Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought
A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting
As Way Opens by Beth Henricks
I was going to share about the wonderful inaugural Affirmation class we experienced last Sunday, and how I have been thinking about these historical icons like George Fox as real people that could be walking beside me now.
But my heart is heavy this morning because we are going to have to put down our beloved dog Randy this afternoon due to pancreatic cancer. Those of us who have experienced pets as children and/or adults know the power of unconditional love that is expressed through our pets. I did not grow up with pets as my mother was afraid of animals, but in my 25 years with my husband Jerry we have had 3 dogs, each with unique personalities and good and bad habits. But the one common thread with all of these pets was this profound love and excitement every time we walked through the door. In particular, our dog Randy has been my husband's best friend for the last three years. Jerry walks a difficult journey, but our dog Randy was always beside him. I have felt God's presence through Randy so many times in how he provides companionship and love as we experience the highs and lows of life. And who cannot help but smile when you see your dog sticking their head out of your car to catch the thrill and excitement of the wind?
Our family has been lucky to receive Randy's blessing of love and acceptance. God continues to provide signs of being present in our life and I am thankful.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Friends, Food & Fox! You're invited to discuss this and other "Foxisms" at the renewed Indy First Friends Young Adults Fellowship! Responding to a spoken desire to rekindle a fellowship group for 20-30 ‘Somethings’, the Indy First Friends Young Adult Fellowship will have their first meeting Wednesday, September 17, 7-9 p.m. at the Meeting House. Hope to see you there! Any questions, contact Jim or Leslie Kartholl at 317-945-5578 or by email at lkartholl@gmail.com and jkartholl8@gmail.com.
Calling all ladies! USFW is having a gathering of all the ladies of the meeting this Thursday, September 18th from 6pm-8pm and would love for you to join us. Norma Wallman will discuss her life and her walk with Christ. It is sure to be inspirational and full of flowers. Please join us for a fun filled evening in Fellowship Hall. Dinner will be provided.
Babysitting at the Meetinghouse on Saturday, September 20th from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. will be provided for our families. We will provide dinner for the kids. Please let Beth Henricks know if you are joining us at henricksbeth2@gmail.com.
Monthly Meeting for Business is this Sunday following Meeting for Worship! Last Month’s Meeting Minutes are available through the office for your review.
‘Prayers for Peace’ Ecumenical Service: Join together, Sunday September 21st at 7:00 pm here at First Friends for a gathering with friends and neighbors, lifting up our world in prayer to God for peace. We will be joined by Epworth United Methodist, Allisonville Christian, Cross and Crown Lutheran, and St. Pius Catholic churches.
Quaker Men: Plainfield – the site of Western Yearly Meeting – will be celebrating “Quaker Days” this Saturday, September 20th, and needs help, directing traffic and working at various booths. If you can help, please contact Lane Sims at pamlane@juno.com or 317-774-0787 if you are able to help. On Saturday November 1st, help is needed to clean the YM grounds after ash trees have been cut down. Thank you.
Disciple Bible Study: A Fast Track 24-week study of the Bible will begin Sept. 24/25 at Epworth UMC. Ruthie Tippin will teach on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00-2:30, and Pat Engle will teach the same lesson Thursday nights from 7:00-8:30. If you’re interested or want more data, please contact Ruthie right away! Materials need to be ordered.
Discovering God in a Changing World. You are invited to an exciting 4-part program series with Dr. Dan Moseley right here at First Friends! This seasonal, year-long series will help you learn how to develop spiritual practices that will encourage and support the life to which God is calling you as an individual and a community. Sessions will consist of a Saturday retreat from 9-1pm, Meeting for Worship on Sunday at 10:15am followed by a luncheon and then a Q&A with Dan. The first session is September 27-28th, when Dan will focus on discovering gifts from the community and Christian tradition to help us adapt to change. There is no fee, but you are encouraged to pre-register with Amanda Bow in the office at office@indyfriends.org. We encourage all of you to attend, even families, as child care will be provided.
Kendal and Chelsea Tinsley will perform a short (30 minute) viola recital showcasing pieces they have learned in the past year on Sunday September 28th at 3:30 PM. The event will be at Munger Hall - the upper level of Meridian Music in Carmel at 12725 Old Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032. Friends are invited and welcome to attend.
Two-time Olympian Amber Neben will be visiting First Friends on Sept. 28. World Champion and Olympic cyclist Amber Neben will be at First Friends 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, to share her story of faith and triumph over adversity. Amber represented Team USA in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games and rode to victory in the Time Trial at the 2008 World Championships in Varese, Italy. Along the way, she’s faced many setbacks including serious injuries from cycling crashes and a diagnosis of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Amber’s trust in Christ has been the foundation of her personal and professional career. Beyond racing, Amber’s non-profit group, the Dare to Be Project, seeks to inspire kids to persevere through their own adversity including provided children with physical challenges with specially designed hand-cycles. Amber, of Southern California, will be in Indianapolis to record a TV segment on the Dare to Be Project and her new book, “When Shmack Happens.” But she’s also thrilled to spend time with us. Her message will inspire people of all ages.
Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day’s sermon? Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to office@indyfriends.org or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.