As Way Opens
It is almost hard to fathom that 25 years ago, today, June 24th, Susan Schroeder and I entered Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, Indiana and recited our marriage vows before family, friends, and God. Emanuel Lutheran happened to be my home church and where I began my faith journey. As well, Sue had just served her first year as an elementary educator at Central Lutheran School, which was affiliated with Emanuel and directly across the parking lot from the church. Central was also the grade school I had attended from Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Two years earlier, Sue and I had met as camp counselors at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana. Even though we both attended Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois and were in the same academic program, we didn’t meet until camp. It was there we quickly fell in love and realized that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. Soon, I would be down on one knee after a picnic lunch in Franke Park, outside the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, asking for Sue’s hand in marriage. Who would have known then what the next 25 years would bring!
Two days after our wedding our adventures began as we packed up a moving truck and moved to Orlando, Florida for my internship as a Director of Christian Education. Unbeknownst to us at that time, we would get used to moving as we served God. After a wonderful first year of married life in Florida, we moved to Illinois, then to Texas, back to Illinois, to Michigan, back to Indiana, to Oregon, and finally back to Indiana where we currently reside. Our first son, Alex would be born in Illinois while Sam and Lewis would be born in two different cities in Michigan. Along with the moves, we also found ourselves moving around theologically from Lutheran, to Anglican, to Mennonite, to finally Quaker.
Through all the moves, changes, additions to family, challenges and even church struggles, there has been one constant – our deep love and friendship for each other. I know I am a better husband, father, pastor, and friend because of having Sue in my life. From day one, she has made my life complete and I cannot think of a better partner for this crazy journey we call life.
Also, as a pastor, I know how rare it is today to find a life partner that lasts. It takes work, it takes commitment, but most of all it takes being best friends. And that is exactly what I look for in every couple who I have the honor of officiating their weddings. My prayer is that if you are married, or you are considering marriage that God would bless you today and draw you even closer as partners and friends in this great adventure called life!
Happy Anniversary, Sue! Here’s to the next 25 years of adventure as best friends! I love you, always.
Grace and peace,
Bob
Quaker-Affiliated Organizations
Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS) is a fellowship opportunity for young adults excited by the intersection of justice and Quaker spiritual deepening. This year, 36 Fellows are participating in this experiment, working at nonprofits in one of our five program cities, living in community together, and considering how their spirituality is integrally connected with community and justice. Fellows work with those experiencing homelessness, engage with climate change issues, support individuals in navigating the immigration system, teach in classrooms, work at neighborhood health centers, and so much more. Meanwhile, Fellows meet monthly with a Spiritual Nurturer and worship with Quaker communities. The current focus on the racial justice movement, global health pandemic, and economic crisis brings into even sharper relief QVS’s call to provide Spirit-grounded service opportunities for young adults.
This summer, QVS will celebrate the end of the eighth program year and the nearly complete four-year fundraising campaign to raise an additional $2.2 million to deepen the program offerings and seed an endowment. We have just $80,000 left to raise!
We welcome contributions from you as you consider how you are led to steward your financial resources. There is so much need in our local communities, in this country, and in the world right now. QVS is an opportunity to make change in all of these levels. Young adult Fellows work at local nonprofits before continuing into whole lives dedicated to spiritually grounded social change. If you are able to make a financial offering, please visit the QVS website for ways to give. This is truly the best way you can help QVS Fellows and the vulnerable communities they serve right now.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Please note, Shawn P will be on vacation July though August. You won’t see him in our Sunday service videos, but don’t worry, he is just enjoying the summertime!
Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions! The WYM annual sessions are happening virtually this year. The draft schedule is available here. Please note that many details are yet to be worked out and the schedule is subject to change. All sessions will be held through various technological platforms. The Sunday worship service may be a combination of live and Zoom. If you have any questions, you can contact Western Yearly Meeting westernym@sbcglobal.net.
Are You Being Called to Serve? Next Monday, June 29th, is the Nominating Committee for Western Yearly Meeting. The following committees have openings: Christian Education, Christian Ministries and Evangelism, Christian Outreach, Meeting Development and Nurture, American Friends Service Committee, Finance, Property Trustee. If you’re interested, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.
Cat Needs New Home! Ursula R is looking for a new home for her cat, Jake. He is six years old, charismatic, very loving and cuddly. Sometimes bites. Likes to go outside. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting this cat, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.
The Overman Family Scholarship, in memory of Jess and Mark Overman, is available again this year. High school seniors through graduate students are welcome to apply. Undergraduate students will be given first consideration. The scholarship fund is designated to support the members and attenders of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting. Scholarship funds may be applied to any school related expense, i.e. books, supplies, tuition, housing, computer, etc. The deadline for application will be June 30, 2020. For an application please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.
Join us from virtually anywhere in the world as the Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading book club discusses Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law by Preet Bharara. By the one-time federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, an important overview of the way our justice system works, and why the rule of law is essential to our society. Using case histories, personal experiences and his own inviting writing and teaching style, Preet Bharara shows the thought process we need to best achieve truth and justice in our daily lives and within our society. Preet Bharara has spent much of his life examining our legal system, pushing to make it better, and prosecuting those looking to subvert it. Bharara believes in our system and knows it must be protected, but to do so, we must also acknowledge and allow for flaws in the system and in human nature. The book is divided into four sections: Inquiry, Accusation, Judgment and Punishment. He shows why each step of this process is crucial to the legal system, but he also shows how we all need to think about each stage of the process to achieve truth and justice in our daily lives. (goodreads) Rik L will be leading the discussion in via Zoom starting at 7 pm on Tuesday June 30, 2020. To join the Zoom call, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org for the meeting information.
Caregivers Needed for Paid Study ~ TACTIC’s program is looking for caregivers of adults with dementia for a study testing programs that may be helpful in managing the challenges associated with caregiving. For more information, visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TACTICs-Program-for-Dementia-Caregivers-112738523778479
Join the Peace Church Conversation ~ After a deep discussion with other area Peace Churches this month, we have decided to grow the conversation online as we work together for "Positive Peace.” Please join our First Friends group today—within the larger Peace Church Alliance network—by clicking here: https://www.peacechurches.org/share/3LbkpLtX76sA4iPe?utm_source=manual The introductory page is available at www.peacechurches.org but please use the longer link above to sign up because it will connect you directly to our First Friends group. Thanks again for your support, participation, and action at this critical and sensitive time!
Five Garden Watering Questions Answered
Is your watering technique sabotaging your garden? Every gardener wants their hard work to result in a beautiful bounty. Here are some common watering concerns to address:
1. When should I water?
Do not water in the heat of the day when moisture evaporates quickly and sun can burn leaves (sunscald). Early morning is a terrific time to water since it gives the plant increased turgidity to help resist wilt. Late afternoon and early evening are also good but watering too late in the day can result in wet plants that can attract fungi and disease.
2. What part of the plant shall I water?
Water your plants at the base, not over the top. Roots are an efficient water absorption system. Leaves cannot absorb as much and leftover water invites sunscald in the day and fungi at night. The Community Garden has a cistern that collects water from the garage roof. Our agricultural agent warns that this water can contain pathogens so we need to water underneath the plant. Take care not to splash soil on plants, especially tomatoes. Fungal pathogens live in the dirt and can spread disease once they land on a plant (splashback).
3. How much water do my plants need?
A thorough soak in beds every few days should ensure deep roots get a drenching. Proper watering technique depends on soil components, weather and plant types. Raised beds drain well so be sure to water enough, though too much water can drain off nutrients. Use your finger to feel the depth the water has reached. Then you will know if you are overwatering or under watering. Often it may seem the plant is getting enough when it may just have a half-inch saturation point and water may not be reaching subsoil and deeper roots. A gardener can coat the surface and after watering other plants, return to rehydrate so water permeates the earth. Yellowing foliage, root rot and ironically, even wilt, can be symptoms of overwatering. Rain gauges are inexpensive and can help a gardener know how much water a plot is getting. Container plants need special consideration. If the container has no drainage the plant can get root rot. If the container has seepage holes a plant may need extra watering and nutrients because of fast drainage.
4. Does a plant’s life cycle factor into watering?
The life cycle of the plant makes a difference. Seedlings lack a strong root system and seeds need to be kept moist. Morning watering—and even a second later watering--can determine whether or not they survive. They should be watered directly since their roots are not fully developed. Take care to avoid drowning or bombing seeds and seedlings with “splashback boulders.” Heavy producers, like melons, need extra water. Water more often when plants, like tomatoes, are fruiting or flowering. Otherwise flowers and young fruit will wither and reduce the harvest.
5. Can mulch help?
Examples of organic mulch are straw, shredded newspaper, pine needles and bark chips. A top coat of mulch can help lock water and warmth in and may help feed plants. Of course, different mulches have different purposes so do your research. For example, pine needles slightly acidify the soil. Be sure the straw is weed-free if you don’t want to introduce invasive plants. If your area is experiencing drought or if you want to water less, mulch is one answer. Also, it helps prevent weeds. Hurrah! (Some article information from Epic Gardening YouTube)
Did you miss the premiere of our past Sunday Service? Watch it ANYTIME at this link: https://youtu.be/H37AamHRYaY. We hope you had a wonderful and safe Sunday! Keep an eye out in your email for details soon on the coming Sunday’s online service!
Queries for the Week
(From online service)
What descriptors of God do I have the hardest time relating to? And why?
What has “thrown me off course” and not allowed me to see the good gifts of God in my life?
How might seeing the Light of God “cascading down” through my life and the lives of those around me help me to value each person in this world?
(From self-led guide)
Where am I feeling anxiety or a sense that my life is spinning out of control? What may I need to focus on and who may I need to engage to help me with these feelings?
How am I allowing myself to “not go gentle into that good night” and “rage against the dying of the light”?
In the midst of all the chaos and pain in our world, currently, how am I experiencing and noticing the gifts coming from the Father of Lights?