As Way Opens
On Sunday, we hosted special guest, Bridget Moix, the General Secretary of Friends Committee on National Legislation. Bridget brought a wonderful message that had us considering our part in creating a Beloved Community in such a divided world.
After the message, I was moved to speak out of the silence about one of our family visits to the King Center in Atlanta. It was there that we first introduced our boys to Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. The boys in turn pointed out how Quakerly the vision was. It is so important to the King legacy, that around the wall of the reflective pool that holds Martin and Coretta’s crypts they display the definition of the Beloved Community (see photo).
As I went back to look at the photo we took of the wall when we were there last, I was again moved by the words of the Dr. King’s vision and how important it is today in our world. Take a moment to ponder these words,
The Beloved Community is a realistic vision of an achievable society, one in which problems and conflict exist, but are resolved peacefully and without bitterness. In the Beloved Community, caring and compassion drive political policies that support the worldwide elimination of poverty and hunger and all forms of bigotry and violence. The Beloved Community is a state of heart and mind a spirit of hope and goodwill that transcends all boundaries and barriers and embraces all creation. At its core, the Beloved Community is an engine of reconciliation. This way of living seems a long way from the kind of world we have now, but I do believe it is a goal that can be accomplished through courage and determination, and through education and training, if enough people are willing to make the necessary commitment.
May our hearts and minds be filled this week with this spirit of hope and may we work to create a Beloved Community in our families, communities, and Meeting.
Grace and peace,
Bob
Joys & Concerns
We’d like to welcome Chrissy S as the new Clerk of Christian Education. Thank you for serving, Chrissy!
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Babysitting Co-Op ~ Our babysitting co-op is happening Saturday August 27, 4:30 – 8:30, hosted by Tiffany Beaver and Beth Henricks. Dinner will be provided for the kids. Please contact the office if you would like to have your kids join in the fun that evening!
First Friends Financial Update: Members and attenders are reminded that the Meeting seeks and welcomes financial support, as we currently are experiencing a dip in donations. To donate online, visit indyfriends.org/support/#givenow, or text to give at 317-768-0303. Other means of support include automatic giving, stock gifts, estate planning, and donation of IRA Required Minimum Distributions. For assistance in donating, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org, 317-255-2485.
Are You Interested In Gleaning? ~ The Shalom Zone is trying to find out whether there are folks in our Shalom Zone churches who have an interest in gleaning crops. Gleaning is the process of walking through a farmer’s field and picking up produce left behind by machines that harvest the crops. The “gleaned produce” can then be donated to a food pantry or other organization who can use it. Notice of a gleaning event is typically short...a few days to perhaps a week. The farms are usually located in counties adjacent to Marion County. We would anticipate that we would meet at First Friends and ride together to the gleaning location. If you would be interested in helping with gleaning, please notify the First Friends office. Our thought is to develop an email list of interested folks to use when gleaning opportunities arise. Notice can then quickly be sent out to determine whether there are folks who are able to help for a particular gleaning event that arises. Think of this opportunity as something that can not only provide food for the needy, but great exercise! Thanks for your consideration.
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! Please note that for this month, we will meet on the fourth Thursday, August 25 at 7:00pm at Pastor Bob’s house. We will be excitedly kicking off our 6th year of Threshing Together! Beverages and light snacks will be provided. We will plan to meet in our backyard - weather permitting. We hope you will join us!
The First Friends Thursday night Bible study invites you to study the book Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job: Three Ways of Wisdom for thirteen weeks beginning August 25. The book is in the Illuminate series, which was recommended by Bob Henry. Contact the office if you'd like to participate in this small group, or even if you'd like to join only occasionally. The study meets by Zoom every Thursday at 7:30 pm. From the website: "These books of wisdom help readers consider life’s big questions of meaning, purpose, and the existence of suffering. Readers are encouraged to grow in wisdom and to avoid folly, and there's a promise offered—that by seeking wisdom, we will be guided into righteousness. This path is not free from suffering, but God is present, and we can find joy in the moments we have. Journey through these books to discover three aspects of biblical wisdom and reflect on how God is leading you in the way of wisdom today."
RecycleForce Presentation ~ Shalom Zone churches have arranged a presentation by Andrew King of RecycleForce at Epworth United Methodist Church on Tuesday evening August 30th at 7PM. RecycleForce is a non-profit organization with a mission of providing job training and support to folks released from prison. By providing recycling services for electronics they are also addressing important environmental concerns by keeping electronics out of our landfills. This is a unique organization that is providing important services to our community. Come and learn how RecycleForce is benefiting our community.
The Stamp team invites you to help assemble a jigsaw puzzle with a Love stamp theme. It is set up in Fellowship Hall. Come by and fit a piece in, or stay and work for a while. Or just admire the bright colors. It will be fun to watch it take shape. You might enjoy seeing your favorite past Love stamps in the puzzle. If you’d like to join the fun $tamping for Dollar$ team (which benefits Right Sharing of World Resources), contact the office.
Unheard Voices in Christianity ~ In the study group for Early Christian Writings, we found that there were many voices that have not been heard as Christianity developed its orthodoxy. Many of the women in who were instrumental in the early Jesus movement were under-emphasized or written out of the story altogether. If we are indeed created in God's image male and female, it is important for us to pay attention in the women in the Bible and other Christian writings. In our next round of study, we will pay attention to these women of the Bible and other important unheard or less known voices in Christianity.
We invite you to join us on Thursday September 8th for our first look at Unheard Voices in Christianity with an emphasis on women. Just as the people of the Jesus movement met to break bread before meeting and worshiping together, so will we. Join us at 6:30pm for a light meal in Fellowship Hall before we begin our study. If you have any questions or comments contact the office. We hope to see you there!
Mark your Calendar: 2022 Fall Kickoff! ~ We are excited for this year’s fall kickoff which will begin on Sunday, September 11th. Everyone is invited to wear your pajamas at the Meetinghouse that day! Sunday School classes will start at 9:00am and we will serve breakfast starting at 9:30am. The Seeking Friends adult Sunday School class will be led by Bob Henry. The choir will also meet starting at 9:00am. At this time, there will be no Sunday school for children or youth. We hope to see everyone that day in their pajamas for a fun day! Please join us.
Green Team Summit 2022 is Approaching! You’re invited on Sunday, September 11 from 5:00-6:30 PM CT/6:00-7:30 ET for Green Team Summit keynote session with renowned climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe! Dr. Hayhoe will deliver a live address with Q&A, exploring her latest book, Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World. Now, Saving Us gives us the tools to have those conversations with our friends and neighbors—successfully! This keynote session will be the first of six sessions, where participants will explore the intersection of faith, climate change, and justice, access lots of free resources and Faith in Place programs, meet other people passionate about environmental justice, and more! In addition to the virtual component welcoming guests from around the world, regional watch parties will be hosted in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.greenteamsummit.org.
USFW Annual Fall Retreat: Abounding in Hope ~ You’re invited to the Midwest Region United Society of Friends Women (USFW)’s Annual Fall Retreat, which will take place Monday-Tuesday, September 12-13 at Quaker Haven in Syracuse, Indiana. The theme is “Abounding in Hope” and will be led by Sylvia Graves Beane. There will be Opportunities for worship, fellowship, reflection and prayer. Because of COVID, masks will be required and all attenders will be asked to have a negative COVID test before arriving. The cost is $75 and includes accommodation and 3 meals. For more information and for the registration form, see their flyer here.
Indianapolis Festival of Faiths! Friends, the Festival of Faiths is coming around again and this time in person at White River State Park September 18th, 1:00 to 5:00pm! You can meet people of many different faiths, get "turbin-ized" by the Sikhs as Bob Henry did one year, join a drumming circle and maybe witness a Jewish wedding complete with the smashing of the wine glass. And of course, you can hang out with the Quakers and learn more about the Quaker Testimonies.
As in the past we expect to work with Fairfield Friends and perhaps another couple of local meetings. As always, we are looking for people to help us at the Quaker booth. Any amount of time is helpful but helping set up and take down are the times when we definitely need a minimum of two people.
If you would be willing to help with the booth, contact the office.
2022 First Friends Women’s Retreat: Kaleidoscope - The Magic of a Subtle Shift ~ Ladies, you’re invited to the 2022 First Friends Women’s Retreat! It will be Friday September 23rd beginning at 5:00 p.m. through 11:00 on Sunday Sept 25th. Rachel Doll O’Mahoney, the new pastor at Valley Mill Friends will be our retreat leader. We will gather at the Benedictine Center in Beech Grove and the Center will provide rooms and meals. We will gather together to talk about our lives the past 2 years and how our experiences are shaping our future. We will have workshops, free time, meals together and some fun activities. We invite you to reserve your spot by contacting the office. The following is the pricing for 2 nights, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and one lunch:
Single room with private bath - $187
Single room with common bath - $158
Double room with private bath - $129
Double room with common bath - $117
We will have scholarships available to ensure anyone can attend if they want to. Our previous retreats have been a rich time of connection and community. This is a retreat that is trans inclusive/LGBTQ supportive.
Adult Quaker Affirmation Coming Soon ~ We are glad to offer an adult Quaker Affirmation class series which will begin on Sunday, October 2, from 11:30-1:00. This is an 8-week study of what it means to be a Quaker. It will cover Quaker history, theology, and what Quakers are doing in the world today. Anyone is welcome! If you’re interested, please contact the office at office@indyfriends.org.