As Way Opens
I had a wonderful experience last week attending a seminar called The Art of Bible Storying by Michael Novelli. This was presented by the Center for Congregations and I joined about 50 other children/youth workers and pastors to step into the rich experience of reading the Bible through story. Michael told us that “Story is our brightest hope. Story is the heart of our language capacity… story heals, reminds and guides us. Story is the most powerful tool ever granted ordinary people. Stories are verbal acts of hospitality. Story carries us into another world in an associative capacity relating the characters and details to our own experiences. Story is power. ”
We practiced this together as we read in “story” version the Creation story. We listened for about 10 minutes to the beautiful story of creation and then were asked to reflect on the words that really stuck out for us in the story. What touched me most was the way God created order from chaos and the idea of seeds being in all things to reproduce themselves. Maybe because I am feeling a bit chaotic in my life right now, but it brings me peace to know that God will create order out of chaos. That it is in God’s character to do this even though I can’t always see it from my perspective. I also like the idea of seeds being in all things. For me, that seed is the Inner Seed or Inner Light that is present in everything. Seeds represent growth and change - the promise of something great and wonderful that will lie ahead. And seeds keep reproducing themselves. Each seed will be a part of a future seed.
What a wonderful way to read and understand the Bible. I am hopeful that we might have our young people and others embark on a study of the Bible through story next year.
Joys & Concerns
Dr. David Hadley passed away last Friday, May 29th. He doctored in Kenya for Friends United Meeting, and has traveled the world for Friends World Committee on Consultation. He has been active in Plainfield Friends Meeting and Western Yearly Meeting and was known for his wisdom. After retiring, he continued until he was physically unable to practice at local free clinics. Please hold Ruth, their children and family in your prayers.
Jerry Henrick’s sister, Teresa King passed away last Sunday after a brief illness. She was 63 years old and the third youngest in a family of nine children. Services are being held at Singleton Mortuary and Funeral Home at 7602 Madison Ave on Friday June 5th with viewing from 4:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. and a memorial service at 7:00. Let us hold Jerry, Beth and their family in the love and light of God in this time of loss.
What a Picnic! Many thanks for our Fellowship Committee for hosting such a fabulous picnic this past Sunday. Red checkered tablecloths, fun decorations, and wonderful food! Thanks to you all for the great side dishes and desserts. It was a great time of gathering and sharing together.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Please join us for Community Soup this Friday, June 5th, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Now that it’s getting warmer we are switching from soups to salads. Enjoy salads, bread, and dessert in a relaxed atmosphere. No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.
“Beliefs divide us, Values unite us.” On Sunday, June 7th at 6:00 p.m., Friends are invited to attend an event at the Indiana Center for Inquiry, featuring Jeff Rasley. Jeff will be introducing his newest book, “GODLESS—Living a Valuable Life Beyond Beliefs” and will lead an open discussion about values, beliefs, religion and politics. The Center for Inquiry is located at 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, and free parking is available on Senate Avenue and Indiana Avenue.
American Friends Service Committee is presenting a poster exhibit titled “All of Us or None: Responses & Resistance to Militarism” at the Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd Street. The exhibit runs June 2nd through June 20th, and is open weekdays 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. or by appointment on weekends. Also, at 6:00 p.m. on June 17th, there will be a reception and discussion on non-violent solutions to militarism. This discussion will feature writer and radio journalist Vince Emmanuele and Dr. Terri Jett of the Butler University Political Science Department.
Mark your calendars for June 14th-June 18th - Vacation Bible School will begin on Sunday from 11:45am to 1:45pm, and will continue Monday thru Thursday 6:30pm-8:30pm. All children 5th grade and under are welcome! The program we will be using is Everest: Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power. Parents, please register your children with Beth Henricks at beth.henricks@indyfriends.org if they are able to attend. We need 2 Christmas trees and white sheets for this program. If you have some we could use, please let us know.
An Evening of Storytelling and Music with Phil Gulley and Tim Grimm. Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation (“IFCL”) has planned an evening to remember with nationally known Quaker storyteller, Phil Gulley and rural Americana and southern Indiana’s favorite musical son, Tim Grimm on Friday, June 19 at 7 pm at First Friends Meeting, Indianapolis. Phil’s fun and entertaining storytelling and Tim’s heartwarming music and songs will take you on a journey to small town Indiana and rural Americana that will leave you smiling, laughing, clapping hands and stomping feet in ways you had only imagined. Tickets are $20 (advance) and $25 (at door). To obtain tickets, call 317 255 4739 (ask for Bill) or 317 730 2268 (ask for Tom). Phil’s books and Tim’s CDs will be available for sale and signing after the concert. There are a limited number of tickets. We encourage you to purchase them in advance. Proceeds go to benefit IFCL.
Mark your calendars for an interfaith event hosted by Fairfield Friends Meeting. On Monday, July 13th, Noor-Malika Chisti will be presenting “Stories of a resilient heart: navigating culture and religion in the pursuit of Peace.” Noor-Malika Chisti is a founding member of the Southern California Committee for the Parliament of World Religions and the Southern California Muslim-Jewish Forum. The event will take place July 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Fairfield Friends Meeting, 10441 E. County Rd. 700 S.; Camby, IN 46113.
Western Yearly Meeting, July 16-19 in Plainfield; Register Now! Howard Macy will be the main speaker, and Alan Kolp will be bringing the Quaker Lecture. Workshops and worship will be offered, in addition to regular business. Consider joining in the work and witness of Western Yearly Meeting at their summer session.
http://www.westernym.net/pdf/2015WYMSessionsAdultRegistration.pdf