Smithfield Friends Newsletter January 2001 Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends 108 Smithfield Road Woonsocket, RI 02895 Vol.13________________________________________________________________________ No.125 Parsonage: 762-5726 Internet: http://www.smithfieldfriends.org Clerk: Bruce Kay Recording Clerk Susan Furry Pastor: Marnie Miller-Gutsel Treasurer:RichardFrechette Ministry&Counsel Rhoda Mowry Newsletter: Randy Oftedahl CALENDAR FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY EVERY SUNDAY 10:30 am: MEETING FOR WORSHIP First Day School Child care for infants and toddlers LAST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH: Unprogrammed Worship and Pot Luck Lunch OTHER WORSHIP UNDER THE CARE OF SMITHFIELD MEETING OR RI/SMITHFIELD QTLY. MTG. SECOND SUNDAY OF MONTH 7:00 PM: Unprogrammed Worship at Uxbridge Meetinghouse, Uxbridge, Mass EVERY WEDNESDAY 6:00 PM: Unprogrammed Worship and discussion at ACI(Maximum) Other Events: Sunday, Feb. 4 Meeting for Business following worship NEWSLETTER DEADLINE Weds., Feb. 7 7:00 PM: Ministry and Counsel at Eunice Strobel's home. Letter from Marnie Dear Friends, I love snow. I always have. As a child growing up in Virginia, we didn't have all that much, but that made it all the more welcome. Of course, the local highway departments were not as well equipped as they are up here, and even a light fall meant school cancellations. So if there was even a light dusting on a school morning, my brother and I hung over the radio, listening for the announcements of school closings. They would be the signal to wolf down our breakfasts and stuff ourselves into snowsuits--great, heavy affairs, made of wool, with balloon-like trousers--put on mittens and scarves and woolly hats, and rush out into the transformed world of white. If the snow was deep enough, we would walk a mile or so out into the country, dragging our sleds. Our destination was the farm of a good friend, who had a wonderful wooded hill beside her house. It wasn't terribly steep--nothing was in that part of the world. But it was steep enough and long enough to get up some speed. And it was challenging. There were many trees to dodge (thank heaven for the wonderful steering mechanism of the Flexible Flier!) and in one place there were the remains of a wire fence, put up in some long gone time to discourage cows from wondering off into the woods. That required lying back flat on the sled in order to slip under it--but only the boldest child ever attempted the fence. I had a snow day once in college. It came during the Reading Days that preceded exams in January, so the faculty didn't have to be on campus, and most of the administrators didn't even try to get there. But it brought the town to a complete halt. I remember standing in the middle of a completely empty Chester Road, a street that was so busy most of the time that it was dangerous to cross. As I stood there, I remember thinking that human beings really need these moments of being brought to a complete stop by forces over which we have little control. Snowstorms are ideal, because unlike other such "acts of God," snow--treated with respect--brings more inconvenience than anything else. And it transforms the world--at least temporarily-- giving us opportunities for play, adventure, and joy. And we need those moments of being brought to a temporary halt, in order to reflect on our lives. I recall a "snow week" my daughters had once while we were all in Richmond, VA. The combination of snow plus extreme cold paralyzed the city for several days. At first they loved it! No school for days and days! But then they started to get bored. It forced reflection on them, and they discovered that there were plusses about being in school. Perhaps that's the "lesson" of snow. It provides this wonderful transformation. We get a chance to do things we can't always do. We see the world from a new perspective--and it really does look different. And it slows us down--often a very good thing. But it also makes us think about the way things usually are--and maybe get a new perspective on those too. Perhaps snow--one of God's lovely gifts--has its part to play in the renewing of our minds. "Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2) Love, Marnie Smithfield Men's FRIENDship The first session of the Smithfield Men's FRIENDship will be held on Sunday, February 11th, 2001 at the meetinghouse from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, God willing. This group is being formed to discuss issues and items of concern to men of faith as we embark upon the third millenium. Some possible items for discussion are Christian aspects of parenting, intergenerational relationships and opportunities to bear Quaker witness and testimony in an interfaith environment. More ideas and possible directions for this group to investigate are eagerly sought after. For the inaugural session, members of the First Baptist Men's Fellowship have been invited to participate with us. This is an exciting chance to share worship with another religious tradition. A light lunch (probably soup and sandwiches-though suggestions are sought) will be served Any ideas or comments, please contact Bruce Buteau. Phone 766-9552 or, alternatively, e-mail gamer4@home.com. Notes from Mowa-Choctaw Friends School and Center The newsletter from the Center dated December 2000 has been received and is posted on the Meetinghouse bulletin board. There are many exciting things happening at the Mowa-Choctaw Friends School and Center and as usual they have many needs, one of which is "underwear for all ages" for the rummage sale for the community. If you are interested in Quaker Mission please contact Eunice Strobel or Cindy Keene to participate in donating new underwear for all ages, packaging it and sending it to Alabama. We would like to finish this project by February 15th. They are also collecting Campbell's soup labels and Box Tops for Education found on any General Mills cereal, Betty Crocker products, etc. There is more information in their newsletter. -Eunice Strobel Smithfield Friends New Online Address Thanks to a generous donation from Connie and Randy Thompson, Smithfield Friends Meeting now has a "registered domain" name on the World Wide Web. Our home page can be accessed at: http://www.smithfieldfriends.org. Check it out!! Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends Minutes of Meeting for Business December 2, 2000 2000-89 Opening Minute Smithfield Monthly Meeting met in a regularly scheduled meeting for worship with attention to business at noon on December 2, 2000. Bruce Kay was presiding clerk, Ronald Belliveau was recording clerk, and fourteen Friends were present. We began with a period of waiting worship. 2000-90 Approval of previous minutes The clerk read the minutes of November 5th, which were approved by Friends. Friends will consider this meeting's minutes at the next business meeting. 2000-91 Update Letter from the Apostolic Pentecostal Church A letter from the APC to Smithfield Friends was read by the clerk. They reported that they are doing the best they can to find another place of worship. It was generally felt that no additional action should be taken at this time. Friends agreed to write a general letter of response. 2000-92 Same gender relationships Following our discussion of the situation with the APC, Richard Frechette expressed a concern that our community has not taken adequate time to consider the issue of same gender relationships. Friends asked that Ministry & Counsel should begin this process, and report to the next business meeting. 2000-93 Finance Committee Report: Budget for 2001 The budget for 2001 was reported by Bruce Buteau, noting that there is a projected deficit of approximately $9000. After careful consideration, Friends approved the budget. There was some discussion on developing ways of raising funds and collecting donations. This topic was left for another time. 2000-94 Childcare during Sunday worship Rhoda Mowry reported on Ministry & Counsel's concern that we provide childcare during our regular Sunday service, and the apparent lack of such care in recent weeks. The clerk stated that we have previously minuted approval of childcare provision during meeting for worship. Richard Frechette volunteered to be the coordinator, and maintain a sign up sheet for people interested in doing childcare. It was also noted that a commitment of a week ahead of time would be sufficient for now. 2000-95 Building & Grounds Committee Report Harry Bushnell reported on Buildings & Grounds recent repairs to the meetinghouse. The total cost of the repairs to date is $4,110.00, which included the installation of new gutters and repair of the sill. Friends expressed their gratitude to Harry for taking care of this important job. 2000-96 Further consideration of the new membership book As requested by the Meeting, Karen Sprague described her reasons for recommending the purchase of the new membership book. Friends expressed some concern about the cost. After a period of worshipful discernment, Friends agreed to acquire a new membership book at a cost of $354.00. 2000-97 Change of date of the Christmas party The date of the Christmas party was changed from December 16, 2000 to December 15, 2000. 2000-98 Closing minute No further business arising, Friends closed with a period of open worship, purposing to meet next for business on January 6,2001, if God permits. Respectfully submitted, Ronald Belliveau, Recording Clerk Holiday Food Baskets a Great Success! Smithfield Friends Meeting answered the call to provide Christmas food packages to Woonsocket families in need through a program administered by Family Resources. We committed to providing 10 baskets, but delivered 13 in the end, thanks to the generosity of many in our meeting community. Several individuals and families chose to assemble entire packages of food. Others contributed food, boxes and money (for gift certificates to buy perishable items) that were used to assemble "community" food packages. Finally, five adults and two children met at the meeting house on December 20 to transport the completed packages to Family Resources. One family delivered their package on another day. As we drove in the multi-car "caravan" from the meeting house to Family Resources, Andrew and I felt exhilarated to be part of this group effort. To be sure, there were some mishaps that occurred when we got to Family Resources like arriving at the "wrong" door where they were not entirely prepared to accept the baskets. The woman I had been speaking with could not be found, but room was made and the staff at Family Resources seemed grateful for our contribution. Unfortunately, the room where packages were to be delivered was on the second floor and the elevator broke after our second trip up there! Food is very heavy, but we were not to be deterred... Organizing this effort taught me a lot. I was reminded that organizing something does not always mean you will do all the work. The way we pulled together as a community made this experience much more meaningful than it would have been if I had donated food as an individual. Like my son, I was proud to be part of the "caravan from Smithfield Meeting." We learned of a need and we stepped up to do our part to respond. Because of our efforts, thirteen Woonsocket families enjoyed a nice Christmas meal and felt a little more secure about food for a time. One participant told me she wished we would do this again because of how much her family had enjoyed putting their food package together. I hope we will do so as well - perhaps with even more participation. The need is certainly still there - hopefully, we will be there to meet it... - Connie Bair-Thompson Letter from Alfred Lugalia You may recall that we had a wonderful visit from Kenyan pastor Alfred Lugalia last year. In December your clerk received the following letter from him via email: Dear Clerk Bruce, I send you and all the members of Smithfield Monthly Meeting warm greetings in His Holy Name. I'm taking this chance to thank you and the Meeting for the money you send to me sometimes back. I was glad to know many of you as good and loving friends who loves God's children. It is true that God wants us to love one another that the world may know that we are His children. Please read John 1:12-13, and Matt. 25:31-46. Thanks very much to invite me in your church and to share with you God's blessings. We know one day we shall meet again. Please tell me those who will be attending the Conference in Nairobi. I will be very happy to welcome them in my home and in our church. Tell all members they are free to tell me about it. Please you can also give them my e-mail address and phone No. 316-862-5443. I hope to write again soon. Remember me in your prayers. We are having finals next week. Pass my best wishes to all your family members and your friends. Please write back and tell me when you are going to my Country. Yours In His service, Pastor Alfred Lugalia vihiga@hotmail.com M ost of us need from time to time the experience of something spacious or space-making, when Time ceases to be the enemy, goad-in-hand, and becomes our friend. To read good literature, gaze on natural beauty, to follow cultivated pursuits until out spirits are refreshed and expanded, will not unfit us for the up and doing of life...Rather will it help us to separate the essential from the unessential, to know where we are really needed and get a sense of proportion. We shall find ourselves giving the effect of leisure even in the midst of a full and busy life. People do not pour their joys or sorrows into the ears of those with an eye on the clock. -Caroline C. Graveson, Religion and culture (Swarthmore lecture), 1937 Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends 108 Smithfield Road Woonsocket, RI 02895