Friends General Conference

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

2020 Fifth Month

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Minutes Details: 

Fox Valley Friends Meeting for Business, May 17, 2020

FINAL – Approved for Posting on September 13, 2020

Present:  Katie B, Carol C, Jim C, Jill H, Reed H, Tina M, FP, Mary K - Clerk 

Approval of Minutes:  Minutes from the March 8 meeting were approved for posting.

Treasurer's Report:  Jim C reported all current bills are paid and our bank balance is $1,009.82.  We paid our $1,000 to NYM early because they needed it and we had it.  Rent to Mauthe Center is paid through June. 

New Business.

Saving Stamps for RSWR:  Right Sharing for World Resources collects new and used stamps as a fund-raiser.  Mary will put a marked box in our bookcase at the Mauthe Center for people to donate new and used stamps to this good cause.  Cut used stamps off of envelopes with a ¼ inch frame of paper. 

Reports from Coordinators of Work Projects.

Prison Ministry:  Tina reported that in response to how prisoners are being treated in our new COVID world, WISDOM has prepared a position paper on lockdowns and they are working alongside other prison reform organizations to get better health care in prisons.  Marcy’s Law to legislate additional victim rights was on the Wisconsin spring referendum and it passed, but it is very controversial.  Tina has done additional research and now believes it is not beneficial.  There is growing frustration with Gov. Evers for not taking any actions to improve the conditions of prisoners.  The DOC has plans to test all personnel and all inmates.  Katie reported that she has not been able to visit with Mary at GBCI yet.  There were problems with her paperwork in March, then all visits were cancelled because of COVID.  There is currently no visitation allowed at any of the prisons, and many of the prisoners have been deprived of any daily recreation time outside. 

First Day School:  Michael is working on re-starting her VISA process so she can go to Northern Ireland for her Quaker Service.  She will let us know when a new date is set. 

Care of Meeting for Worship:  Thanks to Reed for setting up and hosting weekly Zoom Meetings for Worship during the last few months.  They have been well-attended.  Reed will continue hosting a Zoom Meeting for Worship each Sunday at 11 a.m. throughout the summer, including Memorial Day weekend.  As soon as the Mauthe Center allows us to use the building again we will start adding the option of meeting in person for Worship.  Notification will be sent out to members when this option begins.  Mary and Katie will make sure there is a computer in the Worship space so Zoom participants, phone participants and in-person participants can all worship together.  We will maintain social distancing during the in-person Meetings for Worship and we will not have any potlucks afterwards.  F P will add the link to the Zoom Meetings for Worship on our FVFM Website. Mary will talk to the families to find out what they want to do for First Day School over the summer. 

Mauthe Center:  Reed will contact them to find out how soon we can start using their meeting room again on Sunday mornings. 

FCNL:  We did not participate in the FCNL Priorities Project this year because of COVID disruptions to our schedule. 

Monthly Potluck/Discussion:  Sheila has agreed to host monthly potlucks over the summer for those who feel comfortable gathering together.  These will be social gatherings with no scheduled discussion topics.  Dates will be sent out soon.

Communications:  FP will send a copy of the latest FVFM Contact List to everyone who is on the list. 

NYM and FGC:  Both of these Quaker events will be held on-line this year.  Registration information has been sent out via e-mail 

For our consideration:

NYM Faith and Practice, Chapter on Integrity, page 34:

“5.  How do meetings open themselves to receive words lovingly from a Friend who speaks from a place of integrity, even when that Friend challenges, confronts, or ministers to the meeting in a way that makes it uneasy?” 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary K, Clerk

With support from Tina M

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