Support for Kenyan Students and Families

For the past 8 years, the Meeting has supported Christine Imbiti through the Friends of Kakamega (Kakamega Care Centre) program. In 2021, the Care Centre joined forces with another Kakamega organization and became Kenya Rising, providing support for hundreds of students and their families through several projects which help them lift themselves out of poverty. Through that support, Christine's family has 'graduated' and no longer needs the supports of Kenya Rising. (Read about their success and see pictures here). We have been asked to support the Asonga family and the Meeting agreed to that in January 2023. Read about the Asonga family here. We also encourage you to read more about the Kenya Rising program here or on their website. They are doing incredible work! You may feel moved to donate to their general fund or sponsor another student yourself! Proceeds from the yard sale planned for this spring will support the Meeting's commitment.

Youth Religious Education Committee

Advanced Documents for Meeting for Business

Two financial statements thru January are available here and here.

Correction Regarding Property Across the Road

There is an application to the Board of Adjustment to operate a “specialized firearm repair, modify, design, build business …. To purchase and to manufacture & deal in Title II firearms” in the new building that is being constructed to the south and east of the meetinghouse rather than on the property across the road as previously reported. Presumably we will want to prayerfully consider a response to this application in our Meeting for Business. Rich would be happy to work with interested Friends to consider possible responses. The ZBA hearing will be Wednesday 2/22/23 7PM.

Title II firearms pertains to machine guns, short or "sawed-off" shotguns and rifles, and so-called destructive devices (including grenades, mortars, rocket launchers, large projectiles, and other heavy ordnance).

GCIC Lenten Luncheons

YOU ARE INVITED…to attend the 2023 Lenten Luncheon series sponsored by the Greater Concord Interfaith Council. Each luncheon will feature a different speaker.

• Dates: Thursdays: March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
• Time: 12:00-1:00pm
• Locations: With the exception of March 9 (see below), all the Lenten Luncheons will be held at Christ the King Parish, 72 South Main St. in Concord, in the Parish Activity Center adjacent to the church (enter the parking lot from Thorndike St.) On March 9, the luncheon will be hosted by Bow Mills United Methodist Church, 505 South St. in Bow (enter from the parking lot at the rear of the church).
• Ticket Price: The ticket price will be $7.00 per luncheon. More details on the luncheon speakers will be coming soon!

Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC)

Hybrid Section Meeting on March 23-26. Look here for more information.

FUM E-News

View Friends United Meeting's E-News here.

NEYM's new Bodine-Rustin Fund deadline 2/25

February 7, 2023

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!

I am reaching out to announce the creation of the new Bodine-Rustin Fund for Support and Action that was approved during 2022 Sessions—and to request your timely participation in making suggestions of groups to distribute the funds to.

The Bodine-Rustin Funds are to be used to support LGBTQIA+ organizations in East Africa, Central and South America, India, the Caribbean, and North America.

Out of concern for individuals and monthly meetings who, as a matter of conscience, cannot contribute to the financial support of Friends United Meeting (FUM), the Yearly Meeting will allow monthly meetings to direct some portion of their contribution to the Yearly Meeting that would otherwise have gone to FUM, to go instead to this new fund. These funds will be distributed annually to organizations working for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people, including Friends. Individuals and meetings can make gifts to this fund.

Meetings and individual NEYM Friends are welcome to send suggestions of groups for whom an award of financial support from the Bodine-Rustin Fund would be helpful. YOUR SUGGESTIONS are a key part of this witness and essential to the process.

Funds for distribution come both from meetings redirecting the FUM part of their Yearly Meeting contribution, and as donations from some meetings. We expect to have a total of about $5,000 to distribute this initial year.

More information and the form for submitting proposals are attached and can be found on the Yearly Meeting website here: https://neym.org/bodine-rustin-fund-support-and-action PROPOSALS MAY BE SUBMITTED THIS YEAR ANY TIME UNTIL FEBRUARY 25, 2023.

Thank you for your participation and for sharing this news and invitation with your meeting.

With you in the Spirit,

Rebecca Leuchak, Yearly Meeting Presiding Clerk

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