FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020
Register Here!In our Fall retreat, we'll go "back to the basics" and explore some of the practices that might help us
(re)discover the Ground of our Being and sustain our joyful attention there. Whatever language we use to describe the connection we seek - Spirit, Light, Truth - how can our lives become deeply attuned to it so that we can be faithful, alive, and active in our own times?
During the retreat, Friends will be invited to quiet, personal reflection, sharing in spiritual friendship in small groups, and fellowship with the whole group. Activities will be assigned during the off-line time. In addition, Zoom space will be kept open during meal time for virtual "table fellowship." Therefore, we ask that participants hold Saturday open just as if we were meeting on-site.
Friday's session will begin at 7pm. Saturday sessions will run: 9-11am, 1-3pm, and 7-9pm.We are also happy to announce that the Spiritual Formation Working Group will support a year-long program of monthly gatherings via Zoom for Friends who live remotely or whose Meeting cannot sustain a local group. More information about this opportunity will be shared at the retreat.To register, visit https://www.bym-rsf.org/events/spiritform/. We will follow the "pay as lead" model utilized at Annual Session. The suggested contribution is $50/person, which will cover the costs of participation.
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2021 Theme: Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
In 2021, as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and
how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.
The pandemic is known for hitting the underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest. By April 2021, over 687 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered globally, but over 100 countries have not received a single dose. People caught in conflict are especially vulnerable in
terms of lack of access to healthcare.
In line with the Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire last March, in February 2021 the Security Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for Member States to support a “sustained humanitarian pause” to localconflicts. The global ceasefire must continue to be honoured, to ensure people caught in conflict have access to lifesaving vaccinations and treatments.
The pandemic has been accompanied by a surge in stigma, discrimination, and hatred, which only cost more lives instead of saving them: the virus attacks all without caring about where we are from or what we believe in. Confronting this common enemy of humankind, we must be reminded that we are not each other’s enemy. To be able to recover from the
devastation of the pandemic, we must make peace with one another.
And we must make peace with nature. Despite the travel restrictions and economic shutdowns, climate change is not on pause. What we need is a green and sustainable global economy that produces jobs, reduces emissions, and builds
resilience to climate impacts.
The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world”. Weinvite you to join the efforts of the United Nations family as we focus on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world. Celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion,kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic.
“Spirit and Earth: Journeying toward Right Relationships”
Program Description and Registration Form
The Baltimore Yearly Meeting Spiritual Formation Program invites its participants into a deeper spiritual experience through BYM Spiritual Formation retreats, and local monthly meeting programs. BYM Zoom retreat on September 17-18 meets Friday evening from 6:30 - 8:30; Saturday morning 9:00 - 11:00 and Saturday
afternoon 1:00 - 3:00 for times of learning and sharing in small groups.
If you would like to learn more about the overall Spiritual Formation Program, visit the Baltimore Yearly Meeting website:
http://quakerspiritualformation.org/
The Spiritual Formation Program at the local level includes a monthly large-group meeting that includes everyone and meets first Sundays each month from 5 to 6:30 pm. In addition to the large group meeting, most people join a small friendship group of 5 to 6 members who meet once a month to share spiritual journeys (perhaps on an earth
care theme such as indigenous wisdom, environmental justice, or other) and to commit to a daily spiritual practice. You are invited to participate in the Spiritual Formation program at Richmond Friends Meeting for 2021- 2022,
October through May. RFM registration is open through September 26
Our first large group meeting will be held on Sunday, October 3 from 5-6:30 pm, probably as a blended in person and Zoom experience. If we can safely meet at the meetinghouse, we will share a pot luck supper from 6:30 to 7 pm.
We will focus this year’s program around spirit and earth care, listening for Spirit revealed through earth, and to the call of earth to act faithfully with environmental justice in response to our climate crisis.
From October through May, the monthly large group Spiritual Formation meetings will be on the 1st Sunday of
the each month from 5-6:30 pm, ending with a shared potluck dinner 6:30 to 7pm if at the meetinghouse.
If you wish to explore the possibility of joining Spiritual Formation at Richmond Friends Meeting, you are encouraged to contact Mary Fran Hughes-McIntyre or Katy Rugg.
Spiritual Formation Registration Form
Please complete this form and submit electronically (jothoro1917@gmail.com), or print out your form and return to Jim Thoroman by September 26, 2016. In addition, paper copies are available at the meetinghouse and can be given to Jim or Mary Fran.What is your name?
Phone Number Email Address
What is your first choice for monthly small group meeting time? *
o ( ) Weekday daytime o ( ) Weekday evening o ( ) Saturday
What is your second choice for monthly small group meeting time? *
o ( ) Weekday daytime o ( ) Weekday evening o ( ) Saturday
Friends are encouraged to attend both large and small group meetings – but we know sometimes scheduling for 8 months can be a challenge. Let us know at this time if you are able to attend:The large group meetings monthly yes no ___________________________ The small friendship group monthly yes no _____________________________
If you have additional questions or concerns about the program, or scheduling is a challenge for you, please ask or describe below, and Mary Fran or Katy from Spiritual Formation Committee will get back with you.
RE is now making plans for an exciting children's program for the fall and winter, including outdoor music, singing, cooperative games, playground monitoring and the new mini-grant supported "Faith and Play" curriculum(indoors). Seequakerfaithandplay.org
If you are interested in being part of this as a leader or aide (once or as many times as you wish), please contact Monica Shaw, clerk of RE.
If you're not sure and want to know more, also contact Monica. Please volunteer to make a difference in the formative years of our children. We have something good to pass on to future generations.
Ministry and Worship Committee and the COVID-19 Working Group have decided that blended meetings for
worship will begin for 11 am worship on August 29. In a blended meeting, Friends worship together, either in the meetinghouse or via Zoom. Those online can see and hear the worship room and in turn can be seen and heard in the worship room on a computer and monitor. This timing will allow us all to experience blended worship for three
Sundays prior to an opportunity for assessment at September business meeting. More information will be forthcoming on the Newslist.
The Adult Spiritual Education Committee will hold a one-hour Bible Workbench (“Reading Between the Lines”) via Zoom starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5. Please note the CHANGE OF TIME; we’d like to meet an hour-and-a-half earlier so that people can still, if they’d like, take a little break and then attend the 9:30 Zoom Meeting for Worship, or attend an in- person meeting at either the Meetinghouse (every Sunday) or the Clearing (1st and 4th Sundays).
On September 5th, we’ll discuss Psalm 125: a song/poem for a person taking a journey to a holy place. The facilitator will open the Zoom space early at 7:45 am—for those who’d like to check in or socialize first—and then our discussion will start at 8 am. Facilitator will send out the zoom link and text a few days before the meeting. She’ll also screen-share the text.
In this series, four members of our community will engage in a dialogue with a member of ASE about a book that has been important in their spiritual journey. Participants are not expected to read the books prior to the sessions, but may wish to do so. All programs are presented virtually at 9:30 am. • September 18 with Beth Morrison. Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson (facilitated by Allen Lee). *Note that this is a change from the book listed in the August newsletter. • October 2 with Pearl Ball. Medicine for the Earth by Sandra Ingerman (facilitated by Ellen Arginteanu). *Note that this is a change from the book listed in the July newsletter.
• October 16 with Mason Mairead. The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners, by Jack Hawley (facilitated by Diane Bowden).
• October 30 with Cal Pringle. The Horse and His Boy, by C. S. Lewis, with additional material from Mere Christianity, also by Lewis (facilitated by Barbara Hulburt).
Imagine biking sections of the Capital Trail, or taking short walks in the James River Park system, or reading and discussing books that increase your understanding of critical race theory. What about learning a new craft, or visiting local museums and galleries, or watching films in languages other than English? Many of us long to explore a new interest or hobby, and find it more engaging when we pursue that interest with f/Friends. That's what Friendly Eights are all about: sharing an interest or new pursuit with a small group of folks--usually around 8 in number--from October to May (and sometimes year-round!). Even during the pandemic, several Friendly Eights met for socially distanced outdoor activities, or gathered over Zoom (RFM maintains a Zoom account that makes virtual meet-ups possible).
The Care and Counsel Committee is responsible for overseeing the Friendly Eights program, and any member can answer your questions about forming a group or joining up. We always aim to offer a group called "Old Friends, New Friends" which helps orient those new to Richmond Friends Meeting and connect with a few folks who are familiar with RFM's history and Quaker practices.
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Before September 12, consider a Friendly Eight topic you'd like to organize or help facilitate. Typically, Care and Counsel posts sign-up sheets in the foyer behind our worship room early in September, and encourages folks to sign up throughout the month. The first meetings usually happen in October. This year, Care and Counsel will make sure to broadcast the formation of Friendly Eights via the listserv, too. To help us track Friendly Eight suggested topics, gauge interest, and publicize this year's options, please furnish your ideas by September 12 to Tera Yoder or Randee Humphrey.
Approved Proposal on Returning to Worship in the Meetinghouse
With concern for the well-being of the community, Meeting requests that all who can be vaccinated do so. (See minutes of 7th month meeting for business at the end of this newsletter.) The following schedule of worship begins immediately as an interim approach.
1. Worship on Sundays, weekly at 9:30 am via Zoom
2. Worship on Sundays, weekly at 11:00 am in-person at the Meetinghouse. Masks are expected for all who are able to wear them. Appropriate distancing – based on vaccination status and age - is expected.
3. Worship on Sundays (1st and 4th weeks), outdoors at The Clearing at 11 am. 4. Worship sharing on Wednesdays, weekly at 7 pm via Zoom.
M&W anticipates modifications based on availability of blended meeting technology, upgrades to the ventilation system, COVID prevalence, and our community experience of worship.
The link for the 9:30 worship on Zoom will be distributed on the newslist.
As you may know, the national effort is called "National Immigrant Transit Assistance" (NITA) and the local Richmond volunteers that meet asylum seekers at the Greyhound terminal are called "Richmond Immigrant Transit Assistance (RITA).
Richmond is one of the most important hubs as travelers come through from the border either from the west from Dallas or from a southern route through Atlanta and Raleigh. Many asylum seekers coming through Richmond are headed north to northern states such as Maryland and New York or a few even go to the Tidewater area of Virginia. Of course, some asylum seekers have Richmond as their final destination.
RITA in Richmond is in great need of volunteers to meet asylum seekers traveling through or to Richmond. I asked one of the lead volunteers in RITA, Kathy Hsu Wibberly, how interested, safe people could volunteer to meet the asylum seekers on buses in Richmond. Kathy Hsu Wibberly said that persons interested in volunteering with RITA at the Richmond Greyhound Station could do the following to sign up to learn more:1). Download the Signal App to your cell phone and text Kathy Hsu Wibberly directly at: 434.906.4960,OR2). Email: showupforrita@gmail.com
Although it is extremely helpful to know Spanish, it is not a requirement. They do so much to help the asylum seekers including providing safety, helping to get them to the correct connecting bus ontime, and providing food. So there is a great deal of teamwork that goes into this effort.
Quaker House of Fayetteville (QuakerHouse.org) is in a good position, spiritually and fiscally, to consider expanding programs, which is provident, because the needs of military personnel and their families continues to
grow.
We need a bit of help. Our Executive Director has served for over 5 years, and her work has grown and evolved as needed. It's time to review and update the Job Description. Having an updated description of the work in place will guide us in hiring appropriate additional staff. To that end, a
small ad hoc committee will include an experienced Board Member, and ex officio, the current Executive Director, Kindra Bailey.
As are the Boards of many nonprofits, we are stretched thin, so we are reaching out to our Meeting Community to ask for help. This could certainly be any willing person who is led, but if you have experience in Human Resources, it would put to good use. If you have interest in knowing more, please reach out to me at (804) 617- 6312 or Clerk@QuakerHouse.org.
Circles RVA inspires and equips individuals to permanently move out of poverty and thrive. We create intentional relationships that expand support communities and engage the wider community to reduce or eliminate the systemic barriers that hinder people from rising out of poverty.
We are starting a new cohort of allies to be matched with the new cohort of leaders that at starting in September. These allies will be matched with a leader to be a friend, coach, cheerleader, mentor as the leader goes on their journey out of poverty.
Meetings are on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 pm when in person. The commitment is for 18 months. Training is for 8 sessions a few weeks after the leaders start their training. You are asked to attend at least 2 meetings per month and to spend 4-6 hrs per month outside of the Tuesday meetings.
Check https://circlesrva.org/ for more information and how to volunteer.
The food pantry at Sacred Heart Center is in dire need of donations. They have served 200-800 families every week. In addition to receiving food from FeedMore, they purchase food every week with their own funds. How to make a food donation 1. Bring a bag or money donation Mondays 11am-3pm or Fridays 9-11 am to 1400 Perry Street. Enter through the parking lot, by the white tent. OR 2. Janet Worsham will be delivering food to them once a month so you can just bring your donations to her at 1435 Westbrook Ave. Call her at 513-4442 to make drop-off arrangements Items from the following list would be most helpful in your donations
Corn flour Tortillas Dried or canned beans Rice Canned vegetables Canned fruit Tuna Sugar Cooking oils
Peanut butter Crackers Snacks for small children Powdered milk Tea & coffee Cereal Baby formula – especially SIMILAC blue or orange Diapers: small and large (size 4-6) Feminine hygiene products
The Working Group confirms that it is safe for fully vaccinated people to gather in the meetinghouse. The Working Group also now requests approval to now open the Meetinghouse to outside groups of up to 25 people who are fully vaccinated.
We see value in equipping the meetinghouse so that gatherings could combine in-person participation plus participants online in some zoom-like situation – “blended gatherings.” This would have long-term value for all kinds of gatherings, enabling people for whom distance or other factors might be a barrier, including ASE, Spiritual Formation, etc., as well as potentially for Meeting for Worship.
The Working Group requests approval to move toward equipping the Meetinghouse with technology that would enable blended gatherings. This would include fully investigating options, determining and taking incremental steps, keeping all expense under our roughly $2,000 budget.
The Working Group requests that the Committee on Ministry and Worship discern if, when, and how this new capability could be used for worship ... Meeting for Worship, Worship Sharing, Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, etc., and that M&W bring their recommendations for consideration and approval.
Several members of the Working Group have volunteered to provide whatever technical and other advice we might have to Ministry & Worship in their discernment.
We are also considering how the Meetinghouse can best accommodate Religious Education in their fall programming.
The children’s religious education program (RE) is taking a break for the summer. We’ll be back this fall. And when we can return to the building, RE will offer an exciting new expanded curriculum which will more fully integrate our children into our loving RFM community.
We’ll get to know each other better through multi-age activities like singing, cooperative games, or yoga, to name a few. But especially through the new FAITH AND PLAY program which is funded through one of the Donna Knicely bequest mini-grants.
FAITH AND PLAY is a set of stories for Friends to use as a way to learn about Quaker faith and practice and to explore what it means to be a Quaker. Participants can find meaning in the stories, drawing on their own life experience, no matter one’s age.
The FAITH AND PLAY stories are told both verbally and visually, using simple materials, with participants gathered in a circle.
The story telling embodies the spirit of worship. All are invited to wonder out loud together and to answer stimulating queries. There is a deep respect and affirmation of each person’s sharing, no matter one’s age.
Also FAITH AND PLAY includes creative expression using art or conversation or the story materials.
The story of George Fox
The RE Committee will be explaining this program in more depth in the fall. When the time comes, we are eager for adult Friends to sign up for a weekend of training here in our building. After the training, being a leader, co- leader or aide (as many or as few times as you want) will give you the opportunity to experience the workings of the Spirit in children and in yourself. Our meeting will reap the benefits of a more integrated spiritual community.
Contact Monica Shaw with questions. If you’d like to find out more about FAITH AND PLAY, here’s the link:https://quakerfaithandplay.org/.
Conscientious Objectors in Today's Military Panel Discussion
Photo credit: Michelle Downey
Every month, Quaker House takes approximately 300 calls on the GI Rights Hotline from people having issues with military membership. These callers want help and information. Some seek discharge from the military because their consciences will not allow them to fight or kill. Join us to hear five of these conscientious objectors tell their stories. Alyssa Fairfax (Space Force/Air Force) Kristofer Miller (Army) JD Reisinger (Air National Guard) David Hice (Army) Amonte Crawley (Army National Guard) Each panelist has their own courageous and inspiring story to tell. They come from different religious backgrounds (Islam, Christianity, Buddhism) and different moral perspectives. Attendees will be able to submit questions for the panelists during the webinar. This promises to be a one-of-a-kind discussion and we are looking forward to it! This webinar is limited to 100 and you must register in advance: Upon registration, the link will be sent to you on the day of the webinar. We hope you will join us!June 8, 20217:30 pm - 9:00 pm Eastern
The Spiritual Formation Program will resume in September with monthly large group meetings and monthly small group meetings. For years this program has nurtured the spiritual lives of many in our community. During that time, we have shared the leadership of this program. We are currently looking for two or three individuals to form a leadership team for the coming year. If you feel led to be a part of this team, please email Howard Garner, Clerk of Adult Spiritual Education.
The submission deadline is June 21, 2021. The completion deadline will be October 31, 2022.
To review the application please go to the RichmondFriendsMeeting.org protected log-on page* and click on the Donna Knicely Bequest bar. There is also a contact button to request a copy of the application or you can email Tracey Cain.
Since the meetinghouse closed down due to the pandemic, we've been offering virtual classes for our children over Zoom. Kelly Kennedy has led sing-alongs for all ages every second Sunday. Every fourth Sunday of the month, religious education classes have been divided into preschool, early elementary, and late elementary. On May 1, 2021, we had our first in-person event, a lively morning gathering in Shannon Garrett's backyard, filled with fun activities like a trampoline and zipline, to mention a few. On May 23, 2012 at The Clearing, we are recognizing our graduate, Hallie Perry at the rise of meeting. Hallie is graduating from Trinity High School and will be attending the University of Mary Washington this fall. Also on May 23 at The Clearing, we are having a nature-oriented scavenger hunt for all the children during the worship time. On June 13, 2021 from 9am- 10:30am, we again meet outdoors, this time at the Mary Munford playground. Activities are planned for all the children. After June 13, RE is taking a summer break. We will be ready to resume in September 2021 with our religious education program for our children. Please contact Monica Shaw with questions/concerns. monicakshaw123@gmail.com
ALERT!! In the current newsletter RE said that our Graduating Senior Recognition will be June 27 at rise of Meeting at the Clearing. We have changed to Sunday, May 23 at the rise of meeting. During meeting on May 23 the children will participate in a scavenger hunt. Please come to the Clearing on May 23 to recognize Hallie Perry's graduation from high school. from Monica Shaw
Sign up for a work day! Invite friends and family! Let’s be clear. It is OUR job to do the physical work to open camp. Tasks are available for all abilities and skill levels. Sign up and invite others! Announcements will go out in newsletters, but personal invitations help. There is a LOT of work to do. BYM Staff cannot and should not do it all. Let’s descend on camps in such numbers that we run out of work to do--early. How to Sign Up: Three Sign Up Genius links, one for each of the residential camps: Catoctin Dates – April 3rd, 10th, 17th and May 1st www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AFA62CABF8C43-lets Opequon Dates – April 17th, May 8th, 19th and 29th www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AFA62CABF8C43-lets2 Shiloh Dates - April 24th, May 5th, and May 15th www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AFA62CABF8C43- lets1 Pick a camp. Use the Sign Up Genius link for that camp. Pick a date – or two, or three! Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays Pick a type of work Each camp has 3 categories of work to do: Clean, Repair, and Yard Work. Sign up for one but remain flexible. Each category is limited to 10 people, so we get all kinds of work done. If all 30 spots fill, then each category can expand. But we don’t want 15 people on yard work while only 2 are cleaning. Expectations Time: Arrive ready to work from 9 AM to 5 PM. But if you can only come for a partial day, we still need you! Bring: Food and snacks to fuel yourself Water bottles to hydrate yourself Tools for the type of work you intend to do Any other tools you’re willing to lend for the day – labeled with your name These are workdays. We will have fun! But they are not Family Camp Weekends. That means: There will be no programming, no prepared meals, and no childcare. There is no plan for overnight camping. (Want to camp? It’s likely possible. But ask David first.) If you want to take responsibility for making childcare possible, get in touch with David Hunter. It would need planning and lots of communication in advance. If childcare becomes available, we will announce it. For now though, there is none. Contacts Anne Honn: Questions about the sign-up anhonn@gmail.com or 240-441-6688 David Hunter: Questions about work to be done davidhunter@bym-rsf.org or 240-285-5186
When we return to the building, some RE classes will be making collages. The teachers are asking all of you to keep magazines with pictures of people, nature, multi-cultural images, food, etc. Please put the magazines aside now and we'll pick them up later or you'll be able to bring them in, once we return.
Quaker House Update Quaker House (https://quakerhouse.org/) is in a time of a strategic planning. We hope to continue to nurture current programs and grow into new opportunities for programs that serve the organization's mission Possibilities include: working with police around moral injury, racial equity, and more intensive counseling on the draft and conscientious objection beyond Quaker Meetings. We are led by issues related to the Derek Chauvin trial and the militarization of police.
At Fourth Month business meeting, the ad hoc COVID-19 Committee brought a new policy for use of the meetinghouse which was accepted. Consistent with the latest CDC guidelines: Rooms in the Meetinghouse will be open for meeting-related gatherings of small groups (25 persons or fewer) of RFM members/attenders with 100% vaccination (plus wait time). All meetings must be scheduled through the building coordinator, Ada Hammer. Note: Zoom offers a hybrid option for committee meetings or other small gatherings to include those not vaccinated.
Richmond Friends Meeting’s Spring Retreat Committee is pleased to announce we will be having an intergenerational retreat over Memorial Day weekend! Most of the retreat will be held virtually via Zoom, but we will have an in-person, safely distanced component as well.
Mark your calendars for May 28-29. We will explore the chosen theme of Come What May. It’s been quite a year. The world has changed in so many ways. How are we adapting? At the least, we continue to build and celebrate our community, and find the rejuvenation that will support and sustain us as we move forward.
See below for the (tentative) schedule, and then register for the RFM Spring Retreat by following this link: http://bit.ly/RFMRetreat2021. There is a modest fee for registration. Your registration will make it possible for us to ensure that the final schedule and links to join the event are sent to you. Don’t let financial limitations prevent you and your family from attending! Scholarships are available; just indicate that you’d like one on the registration form. Any questions, contact Ted Heck at ted.heck@vdh.virginia.gov or 804-726-1056.
Tentative Spring Retreat Schedule:
May 22-23 –Informal Camping at The Clearing. According to current guidelines, there will be no use of the Lodge or sleeping cabins. Bring your own food and camping gear; cooking only available over a fire at the Pavilion, the Worship Circle, or a camping stove. Use of the Pavilion is OK, along with privies, and all outdoor spaces. Campers can join Meeting for Worship at the Clearing Worship Circle on Sunday, May 23.
May 28-29 –Programed activities for Spring Retreat (all via Zoom)
4:00 – 5:00 pm: Tea Time with Katy Rugg – A little talk and demonstration at the beginning and then breakout zoom rooms for small group social time.7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Evening Performance with Jon Watts--
Donna Knicely Bequest Mini-Grants Round 2 New application submissions are from March 21- June 21, 2021 Requests should be guided by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship of the environment. Funds may be requested for (but not limited to) the development of programs, activities, items or workshops that support and enhance the Meeting and/or the broader community. Requests for funds will typically be in a range between $500.00 up to $2000.00. Further explanation, and all forms and instructions are available on the Donna Knicely Bequest Page at the Richmond Friends Meeting Website. (You must however first login to find the Donna Knicely Bequest Page). If you have any questions please contact a member of the Bequest Fulfillment Ad Hoc Committee: Tracy Cain, Roni Kingsley, or Jean Washburn
We found that the severe challenges of 2020 inspired growth and creativity for Richmond Friends Meeting. Members found fruitful paths in both activism and contemplation. Many of us made both practical and spiritual adaptations to difficult circumstances.
After the normal activities of January and February, the Meeting began grappling with emerging COVID news. Questions about stopping in-person Meetings for Worship in response to the pandemic brought further awareness of how precious our shared worship and sacred space are to us. When in-person Meetings were reluctantly laid down, we began on-line Meetings for First Day mornings and found them to be surprisingly gathered. Our spring retreat group found creative ways to interact virtually which inspired and influenced our other efforts through the year.
We began a Wednesday night Worship Sharing using queries to encourage discussion after shared silence. These have been well attended and many have reported feeling a heightened sense of community there. In the fall, outdoor First Day Meeting were held twice a month at our retreat center, The Clearing. In general, all the forms of Meeting have had a sense of gathering despite their virtual nature. Verbal messages have reflected spirit guidance. Friends expressed thankfulness and joy about being able to see each other.
The Meeting is deeply grateful to our technologically gifted members who have made all this possible, including tutoring the less adept of us. While we have missed our physical togetherness, many of us have learned how and chosen to gather in worship and committee work using Zoom. In addition, breakout rooms for visiting after Meetings, a telephone member-pairing system, the Wednesday Worship Sharing format and Friendly Eights have allowed mutual care and support to flow among us. Shut-in and distant Friends have been able to join Meetings. A number of new young adults have come, moving easily into the on-line process. At the same time, we have felt the loss of those unable to join in this way.
Committee work on-line has often felt more intently connected and spirit-led as we tended to focus more deeply on matters at hand. Many Friends mentioned feeling closer than before to others in the community in this work as well as in the Worship Sharing. On-going Spiritual Formation and Bible Workbench groups report enhanced sense of their value. These spiritual gathering places have stood in contrast to the turmoil, conflict and illness dominating the national news and the world scene.
Those entrusted with spiritual education, both for adults and children, rose to the new circumstances. Innovative, interactive programs engaged our young children, while adults had opportunities to explore deeper contemplation and mysticism. Our social concerns, especially racial justice and understanding, were addressed with a vigorous film discussion program and a thoughtful, on-going authors of color book group. Friends responding to racial justice issues found consensus for a Black Lives Matter sign on the Meeting House grounds. A group was moved to collect warm clothing and coats for homeless people.
The practical necessity of maintaining our buildings led us to delegate tasks to individuals and small groups who were able to work independently, even making significant progress on long-standing issues like energy conservation for our worship room and facility repairs at the Clearing. With the building sitting empty, we hired professionals to paint the interior of the Meetinghouse education rooms, something that had been needed for years. Friends were moved to contribute financially even more generously than in some prior years so that our budget is on firm footing.
Meetings for Worship with Attention to Business presented new challenges and different requirements. Our clerk modeled patience and sensitivity, negotiating screens to convey complex information and to seek the spirit of each gathering. Members were largely able to maintain focus and presence despite the unfamiliar context.
Our continuing concerns include a sense of having been unable to fully mourn our losses together and fears that we may have lost touch with some who did not find the on-line connection satisfying. We are hopeful that our learnings from this year will flow into blended in-person and on-line forms of worship when that becomes possible.
Overall, there is a strong feeling that Grace has moved among us this year. Our blessings have been abundant, and the Light has shone brightly through the dark circumstances.
New application submissions are from March 21- June 21, 2021
Requests should be guided by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship of the environment. Funds may be requested for (but not limited to) the development of programs, activities, items or workshops that support and enhance the Meeting and/or the broader community. Requests for funds will typically be in a range between $500.00 up to $2000.00.
Further explanation, and all forms and instructions are available on the Donna Knicely Bequest Page at the Richmond Friends Meeting Website. (You must however first login to find the Donna Knicely Bequest Page).
If you have any questions please contact a member of the Bequest Fulfillment Ad Hoc Committee: Tracy Cain, Roni Kingsley, or Jean Washburn
Beginning in April, worship at The Clearing will take place on the first and fourth Sundays. This change will provide an opportunity for Religious Education teachers to participate once a month.
Over the past month, our work has focused on a large number of conscientious objection cases at varying stages of the process. In one case, we have had the privilege of supporting a Muslim conscientious objector. She is the first CO we have worked with who is part of the new Space Force, which falls under Air Force command and regulations. A couple weeks ago she was interviewed by the appointed investigating officer (IO) for her case. We were pleased to see that the IO very conscientiously educated himself beforehand about Islam by doing his own research, which included seeking out a Muslim chaplain. In the interview, our applicant was relaxed, confident, and candid about her faith; the IO subsequently recommended her for approval. Her written application beautifully sums up the basis of her belief:
I believe that war, fighting, and harming others is wrong. Islam preaches justice, mercy, fairness, and forgiveness. I believe that God wants every being to live peacefully and to treat one another well, and like brethren. We are not meant to be divided and feuding. In the Quran, Allah says, “Mankind is a single nation” (C2, V213). Unfortunately, Muslims everywhere often suffer from the stigma that some extremists have caused. But like most Muslims, I believe that we are all one and should all be behaving like such. I believe that if I am participating in the harm of some, I am participating in the harm of all and God has opposed this behavior. The Holy Quran says, “To kill one innocent person is akin to killing all mankind…” (C5, V32).
Quaker House supports the GI Rights Network through the work of paid counselors Steve and Lenore, and executive director Kindra Bradley, who serves on the GI Rights Network board of directors. Steve, Lenore and Kindra recently completed a training session for 10 new, volunteer GI Rights Hotline counselors, who are currently "shadowing" the trained counselors on client calls. Find out more about the GI Rights Network here: https://quakerhouse.org/counselors-to-the-gi-rights-hotline/
******* Friends Meeting and individual donors are a continuing source of support for Quaker House. Thank you!
Friends, you may know that the annual week long gathering of Friends from the US, Canada and many other countries is scheduled to take place the week of June 27. Once again, the session will be virtual, allowing us to attend with from our homes. Check it out! And remember that Adult Spiritual Education has funds to help pay for conference expenses.
Below is a message sent to me from the Gathering Conference Coordinator.
"It was wonderful to gather with Friends from all over, many of whom would probably not have been able to participate at all if the Gathering was only in-person."
We received many expressions of appreciation like this one after the 2020 Virtual Gathering. Hosting FGC's annual summer event online in 2020 made it possible for many people from across the Quaker landscape to attend. We can't wait to see who will join us this summer!
I'm excited to share that Tara Houska will be our Friday EveningPlenary Speaker!Tara (Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe) is a tribal attorney, founder of Giniw Collective, and is currently engaged in the movement to defund fossil fuel use.
