Friends General Conference

Together we nurture the spiritual vitality of Friends
A Monthly Meeting that is part of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

2019 Ninth Month

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Minutes Details: 

Fox Valley Friends Meeting for Business, September 8, 2019

FINAL – Approved November 10, 2019

Present:  Carol C, Jim C, Jill H, Reed H, Tina M, Bob K, Kirsten, Mary K - Clerk

Approval of Minutes:  Minutes from the April 14 meeting were approved for posting.

Treasurer's Report:  Jim shared a financial summary.  We have $2,775.32 in our bank account.  Given the contributions we expect to receive from members over the rest of the year he thinks we will be able to cover our donations to Friends organizations at the current budgeted level.  Friends approved.

New Business.

New Member Request:  Mary shared a letter from Katie Brewer-Berres requesting membership in Fox Valley Friends Meeting. 

“I am interested in pursuing membership in the Fox Valley Friends Meeting.  I find the weekly meeting speaks to my need for sitting in contemplative silence with others.  The mission of the Society of Friends to work toward bringing healing and reconciliation and sharing God’s love with the world is something that I want to be a part of.  I intend to share my time, talent and financial resources with the community.  Sincerely, Katie Brewer-Berres-Boychik

Carol will clerk a Clearness Committee for Katie’s membership request.  Reed will be a committee member, and Hayden will be asked if he would like to participate on the committee.  Friends approved the Clearness Committee moving forward with or without Hayden’s participation.

Mauthe Fundraising:  Reed reported that the Mauthe Center is moving into their next stage of fundraising where they are looking for donations from small contributors.  He will work on getting some pledge forms to share at our November Meeting for Business.

Reports from Coordinators of Work Projects.

Budget:  Jim will present a budget for 2020 at our November Meeting for Business.  Mary reported that we received a visit from Friends Fiduciary over the summer.  They are one of the investment firms used by Northern Yearly Meeting.  They offer savings and investment plans for monthly meetings should we ever have a need.

Ministry and Nurture:  Hayden is still at Angel’s Touch and appreciates visits.  Bob will contact Dorothy to stay in touch.

First Day School:  First Day School has started again.  We will be learning about Quakerism over the coming year.  Michael B has indicated interest in continuing to be a FDS helper.  Mary will work on getting a background check.

Care of Meeting for Worship:  All seems to be going well.  Let Carol know if noise is a problem for anyone.

Adult Education:  We added one item to our list of potential topics:  Should we control noise or accept noise when we are meeting in silent worship?

WISDOM/JOSHUA/RUTH:  RUTH is continuing to work toward a Mental Health Court.  The JOSHUA fund-raising banquet will be on October 11.  They are requesting items for the Silent Auction.

FCNL:  Bob expressed concern about several state and local issues.  Get in touch with him if you are interested in talking with local legislators.

Mauthe Center:  Reed is completing his year of service as President of the Board of Trustees and will be moving to the Mauthe Foundation Board of Trustees.  Thank you, Reed, for your service.

Monthly Potluck/Discussion:  Potlucks with discussion following will begin again this fall.  Topics for discussion are still under consideration.  Dates have been set.

-Sept 27

-Oct 25

-Nov 22

-Dec 20

Meals for the Homeless Shelter:  Carol reported that there is an opportunity to make soups for St. John’s to freeze for when they need them.  This would be easier for our small group than making a full meal.  Some members indicated their willingness to help with soup-making.  Carol will look for some future dates for this activity.

Communications:  Reed will re-send the Contact List to learn if any updates are needed.

Outreach:  Lissa F will be speaking from the Quaker perspective in the E Pluribus Unum series at the Mauthe Center on November 14 at 6 pm.  All are welcome to attend.

We have been asked by GIFT (Gathered in Faith Together, the local ecumenical group of church leaders) to lead a short worship sharing exercise during their upcoming Thanksgiving service.  Mary will coordinate.  Anyone interested in helping lead the worship sharing should contact Mary.

Northern Yearly Meeting:  NYM Fall Interim Session will be Nov 1-3 in Minneapolis.

Prison Ministry:  We have been asked by Shane King to support his legal effort for the right to hold a normal Quaker meeting with the Milwaukee Friends when they come to visit.  Members approved a plan to work with Milwaukee Friends to bring this issue to Northern Yearly Meeting for their consideration.

Tina reported that Lester Holt of NBC news is doing a series on prison reform called “Justice For All”.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Klos, Clerk

With support from Tina M

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