Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Richmond, VA

Richmond Friends Meeting, First Month 20, 2019

by Diane Bowden | Jan 24, 2019 | Minutes of Business Meeting

Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

Richmond Friends Meeting, First Month 20, 2019

Edited Draft

Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business (MWB) began in silence at 11:00 am with 46 in attendance. Lucia Lloyd and Emily Lyth were first-time attenders to MWB. The greeter was Janet Thoroman of Care and Counsel Committee; Margaret Edds of Ministry and Worship Committee held Meeting in the Light from the facing bench. Jim Thoroman read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting Queries and Voices on Vocal Ministry. 

Clearing Usage Annual Report: Janett Forté presented the report for 2018. The Clearing was rented thirty-six times during the year, for groups ranging from three people to forty, with an average of ten to fifteen. Most rentals were on weekends with the exception of a Wednesday homeschool group that has begun to use the facility with some regularity. Groups were a mix of community organizations, individuals needing a large space to host an event (birthday, baby shower, etc.) and RFM. RFM used the Clearing for Spring Retreat, Fall Retreat, and the Clearing Work Committee held three work days. Total rental revenue for 2018 was $7,912.00, which was more than 26% higher than the previous year. A Friend asked if rental fees covered the cost of maintaining the Clearing; treasurer Scott Morrison said no, and are not meant to. All use-of-space monies received from both the Kensington Avenue building and the Clearing are put in the Maintenance Fund; money for Clearing maintenance is budgeted annually. Members and attenders of RFM are able to use the Clearing at no cost. There was one such use last year. The Clearing committees are attempting to generate more usage from Quakers individually as well as other regional meetings. Tim Staub thanked Janett for all her work as Clearing Scheduler, and noted the Worthington family continues to provide care and love to the land. Janett concluded by inviting all to help on upcoming workdays. 

Peace & Social Concerns: Roni Kingsley put forward a request from the committee to consolidate two existing fund accounts, Sanctuary and Puerto Rican Relief, to a single one named Rotating Community Partnership Fund. The committee has decided to use their monthly fundraising lunches to support a different cause each month. The request was approved. The lunch at Rise of Meeting today will benefit Midwives for Haiti; the next two lunches will benefit Boys to Men and GraceInside. P&SC will develop a process for individuals in Meeting to suggest groups; for now email Roni Kingsley with suggestions. P&SC will give advance notice of beneficiaries on the listserve and in the newsletter. 

Disaster Relief: Ben Hebner described the upcoming Disaster Relief trip to Danville, March 17-23, where the Quaker team will work under the direction of Reverend Elizabeth Norton of the United Methodist Church. She is overseeing help for twenty families who suffered serious flood damage last fall. This will be the first time our group works in Virginia. The group is well-funded this year with $1,800 raised for the project. So far ten have committed to go; the team usually has twelve to sixteen members. Ben noted the  deep bonding that takes place among participants, and encouraged everyone to consider participating.  

Ministry & Worship: Denna Joy reminded Friends of the upcoming Spiritual State of the Meeting meeting February 9, beginning with a simple breakfast from 9:00-9:30 am and with Worship Sharing guided by selected Baltimore Yearly Meeting queries from 9:30 until noon. The report of this meeting is required by BYM, and provides a truthful examination of our Meeting. Prior to the SSotM, all end-of-year committee reports must be submitted to Denna; she will distribute them to everyone else required to have them. 

BYM Report: Denna Joy noted Baltimore Yearly Meeting serves about forty monthly meetings. On March 23 the Interim Meeting will meet in Annapolis. Four Friends from RFM hold BYM positions: Barb Adams is an Earthcare Witness representative, Ellen Arginteanu a member of the Religious Education Committee, Diane Bowden is on the Faith & Practice Committee, and Denna Joy is on the Nominating Committee. April 26-28 BYM will hold a spring clean-up at Shiloh, one of its youth camps. 

Adult Spiritual Education: Diane Bowden announced the following upcoming ASE programs, held from 9:30-10:40 am in the Community Room: February 10, Friend and author Margaret Edds will discuss her recent book We Face the Dawn; February 24 poet Leslie Shiel leads “The Body and the Lyric,” a conversation on reading poetry aloud (this has been rescheduled from an earlier date); March 10 Diane Bowden coordinates a morning of Poetry and Hot Chocolate. All are asked to bring and share a poem of personal significance to this last program of the writing series. 

Care & Counsel: Janet Thoroman encouraged all to attend the February 3 New Member Welcome at Rise of Meeting in honor of Janett Forté and Joe Ball. 

Approval of Twelfth Month Minutes: With one minor change, the minutes were approved. 

Clerk’s Business: Clerk Tracey Cain noted receipt of a thank-you letter from ReEstablish Richmond. 

Financial Stewardship requests Clerk to form an ad hoc committee to discern the best use of Donna Knicely’s generous bequest. The committee will identify a process to collect and consider ideas in a way satisfactory to the Meeting and will bring a recommendation to Meeting when clarity and unity are reached. Formation of this ad hoc committee was approved by Meeting. 

Clerk asked for approval to transfer membership for Lisa Knox to Mountain View Friends Meeting in Denver, CO. The request was approved. Committee clerks were reminded to reserve a month for their committees to provide coffee at Rise of Meeting for 2019. 

There being no other business, Meeting settled into silent worship at noon, adjourning at 12:30 pm. 

Catherine Roseberry, Recording 

Clerk Tracey Cain, Clerk

Minutes of December 2015 Business Meeting

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 28^th 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 27^th. 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

MWB Minutes for November 2015

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

Minutes for Tenth Month 2015 Business Meeting

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

Minutes for Ninth Month 2015 Business Meeting

by Diane Bowden | Sep 26, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting

Richmond Friends Meeting

Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

Ninth Month 20, 2015

Meeting began with silence at 11:00 AM. Thirty-seven (37) members and attenders were present. Clarisse Harton was greeter. Frances Stewart from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Verónica Corrales Fuentes and Sebastian Wolff were welcomed as first-time attenders to MWB. Tracey Cain read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries and Voices on Peace.

Religious Education: Barb Adams updated the meeting on the state of the Religious Education program. There are currently 29 children on the roster, of which about 14 are expected to attend regularly. The high school aged Young Friends (YF) and middle school aged Junior Young Friends (JYF) have typical enrollment numbers, while the elementary aged (ELF) class is quite small. All members of the JYF class will be attending the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program at the First Unitarian Universalist church for the majority of the First Days during the school year, and will only attend the meeting RE program sporadically. In order to accommodate these enrollment changes the K–8 children will be grouped together and have a rotating set of teachers.   Upcoming RE events include the sale of handmade ‘Tz for Pz’ shirts (proceeds to Doctors without Borders), and participation in the International Day of Peace vigil to be held at the meetinghouse on Monday Sept. 21^st at 7pm. Barb announced that there will be a program during Young Friends First Day class on October 4^th on Conscientious Objection by Curt Terrell of Quaker House. Betsy Brinson, longtime QH Board member elaborated on the work of Quaker House.

Nominating Committee: Brooke Davis announced that the nominating committee is looking for members to serve on committees next year, and urged people to consider volunteering both to serve the meeting and to deepen their ties within the community.

Care and Counsel: Clarisse Harton announced that the committee is highly recommending Allen Lee for membership. As is customary his membership will be held over for approval to the October MWB, allowing Friends an opportunity to get to know Allen. Clarisse also urged people to consider joining a ‘Friendly 8s’ group by signing up on the lists on the bulletin board. These groups connect members with shared interests on a monthly basis and are a great way to get to know other meeting members. She highlighted the new group that will read One Year to Live by Steven Levine and discuss how to live meaningfully. Wade Smith announced that the trip sponsored by the birding group at the end of October still has openings.

Ministry and Worship: Tracey Cain announced the following upcoming events: (1) She extended an invitation to the Fall Retreat that is being held on November 14 from 9 am to 3 pm at The Clearing.   John Calvi, a licensed massage therapist who has worked extensively with survivors of traumatic events, will lead The Goodness Workshop. This slow quiet time will include sharing by choice, simple clothes-on massage, an energy work form for deep relaxation, and John’s stories to keep us laughing. (2) John Calvi will lead two other events at the meetinghouse during the retreat weekend. On Friday evening he will give a presentation about QUIT, (the Quaker Initiative to End Torture,) and on Sunday at 9:30 am he will present ‘Journal Reading of a Quaker Healer After 30+ years’. (3) On November 1st, after meeting, VCCW (Virginia Correctional Center for Women) volunteers will gather for a light lunch and discussion, and invite people to learn more about their prison ministry (R.S.V.P. Rita Willett). The Quaker group at the women’s prison has been meeting for almost one year and plans to use the “spiritual state” process to develop a report to be shared with our meeting.

Website Committee: Don Miller updated members on changes to the meeting website, richmondfriendsmeeting.org, which has been available for more than a year. The committee has recently completed a significant revision to make it more convenient to use and make navigation more intuitive. Archives of meeting documents and the current directory are available in a password protected area. The committee would like to add more photographs once there is a clear privacy policy for publishing pictures. Don encouraged people to explore and use the website. Don also read a letter from Tom Illmensee, the primary architect of the website, who has moved to Hungary with his family. In his letter he talked about his family taking food and supplies to Syrian refugees who were at the Budapest train station and visiting the protest zone.

Peace and Social Concerns: (1) Mark Skolnick reported that PSC is selling Palestinian olive oil. Orders may be placed through Verna Boos.   (2) Marcia Dickinson reminded members of the annual food drive we sponsor in October to collect food for the Fan Free Clinic. Leave donations of nonperishable foods, dog food, and paper bags in the collection box at the meetinghouse. (3) Ada Hammer announced that she is coordinating a dinner our meeting is sponsoring on 12/12/15 for families returning from a visiting day at distant prisons through Assisting Families of Inmates. Donations of time and food will be needed. (4) At its annual session in August, BYM approved a Climate Change Minute which had been created by Quaker Earthcare Witness, Quaker United Nations Office and Friends Committee on National Legislation. BYM asked individual meetings to consider the minute. The Climate Change minute was read and approved. This minute is separate from the one drafted and approved by RFM.

Adult Spiritual Education: Monica Shaw announced the following events, for which details are found on our website and in the newsletter: (1) Sunday, October 4th at 9:30 and 11 am in the Community Room: Workshops on Conscientious Objection and the Peace Testimony. There will be a session on Being an Advocate at rise of meeting, (2) Sunday, October 18th at 1 pm in the Community Room: Healing the Divide in Israel and Palestine. Dr. Alice Rothchild, Boston physician, human rights advocate and Jewish advocate for peace in Israel and Palestine, will present on her recent and ongoing travels to Gaza, (3) Saturday, October 24th from 10-12 noon in the Community Room: Moral Injury Workshop a presentation featuring Lynn and Steve Newsom, co-directors of Quaker House Military Counseling Center, Fayetteville, NC, home of Fort Bragg. Wade Smith, Quaker House Board Member spoke about the work that Quaker House is doing in this area to support veterans.   (4) Sunday, October 25th, 9:30 to 10:45 am in the Community Room: The Spiritual Implications of Our Food Choices with Dr. Margaret Fisher of Herndon Friends Mtg.

Seventh Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved.

Clerk’s Business: The next potluck lunch will be September 27th, 2015, at rise of Meeting. Please bring food to share. The clerk announced the scheduled execution of Alfredo R. Prieto on Thursday, October 1^st at 9:00 pm. RFM will hold a vigil beginning at 8:30. Friends are asked to consult the VADP (Virginians Against the Death Penalty) website for further information as the date approaches.

Other Business: Margaret Edds of Care and Counsel reported that Mary Bo Gassman has fallen ill and would appreciate cards and letters. Elizabeth Smith announced a silent retreat at The Clearing on Wednesday September 23^rd from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The day is co-sponsored with the group Chrysalis, and those interested were reminded to bring a bag lunch.

All business being concluded we settled into silence until the rise of meeting was signaled from the facing bench.

Denna Joy, Acting Clerk

Tina Mello, Acting Recording Clerk

Business Meeting Minutes for Seventh Month 19, 2015

by Diane Bowden | Aug 3, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting

Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Fifty-one (51) members and attenders were present. Mary Graham Landau was greeter. Kat Sharp from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Diane Penfield, Tyler Plante, Charles Teixeira, and Kaia Alderson, with son Rafe, were welcomed as first-time attenders to MWB. Janet Thoroman read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries and Voices on Aging.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bronwyn Hughes handed out copies of the Second Quarter 2015 report. Bronwyn noted that after 50% of this fiscal year, the Meeting had received 26% of budgeted contributions. Steve Humphrey, clerk of Financial Stewardship, commented that it is normal for the most of the budgeted contributions to come in late in the year, but encouraged Friends to make contributions earlier as a help to the committee when they begin the budgeting process this fall. Bronwyn then noted that Meeting has expended 64% of the budget; she described the line items and amounts that have made up most of the expenses so far. She reminded Friends that she is always available to answer questions.

Care and Counsel: Chris Olson-Vickers reported for the committee: (1) Jim Melton has moved to Church Hill and still needs rides to and from Meeting. His new address and phone number are posted on the bulletin board. Friends are encouraged to sign up to give rides to Jim. (2) Martha Menk is recovering at the Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Center and would appreciate cards, phone calls and visits to provide respite for her husband. Contact Ellen Thurmond if you are interested in providing support. More details, including phone numbers, will be in the newsletter.

Ministry and Worship: Mary Julia Street made announcements for the committee:

(1) The Fall Retreat is planned for Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Clearing. Details will be provided in the future. (2) In response to the request from the Clerk to start a process for the Meeting to engage in dialog about what it means to do something on behalf of, or in the name of, the Meeting, the committee will begin meeting with individual Friends for deep listening about concerns. These individual meetings will help the committee shape its listening session(s) for the entire Meeting, sometime in the future. One Friend wondered whether it is generally understood what it means to do something under the care of the Meeting and the processes we follow. Another Friend asked whether a person simply identifying him or herself as a Quaker or member of our Meeting is acting on behalf of the Meeting. The Clerk responded that the process the committee is just beginning is an opportunity for all of us to have a conversation about these topics. Friends who would like to meet with members of the committee may contact clerk Tracey Cain. (3) There are new pamphlets and cards (from Friends General Conference) in the meetinghouse foyer.

Adult Spiritual Education: Howard Garner announced the following: (1) The next Bible Workbench will be held at 9:30 am on Sunday, September 6, 2015. (2) Four ASE workshops on a variety of topics will be held in October. (3) A series on Quaker values, including some “Quaker 101” topics, is being planned for this winter.

Hospitality: Bob Alexander reported on the kitchen improvement project. The renovations to address the features of the kitchen that were creating major problems during cleanup after potluck are complete. The cost was $4500, less than the $5500 budgeted. Friends are encouraged to inspect the improvements.

Peace and Social Concerns: Martha Foster announced that the committee was reviewing the list of 30 local outreach organizations that the Meeting supports with financial contributions. The committee is asking for input from the Meeting. Martha made available a list of the organizations and budgeted amounts of support. Comments and suggestions may be sent to Martha, or clerk Denna Joy.

Sixth Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved.

Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk noted that 27 Friends from our Meeting attended the recent FGC Gathering. She asked Friends who attended to share special moments or highlights. Friends responded with the following: after a hectic day of travel, arrival and making arrangements, settling into silence with 900 people at the opening Plenary Session; spending leisurely time with Friends from our Meeting; meeting new people, many from Canada and the West Coast; volunteering at the information desk; daily worship for one hour; talking with a variety of people who are serious about their spiritual lives; considering the concern raised by speaker Parker Palmer about the declining number of Quakers (now about half of what it was in the 1970’s) and the implications if the trend continues. The Clerk noted that several Friends were planning to transfer some of the energy of their experience at the Gathering into our local Spiritual Formation Program.

(2) Our building use guidelines have been submitted to the Richmond Zoning Department, which has not responded. The Clerk also announced that the Financial Stewardship Committee has approved the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Building Use Committee that the Meeting stop charging rent and instead request suggested donations for use of the facilities.

(3) The next potluck lunch will be July 26, 2015, at rise of Meeting. Please bring food to share.

(4) As is our custom when there is no pressing business, we will not hold Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business in August. The next MWB will be the third First Day in September, with Denna Joy substituting as Clerk.

Other Business: Farid Alan Schintzius asked how we might act more quickly in response to events such as the shootings in Charleston, South Carolina, the national debate about displaying the Confederate Battle Flag, and monuments to the Confederacy in public places. He put forth the idea of Meeting supporting a change.org petition to call on the city, mayor and city council to create a commission to supervise memorials and monuments in Richmond. Several Friends commented on Alan’s suggestions and various aspects of Quaker process. The Clerk asked a member of Peace and Social Concerns to take the questions and suggestions to the committee; it was agreed that she would do so. In the meantime, Alan has a Facebook page discussing the theme “Truthful History Heals,” which can be found by searching for that phrase.

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

Business Meeting Minutes, Sixth Month 2015

by Diane Bowden | Jul 1, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting

Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Forty-six (46) members and attenders were present. Clarisse Harton was greeter. Rita Willett from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Govind Narayan was welcomed as a first-time attender to MWB. Linda Whittington read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries and Voices on Caring for One Another.

Website Committee: Bob Alexander reported that WiFi (wireless internet) was installed in the building and is now operating. The site ID will appear when you look for WiFi networks with your device. The password is available from Bob or members of the committee, or other members of the Meeting community already using the network. During installation, caller ID was added to our phone service. The Meeting purchased the wireless router ($200), instead of renting it, to save money over time.

Nominating Committee: Don Miller announced the nomination and recommendation by the committee of Michelle Bellows as the Friends General Conference (FGC) Liaison. Don noted that Michelle has extensive experience with FGC, including work planning the upcoming FGC Gathering. Friends approved.

Religious Education: Diane Bowden announced that the Summer RE program calendar still has three dates open and encouraged committees to sign up.

Financial Stewardship: Steve Humphrey reported for the committee. Before Steve gave his report, the Clerk provided this background: On the First Day following the Young Friends’ coffeehouse, a $100 bill was taken from the contribution basket which had been put out during Meeting for Worship to encourage additional contributions to be made. Financial Stewardship was asked to consider this incident and Steve reported they had two responses: (1) The committee felt that the Young Friends should be able to accomplish their goal of raising money to donate to the organizations they had chosen. The committee will transfer $100 from the Meeting contingency fund to cover the missing amount. (2) The committee will develop guidelines for committees that handle cash with the intent of avoiding a similar incident. A Friend commented that although he was in unity with the committee’s decision to replace the missing amount, he wanted to make note of the responsibility of the adults who were charged with safeguarding the money. In response to a question, the Clerk said that money had gone missing from a pocketbook in January (Friends were notified at that time). These are the only two instances we are aware of. A Friend suggested that we all contribute a dollar to make up the missing amount; Steve stated the committee would accept any contributions. During a discussion of a recent period during which the lock on the contribution box was missing, Steve noted that it is best to make contributions by check or by online transfer.

Care and Counsel: Randee Humphrey reported for the committee: (1) Katy Rugg’s application for membership was presented for the second month, again with the recommendation of the committee. Friends approved. (2) Martha Menk is requesting help with meals in early July. Please contact Margaret Edds if you can help.

Ad Hoc Committee for Building Use: Margaret Edds reported for the committee:

(1) After the recent threshing session held to gather input about how the Meeting should respond to issues regarding the use of our building by non-Quaker groups, and what is required of us to be good neighbors, the committee completed a set of guidelines for building use. These guidelines are for the building coordinator to use when considering requests and scheduling, and for groups that use our building. Margaret read the guidelines, which elicited comments. One Friend suggested we plan a way of communicating the essential guidelines to non-Quaker users of our building, perhaps using signage located both inside and outside the building. After some discussion of the phrase “there should be no congregating outside the building for smoking or socializing in the evening,” Friends requested that the guidelines be changed to make it clear that this was intended to apply after 9:00 pm. Friends approved the guidelines, with that change. (2) During the threshing session, suggestions were made for a variety of ways that we might communicate with residents of the neighborhood. After discussion and consideration at several meetings, it was the discernment of the committee that these efforts might create unrealistic expectations. As a result, the committee recommended that Meeting not pursue active engagement with the neighbors. In response to questions, Friends were reminded that we do notify and invite neighbors to join us in some activities, such as the International Day of Peace candlelight walk. (3) The committee is meeting again to consider whether there might be merit in requesting donations of suggested amounts from users of the building instead of our current practice of charging rent.

Peace and Social Concerns: Denna Joy reported that the changes suggested at the second reading of the climate change minute at Fifth Month MWB had been accepted by the committee and incorporated into the minute. The final minute will be published in the newsletter and on the website. In response to suggestions from the Meeting, the committee is looking at ways to disseminate the minute, including sending it to BYM and various newspapers, and sharing it with the Virginia legislature.

BYM Representative Report: Denna Joy reported on her trip to Sixth Month Interim Meeting, held at Patuxent Friends Meeting. Denna informed Friends that there are 55 Meetings in BYM and that Virginia has more than any other state. She also described several highlights of the Interim Meeting: the grant from the Shoemaker Fund to BYM to fund a position to help Meetings grow in diversity and encourage young Friends to stay involved and become leaders; the “one book” chosen to be read next year, “A Sustainable Life,” by Doug Gwyn; the visit to Patuxent Meeting, with its rich history, including a visit by George Fox; the honoring of two Friends (Alison Duncan and Riley Robinson) leaving BYM after serving many years and, a current effort to find someone from Virginia to serve on the BYM nominating committee. Denna emphasized how interesting it is to visit other Meetings.

Adult Spiritual Education: Howard Garner announced the next Bible Workbench will be held July 12, 2015 at 9:30 am.

Fifth Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved.

Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk announced that she had received a minute from Langley Hill Meeting concerning the use of drones as weapons. She forwarded it to Peace and Social Concerns, who did not feel led to take up the concern at this time. The Clerk read the minute. It will be posted on our bulletin board. (2) Midlothian Meeting invites us to a celebration of completion of work to make their meetinghouse accessible to be held on June 28, 2015. More details are in the RFM Sixth Month newsletter. (3) Several Friends have raised concerns with the Clerk about what it means to do something on behalf of, or in the name of, the Meeting. While it has long been RFM’s practice to have committees season issues affecting the Meeting before bringing them to the entire community, there does not appear to be unity about what issues require the “approval” of Meeting as a whole and what issues can or should be acted on through the discernment of a committee. The Clerk asked whether this was something we needed to have dialogue about and, if so, how we might go about that. After some discussion, Friends agreed to ask Ministry and Worship to take the lead in developing a process for dialogue about these issues. (4) The next potluck lunch will be June 28, 2015, at rise of Meeting. Please bring food to share.

Other Business: A Friend noted that the kitchen faucet was still leaking significantly. She expressed a concern about the amount of water that is being wasted and said that it is urgent to have it fixed as soon as possible. Noting that there was not a report this month from the Hospitality or Building and Grounds committees, the Friend asked if anyone knew when the kitchen renovation work was scheduled. Bob Alexander stated that he understood the renovation work would begin in one to three weeks, as soon as the contractor was available.

All business being concluded for the day, we settled into silence until the rise of meeting was signaled from the facing bench.

Barbara Hulburt, Clerk

James Thoroman, Recording Clerk

Minutes of Business Meeting, Fourth Month 19, 2015

by Diane Bowden | Apr 24, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting

Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Fifty-four (54) members and attenders were present. Clarisse Harton was greeter. Julia Hebner from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Nick Martina read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries and Voices on Community.

Religious Education: Diane Bowden made two announcements: (1) A coffee house will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Doors will open at 6:30 pm; performances will begin at 7:00 pm. Diane asked Friends to sign up to share “secret talents.” Proceeds will be donated to the Byrd Theatre Foundation. (2) On First Day (Sunday), May 31, 2015, at rise of Meeting, Senior Recognition Day will be held in the community room. Four seniors are graduating.

Adult Spiritual Education: (1) Howard Garner introduced Betsy Brinson who announced that on First Day, May 17, 2015, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am, a representative from Moscow House (Russia) will speak about their activities. Items from Russia will be offered for sale to support the organization. (2) On First Days, June 7, 2015 and June 14, 2015, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am, members of the Faith and Practice Ad Hoc Committee (which reviewed the proposed BYM Faith and Practice and was then laid down) will lead a discussion of how we use language to express the “Inward Light.” (3) On First Day, June 21, 2015, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am, the committee will facilitate a sharing of “Faith Transitions,” inviting Friends to share and discuss our experiences during the individual spiritual journeys that led to us to become Quakers.

Building and Grounds: Bob Alexander announced the Spring Work Day to be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Most work will be outside. Extra rakes are welcome. Lunch will be provided. Activities will be over before 2:00 pm.

Care and Counsel: Margaret Edds made two announcements: (1) There will be a New Member and New Baby welcome on First Day, May 3, 2015, at rise of Meeting. (2) The committee received an application for membership from Youth member Anna Best and recommends her for membership. Margaret read parts of Anna’s letter of application. As is our practice, the recommendation will be held over for one month and approval will be requested at Fifth Month MWB.

Hospitality Committee: Scott Selby presented the final proposal for improvements to the kitchen layout, including a new countertop and sink configuration. The existing dishwasher will be used. Ada Hammer explained that a new commercial dishwasher would have been very expensive, and very different and likely difficult to use. Financial Stewardship has approved a budget of $5500. There was discussion about whether a garbage disposal would be included; there is money in the budget for a garbage disposal but there are several unanswered questions that will require additional research. After discussion, Friends approved the proposal.

Clearing Building and Grounds Sub-Committee: Nick Martina reported for the committee: (1) The new website for The Clearing is up and includes a calendar displaying currently reserved and available times for use by the Meeting and rental by outside groups. Rental rates and other information is also on the website. Pictures of The Clearing (no pictures of children) are requested and may be sent to Dan Shaw. (2) A group of Young Friends spent a recent weekend at The Clearing and helped with major maintenance, including disposal of a felled tree and clearing of trails. A project is underway to create a map of the current trails. Friends interested in helping with maintenance were encouraged to contact Nick.

Ad Hoc Committee for Building Use: Steve Humphrey reported for the committee:

(1) The issue of identifying the person who made the threatening phone calls is in the hands of the police. (2) The zoning issue is now resolved. The for-profit yoga class – the only disqualified activity that was renting space from the Meeting – is moving to another location. The city acknowledged that we are allowed to post signs on our property, but Meeting is not yet in unity about whether to put signs out again. (3) The committee has begun developing guidelines for the use of our building. New guidelines will be developed with input from the Meeting community. To assist the Building Coordinator in the meantime, the following temporary guidelines are in place: (a) All committees should let Bob Alexander know when meetings are being held at the meetinghouse; (b) All meetings should end by 9:00 pm and people should be thoughtful about noise as they leave the building; and, (c) There should be no more than 30 people using the building in the evenings in order to limit the number of cars parked in the neighborhood. (4) A Listening Circle will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm to hear concerns about building use and the evolving guidelines. The temporary guidelines will be published in the newsletter.

Ministry and Worship: Tracey Cain distributed copies of the second draft of the 2014 Spiritual State of the Meeting report. She reported that comments on the first draft had been largely positive. The committee incorporated several of the suggestions received into the second draft. Tracey then read the second draft. Friends suggested two additional changes. Several Friends spoke in appreciation of the report. Friends approved the report with the changes. The Clerk thanked the committee for the report. One Friend suggested that since the report was a statement of our values, it would be useful as we considered guidelines for use of our building. The report, as approved with changes, will be attached to these minutes and published in the newsletter. There was discussion about the desire for a more detailed review of the previous year’s activities and the meaning they have for individual members and attenders. The Newsletter was identified as a good place for such reflections at this time.

Treasurer’s Report: Bronwyn Hughes distributed the financial report for the first quarter of 2015. Contributions were 14% of budget and expenses were 21% of budget (including a transfer to facility set-aside). Bronwyn noted several expenses were up and described recent transfers and fund activity. Friends thanked the treasurer for the report.

Working Group on New Jim Crow: Betsy Brinson announced the working group was laying itself down with the approval of the oversight committees (ASE and Ministry and Worship) and that the final report of the group will be published in the newsletter. Betsy then gave the highlights of the full report, including summaries of the current results of four activities the Meeting had focused on: the Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) organization, introduction to Quakerism and worship at the women’s prison in Goochland (VCCW), VA CURE, and Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS). With the exception of OAR, which has not worked out as an activity, numerous Friends are involved and making a difference. Friends accepted the working group’s decision to lay itself down. The Clerk thanked the group for its work. The final report will also be attached to these minutes.

In closing, Betsy described another possible volunteer opportunity: the Richmond Day Reception Center may need volunteers for tutoring, mentoring and G.E.D. preparation. There will be an information meeting on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 3:00 pm. For more information contact Betsy.

Peace and Social Concerns: Clerk Denna Joy read the first draft of a proposed minute on climate change.

Proposed Minute on Climate Change

Richmond Friends Meeting is a Quaker community of spirit dedicated to peace, justice and right relations with all creatures and life upon the earth.  Our place on the earth is rooted in respect not domination.  We submit this Minute in furtherance of that respect.

The effects of climate change have been documented by scientists who agree that human activity, specifically pouring millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, is reaching a tipping point.  Living in harmony with the natural world has been replaced with unsustainable ways of living: reliance on fossil fuels, extreme methods of resource extraction, widespread destruction of old-growth and rain forests, and over-consumption of natural resources.  These unsustainable practices are responsible for the Earth’s degraded state and climate disruption.  As a faith community dedicated to peace and social justice, it alarms us that the effects of climate change disproportionately impact the world’s most impoverished peoples and that fossil fuel extraction and consumption has contributed to international conflict.

We recognize the urgency of this problem and support actions on all levels, from individuals to international groups, to work toward an ecologically healthy planet.  Globally, developed countries must reduce carbon emissions and actively support the development of alternative energy sources. It is imperative that developed countries transfer money, expertise and technology to support sustainable development in less developed countries.

Our commitments to peace and justice, as well as our commitment to care for the earth, compel us to restorative action.  Restorative actions include:  education about climate change, education about sustainable living, conservation, downsizing our standards of living, reducing our carbon footprints, investing in renewable energy, divesting from fossil fuels and supporting sustainable energy development.

We are convinced that the problem of Climate Change is real, significant, worsening, and urgent.  We are called to advocate for immediate attention to the climate at the local, state, national and global levels through lobbying, community education, and peaceful protest as conscience dictates.

Although the challenge posed by climate change is complex and may seem daunting, our call to action is grounded in faith and supported by community.  We are a connected part of this earth, not separate from it.  We invite other communities, individuals and groups to endorse this minute and to join us in restorative actions to heal ourselves and the planet.

The minute was previously circulated via the NewsList. Copies were made available at MWB. After Denna read the proposed minute, the Clerk asked Friends to contact Denna or Suzanne Keller with comments and suggestions. The proposed minute, with any changes made by the committee, will be read for the second time next month at Fifth Month MWB.

Third Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved, with three changes: correct the ASE announcement of the April 12 discussion (there was no plan for the author, Joanna Macy, to be present); correct the comment in the Ministry and Worship section to show that a suggestion was made that the Spiritual State of the Meeting be a topic for sharing during a regular First Day Meeting for Worship; and, under ASE, last paragraph, change FGC “sessions” to FGC “Annual Gathering.” For this last change, at the invitation of the Clerk, Michelle Bellows explained that “sessions” connotes business, which is not conducted at the Annual Gathering, and that FGC has many ministries, one of which is the Annual Gathering.

 Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk announced that Tom and Carol Wolf plan a trip to Cuba and she anticipates they will request a minute of introduction from RFM, possibly at Fifth Month MWB. (2) The next potluck lunch will be April 26, 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

Meeting for Business Minutes, March 2015

by Diane Bowden | Mar 17, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting

Richmond Friends Meeting

Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

Third Month 15, 2015

 Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Forty-four (44) members and attenders were present. Mary Graham-Landau was greeter. Michael Pierce from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Kyle Ginraick and Cheron Constance were welcomed as first time attenders to MWB. Randee Humphrey read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) proposed Queries and Voices on Listening.

Peace and Social Concerns: Clerk Denna Joy announced: (1) The committee is a joint sponsor with Richmonders for Peace in Israel and Palestine and the Richmond Peace Education Center of a discussion of the book “The Lemon Tree” at the downtown Richmond Public Library on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Snacks will be provided. The discussion will be meaningful even if you haven’t yet read the book. (2) On March 15 and 22, 2015, “gently used” items will be collected for donation to The Thrifty Quaker to benefit Quaker House. (3) March is the food drive month for the Fan Free Clinic. Food items will be accepted each Sunday. Friends are encouraged to donate.

Nominating Committee: Brooke Davis announced the nomination of Bob Alexander to the Care and Counsel committee. Friends approved. Bob explained that he was led to join the committee after a discussion at a Men’s Retreat when it was noted that some committees have few or no men as members.

Recorder’s Report: Recorder Mary Julia Street recently submitted the annual Recorder’s Report to BYM. She presented some of the key information. In 2014, we added three new members and lost one member. Twenty letters were sent to junior associate members who were turning 25 years of age to see if they wanted to become members. Two requested membership; the others were dropped from the members list. Currently, the Meeting has 168 adult members and 25 junior associate members.

Adult Spiritual Education: Howard Garner announced the following: (1) On March 22, 2015, Bible Workbench will be held from 9:30 am to 10:45 am. It will focus on Jeremiah 31: 31-34. (2) On April 12, 2015, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am, as part of the series Spirit and the Environment, Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy will present and lead a discussion of an essay “The Greening of the Self.” Copies will be made available before the event. All are encouraged to attend. (3) The committee is in the process of rescheduling the programs on the James River and conscientious objection as soon as possible.

Elizabeth Smith spoke on a topic related to conscientious objection. For a number of years, a notebook with statements by Meeting members in opposition to war and military service was kept in the library. She wondered whether having the notebook available again, with the opportunity for additional statements, might be helpful. The Clerk asked Elizabeth and representatives from Adult Spiritual Education, Peace and Social Concerns, and Religious Education to meet and discuss this.

Dan Shaw announced that registration for the 2015 Friends General Conference sessions opens on April 1, 2015.

Care and Counsel: Margaret Edds made two announcements: (1) The committee is still accepting applications to Quaker camps. Since the available funds exceed what is likely to be used by members of the Meeting community, she asked Friends to think about other young people who might be interested in attending with a scholarship. A Friend suggested that scholarships be made available through the Friends Association for Children. (2) There will be a New Member and New Baby welcome on Sunday, May 3, 2015, at rise of Meeting.

Ministry and Worship: Tracey Cain distributed copies and read the first draft of the 2014 Spiritual State of the Meeting report. Several Friends expressed their appreciation of both the content and the writing of the report. The committee invites Friends to submit comments and suggestions to clerk Tracey Cain, who will share them with the committee as they consider revisions. Several Friends commented that having an opportunity to talk about the Spiritual State of the Meeting on a Sunday would be helpful and might engage more people. The Clerk suggested that Ministry and Worship consider additional ways for Friends to meet to give input to the committee in the future.

Second Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved. A suggestion was made about usage and capitalization of the names of days of the week in minutes (e.g. Sunday vs. First Day). The Clerk and Recording Clerk will consider the suggestion.

 Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk read the travel minute for Rita Willett. Friends approved. The letter will be attached to the minutes. (2) The Clerk described several recent activities related to the zoning complaint and building usage. Recently, two hostile phone messages were left on the answering machine, which were reported to the police. Having heard the messages, it was the judgment of the police that the individual who left the messages is not dangerous. (A Friend noted that while the situation was being evaluated, the BYM Junior Young Friends conference scheduled to be held at RFM was moved to Midlothian Meeting.) The Clerk has formed an ad hoc Building Use Committee including the Trustees, the Building Coordinator, the Clerk, Margaret Edds, Randee Humphrey, Steve Humphrey, and Rita Willett. The committee’s charge is to address our building use policies and to find ways to engage the neighborhood to ensure that we are being respectful of our neighbors and remaining true to our values. The committee is hoping to resolve the complaint before a formal letter of zoning violation is issued.

A question was raised about the FCNL “War Is Not the Answer” sign, which was taken down after a zoning officer who came to the building said that it had to be removed. While informal legal advice has said that RFM has the right to replace the sign, there was not unity among the Trustees, the Building Coordinator and the Clerk as to whether it was appropriate to replace it.

Representatives from the ad hoc committee will be meeting with City Councilman Jonathan Baliles to explore ways to engage the community. The Clerk encouraged Friends to consider our responsibilities in the neighborhood and discern what we should be doing, not simply react to what we can do. The Clerk asked Friends with concerns and suggestions to contact her, the Trustees, or members of the ad hoc committee. In response to several suggestions and comments, she stated that they were examples of the kinds of questioning and consideration we need to do as a Meeting community. Friends were clear that they supported the work of the ad hoc committee and also that they were eager to be engaged at the level of deep and spiritual dialogue. A desire for sharing about our values and our spiritual response to the issues being raised, in addition to whatever legal concerns need to be addressed, was made clear. (3) The next potluck lunch will be March 22, 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

Meeting for Business Minutes for February 2015

by Diane Bowden | Feb 22, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting

 Meeting began with silence at 11:00 am. Forty-four (44) members and attenders were present. Barbara Myers was greeter. Mary Julia Street from Ministry and Worship sat on the facing bench to hold Meeting in the Light. Doug Reed, Shea Allen Moore, Laura Wead, Kaylee Wead, Mike Callahan, Jim Mustin and Carol Hendricksen were welcomed as first-time attenders to MWB. Tracey Cain read the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) Queries on Spiritual State of the Meeting.

Religious Education: Catherine Roseberry announced that the BYM Junior Young Friends Conference will be held at RFM the weekend of March 14-15, 2015.

Peace and Social Concerns: Clerk Denna Joy announced: (1) The film “Five Broken Cameras” will be shown on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 5:30 pm at the Meetinghouse. This showing is in conjunction with the Richmonders for Peace in Israel and Palestine. Discussion will follow the showing. (2) On March 1, 2015 and March 8, 2015, “gently used” items will be collected for donation to The Thrifty Quaker to benefit Quaker House. A Friend noted that The Thrifty Quaker is also collecting items for box lunches for school children. (3) March is the food drive month for the Fan Free Clinic. Food items will be accepted each Sunday in March. Friends are encouraged to donate.

Adult Spiritual Education: Betsy Brinson announced the following: (1) The ASE Winter Series “Spirit and the Environment” will have events on Sundays March 1 and April 12, 2015, from 9:30 to 10:45 am. The March 1 program on Nature and Spirituality will be led by Lynn Domina, writer and poet. The April 12 program will be a presentation by Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy. Copies of an essay that will be discussed will be made available before the event. All are encouraged to attend. (2) On March 8, 2015, from 9:30 to 10:45 am representatives from Quaker House will present a program on conscientious objection. At 11:00 am, a presentation will be made to Young Friends.

Website Committee: Dan Shaw reported for the committee: (1) The committee will investigate installing wireless internet (Wi-Fi) capability at the Meetinghouse, including costs, maintenance, how it would work, and what equipment might be used with it for presentations and other activities. The information will be provided to Monica Shaw (ASE) to share with committees that might want to propose uses of Wi-Fi at the Meetinghouse. In response to questions, Dan stated that no decision has been made about bringing Wi-Fi into the Meetinghouse and that ASE has agreed to provide funds for Wi-Fi, if the Meeting approves installation at some future time. (2) Dan described the sections of the currently functioning and usable RFM website. He also described access to committee folders on Google Drive, including the password. A member of the website committee will meet with each committee to explain how to use the committee folders. In the near future, a Meetinghouse calendar will be added with available dates and times.

Care and Counsel: Barbara Myers announced that the committee is accepting applications for scholarships to Quaker Camp. She encouraged all families to send their children and to apply for scholarships. March 31 is the deadline for applications.

Ministry and Worship: Tracey Cain made two announcements: (1) On Saturday, February 21, the committee will hold the annual Spiritual State of the Meeting meeting.  Bagels and coffee will be available at 8:30 am, and Friends will gather and share from 9:00 am to noon, before sharing a potluck lunch. All Friends are encouraged to attend and share thoughts and reflections from the past year. Tracey emphasized that in addition to the importance of the resulting report to BYM, the report allows our Meeting to reflect on the past year and discern what it means for the spiritual life of our Meeting. (2) The Ministry and Worship Committee and the Adult Spiritual Education Committee will hold a Winter Retreat at The Clearing on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Lynn Domina, a poet and teacher, will lead a day of spiritual and creative expression through writing about nature and spirituality. You do not have to be a writer to attend or experience the retreat; all are encouraged to attend. Tracey handed out registration forms to interested Friends. Friends can also register by sending Tracey an email.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bronwyn Hughes distributed copies of the final 2014 financial report and asked for questions. As forecast last month, although contributions were lower than budgeted, a year-end surplus resulted because of lower-than-budgeted building maintenance costs. Several Friends expressed appreciation for the clarity of the report. The Clerk expressed gratitude for the work of the previous treasurer, the current treasurer, and the Financial Stewardship committee.

First Month 2015 MWB Minutes: Approved, with two spelling corrections.

Clerk’s Business: (1) The Clerk announced some neighborhood concerns about the use of the Meetinghouse that arose beginning last summer. Recently, an employee of the city informed us that a formal complaint about zoning violations was filed. The Clerk, clerk of Building and Grounds, and the Trustees are waiting for an official letter of notification from the city informing us of the specific violation with which we are charged. The Clerk stated she had no definitive information or answers to questions to share yet, and asked if any Friends wished to comment. After a number of comments, she stated that in addition to whatever actions Meeting decides to take with respect to the zoning issue itself, we will also want to engage our neighbors constructively to share how we are stewards of our building and to learn how we can be better neighbors. She may form an ad hoc committee to explore this. More information about the situation will be brought forward in the future. In closing, the Clerk encouraged us to respect that of God in everyone, even those who seem to attack us. (2) The next potluck lunch is at rise of Meeting on Sunday, February 22, 2015. (3) The Letter of Support for Rita Willett’s ministry as a teacher in School of the Spirit, approved by Meeting at 12^th month MWB, is being finalized and will be shared with the Meeting community.

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

Meeting for Business Minutes January 2015

by Diane Bowden | Jan 20, 2015 | Minutes of Business Meeting

MWB Minutes, January 2015