Concord Friends Meeting

A Monthly Meeting in Dover Quarter of New England Yearly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends

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The Meeting Calendar

Please socially distance for all indoor events and mask when not eating or drinking (more info).

NB. Midweek Meeting is not scheduled.  Please be in touch with Rich, Lucy or Matt if you are interested in attending.

Dover Quarterly Meeting – Sunday, April 30

Hello Friends,

We meet as a quarter on April 30. Please send me [Jeremiah Dickinson <dacha [at] comcast [dot] net>] any items you may have for the agenda.

This will be a Zoom meeting, one of the items for our consideration will be if we want to return to in-person gatherings for the quarter.  Part of the discernment will be, if in-person, where and whether or not to offer a Zoom option.  As part of this, consider if your meeting may be called to host.

I look forward to hearing from you and to being together on the 30th.

In faith, Jeremiah

Yard Sale News – Saturday, May 13

Collecting Items for the Sale:  Starting Sunday May 7, we will be collecting items for sale, tables offered for loan, and easy-ups offered for loan.  Please leave items in the Fellowship Room.  If you want to bring items during the week, just let us know and we will give you the code for getting into the building. Please have everything at the meetinghouse by 3:00 on Friday the 12^th.  There will be a crew starting to set up then.

Bake Sale:  Don't forget that an important part of this event will be the bake sale.  Start baking anytime and freeze items.

And thank you for thinking about excess items you may find around your quarters and setting them aside for the May 13 sale. Proceeds will go toward building financial stability and food security for a family in Kenya through Kenya Rising.

African Friends in North America – Saturday, May 13, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)

The African Friends in North America Committee (AFNA) is rescheduling our event featuring Max Carter and the History and Practice of Friends in North America.

All Friends are welcome to participate in both virtual workshops: Registration is free! Click on the links below to sign up!

Saturday, May 13 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)

Max Carter, a recorded Friends minister and member of New Garden Friends Meeting (North Carolina Fellowship of Friends) will join us to lead a presentation on the History and Practice of Faith in North America.  Max retired in 2015 after 45 years in Quaker education as the William R. Rogers Director of Friends Center and Quaker Studies at Guilford College, Greensboro, N.C.  Raised in Western Yearly Meeting in Indiana, he received his undergraduate education at Ball State University, his seminary work in campus ministry at Earlham School of Religion, and his PhD in American Religious History at Temple University. 

Max has served in youth ministry at West Richmond Friends Meeting in Indiana, taught at the Ramallah Friends School, Earlham College, in Philadelphia's Quaker secondary schools, Guilford College, and served as an adjunct at Wake Forest School of Divinity.  Max's courses at Guilford College included Quaker history, Quaker theology and spirituality, Quaker testimonies, and current topics in Quakerism. 

Among his publications are two books on campus ministry, a memoir of his work in Palestine and Israel, and numerous devotionals, journal articles, and encyclopedia entries.  With two cousins, he has a forthcoming book through Friends United Press on the work of his great-aunt Annice Carter, who was a Friends missionary in Palestine and Kenya for many years.  Max continues to live in Greensboro with his wife Jane, also a retired Quaker educator.

Register here before May 12: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=864595ca-2afc-4856-8543-5d2cf1f9f8a5&envId=p-M_GkrVpRD0SYAnp6yU24pg

2023 AFSC Corporation Annual Gathering Report

Last weekend (April 13–16), AFSC held its first hybrid Corporation meeting, “Connecting for Lasting Change” (https://afsc.org/afsc-corporation-program-2023).  This theme spoke to the importance of the relationships we build – among Friends, with staff and community partners, and throughout a world in powerful need of lasting change.

Recordings of the workshops, the Quaker heads discussion, and keynote speech from Ambassador Andrew Young can be found on the landing page for the program at “Connecting for Lasting Change.”  You will find the recordings and supporting resources to share as you like.

We also wanted to share with you our fully updated “Friends Engage” web page (https://afsc.org/friends-engage), on which you can find many ways to get involved with our work.

News of Friends:

Mark B had a heart valve replacement procedure (TAVR) on Tuesday, April 25.  Continued prayers for the restoration of his good health are welcomed.

Newsletter Next Week

Greg will be back to editing the newsletter the week of May 1.  Please remember to use our preferred email address when sending submissions:  ConcordFriendsNewsletter [at] gmail [dot] com.

Swings and More

Thanks to Chris for finding a newer play structure and for repairing and erecting it along with Greg's help.  See the photo above to view their handywork!  There are a couple of more items needing attention, but it is now safe to use.  There is an infant swing on the ground next to the building that can replace one of the swings, so feel free to try it out if you bring a little one to play sometime.

Outdoor Child Care Program

Ruth, Dave and Greg have been working with Deb Follansbee to make cooperative plans for a program to begin in the fall.  We expect to have a full report out to the Meeting in the first day or two of May and will seek Meeting input at Meeting for Business.  We will be considering a "Memo of Understanding" and, ideally, we will be able to approve it this month.  If there are concerns to address we will be able hear them and take action in June.

Child Care

This week marks the end of the signups in our shared document for child care and First Day School teaching.  If you are approved for this service, please visit the Google Doc and add your name where you can.  On April 30 we have no helpers signed up to work with Wendy who is teaching.  Many thanks.

Minutes

The draft minutes for the April 2023 meeting for worship with attention to business are available at https://www.ConcordFriendsMeeting.org/2023-04-09_CMM_Minutes or via https://www.ConcordFriendsMeeting.org/Minutes_of_ConcordMonthlyMeeting

For corrections, missing documents, and/or clarifications of the minutes, please reply to Clerk, Concord Friends Meeting Clerk [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org.

Landscape Planning

Greg, wearing the Landscape Coordinator hat, reports that at long last plans will move ahead this season to get the rest of our southern space in front of the the building and western space outside the Meeting Room planted.  He is working with a student in the NHTI Landscape Design program who has a special interest in native plantings.  Priorities in the plan will be native species, an outdoor gathering space, and low maintenance.  If friends have specific suggestions for favorite plantings, please send them to Greg.  He is concerned about the struggling creeping sedum and is seeking help to bring it back.  Last year we cut way back in watering, perhaps too much.

Book Groups and Life in the Spirit

Becoming Kin: The one book group underway now is at a change point.  They are open to having a couple of new participants and are beginning a new book starting April 25, Becoming Kin By Patty Krawec and Nick Estes. Sara writes, we meet on Tuesday mornings at 9 am to 10 am on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month on Zoom.  This book is available in a variety of formats and is less than $20.  Since we take our time, a library book may run into renewal problems.  Let Sara Smith know if you have questions or would like to join.

Here is part of the blurb: "We find our way forward by going back.  The invented history of the Western world is crumbling fast, Anishinaabe writer Patty Krawec says, but we can still honor the bonds between us.  Settlers dominated and divided, but Indigenous peoples won't just send them all "home."  Weaving her own story with the story of her ancestors and with the broader themes of creation, replacement, and disappearance, Krawec helps readers see settler colonialism through the eyes of an Indigenous writer."

We plan on keeping the book group small so everyone can participate fully, but could add a couple people.  If you like to take your time and dive deeply into a book while bringing your life and perspective into the discussion, you might like this group.

Our life is Love:  Heidi is planning to offer a Sunday, before meeting, discussion group based on Our Life is Love by Marcelle Martin.  She hopes to start it up this summer or no later than September.  Check out the reviews and let her know if you are interested.  Heidi loves this book and believes it will be a fine study group offering.  She is thinking the group might meet once a month. Let her know of your interest.

Life in the Spirit Groups:  At the start of the pandemic a number of group formed to help us maintain and deepen connections.  Ministry and Counsel has heard from a few people who would like to have such an opportunity again.  Groups could meet over Zoom or in person and be planned to work around the schedules of those interested.  The theme is intended to be personal sharing focused on our lives in the spirit.  Greg will help to coordinate so let him know if you have an interest in this sort of group.

NEYM Friends Camp – Newsletter

Dear Friends Camp Community,

Happy spring!  Can you believe that our campers will be arriving at camp in only 2 months?  We are busy preparing for the summer and the arrival of staff and campers, and preparing for events in the spring and fall.  This newsletter contains some exciting news about September- Friends Camp is going to be open for rentals during the 2023 Common Ground Fair.  This is the first time that we are hosting rentals since 2019, and staying at Friends Camp offers fun, camaraderie, and convenience during the Fair. Mark your calendars!

This newsletter also has a save-the-date for our volunteer work weekend, information about the All Maine Gathering with NEYM, and more.  As always, thank you for supporting Friends Camp by reading our newsletter.  We are so grateful that you are part of our community.  Because Friends Camp is a non-profit Quaker camp, your contributions (of time, skills, funds, and love) make Friends Camp who we are.  Thank you!

See you soon,

Anna Hopkins Buller, Camp Director, (207) 877-4302, director [at] friendscamp [dot] org

Spring Work Weekend: Friday, May 19 - Sunday, May 21

Mark your calendars - our annual work weekend is just around the corner!  Work weekend is happening May 19 - 21, at Friends Camp in South China, ME.  Volunteers (that could be you!) come to camp to help us with raking, painting, clearing pathways of sticks & branches, moving furniture into place, and much more.  Come prepared for physical labor, and to help us get camp ready for the summer.  Please use the button below to register, and to find some more details.  Families are welcome to attend and work, but we do not offer a children's program or childcare during this weekend.

Register to volunteer

Almost Packing-For-Camp Time!

Some campers might already be thinking about packing for camp -- and gathering, borrowing, or purchasing needed items.  Here's a copy of the packing list, so that you have it handy!

Do you have extra sleeping bags in good shape, plain white T-shirts, board games, or books?  We will happily take donations of these items and make sure they get put to good use.  Contact Anna at director [at] friendscamp [dot] org to arrange drop-off of items at camp.

Common Ground Fair – September 21-24

That's right, Friends Camp will be open for overnight rentals for the Common Ground Fair this fall!  Though camp used to do this most years, we have not since the pandemic hit.  This year, we will be open Thursday through Saturday nights of the fair, with breakfast and dinner available at camp.  Rustic rentals are possible for families, groups, and individuals either in a cabin or tent.  Mark your calendars for September 21-24, 2023.  More details will be available closer to the date of the fair.

Friends Camp needs a van!

Friends Camp is asking for your help again in finding a second van, after receiving one by donation earlier this year.  We are seeking a second used minivan by donation or purchase from our community.  Not only would owning our vans cut down on our annual costs, but vans are now difficult to find to rent for the summer due to high demand.  Vans are truly central to our operations during the summer, for everything from urgent care transportation to ice cream distribution.  We greatly appreciate our community for your support in this need!

Seeking Camp Committee Members

The Friends Camp Development and Building & Grounds Sub-Committees are both seeking a few new members!  Each sub-committee meets about 8 times a year over Zoom on weeknight evenings, with optional in-person events to stuff appeal letters or do volunteer work at camp.  The development sub- committee is seeking those who are passionate about the mission of Friends Camp and especially providing camperships.  No special experience in either area is required, although we would be especially excited to speak with you if you do have experience in development or facilities management.  With interest, contact Anna at director [at] friendscamp [dot] org.  Thank you!

All Maine Gathering: Saturday, May 6, 2023

Join Quakers and Quaker-curious people at the South China Community Church on May 6!  Click here to learn more.

The All-Maine gathering is an opportunity to celebrate our communities as Quakers in Maine, to build relationships and to share and support our ministries.  Pre-register at neym.org or just show up!

Our theme is “Our Quaker Stories.”  Our presenter will be Quaker activist and teacher, George Lakey, whose most recent book is Dancing With History: A Life for Peace and Justice, a memoir of a Quaker activist and master storyteller on his involvement in struggles for peace, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, labor justice, and the environment.

Staff Introductions on Instagram

Click any picture to head to our Instagram and learn a but about these 2023 staff members, and to stay updated on introductions!

Make a Gift to Friends Camp

Friends Camp | 729 Lakeview Dr, South China, ME 04358

This Newsletter

Dear Friends,

If you have information to share via this Newsletter please have your information submitted to ConcordFriendsNewsletter [at] gmail [dot] com by 5:00 PM on Thursdays.  Items should begin with a headline followed by text that can be copied and pasted without editing.  Please remove any formatting if you are able.  Also, please keep postings directly related to the Meeting or activities and groups supported by the Meeting, or personal news to share.

Typically the announcements will go out by Friday.  It is our intention to acknowledge receipt of all submissions.  If you don't receive an acknowledgment we probably have not seen your message, and it would be helpful if you followed up with us. 

The Newsletter Gmail account is owned by Wendy, but it is also used by Greg.  Look for the signature to be clear who the actual sender is.  And finally, it's best to keep your Zoom links in a handy place in case the announcements are not sent in a given week.

Greg Heath / Wendy Lapham, Newsletter Editors

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