As Way Opens
Last Friday night, Sue and I attended the Quaker Lecture for this year’s Western Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions in Plainfield. My former superintendent and doctoral advisor, Colin Saxton was giving the lecture, Walking Together in Power, Proximity, and Peace. Colin considered it a “part two” of his Quaker Lecture from last year. I highly recommend, if you did not already watch the lecture, to tune in here: https://youtu.be/LsQWqaZTxis (the lecture starts at about 43:40).
On Sunday for closing worship, I was asked to provide the Pastoral Prayer. Being moved by Colin’s words on Friday, I decided to let them be the inspiration for my prayer. My hope was to capture his words in both a prayer and challenge to Western Yearly Meeting. I named the prayer, SET US ABLAZE!
Gracious God,
As we join for worship at the close of these Yearly Meeting Sessions, we ask that you send down your fire upon us once again.
Refine us by its searing heat.
Warm us by its overwhelming intensity.
Renew us by its blazing energy.
Ignite Your fire light within each of us, this day!
That our ears would again hear the call of our Quaker ancestors to burn bright in the darkness of our world!
That our hearts would desire a renewed proximity to ALL our neighbors - no matter their political, ideological, racial, or sexual identities and worldviews.
That our posture would be that of refining and reconciliation – drawing our hearts to find true peace with all whom we encounter on our way.
That our lives would abide in the passionate example of Jesus Christ– whose humility called him to forsake his own nature, become a servant, and lay down his life for our peace.
NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may not be people who simply “blow smoke” but rather be trailblazers for Your ministry of grace.
NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may practice what we preach, live into our testimonies, and abide in your presence.
NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may once again be a life-giving, life-saving, and life-changing community!
NOW, set us ablaze by your Spirit that Western Yearly Meeting may be a band of sisters and brothers who are knit together, and when necessary restitched, in the bond of peace and fellowship!
Great Fire of God descend upon us, we pray!
SET US ABLAZE!
And all God’s People said… AMEN!
May this also be our prayer at First Friends as we serve within Western Yearly Meeting.
Grace and peace,
Bob
Joys & Concerns
Many thanks to our Mid-North Food Pantry Volunteers from last Wednesday! Linda and Rik L; Christie M; Virginia and Derek S; David B; Kathy and Bill F; Mara S; Tom F; Jim D. Wonderful weather brought out 75 families that we served.
The Gardeners are still at it! The gardeners are keeping busy tending to and harvesting their crops! Here is a garden poem for all of us to share.
The kiss of the sun for pardon,
the song of the birds for mirth
one is nearer God’s heart in a garden
than anywhere else on earth.
A big thank you for all the volunteers that participated in our Vacation Bible School program last week. The kids loved the week and the volunteers of First Friends made it all possible. You are treasured!
Ed M is now home and recovering after a successful second placement of a pacemaker. Thank you to everyone who sent their well-wishes and prayers!
Please pray for the Heusel family as Kim H recently lost his step-mother, Magaline H, who passed away Monday, July 12.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
The members of the First Friends Bible study group invite you to "Hearing God," the theme of the upcoming study book. This small group meets by Zoom at 7:30 pm each Thursday. The Samuel study will begin Thursday, July 29 and last 13 weeks. You are welcome to drop in and try out the group. To receive a Zoom link, contact the office. To order a study book, go to Illuminate: 1, 2 Samuel (barclaypressbookstore.com)
Monday Meditational Worship Time Change ~ Please note that the Monday mid-day meditational worship has returned to its original time of 12:15pm. Hopefully, this will allow some more people to join us for that time. We hope you will join us!
Mini Urban Homestead Tour & Artful Meditation ~ The Connections Program Meeting is offering two new events:
The Mini Urban Homestead Tour offers tips on raising chickens, beekeeping, growing flowers and creating edible landscaping throughout the yard. Carrie Sample answers questions and takes participants on a guided tour of her urban homestead. It will take place at 6:30pm on Wednesday, August 4th. Snacks will be provided. Please RSVP to the office at office@indyfriends.org. (The rain date will be Monday, August 9th at 6:30pm.)
ARTFUL MEDITATION is a workshop guided by ART THERAPIST Shawn Haymaker. It will take place on Saturday, August 28th from 10-11:30am at First Friends in Fellowship Hall. Participants of all ages are invited to join in and experience. Shawn will introduce alcohol ink processes to adults and youth and conduct watercolor exercises for young children. No experience is necessary. (Please note: this is art meditation, not art therapy.) More details will be announced closer to the date.
Men’s Threshing Together ~ Hey Men! Threshing Together will return in August. We are planning several months out and have posted the locations here. Plan to join us on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm. For those interested, Threshing Together is a gathering of men who mull over current issues or topics, where all points of view are heard, no decisions are made, and all in a non-threatening atmosphere over a meal.
NOTICE: New Directory ~ Please note that due to LifeTouch Church Photography shutting down, our online directory is changing. You can now access updated addresses and contact information on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/private. Once you access the portal just click “Access the Online Directory.” If you have any questions, contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.
Western Yearly Meeting Mission Project ~ The 2021 annual mission project for Western Yearly Meeting is to provide technology (e.g. laptops, desktop computers, internet services) to several Quaker groups. The Kisumu Kenya Office (which is the hub of all Quaker activities in Africa), Friends Theological College, and Belize Friends School will all benefit from the funds raised during this campaign. The WYM goal is $15,000. Checks should be made to First Friends with a notation “WYM Mission Project”. Or you can donate securely on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/support. Just choose “WYM Project” as the fund. Or text “WYMProject” to 317-768-0303. Please examine your hearts and give as you are led.
You’re Invited! We're super excited to invite you to Samantha and Gabe's baby shower happening Sunday, August 22nd! 👶Join us as we get ready to welcome baby Von Letscher into the world with raffles, don't-put-down-the-babe games, and all kinds of shower-friendly shenanigans designed by Sam's strange siblings. This party is completely co-ed (all are welcome!) and will be held at Miriam and James's place in Woodruff.
Feel free to swing by Sam and Gabe's baby registry to pick up a special tchotchke for the babe. And don't forget to come with a pack of diapers for automatic entry into the raffle! To RSVP, contact the office for details. Hope to see you there!
Fellowship Hour ~ We will begin holding fellowship hour in Fellowship Hall after worship each Sunday We will offer some individually wrapped snacks and drinks for this time. We hope you will join us!