As Way Opens
When I was young child, I remember going with my uncle to visit his friend Skip Handy (yes, that was his name) at his clothing store across town. It was Christmas and Skip was known to have an extensive collection of very expensive German Nutcrackers on display throughout his store. I remember stepping through the front door of his shop into what looked like a winter wonderland. Then I caught a glimpse of hundreds of Nutcrackers of all sizes and shapes standing at attention to welcome the customers. I have to admit, I was in awe. Still today, I find myself lining up my Nutcracker collection on top of our entertainment center in the same way (only mine have sentimental rather than financial value).
To appreciate Nutcrackers, one has to go back in history. Even before Peter Tchaikovsky adapted an 1816 E.T.A. Hoffman Christmas story called The Nutcracker and the Mouse King for the ballet, the wooden dolls symbolized good luck in German tradition.
One popular origin myth, related by Rittenhouse, holds that a wealthy but lonely farmer who found the process of cracking nuts to be detrimental to his productivity offered a reward to whoever could come up with the best solution. Each villager drew on his own professional expertise—a carpenter advocating sawing them open, a soldier shooting the suckers. But it was the puppet-maker—a profession that seems to loom large in European tall tales —who won the day, building a strong-jawed, lever-mouthed doll.
I love that the most unlikely profession came up with a solution to crack a nut and win the day. Who thinks, “I will make a puppet that cracks nuts”? Yet, consider for a moment, how often those that think completely outside the box, have a unique perspective on life, and are faithful to their talents leave us with long-lasting gifts that keep giving and bringing us joy.
If you have ever tried to crack a nut with most Nutcrackers today (as I have tried), you will find most are simply ornamental in nature and lacking any ability to crack a nut (maybe those should have just been puppets). Yet, what if the Nutcrackers that grace our homes could be considered miniature monuments to “out of the box” thinking, making the best out of the talents that one has been given, and bringing a lasting joy to our world.
During this ongoing pandemic and this stressful holiday season, I sense we need more “puppet-makers” who are willing to think outside the box, to give us a new perspective, and to make our normal experiences just a bit more joyful. Or as Howard Thurman put it, so well,
“The movement of the Spirit of God in the hearts of men and women often calls them to act against the spirit of their times or causes them to anticipate a spirit which is yet in the making. In a moment of dedication, they are given wisdom and courage to dare a deed that challenges and to kindle a hope that inspires.
My hope is that we too, would choose to be people that “dare a deed that challenges and kindles hope that inspires” this holiday season! Just maybe, you and I will create our own “nutcracking puppets” for the world.
Grace and peace,
Bob
Joys and Concerns
Thank you to our Mid-North Food Pantry volunteers! Linda and Rik L; Kathy and Bill F; Derek and Virginia S; Ruth K; David B; Christie M; Penny P; Barbara O; Carol and Jim D. Much food was distributed to 86 families.
Congratulations to First Friends’ members Heather D and Joshua C as they were married last Wednesday, November 25 in a private ceremony at the Meetinghouse. After the ceremony, they had a surprise visit from their clearness committee outside on the front steps. Together, we hold their marriage in the Light and celebrate with Mr. and Mrs. Curry!
Congratulations! Kathy and Gary R’s granddaughter was born today at 2:28 pm! We welcome Norah to the world, weighing 8 lb 15 oz. Prayers would be appreciated: She had a little trouble breathing so they took her for chest x-rays and are going to help her clear her lungs with CPAP machine. Congratulations to Kathy and Gary and to the proud parents!
Happy Birthday, Lowell! Dr. Lowell R will be celebrating his 100th birthday on December 9th! Wow!!
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Reopening Task Force Report
At this time, the Reopening Task Force does not yet feel comfortable recommending reopening the Meetinghouse for worship, due to current trends and upcoming holidays. The issue will be revisited in the new year. Detailed reports from the Reopening Task Force are to be emailed to full membership prior to each Monthly Meeting.
In the meantime, please be reminded that Meetinghouse is currently open to small groups, with requirements for face coverings and social distancing protocol. Participants assume personal responsibility for risk of COVID-19 exposure. Several small groups offer Zoom options for those who prefer not to attend in person. To check on availability of small groups, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org, 317-255-2485.
The Holiday Season is almost here! Even during these trying times, we still look forward to having a Christmas with you full of joy, laughter, and peace. Look forward to these special virtual Christmas services coming very soon! We hope you will join us.
Order Poinsettias and Fair-Trade Goodies! ~ This year we are offering poinsettias and various fair-trade foods/gifts—virtually! You are still welcome to buy a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. We will deliver your orders to you personally before Christmas!
The fair-trade co-op relies on a lot of churches and service organizations, so their business has declined, and this is a great opportunity to purchase treats and gifts for the holiday. Some of the funds for the purchase will go towards our youth group activities. You can browse https://shop.equalexchange.coop if you would like to order different items beyond what we normally offer.
6" Poinsettia pot - $8 (Red or White)
Coffee - $10 (Love Buzz, Hazelnut Creme, Breakfast Blend, Decaf)
Tea - $ 3.50
Chocolate $3.50 (lots of types)
Olive Oil - $12
Hot Cocoa - $5
If you’re interested, you can place an order at https://forms.gle/EtGaScUVKUCgt1du8. Payment can be made by sending a check to the office at 3030 Kessler Blvd E Dr, Indianapolis IN 46220, with the notation of "poinsettias" or "fair trade purchase"; or visit https://www.indyfriends.org/support to pay electronically. Under funds choose either "Flower Order" or "Fair trade food/gift order." Please place your order by December 9th. Happy Holidays!
Show Your First Friends Christmas Spirit ~ First Friends has “adopted” a family to help this Christmas. While the family would like to remain anonymous, we do have a little info to share about the family. There are 5 children and a mom. The kids are ages 14 (girl), 13 (girl), 12 (boy), 9 (girl), and 9 (boy). Rather than ask folks at First Friends to purchase gifts as we have done in the past, at this time we intend to provide gift cards for the kids and mom and possibly a few smaller gifts. Please contribute as you are led to help provide a very Merry Christmas for this family. Checks can be sent to the First Friends office with a notation of “Christmas Family” in the memo section, or you can give online at https://www.indyfriends.org/support, or text Christmas to 317-768-0303. We may seek out a second family if enough monies are collected. We hope to finalize this fundraiser by the end of November so please consider making your donation at your earliest convenience. Thanks for your consideration.
First Friends Financial Update: The Meeting currently is collecting pledges for 2021 to help plan for the new year. While some aspects of First Friends activity are on hold due to the pandemic, the need for financial support continues, as major fixed expenses remain in place. Recently, a request for pledges was emailed to the meeting. If you need to have the email resent, or if you would like for a pledge card to be mailed to you, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485. Kindly return pledges by December 13.
Note: For your convenience, you may make arrangements with your bank for donations to First Friends to be made automatically. Contact the office if you have questions about this option.
The Joys and Sorrow of Zoom~ 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. We invite you to share your thoughts and preferences about meeting via Zoom to office@indyfriends.org.
Here are some comments. Please send us yours.
"It is just nice to see people and to hear what they have to say. For our Monthly Meetings it is nice to have the ability to see and speak to one another.” -Sara E
“I can just roll out of bed and Zoom, I’m at Sunday School.” -Ed M
“I typically use Zoom at FF for meetings. Zoom is quite efficient for typical meetings, but can be frustrating for large, casual group gatherings such as Fellowship Hour. Bill Heitman has done as well as possible in facilitating. But, if one person talks very much, it distracts from the overall group. However, a large group doesn't allow for much in-depth conversation, so it's really not ideal. I have heard what some persons said, and then followed up with a personal phone call later. That has worked pretty well. Because of the limitations of Zoom for large groups, I believe that it is important to gather in person whenever we can.” -Sue M
Amy P says she likes having less driving, not having to buy gas so often, and having more time at home with her husband. In addition to Monday Meditational Worship and Fellowship time, she can also visit the Arizona Native Plant Society. Arizona desert retreats have been an important part of her spiritual journey.
SEND US YOUR PICTURES! We are looking for photos of you and your family. Let us see how you are doing, and what you’ve been up to during these times! Let us see your smiling faces. We will put these photos into future slideshows during virtual meeting for worship on Sundays. Just email your pictures to office@indyfriends.org or post them here. Thank you in advance!
Queries for the Week
(From self-led guide)
· How will you let the Divine prepare my heart this season?
· Where am I seeing Christ coming in and around my life?
· What might be the benefit of celebrating the season of Advent as the birth of a saving, healing, Truth?