As Way Opens
I recently had the privilege to officiate at the wedding of Mary Blackburn and David Beatty's daughter Sarah getting married to Kase in Boulder CO. Sarah grew up in this Meeting and it was lovely to see how happy Sarah and Kase are to be committed to each other in marriage.
As I reflected on this extravagant promise a couple makes to each other on their wedding day, I was thinking about some of the words in my wedding address that apply to many relationships in all of our lives. We need to offer each other a generosity and extravagance that comes from God. The apostle Paul speaks to this in Philippians 2:1-5 saying “If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete; be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Wow - these are life altering commandments and difficult to live out. Put others interests ahead of my own? Regard others as better than myself? Take on the mind of Christ Jesus? We often want others to change, to make adjustments, to believe what I believe and agree with me, to get over things and to make better choices and decisions. But as I have been trying to deepen my spiritual journey I must take these instructions in Philippians seriously. I can only change myself. Isn’t that one of the hardest lessons to learn in this life? In my wedding address I talk about our focus on trying to find that right partner for our life. But I’m not sure it is the question of finding the right person as much as it is a question of being the right person. When we do what is right and fair and honest and loving; if we are humble and kind and compassionate, our relationships will be full of these same qualities. Faithfulness to the mind of Christ in our relationships will have us respect each other’s ideas, keep each other’s secrets, guard each other’s dignity, and honor each other in public and private.
Beth
Joys & Concerns
Dan R Memorial Service ~ A service in memory of Dan R has been scheduled for Saturday, August 21st at 1pm at First Friends. We lost Dan in February of last year but have been unable to hold a service due to the pandemic. All F/friends are invited to attend the in-person service this Saturday.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Men’s Threshing Together ~ If you are interested in gathering with other 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, then Threshing Together is for you! Join us for our next in-person meeting Tomorrow, August 19 at 7:00pm. See locations for 2021 here.
Artful Meditation ~ The Connections Program Meeting is offering 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.
SUNDAY FUNDAY IS COMING AUGUST 29TH! Sunday Funday is an opportunity for everyone at First Friends to come together and worship through PLAY! We will gather on Sunday, August 29th at our normal Meeting for Worship time (10:15am) in the meditational woods. Be sure to bring the kids and the swimsuits, because after worship there will be a bouncy house, a giant slip n’ slide, and volleyball. In fellowship hall we will provide board games and puzzles for those wanting to stay out of the sun (feel free to bring your own games as well)! We will provide a lunch of individually wrapped Jimmy John’s sandwiches, sides, and beverages. Mark your calendar and plan to come and enjoy worshipping through PLAY!
GLEANING Shalom Zone Event! ~ What is Gleaning? Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest. Come learn about GLEANING, its benefits, and gleaning opportunities here in Indiana. Guest Speaker Dawn Barnes of the Society of St. Andrew will present and take any questions. All are invited to this free event, sponsored by the Shalom Zone, which will be held Tuesday, August 31st at 7 pm at Allisonville Christian Church and on their Facebook page. Join us in person at the church at 7701 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250 or on Facebook for a livestream at https://www.facebook.com/allisonville. Dawn Barnes of the Society of St. Andrew plans to speak. The program will include time for questions. We hope to see you there!
Looking for WYM Volunteers! Friends, we are looking for volunteers to fill two roles for Central Area representation for Western Yearly Meeting. See below for information on the roles. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact the office at 317-255-2485 or office@indyfriends.org!
Quaker Men Representative - meets twice a year, once during the annual sessions and again in the spring. Objectives include bearing witness to Christ’s way of life in fellowship, business dealings, and social actions, and engaging in Christian service projects.
Peace & Christian Social Concern Board Member (term 2021-2023) CORRECTED– Please note the following corrected description: Responsibilities include the carrying out of activities in the areas of peace and Christian social thought and action. The committee strives to awaken or sensitize the consciences of members of the yearly meeting in these areas.
For more information or to volunteer for either of these positions, please contact the office at 317-255-2485 or office@indyfriends.org. Thank you for your consideration.
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. This fundraiser is soon coming to a close! Thank you to those of you who have already donated. We encourage everyone to examine your hearts and give as you are led. Please 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.
First Friends Financial Update: The Meeting continues to seek financial support throughout the year. If you would like to explore ways to assist, please click on indyfriends.org/support/#givenow and scroll down to the Give Now section.
Additionally, First Friends is able to accept stock and planned gifts directly. For more information, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org or 317-255-2485.
Participate in our "Sponsor a College Student" project! Just select a college student and send them notes, cards, treats, etc throughout the school year so they feel connected. Our college students this year are Sam Arle, Savannah Baker, Lena Brooks-Kelly, Krishan Coffman, Ally Haymaker, Sam Henry, Sam Miller, Eli Sample, Isaiah Sample, Chelsea Tinsley, Kendal Tinsley, and Sam Wilson. If you’d like to participate, please email the office at office@indyfriends.org or see the posterboard in the Meetinghouse. Please consider connecting with our students this year!
Queries for the Week
· Am I quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry?
· In what areas of my life do I need to work on listening more and speaking less?
· Of the 8 Problems of Effective Listening, which one(s) do I struggle with the most?