education: Howard Garner announced the following: (1) The next Bible Workbench will be held Sunday, December 20, 9:30 to 10:45 am. After the first of next year, Bible Workbench will be held on the first Sunday of the month. (2) The BYM Women’s Retreat will be held January 29 -31, 2016. Scholarships are available from BYM and the ASE committee (application information is on the RFM website). Ada Hammer spoke about the Women’s Retreat and encouraged women to visit the BYM website to learn more. (3) The committee is planning a winter/spring series, “Living the Quaker Life.” The events of the series will take place at 9:00 am, on the second and fourth Sundays of February, March and April.
Peace and Social Concerns: (1) Ada Hammer reported on the meal being provided to families of prisoners returning from visiting their family members on December 12, 2014. She has all the help needed, except for several batches of brownies. (2) Denna Joy announced that the olive oil ordered from the source in Palestine was available. Orders for future deliveries are being taken. Bottles are $20; contact Verna Boos.
Building and Grounds: Bob Alexander gave an update on issues with use of our building. A neighbor filed a complaint that RFM had renovations done without the necessary permit. The City of Richmond building inspector who visited found that our recent kitchen upgrade did not need a permit. Bob reported that the inspector said his department gets complaints fairly often that are actually attempts to harass neighbors; should this individual call again, the inspector indicated that the city would deal with him.
Tenth Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved, with the correction of the spelling of Anne Gray’s name.
Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk reminded Friends that on Sunday, December 6, 2014, from 9:00 to 10:30 am, the Carol Sing and Potluck breakfast will be held at the home of Kelly and Paul DiPasquale. (2) The next potluck lunch will be November 22, 2015, at rise of Meeting. Please bring food to share. (3) The Clerk read a thank you note from the Quaker House directors who made the recent presentation on Moral Injury. Wade Smith commented that the Quaker House board recently recognized Betsy Brinson for nine years of service on the board.
All business being concluded we settled into silence until the rise of meeting was signaled from the facing bench.
Barbara Hulburt, Clerk
James Thoroman, Recording Clerk
by Diane Bowden | Oct 21, 2015 | Topics
We sometimes call ourselves the “Agers.” We are a group of retirement age members and attenders of Richmond Friends Meeting who have formed a self-help support group. We welcome new members. There are minimal requirements to join. Annually one pays $25 a year and fills out a questionnaire stating what assistance one is able to offer to another. We have helped each other with transportation, meals, and other support.
If you are interested in more information, contact Betsy Brinson, clerk, or Ada Hammer, lead coordinator.
by Diane Bowden | Oct 21, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting
Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Fifty-five (55) members and attenders were present. Bob Alexander was greeter. Jan Hampton from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Donna Shields was welcomed as a first-time attender to MWB. Steve Humphrey read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries and Voices on Vocal Ministry.
Religious Education: Catherine Roseberry announced upcoming events for the committee: (1) Today, October 18, RE will be making a trip to the Pumpkin Patch at the rise of Meeting. (2) On Sunday, November 1, the classes will be Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF at rise of Meeting. Friends were asked to bring lots of loose change to contribute. (3) The RE Christmas Program will be presented on Sunday, December 13. (4) Handmade Christmas will be held on Sunday, December 20. (5) The Candlelight Christmas will be held on Monday, December 21, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, at the Meetinghouse.
It was noted that the annual Carol Sing and pot luck breakfast (although not sponsored by RE), will be held Sunday, December 6, 9:00 to 10:30 am at the home of Kelly and Paul DiPasquale. Friends were asked to bring breakfast food to share.
Nominating Committee: Brooke Davis reported that the committee is actively engaged in talking with Friends about serving the Meeting. She encouraged Friends to contact her, or the other members of the nominating committee (Bob Alexander, Anne Gray and Don Miller), to express their interest in serving on a committee or in a specific position. Brooke thanked Friends who have already agreed to serve and emphasized that serving on a committee is a good way to get to know other Friends and to deepen ties to our community.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bronwyn Hughes handed out copies of the Third Quarter 2015 report. She noted that, at 75% into the current fiscal year, the Meeting had received 49% of budgeted contributions, and made 76% of budgeted expenses. She noted several things about the report: the telephone bill is up because our service now includes WiFi; the Clerk’s expenses are up because the Assistant Clerk’s attendance at a Pendle Hill clerking workshop was not budgeted for. A committee member commented that if all families in Meeting were to contribute according to their ability, the budget could be managed. Steve Humphrey repeated that contributions are significantly behind expenditures and asked Friends to begin making the contributions needed for us to meet our budget; there are only two-and-a-half months left to contribute half of the budgeted contribution amount. Finally, Steve reminded the Meeting that the committee was asked to consider how committees doing fundraising for various purposes should be handling cash and checks they receive. The committee has created a set of draft guidelines, copies of which are now available in the Treasurer’s mailbox. As other committees begin to use the guidelines, the committee will accept suggestions for how to improve them.
Care and Counsel: Barbara Myers reported for the committee: (1) For the second month, she brought the committee’s recommendation that Meeting approve the membership application of Allen Lee. Friends approved and welcomed Allen to membership. (2) The Friendly 8’s sign-up sheets will be taken down after Meeting. Barbara requested the original poster or the first person on the list to take the sheet, and then contact everyone on the list and facilitate the start of meetings. (3) Mary Bo Gassman is very ill, but would appreciate visits. Please call ahead to see if she’s up for a visit before you go.
Ministry and Worship: Tracey Cain made announcements for the committee:
(1) Co-sponsored with Peace and Social Concerns, on Friday, November 13, 7:30 to 9:00 pm, John Calvi will present “Quaker Initiative to End Torture.” (2) The Fall Retreat will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Clearing. John Calvi will lead “The Goodness Workshop.” Registration is not required, but please notify Mary Fran Hughes-McIntyre if you plan to come. Bring a blanket and pillow for the workshop. Lunch will be potluck. Please bring food to share. (3) Sunday, November 15, 9:30 to 10:45 am, John Calvi will present “Journal Reading of a Quaker Healer After 30-plus Years.”
Adult Spiritual Education: Howard Garner announced the following: (1) Today, at 1:00 pm, or soon thereafter, Dr. Alice Rothchild, physician and human rights advocate, will present “Healing the Divide in Israel and Palestine.” (2) Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, a “Moral Injury Workshop” will be conducted by Lynn and Steve Newsom, Co-Directors of Quaker House. (3) Sunday, October 25, 9:30 to 10:45 am, Dr. Margaret Fisher, Herndon Friends Meeting, will present “The Spiritual Implications of Our Food Choices.” (4) In coordination with both Care and Counsel, and Ministry and Worship, ASE is planning a winter series on the basic values and fundamentals of Quakerism. Howard encouraged Friends to talk to committee members about questions or topics of interest.
Peace and Social Concerns: (1) Marcia Dickinson reminded Friends that the food drive for the Fan Free Clinic will last through October (including Sunday, November 1). Marcia passed out shopping lists for the most needed items. She is also accepting cash donations. (2) Dave Depp described the October blood drive and announced he was placing an information sheet on the table below the bulletin board. This year blood collection is at the agency facility. If enough Friends participate, another drive at the Meetinghouse will be considered. (3) Mark Skolnick announced that the second case of olive oil from a Palestinian supplier has arrived. Future orders will be placed when another twelve bottles ($20 each) have been requested. Requests should be made to Verna Boos. A Friend suggested that the bottles are a nice holiday gift. After the above announcements, (4) Ben Hebner, the FCNL representative for RFM, announced that Lon Burnam from FCNL will be present next week during potluck. He will have information about the upcoming Public Policy Institute which is held each year before the Lobbying Day (this year the dates are Thursday and Friday, November 12 and 13). Ben described several recent meetings with legislators. A Friend reminded us that FCNL can always use donations. (5) Denna Joy announced the John Calvi presentation on November 13 (see the first item in the Ministry and Worship announcements, above).
Ada Hammer made two announcements: (1) A group is forming to make a trip to help with disaster relief in flood-ravaged South Carolina the week of March 26th. Contact Ada, Frances Stewart, Wendy Wadsworth or Ben Hebner if you are interested. (2) A group from Meeting will be providing a meal for families of prisoners after they return from visiting their family members, on December 12. Ada is accepting donations to cover food costs and will contact Friends about any needed help preparing the meal.
Ninth Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved.
Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk announced that she will bring forward names for next year’s Nominating Committee at the November MWB when the first list of nominees for all committees and positions is presented for Meeting’s consideration. The Clerk presents these names so that Nominating is not replacing its own members. (2) The next potluck lunch will be October 25, 2015, at rise of Meeting. Please bring food to share.
All business being concluded we settled into silence until the rise of meeting was signaled from the facing bench.
Barbara Hulburt, Clerk
James Thoroman, Recording Clerk
by Diane Bowden | Oct 21, 2015 | Children and Religious Education, Peace and Social Concerns, Topics
The RE Committee’s sale of unique peace-themed t-shirts for the International Day of Peace in September raised over $300 for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Thank you so much for your generous support of this organization. Should you wish to contribute to them directly or learn more about their mission, their US website is www.doctorswithoutborders.org.