Quaker Youth Pilgrimage in the NW

How would you like to get to know some “cool” Quaker teens? The Quaker Youth Pilgrimage, a program of Friends World Committee for Consultation, will be in the Northwest this summer. From July 15 to August 12^th, 28 young Friends from Great Britain, Europe, Canada and the United States, age 16-18, and 4 adult leaders will travel in Oregon and Washington State.

They will arrive in Seattle on Thursday, July 15 and gather at Eastside Meeting; then disperse to Friends’ homes in groups of 2-4; go to Quaker Cove near Anacortes, July 17-25; North Seattle Friends Church, July 25-30. On Friday, July 30, they will take AMTRAK to Portland.

They will stay at Multnomah Meeting July 30-August 4; Camp Magruder on the Oregon Coast, August 4-7; Camas Friends Church, August 7-9; and Anderson Lodge, Ariel, WA, August 9-12.

We need your help to make this experience the best ever for them. If you are in any of the above locations and would like to help, please contact me. nancymaemc@gmail.com

News of Friends Meetings and Churches

First Friends, Whittier (CA) participated in the City of Whittier’s Founders day. The church’s presence included sharing about the Meeting with a computer slide show, selling cook books and crafts, and giving out water for those who thirst physically or for a spiritual home.

The United Society of Friends Women of First Friends, Whittier (CA) held a luncheon with a program which consisted of sharing stories from the Church’s Life Story Writing Group.

With an eye to Peace Month, West Hills Friends Church (Portland, OR) decided to strengthen the bridge between WHF and Hispanic Friends. They invited Angel Diaz (the pastor of Newberg Hispanic Iglesia Amigos) to speak. Angel invited Gerardo Ibarra to join him. The two Friends described their experience moving to the United States and their perspective on the current controversies over immigration.

Ministry and Counsel of Victoria Meeting (BC) has decided to place books from Quaker and other faiths on the central table at Meeting for Worship for the use of those gathered.

Vancouver Island Monthly Meeting (BC) has laid down the North Island Worship Group.

Vancouver Island Monthly Meeting (BC) has considered the suggestion to have “Coast Salish Traditional Territory” added to the address line for the Fern Street Meetinghouse. The Meeting does not feel ready to move forward on this suggestion at this time. Friends wish to engage in broader consideration of the most appropriate way to acknowledge their relationships with the First Nations People in our area.

Discussion of the Worship and Ministry Report of University Meeting (Seattle, WA) included asking that the report reflect how verbal ministry can be problematic for one yet speak to the condition of another, and the need to be tender with eldering when a person is new to meeting. The report was accepted with thanks and appreciation for the hard work.

QuEST Coordinator: University Meeting (Seattle, WA) seeks experienced administrator, program developer, trainer for established program providing six interns with year-long positions at local social change and service organizations. Half-time, salaried position. Quaker or active among Friends. Application deadline: June 1st, for July start. Please send a letter of interest and resume to the UFM Personnel Committee. UFMeeting@gmail.com

Building and Grounds Committee of Tacoma Meeting (WA) sees no end to its flooring project unless the Meeting can turn to the principle of “many hands make light work.” So, the Committee decided to call for a large-group effort over Memorial Day weekend (Saturday, May 29, and Monday, May 31) to pull it all together, from the front door through the dining room—bringing it to completion.

At the Mother’s Day Breakfast at Friends Community Church, Spring Valley (CA) the men cooked and the women enjoyed the meal.

Friends from South Seattle Preparative Meeting (WA) received a letter from the Finance Committee requesting their financial pledge for the 2010-2011 budget year. Friends were asked to give the request prayerful consideration and to respond as soon as possible.

May 16 was Bike to Worship Day at Santa Cruz Meeting (CA), the last day of Bike to Work Week. Friends were also "officially" biking to work if they walked, roller skated, took a bus, skateboarded, jogged or rode an electric scooter. Once greeted at the door, they filled out a survey to be eligible for the grand prize of $1,000!

Salt Lake Friends (UT) joined the Pima Meeting Minute regarding war and peace as set forth in the Fourth Month newsletter, and supported its adoption by IMYM at the annual gathering in June.

Sacramento Meeting (CA) includes in its newsletter descriptions of groups that use the Meeting House and descriptions of organizations to which the Meeting sends an annual contribution.

On Wednesday evening, June 2, Friends at Rose Drive Friends Church (Yorba Linda, CA) have the opportunity for a captivating and humorous look at the physical world and at human existence as body and spirit. They will watch a DVD which will help answers questions about how science coexists with spirituality.

Friends at Rose Drive Friends Church (Yorba Linda, CA) had the opportunity to attend an Adoption Seminar. Those whose lives were personally touched by the Miracle of Adoption shared information on international adoption and domestic adoption through foster care

Property Committee of Redwood Forest Meeting (Santa Rosa, CA) invites Friends to the Meeting property on Saturday, June 12 for all the PIZZA they can eat. The occasion is celebrating the completed repair of the west fence. The only requirements are that one would arrive a little early—say, about 9 AM, wear old clothes and bring a paint brush. All will pretend to be Tom Sawyer, and paint the fence. And then—PIZZA!

Redwood Forest Meeting (Santa Rosa, CA) approved that the Archivist create and maintain an electronic archive of the Minutes of its Meetings for Business, in addition to continuing our paper archive of these minutes.

Phoenix Friends (AZ) Peace and Social Concerns committee held the final in its series of immigration potlucks on May 23^rd. They discussed current issues and the role of Friends in events like an upcoming march.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Building Use of Palo Alto Meeting (CA) met with the Director of Friends Nursery School which meets on the Meeting site. The Committee is united in the

belief that Friends Nursery School is engaged in a mission consistent with Quaker Values. Although the Nursery School’s governance is somewhat informally defined, it is based on a charge, instructional structure, and a mission in the community fully worthy of the Meeting’s continued support – in fact cooperation and partnership.

The Thursday morning meditation group of Palo Alto Meeting (CA) meets in the New

Meeting House. All are welcome, including those new to meditation or experienced. The facilitators draw on their backgrounds in both Buddhist meditation and Christian contemplative practices.

Burial Committee of Orange Grove Meeting (Pasadena, CA) presented several maps and photos depicting the location of the Meeting cemetery and its appearance, as well as several pictures showing possible signs to mark the entrance and the common plot.

Orange Grove Meeting (Pasadena, CA) noted that Faith and Practice suggests term

limits, but does not mandate them. OGMM generally limits Nominating Committee members to four years and most other committee members to six years. If the Meeting decides to purchase insurance to cover directors and officers, that policy may set limits.

Orange County Meeting (Irvine, CA) moved to a ground floor suite with handicap access (They will not miss the old elevator!). Friends are thrilled and relieved to be in their new place.

Newberg Friends Church (OR) holds a class “Exploring Friends,” in which the following queries are considered: Are you interested in finding out more about Quakers? Do you ever wonder what values Friends hold or how Quakers began? Have you ever considered why we have open worship?

Program Committee of Multnomah Meeting (Portland, OR) is sponsoring a fun benefit for Sisters of the Road at the Multnomah Meeting House on Saturday evening, June 5. For three decades, Sisters has been advocating for human rights & feeding people in poverty; come learn more! There will be a simple meal, plus music by young adults.

Multnomah Meeting (Portland, OR) families have the opportunity to volunteer at the Oregon Food Bank on Sat. June 19 from 9-11 a.m. At this fun activity for ages 6 and up, Friends will work together in the Volunteer Action Center, repackaging/sorting bulk food.

It's time to start planning for the Missoula Meeting (MT) summer potluck schedule. The committee members felt that Wednesday at 6:30 pm worked well and was worth repeating. Excluding the week of Annual Session, there are nine available Wednesdays between the Meeting In the Park on June 13 and Summer Montana Gathering of Friends in late August.

The tribal chair woman at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation has declared a "state of emergency" for her people because of youth suicide, alcohol and drugs. There really is nothing there for them to look forward to, and housing in general is horrible, jobs are hard to find etc. Living Waters Ministry (Plummer, ID) is planning to bring its youth group of 12 kids to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to help in any way they can.

Humboldt Meeting (CA) is holding a rummage sale to help support our annual budget.

The Clerk of Eastside Meeting (Bellevue, WA) hopes to convene a meeting of all committee clerks this summer, especially in light of the issues requiring coordinating tasks among committees.

Eastside Meeting (Bellevue, WA) approved its proposed budget with the suggested amendments, acknowledging that further adjustment may be necessary later in the year as Friends learn what their new building-related costs really are.

Outreach Committee of Davis Meeting (CA) discussed coming up with more information for new attendees to the Meeting, including the possibility of posting FGC or Pendle Hill pamphlets. They also considered amending the Meeting’s information pamphlet to ask attendees if they’d like a phone call.

Network of Friends of Canyon Hills Friends Church (Yorba Linda, CA) needs four meals a week for a few families who could really use support right now. Specifically, the request is to prepare a "ready to heat" meal for a family of four (plan for 4 adults) that could be dropped off at church and placed in the refrigerator. An example would be a casserole and pack of cookies.

Berkeley Meeting (CA) invites Friends to participate in the next production of the Meeting's exciting Oral History Project. On June 12^th, Connie Jolly will share her memories, and respond to questions, in an afternoon of sharing and reflection.

John Helding, Lopez Island Worship Group, will be at Bellingham Meeting (WA) on June 20 to talk about the SPICES program. He will also lead a sample exercise so Friends can consider whether they would like to go forward with the complete program in the Fall.

Appleseed Meeting (Sebastopol, CA) has moved to a new location in downtown Sebastopol. Friends are getting themselves organized in Quaker time.

Agate Passage Meeting (Poulsbo, WA) has been inquiring regarding the legality of work with immigrants. They learned that because Agate Passage Friends Meeting is not employing an illegal immigrant, although the Meeting might in the future make a donation to immigrants’ welfare, Friends are within the law and not breaking it when they house and aid a detainee who is released from the Northwest Detention Center.

Beyond the Monthly Meeting/Churches

Alaska Friends Conference is partnering with Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting to host a Youth Service Camp in Ohio immediately before FGC Gathering this year. It's an exciting opportunity for Alaskan youth. Alaska Friends need to raise $3600 by June 23^rd.

The American Friends Service Committee of Los Angeles invites Friends to attend a special event to honor and commemorate the work of Quakers and AFSC in aiding the 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry who were forcibly removed from their homes and relocated in internment camps during the Second World War. The event, “Quakers: Friends of the Japanese American Community,” will take place on Saturday, June 5 at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. The event is free, and there will be a reception following.

The Third National Quaker Conference on Torture & Accountability is scheduled for September 24-26, 2010 at Quaker Center, Ben Lomond CA. http://www.quakercenter.org/
Two internationally known anti-torture activists will headline the Conference on Torture. Human rights attorney and investigator Scott Horton will be the keynote speaker. Father Roy Bourgeois, founder of SOA Watch, will also bring his unique perspective on the work.

The Christian Friends Conference of Northern California will meet on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at Berkeley Friends Church. Keith Barton will be making a presentation on the 2nd Commandment.

The C.W. Perry Golf Tournament of Evangelical Friends Church Southwest will be Monday, June 7, at the Alta Vista Country Club in Placentia. To register or find more information on sponsorships, please visit friendschurchsw.org.

The Friends Committee on Washington Public Policy is the Quaker group whose mission is to bring Friends' testimonies to public policy in the State of Washington. FCWPP seeks to fill the position of Legislative Advocate, i.e., lobbyist. This position is part-time; a Quaker is preferred. For a complete job description, see www.fcwpp.org, or contact FCWPP Clerk Tom Ewell c/o fcwpp@quaker.org.

April 1, 2011, Friendsview Retirement Community (Newberg, OR) will celebrate its 50th anniversary. A special anniversary book is being prepared for the occasion, and to record for future generations the way God has worked. Those preparing the book are looking for photos, recollections, stories that might add interest to the publication. Please contact Betty Hockett at betty.hockett@gmail.com by June 1, 2010 regarding contributions.

Samuel Mahaffy of Spokane Friends Church (WA) is serving as the Coordinator for the FWCC Global Change Consultation. Information: www.fwccglobalchange.org or Samuel@fwccglobalchange.org.

Intermountain Yearly Meeting (IMYM) will be held June 9-13, 2010, at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM, with early program days on June 6-9 The theme will be "Quaker Service in the 21st Century." The registration material is posted at http://imym.org/2010annualgathering.

Calling Friends young and old to the first annual Quaker summer camp by and for InterMountain Yearly Meeting Friends! We are offering a summer camp experience June 13-20, the week following the annual gathering, in Gardner Colorado. A small group of SYF, YAF and OAF volunteer counselors will lead JYF campers in fellowship, fun and plork (play + work) as we experiment with living Quaker testimonies in harmony with nature. Only IMYM attenders will be able to join this year’s camp. imym.org/mtnfriendscamp

The Los Altos History Museum will present an exhibit about Frank and Josephine Duvenick, between January and June of 2011. The Duvenicks were active in the Quaker Community and also with The American Friends Service Committee.

Montana Gathering of Friends (MGOF) is in a six month process of laying down one of its Monthly Meetings, Heartland, and assuming the membership of those Friends. MGOF will now be both the Monthly Meeting for those Friends and the Quarterly Meeting for friends from the Missoula Meeting and elsewhere in the State.

Registration is now open at http://www.npym.org/as for North Pacific Yearly Meeting’s Annual Session, July 14-18 in Missoula, MT. The theme of this year’s gathering is “Practicing Hope: Living and Witnessing Our Testimonies”, with Friend-in-Residence Bridget Moix of FCNL. On Line Registration is available this year! Friends can also register as in previous years (download and mail in forms). Register by May 31 and receive a 5% discount.

Please support the North Pacific Yearly Meeting Junior Friends Service Trip to Petersfield Jamaica July 25 to August 1, 2010. More information about the trip: http://www.databasezone.com/npymjf/

The Puget Sound Family Retreat of Northwest Yearly Meeting will be at Quaker Cove Friends Camp, May 28-31.

Northwest Yearly Meeting will gather at George Fox University for worship, business, and visioning on July 25-29. The keynote address by Superintendent Colin Saxton will be on Sunday and the Outreach Rally will occur on Monday. Scott Daniels, Senior Pastor at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene, will speak Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights on the important questions the Church must always ask: What is God doing in the world? And what does the Church look like that understands what God is doing in the world? How can the Church hear these conversations so that it doesn’t miss out on what God is doing as he brings about the redemption of his creation? Go to http://nwfriends.org/yearly-meeting-sessions/ for information and to register on-line.

The 8th Pacific Northwest Quaker Women’s Theology Conference will take place June 16-20, 2010, at Seabeck Conference Center in Seabeck, Washington. The theme is Walk with Me: Mentors, Elders, and Friends. www.pnwquakerwomen.org.

Pacific Yearly Meeting’s 64th gathering will be held at Claremont McKenna College, near Los Angeles, from July 26 to 31. The theme, Engaging One Another in the Spirit, invites Friends to deepen their awareness of God and each other. George Lakey of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting will be the keynote speaker, and there will be a return visit by Vanessa Julye of Friends General Conference’s Committee for Ministry on Racism. Unity with Nature Committee is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and has special events planned. http://www.pacificyearlymeeting.org/

The Latin America Concerns Committee of Pacific Yearly Meeting announces its new web site, located at http://LatinAmerica.pacificyearlymeeting.org The site was developed to meet the committee's goal of sharing information about projects in Latin America related to the meetings in Pacific Yearly Meeting (PYM) and about other unprogrammed meetings. Hopefully, it will help Friends interested in working and worshiping in Latin America to be able to contact each other, both through information on the site and by linking with Friends World Committee on Consultation. It has a larger purpose of making public what the committee does in the world, in order to better serve people. To accomplish these goals, this is a bilingual site.