Among Friends: February 2017

FGC has shared an important update on its Institutional Assessment. Plus – It’s workshop submission time for two Yearly Meetings, Hanover Friends Meeting approved a Minute on human rights, and Martha’s Vineyard Friends Meeting described the Quaker experience for readers of The Martha’s Vineyard Times. 

News and resources from the world of Friends for the February 2017 edition of the Vital Friends eNewsletter of FGC. 

An Update on FGC’s Institutional Assessment

For more than 15 years of anti-racism work, FGC is now called to focus more sharply on structural racism within FGC as an organization. FGC heard from many monthly and yearly meetings about the importance of learning how to transform this organization.  We have also heard this message from many Friends of Color, and from white Friends engaged in the transformation of racism.  In October, Committee (FGC’s governing body) approved undertaking an Institutional Assessment of FGC, focusing on structural barriers to full engagement of Friends of Color.

Once funding has been obtained, the Assessment will be undertaken in addition to FGC’s ongoing Ministry on Racism efforts.

Lead a Workshop for Friends at SAYMA’s Yearly Meeting in June

Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting and Association (SAYMA) is asking Friends who feel led to offer a workshop at their Yearly Meeting to submit a proposal now. The dates for the upcoming gathering are Thursday, June 15th to Sunday, June 18th, 2017, and theme is Weaving Our World Together: Lifting Up Racial Justice. Friends are asked to submit their proposals online. If you need to request a paper form from the SAYMA office, email adminasst@sayma.org.

Hanover Friends Approve Minute on Human Rights

During a Called Meeting for Business in December 2016, Hanover Friends Meeting united to adopt Minute 16.169, which urges community members and Friends to “join us in defending human rights for all, working toward nonviolent religious and civic sanctuary that protects all who are vulnerable, and striving together for compassion, dignity and safety for everyone.”

Read Minute 16.169. 

Enjoy a Weekend of Fun and Community at the Young Friends Winter Gathering in Haddonfield 

Join high-school-aged Quakers and Quaker-friendly folks for a weekend of fun and vibrant community at the Young Friends Winter Gathering at Haddonfield Friends Meeting in Haddonfield, NJ. Full and partial financial aid is available to all Young Friends.  

Click here to learn more.

Workshop Proposals Needed for South Central Yearly Meeting 

South Central Yearly Meeting is preparing for its Yearly Meeting to be held Thursday, April 13th through Sunday, April 16th, 2017. This year’s theme is Climate Change, Environmental Racism, Friends’ Faith & Practice–What’s the Connection? Friends who feel led to lead a workshop are asked to provide a 150-word outline as well as any audio-visual needs by Friday, February 10th.

New England Yearly Meeting Presiding Clerk and Secretary Sign Joint Letter about the Executive Action Suspending Refugee Resettlement on Behalf of Quakers in New England

The Massachusetts Council of Churches has issued a letter opposing the Executive Action that suspends the resettlement of refugees in the United States, and New England Yearly Meeting‘s Presiding Clerk and Secretary have signed it on behalf of Friends in New England. We ask Friends to consider: what is your Quaker meeting doing to address legislation and Executive Actions that you feel go against Quaker values? Read the letter below, and consider sharing your meeting’s response with us on social media. 

Read the letter.

Martha’s Vineyard Friends Meeting in the News

We were thrilled to read a glowing write-up about Martha’s Vineyard Friends Meeting last month. From the detailed description of Meeting for Worship for the unacquainted to the inspirational quotes from Jennie and Newell Isbell Shinn, the Martha’s Vineyard Times thoughtfully articulated how essential the Quaker experience is for Friends. 

Read the article on MVTimes.com

Translate »