As Way Opens
This past Sunday, our gardeners led by Nancy Scott and Sam Ryan hosted a garden harvest festival. There were over 40 folks that showed up in the back parking lot with masks, chairs and a pure sense of joy to be together. It was so good to see people face to face (or mask to mask). Jim, Jesse and Eric played music and we all had the opportunity to catch up and just be outside together. It reminded me that it's not the activities or what we are doing that feeds our soul, rather it is just the being. As I talked with most folks, the presence of being was so apparent. We crave the connections and the people that make up this faith community are really special. I know that I went home with a glad heart to have seen some people that I haven’t seen in seven months.
I think it’s important for our mental health that we find every opportunity for connection during these times that we are not gathering on Sundays for our programmed worship service. I know that zoom is not the same as being together, but it's a connection nonetheless and there are lots of opportunities at First Friends for this - book groups, unprogrammed worship, women’s workshops , Sunday School classes, fellowship hour on Sundays. We also have some small groups meeting inside the building in a socially distanced way with masks. On November 7th we will have another fellowship opportunity as a tailgate gathering in our parking lot. We continue to look for safe fellowship opportunities and I know there are a number of folks meeting within an organic small group of friends. These connections are what will help us get through this.
As Paul wrote in Romans 12:5-8 “In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we are talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or a cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much would we? We find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body. (Message version)
Thank you for the parts that each of you make to form this wonderful faith community of First Friends.
Beth
Joys & Concerns
Safe, Well-Attended Harvest Fest Celebrated at the Community Garden Site
The biggest gathering we have had since Covid shut down our building took place safely outside last weekend. The Harvest Fest featured smiles we could “see” underneath all our masks. The in-person socially-distanced interactions were welcome and needed. Children ran, played and roasted marshmallows at three fire pits that were assembled by a few and tended by many. Adults gathered standing or while sitting in chairs, excitedly talking. Some people planted milkweed for Monarch butterflies and worked in the garden plots digging, fertilizing and pulling up spent plants. Jim and Jesse sang and played guitars. Eric surprised us by coming and bringing his accordion to accompany them. As live music wafted through the air, happy Friends sang along to songs; others danced. Some people shot hoops through the new net Jim installed on the basketball hoop. Families played cornhole games on the setup Sam provided. People ate lunches they brought along or chomped down on apples that were available as snacks. Gardeners gave away items left behind as they closed down their raised beds: canna rhizomes and seeds from marigolds, zinnias, perilla, dill, mint and basil. Live greens were gifted including kale, Swiss chard and spinach. Children delighted in the small tomatoes and chilies they picked. Sweet peppers, green onions, and growing thyme and dill found new homes. Even the cats were contented when owners brought home Jackie’s fresh catnip. Dr. Andy put his stamp of approval on the gathering where we took care of one another by using safe practices, including hand sanitizer and wipes. There were even escorts to the facilities, courtesy of Beth, who made sure the building safety guidelines were followed. When it was all over and equipment and tools were put away, cooled ashes from fire pits were used to fertilize the garden. There is even leftover wood for the Connections outdoor tailgating party on November 7!
Many thanks to those who packaged giveaways; cut, piled and carted firewood and fire pits; put out fires; worked in the garden plots; supervised and played with children; played music and hauled equipment; made calls and sent emails; helped with setup and cleanup; answered questions and gave advice (esp. Dr. Andy); helped instruct, inform and announce; provided giveaways and games and those who did nothing but relax!! ~Nancy
Thank you, food pantry volunteers!! We were very busy at the food pantry on Weds. serving 92 families...a new record number during the pandemic. Volunteers that helped included: Linda and Rik Lineback; Phil Goodchild; Christie Moulton; Bill Farris; David Beatty; Penny Paraskevas; and Carol and Jim Donahue. Ruth Kelly and Kathy Farris also helped at the pantry on Monday. Thanks to all of these dedicated volunteers.
Thank you to everyone who sent in notes, cards and gifts to Bob and Beth for Pastor’s Appreciation Month. They were touched to receive such kind and thoughtful words from everyone.
A note of thanks from Becki H: Many thanks and a Hug of The Light for the many cards and expressions of condolence extended to our family on the death of my mother. They were much appreciated and warmed my heart. -Becki
Please keep Jim S in your thoughts and prayers. Jim was hit by a car as he walked across his street to get the mail. Jim went to the hospital but did not have to stay overnight. He was badly bruised and shaken but seems to be doing ok. Please keep Jim and Nancy in your prayers.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
The First Friends Women's Book Club is discussing Richard Rohr's, The Universal Christ and still welcoming new members. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. semi-monthly on Wednesdays or Thursdays, depending on the members' work schedules. Upcoming meetings via Zoom on the following dates:
• Thursday 10/29
• Wednesday 11/11
• No meeting during Thanksgiving week.
• Wednesday 12/2
Please RSVP to the office at office@indyfriends.org and you will be sent a Zoom link. Regular and sporadic attenders are welcome.
College Care packages - It is time to send care packages to our college students as they prepare for their exams at school. This time, rather than having you drop off your donations at the meetinghouse, we are asking for financial contributions. The First Friends office will use the funds to fill boxes for the students with goodies like candy, cookies, cards, and other treats. There are a number of ways to send your support—you can mail a donation to the office with the notation “college packages”; donate via our secure giving portal at https://www.indyfriends.org/support and choose the “college care packages” fund; or text COLLEGE to 317-768-0303. Thank you for your support!
Recycling Event! The Shalom Zone plans to have its yearly recycling event with Recycle Force on Saturday, October 31 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. If an item runs (or used to run) with a plug or a battery you can recycle it! This year it will be held at Epworth United Methodist Church, 6450 Allisonville Rd. A $20 donation is required for TVs and appliances containing Freon (fridges, freezers, ac units and dehumidifiers). Other monetary contributions are greatly appreciated. This is a great opportunity to clean out your basement, garage, closets, attic and responsibly recycle unwanted electronics and appliances. If you have items that are heavy and you need assistance to move them, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org and we can arrange pick up. For more information, view the flyer here: https://bit.ly/3mopbuO.
Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend! Don’t forget that this Sunday morning at 2:00am the clocks will move back one hour—so our 10:15 service will feel a bit later! Don’t forget to change your clocks!
Consider Supporting MSPC! Due to the pandemic, Maple Seeds Preschool Coop (MSPC) sadly had to cancel their annual fall festival fundraiser. In lieu, we are hoping you will choose to support MSPC another way—order a Christmas wreath! You can find the order form here: http://bit.ly/MSPCwreath. Orders are due by Monday, November 2nd. Please send your completed order form to the office@indyfriends.org.
From Halloween to Happy New Year ~ When you receive cards for the upcoming holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and birthdays and anniversaries, please cut off the postage stamps with 1/4 inch of envelope around them. If you could arrange for them to be brought to First Friends, that would be wonderful. A box for them will be on the benches just inside the door, the box that used to be in Fellowship Hall. The women in RSWR projects in Kenya, India, and Sierra Leone thank you.
Do you have a car to sell? A refugee family with legal documentation needs to buy a reliable, low-cost used car. Prefer four-door, well-maintained vehicle needing no major repairs, but will consider all options. Hard-working, goal directed single mom is in a bind because IPS has a one-location rule and won't drop off her kids at the daycare provided by her employer after school. Please spread the word to your family and friends and forward all possibilities to the office at office@indyfriends.org. Thank you so much.
Tired of the news? A great way to travel to other times and places is to trim used postage stamps from excess paper. If you would like an easy (and free!) vacation from it all, contact Amy Perry and she will bring you some trimming to do at home and on your own time. You will also be doing good at the same time, for you will be helping raise money for Right Sharing of World Resources (www.RSWR.org). Contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. And have fun traveling!
To Zoom or Not to Zoom or The Zooming Experience
How do you feel about zoom? What are your positive experiences? What are your complaints? Are you kept away by a lack of technology? Do you loathe zoom? Perhaps by examining the nature of your discontent, improvements could be discovered.
When my sister passed on a Saturday night, I talked with Fellowship Hour Friends and could instantly see caring and compassion on everyone’s face. Then I heard the voices of comfort. This without needing to drive anywhere.
Another benefit is that I can see if someone is trying to get a word in and can’t break in. Sometimes I intervene and direct attention to that person. In a circle in the parlor it is harder to see everyone and to direct attention to one who asks for it in the movement of their lips, the tilt of their heads.
During these strange times the Monday Meditation group has remained small and faithful. We are nurturing to each other and are comfortable. The Bible Study participants, the majority from First Friends, some Christians with varied churches, have created a new group experience and have formed a connection with each other.
I invite you to share your experiences and preferences to office@indyfriends.org. ~Linda L
The Mid North Food Pantry is in need of help on Mondays. There are 2 shifts: (1) 8:30 am – 10:30 am to prepare bags of food to be distributed, and (2) 10 am –noon to hand out food to families (this is the same function that First Friends volunteers perform every first and third Weds. of the month). In addition, Mid North is looking for someone who would like to work part time at the pantry to replace a current employee who is to undergo medical treatment. If you are interested in any of these opportunities or need further information, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.
TAILGATE PARTY! Hey, Friends, the Connections Team will be hosting a COVID-safe tailgate party in the meeting house parking lot on Saturday, November 7, 4-6 pm. What a good chance to connect with folks from the meeting face to face. Bring your own food and drinks...and masks, please. We will have fire pits for hot dogs and s'mores. Stay tuned for more details.
Attention women of First Friends! We will be offering a virtual 4-part workshop on spiritual gifts starting Sunday November 1st from 5:00 - 6:30. The workshop will continue for the next three Sundays after that ending on November 22nd. Zoom Space is limited so please contact the office if you would like to sign up.
We will explore the gift economy of the Body of Christ and why it matters for us to gain understanding of it. We will also examine specific spiritual gifts and how they work together in a community.
Session 1 (Nov 1st) will examine the two realities we all inhabit: the Body of Christ and the world or the Kingdom (Kin-dom) of God and empire. We’ll be learning to look for Kingdom of Heaven already within and among us.
Session 2 (Nov 8th) explores the nature of a gifts economy, our God-created diversity, and celebrates our strengths as well as our weaknesses, which are important to embrace.
Session 3 l(Nov 15th) looks at ways honoring gifts and stepping into a gifts economy makes us the right size and shape for who we were created to be and for making communities run smoothly.
Session 4 (Nov 22nd) asks how we might apply these concepts in our daily lives.
Our Facilitator is Sara Beth Terrell, a recorded Friends minister with a ministry of spiritual formation. She is a spiritual director, speaker, writer, and workshop and retreat leader. Sara Beth has been a Friends pastor and campus minister. She is married with two adult children and is a member of First Friends Meeting in Greensboro, NC. She can be found at www.imaginingtheword.com.
Small Group Meetings. If you are part of a small group that would like to meet at First Friends – or are interested in joining a group – please let us know. First Friends has opened the building to small group meetings. All gatherings are limited to 10 and participants will be required to wear face coverings and follow other social distancing protocols. Many small groups who choose to meet in person will also meet via Zoom so people can still attend virtually if they prefer—ask your small group leader how they will be meeting. If you are interested in joining any of the below groups, please notify the office at: office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.
Our current available meetings:
· Unprogrammed worship - Mondays at 11:15am
· Unprogrammed worship - Wednesdays at 6:45pm
· Unprogrammed worship - Sundays at 9:00am
· Men’s book group (John Woolman’s Journal)
· Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading
· Men’s book club
· Serenity Now
· Women’s book club
· Men’s Threshing Together
· Seeking Friends book class
· Kids Pre-k through 1st grade Sunday School class
· 2nd - 5th grade Sunday School class
· Youth Group
Circle of Care needs more volunteers! The Circle of Care ministry is such an important way to love and care for each other as a faith community. The volunteer network is made up of folks that can occasionally give a ride to a doctor’s appointment, help with technology, rake leaves or other support services that might arise for a person. It works like this: The Circle of Care receives the request and sends it out to the network of volunteers. If someone is available they will respond to the Circle of Care coordinator and the connection will be made for with the person asking for assistance. Could we add your email to this list? Please let the office know if you would be willing to join this important ministry— office@indyfriends.org.
Please join us in welcoming Aaron Thornburg to First Friends staff, taking over Dan Mitchell’s position as he recently retired. If you have any building concerns, small fixes, or other problems that you would have reported to Dan, please email your concerns to Aaron at AaronThornburg@indyfriends.org (not case sensitive).
Queries for the Week
(From online service)
Do I believe I am loved by God?
(From self-led guide)
What seems to be the biggest anxiety producers effecting my daily life, my spiritual life?
What particular issues or problems have I found myself honed-in on during this pandemic?
What areas may I need to give over to God through prayer?