As Way Opens
For the past week and a half, I have been suffering from the Shingles. Yes, I am still a couple years away from being able to get the Shingles vaccine, but I know getting that vaccine will be a priority in a couple years after the last twelve days. With the constant itching, lack of sleep, and moments of intense pain, Shingles can be rather like a slow suffering. I know many who have had much worse cases, so I am grateful that my case is already starting to clear up.
The night I realized I was coming down with Shingles, my son Sam texted me to share some insights he had from his History of Buddhism class readings. Sam mentioned that his text was an excellent overview of Buddhism that was helping him make sense of his Quaker faith. As Sam explained, I sensed what he was saying was familiar, only to find out that he was reading Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching - a book that I have read. As we continued to talk, I told Sam I was introduced to the book after coming across another of Thich Nhat Hanh’s books which had a huge impact on my life, Living Buddha, Living Christ. [Ironically, I discovered the book at the Half Price Books on 86th over ten years ago on a trip with my family to Indy].
My conversation with Sam, had me dusting off my copy of The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching and returning to its wisdom. I immediately found the subtitle speaking to my condition, Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation. As I flipped through the pages, I was drawn to the first quote I had underlined:
The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy. When one tree in the garden is sick, you have to care for it. But don’t overlook all the healthy trees. Even while you have pain in your heart, you can enjoy the many wonders of life – the beautiful sunset, the smile of a child, the many flowers and trees. To suffer is not enough. Please don’t be imprisoned by your sufferings.
There was so much wisdom in this one paragraph. Whether it is suffering through Shingles or a suffering much worse in this world, our sufferings demand our attention, care, and awareness to not become trapped by them. Numerous times this week, I have felt my Shingles were winning the battle, but then was reminded to center down and allow myself to enjoy the cooler weather, the beautiful sunsets, and embrace my need to just take a break.
Where in suffering do you need to allow yourself to be happy and enjoy the wonders of life?
Grace and peace,
Bob
Joys & Concerns
Many thanks to everyone who helped clear out the garage this past weekend! The space looks absolutely superb now! We’ve already heard it’s much easier to navigate now. Thank you to those who coordinated the cleanup and those who showed up to help!
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Quaker Studies Weekly Program ~ Western Yearly Meeting is putting on a Quaker Studies program called First Things to build connections across the yearly meeting. The program is entirely virtual and over the platform called discord. It's a spiritual discussion group meant to build relationships. The plan is to watch videos or listen to speakers for 15 minutes once per week then discuss them. The entire program will last 8 weeks starting around mid-October. The sign up is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uAZXpEAosua6l03Ch66PmLbaegUDEq8IPq6AUWDSnUI or email David Hanson at david.keith.hanson@gmail.com.
SAWS Ramp Build ~ The Shalom Zone is planning another SAWS (Servants at Work) ramp build for the morning of Saturday, October 2. If you would like to volunteer please contact the office asap as we are trying to identify all volunteers (10 – 12 are needed) from the Shalom Zone as soon as possible. Volunteers must complete the volunteer registration form before their first build. Indicate that you are with the Shalom Zone on your registration. This form can be found on the SAWS website: sawsramps.org. If you should have any questions or need further information, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org. Thanks for your willingness to be part of the SAWS group.
Mark Your Calendars: 2021 Harvest Festival! ~ The 2021 Community Gardeners’ Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday, Oct. 24 immediately after Meeting for Worship. Put it on your calendar. More details to come.
WYM Office Manager Position Open ~ Are you a self-starter? Good with details? Flexible? Delight in working with fellow staff and the public? If so, the following job just might have your name on it. Western Yearly Meeting of the Friends Church (WYM) is looking for an Office Manager. Reporting to the General Superintendent, this position is responsible for the operations of the WYM Office in Plainfield, Indiana. This is a part-time Monday-Friday position @ $20 per hour, approximately 30 hours per week. Requires a valid Indiana Driver’s License. Find the full job description here. The Application deadline is October 13, 2021. To apply, send a resume and three references to westernyearlymeeting@gmail.com.
Recycling Event! The Shalom Zone plans to have its yearly recycling event with Recycle Force on Saturday, October 16 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. For more information, view the flyer here: https://bit.ly/3nC7go3.
Way of the Spirit—"What's yours to do?" ~ What helps you sort Holy guidance, your unique giftedness, and the clamor of urgent needs around us? The Quaker-based Way of the Spirit program invites prayer and learning for living Spirit-led every day. SCYMF member from North Seattle Friends Church, Jan Wood, is co-facilitating Way of the Spirit mini-courses on spiritual giftedness. She’s been exploring giftedness with Quaker communities for decades. It’s a great opportunity to learn more with a master teacher. https://goodnewsassociates.org/spirit/. Apply now for online offerings:
· Oct 2—10-11am Pacific Time, Information Session, free. Please RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkdO6uqTMpH9SgZcO4SlAyMK6DVz3p_mgl
· Oct 13, Nov 10, etc, Monthly Reflection Group, online second Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30. Supportive, gently-guided small group processes to nurture awareness of the presence and guidance of the Spirit in your everyday life, 6-12 month commitment.
· Nov 6 & 20, Dec 4—Tending Your Spiritual Giftedness (online)
To answer, "What's yours to do?" in our fractured and hurting world, it's more important than ever to discern and tend your unique spiritual giftedness. Additional mini-courses in 2022 will explore obstacles to giftedness, creating a cultures of giftedness in meetings and churches, and passing it on to children and youth.
First Friends Financial Update: The Meeting continues to seek financial support throughout the year, as we are experiencing a deficit. To explore ways to assist, 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.
Overman Scholarship Fund Drive ~ We are kicking off a fund for the Overman Scholarship! This fund, in memory of Jesse & Marilyn Overman and Mark Overman, awards scholarships to members of First Friends attending higher academic or vocational/Quaker institutions. If you’d like to support this worthy cause, we encourage you to donate. For the next 5 years, the Overman family will match donations up to a certain amount. Checks can be payable to Indianapolis Monthly Meeting of Friends Trustees.” In the memo line, note "Overman Scholarship Fund.” Or you can donate securely on our website at https://www.indyfriends.org/support. Just choose “Overman Scholarship Fund” as the fund. Or text “Overman” to 317-768-0303.
First Friends Partnering with Exodus Refugee to Welcome Afghan Evacuees to Indiana and the U. S. ~ Join the sixteen Friends planning to help Afghan refugees by partnering with Exodus Refugee, a local organization under Church World Service, the same organization that holds the CROP walk to help reduce hunger. Exodus Volunteer Coordinator Jericho Jones conducted a Refugee 101 training session Tuesday in the Meeting Room.
Those wanting to volunteer should:
Visit the Exodus website at www.exodusrefugee.org.
Attend a Refugee 101 training session. A pdf is available from Exodus and First Friends has the videotape of our training.
If still interested, pay $25 and complete a background check as directed via the Exodus website. (Note that you will not have to complete this if you do. not intend to directly work with refugees.)
Volunteers can volunteer individually or in teams. To be part of the First Friends Welcome Team, one must make a minimum 90-day team commitment and someone on the team must meet with the Afghan family a minimum of once a week.
After a reasonable number of Friends have completed the training and passed their background checks, the F. F. Welcome Team will be matched with an Afghan family and overseen by Jericho Jones. Stay tuned for more information.
Many Afghans will soon be living in our midst. Whether volunteering with Exodus or not, you can help by being welcoming to refugees and by helping other Hoosiers understand the new arrivals.
USFW Dedication Celebration ~ United Society of Friends Women (USFW) is planning to hold a dedication celebration of their new Midwest Region of USFW in person on Tuesday, October 26 at Sycamore Friends Meeting in Greentown, Indiana. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a program, and lunch ($13). Because the Midwest Region is comprised of women from all around Indiana, eastern Ohio, and western Illinois, part of the program will include a time of getting acquainted. They will also hear an update on the Pad Project that women have been participating in for a number of years and see the video of Katrina McConaughey handing out the completed pads to girls in Africa. The business will include approving the creation of this new group and of the officers put forth by the nominating committee. This will be followed by an installation of the officers. Lunch will be catered by a group from Greentown. Even if you haven’t been active in the “old” USFW, please plan to attend and help us make the new one a vital ministry. Please RSVP to midwestregionusfw@gmail.com by October 21st if you can come.
Shawn P’s Last Performances ~ As we say goodbye to Shawn as our organist at the end of this calendar year, we would like to share the dates that Shawn will be playing the organ at the Meetinghouse, in case you’d like to be there for some of his last days on the bench! Look for Shawn during Meeting for Worship on Oct 10, 17; Nov 14, 21; Dec 5, 12, & 19.
Queries for the Week
What ideas or attributes of God have not been helpful in my faith journey?
How might embracing God or the Divine as Love help me both worship and respond to my world?
How will I pay compassionate attention to myself and others this week?