Smithfield Friends Newsletter October 2001 Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends 108 Smithfield Road Woonsocket, RI 02895 Vol.14________________________________________________________________________ No.132 Parsonage: 762-5726 Internet: www.smithfieldfriends.org Clerk: Richard Frechette Recording Clerk Connie Bair-Thompson Pastor: Marnie Miller-Gutsel Treasurer:Bruce Buteau Ministry&Counsel Rhoda Mowry Newsletter: Randy Oftedahl CALENDAR FOR October/November 2001 EVERY SUNDAY 10:30 am: MEETING FOR WORSHIP No First Day School in the Summer Child Care Available 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: Wed, Oct. 24, 7 PM Ministry and Counsel; location TBA Sunday, October 4 Meeting for Business Every Friday- Gathering to Pray for Peace--6 PM at the Meeting House, followed by a simple supper at 6:30 Pray for Peace Smithfield Friends Meetinghouse Fridays at 6PM Letter from Marnie Dear Friends, For many of us--perhaps even most--September 11 has drawn a great dividing line across our lives: there's before the 11th, and after the 11th, and some things we relied on have changed forever. But this month, as we enter October, I'm going to reach back across that line for parts of the letter I originally wrote for last month's newsletter, because I think they may have even greater relevance at this point. In that letter, I reflected on Yearly Meeting sessions, and on what I think was the high point for many attenders--the Wednesday morning worship following Marian Baker's lovely Bible Half Hour. It was the most gathered worship I ever remember experiencing at Yearly Meeting. Messages rose up on every side, and they came from Friends on every part of the theological spectrum-- all to the effect that Quakerism is Good News that the world needs, and we should be out there spreading it. Now, post September 11, I believe this has become even more important, especially in regard to our witness for peace. Thoughts of that gathered worship stayed very close to me as I began my vacation the following week. On August 12, I set off on a visit I had long wanted to make, to Meeting for Worship at New Bedford. I've had a long time concern for little old Meetings that are struggling to continue, and New Bedford is a special favorite. They don't draw many people to worship, but there is spiritual strength there. They hosted Committee Day one sunny winter day a couple of years back, and I fell in love with the handsome old Meeting House (ca. 1820's) and with the town of New Bedford itself. That First Day, there was a small but enthusiastic group of worshippers (8!) and during Meeting, I was led share a message about the "good news" of Quakerism. I noted that in many meetings, although attenders seem to be quite ready for social action, people clam up when opportunities arise for explaining our faith and our tradition to the outside community. In some Meetings, it even appears that people come to worship in order to be "alone together." One sometimes hears the argument that we shouldn't be sharing our theology when we don't all agree on it. Yet we do agree on our basic theological teaching--that there is 'that of God in everyone' and that anyone may have a direct encounter with this Inner Light or Inward Christ. If we are committed to living it out, this teaching has profound implications for the way we treat other people. And this is the Good News of Quakerism, a Gospel that needs and deserves to be brought into the public square: The Light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. (John 1:9) And especially now, as our nation goes on a war footing, we should be speaking to the world about the importance of honoring that sacredness within every human being Consider this Good News, Friends. And consider these words from the Prophet Isaiah: I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations. (Is. 42:6) Love, Marnie A Peaceful and Just Response to September 11: A forum and discussion sponsored by RI Peace Action Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 PM Friends Meeting House (Morris & Olney Streets) Providence, RI Featured speakers include Dr. John Pastore of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Carol Bragg from Rhode Island Committee for Nonviolence Initiatives and National Board Member of Fellowship of Reconciliation, a representative from the Lawyer's Guild, and a representative from the Islamic community in Rhode Island. In addition to hearing from the speakers, there will be an opportunity for open and respectful discussion among those who attend. Bible Discussion Group Temporarily Suspended Friends involved in Smithfield's regular Bible discussion have decided that for the time being, they would prefer to focus on the weekly Friday night Gathering to Pray for Peace. Consequently, the group will temporarily suspend their meetings, and resume at a later date. Gathering to Pray for Peace Smithfield Friends have decided that one of the most important things we can do as a group during these disturbed times is to gather on a weekly basis to pray for peace. A core group of Friends has committed themselves to meeting on Fridays at 6:00 PM in the Meeting House for prayer, followed by a simple supper at 6:30. All Smithfield Friends and attenders are encouraged to join the group. The Meetings are open to the wider community, so please invite your neighbors and friends. Training for Draft Counselors In anticipation of the possibility that the draft may be revived at some point, Cambridge Friends Meeting has arranged to offer training for those with an interest in becoming draft counselors. There will be a training session at Cambridge on Saturday, September 27, from 9-5. Please see the notice on the bulletin board for further details. Why not Attend Meeting for Worship for Business? Reprinted with permission from the Richmond (VA) Monthly Meeting Newsletter, "Among Friends" Some attenders and members express frustration that it takes so long to "get anything done" at Meeting for Worship for Business. Perhaps there is confusion about what the real agenda is. The primary work of MWB is not a list of reports and decisions; it is nothing less than the spiritual formation and direction of those present. In meetings, the fact that we eventually do accomplish things is a byproduct, a bonus. Participants learn to be Friends. We learn to listen and hear "that of God" which constellates itself in a gathered meeting. We learn to be available and willing, corporately and individually, to follow whatever leading the Spirit lays upon us. You cannot put that on a list of definable tasks because the process is unending as the Spirit's love and hope for us: it will not be "done" by 3 pm or by Tuesday or even "this year." That is a mercy and a blessing, because it means we are not out of time yet and God is not done with us yet. How compassionate and forbearing is the Spirit that even consoles and pacifies our irritable impatience with rewards like a handicapped access ramp or cabins at the Clearing or leadings and struggles toward peace and justice. For those who judge MWB by the same yardstick they apply to a secular meeting, I urge a second, 20th or 200th look. Perhaps some Friends avoid MWB because they are simply not ready to be worked on by such a zealous Spirit. Sometimes our energy is consumed by personal, family or career crises. Other times we are exhausted or need a trip to the beach. God knows we need these things and supplies what we need abundantly if we have wisdom to recognize the gift. That wisdom might include trusting the Spirit not to work us over when we cannot handle it and allowing Meeting to hold us in the Light during our more solitary struggles. Sadly some folks think they have nothing to offer to MWB. They have no stake in or preference about the issues that usually form the Spirit's workplace. This is wrong. We are exactly as we are - what the Spirit has to work with. The capacity of the whole is diminished by the absence of any of its members. Each of us is needed and valued as we gather in Meeting to consider God's household in the world. One need not be active either in a committee or in MWB itself for one's presence to be vital. The greatest service in Meeting is performed by those whose centered quiet and worshipful attention provide a matrix in which concerns, leadings, proposals and reports can be offered and received. Without a context of worship to contain the offerings of all our busy egos, discernment cannot occur. Prayerful presence is an essential gift to community. Jean Jones Andersen (Note: Jean Jones Anderson is the Assistant Clerk of the Richmond Monthly Meeting) Right Sharing of the World's Resources Our desire is... that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." (2 Cor. 8: 7,13-15) God calls us to the right sharing of world resources, from the burdens of materialism and poverty into the abundance of God's love, to work for equity through partnership with our sisters and brothers throughout the world. (RSWR) Roland Kreager, the General Secretary of Right Sharing, came to NEYM this August from the RS headquarters in Cincinnati. He's visiting yearly meetings this year in a new outreach to Friends. Right Sharing began in 1967 when Friends recognized the great disparity of wealth in our world. As part of their testimony of simple living some began giving 1% of their income to the 3rd world, now called more optimistically the "developing world". The first small grants were made in 1970. At that time the organization came under the FWCC umbrella, until in 1999, it became a separate Friends organization. It is best described as a micro-credit financing operation that encourages micro-enterprises among small grassroot cooperatives in third world communities. The emphasis is on small. This is how it differs from other micro-loan programs which fund corporations and small businesses. Roland says: What the developing world needs is CAPITAL. Right Sharing works entirely with women's organizations believing that in helping women, we are best able to help children. And as Marian Baker pointed out, in Africa, women do most of the work. Micro-loans are made to coop organizations, not to individuals. Ideally 10 women will form a cooperative group and then apply for a grant. Their grant proposal will be judged by 4 factors that have proven successful in the world of micro-lending. * The individuals must be self-employed within each accountability group. * The seed money is granted to the group as a whole and must be controlled by the group itself. * The work chosen must be sustainable and environmentally friendly. * The end products must be consumed and used locally. According to Roland these principles have been tried and tested in the developing world. How do these principles resonate with American Friends? Can they be a lesson in simplicity to we New Englanders proud of our independence and individualism? Are they a gift from the poor who must work cooperatively to survive? RS micro-loans range from $500. to $5000. They may be divided equally or given to one or two or three individuals in the group to launch their enterprises. For example $500. may buy a cow or be enough to stock an orchard. The lenders then set up a payment schedule weekly or monthly with an amount of interest determined by the group. In addition the borrowers are required to save in a personal savings account an amount equal to their repayment fee. Whatever is left over is profit for the family. When the loans are repaid in a year or two, the individual borrower will have an equivalent amount in savings in the bank, as well as good credit and the opportunity to borrow again. The coop can then recycle the money to the next member or to a new person. The original borrower has a business, savings and profits, and often an enhanced position in community affairs. In this way a small loan can benefit several families. Because of the social structure of the cooperative, the default rate is remarkably low, 2 or 3%. The members help each other; success for one is success for all. Right Sharing now funds heavily in India but is expanding into Africa, especially Kenya and Sierra Leone. In 2001 Right Sharing will fund 50 projects in 8 countries totaling 204 K. Most partners are not Friends though an increasing number are. USFW has decided to fund raise this fall for Right Sharing. We shall request that our money be used by Roland (in consultation with Marian Baker) to fund a cooperative in Kenya. It is our hope that we shall be able to connect with the cooperative that we fund, God willing. Grant us Lord, the desire and the discipline to share some of our luxuries with our sisters struggling for the basics of daily survival. May our spirits grow rich in the process. And bless the Friends in the field doing your work. - Jeanne Kinney Meeting for Business, September 9, 2001 2001-51 Opening Minute Smithfield Monthly Meeting met for a regularly scheduled meeting for worship with attention to business at noon on September 9, 2001. Richard Frechette was presiding clerk, Connie Bair-Thompson was recording clerk, and 14 other Friends were present. The clerk read a passage from Beyond Consensus by Barry Morley on the difference between consensus and "the sense of the meeting." We then began with a period of waiting worship 2001-52 Yearly Meeting sessions Martha Smith reported on her experiences at NEYM Sessions last month. Nathan St. Germain and Rocky Malin joined us to report on their experiences in Jr. High and Young Friends yearly meeting sessions, respectively. Friends also discussed their feelings about how worship sharing groups were scheduled for the same time as workshops. The intent of this scheduling change was to allow more time for meeting for business during sessions and Friends agreed that the business meeting experience had been enhanced and seemed more spiritual. However, several Friends who attended workshops said they greatly missed the worship sharing group experience and wished they did not have to choose between the two. Friends felt that the worship sharing experience suffered from this schedule change. 2001-52A Use of the microphone during Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business Because some had difficulty hearing what was said in this Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, Friends decided to speak into a microphone which was passed among speakers for the remainder of this meeting. 2001-53 Minutes relating to peace and social concerns that were approved at Yearly Meeting sessions Friends considered these three yearly meeting minutes relating to peace and social concerns that were approved at yearly meeting sessions last month, particularly to discern how or if Smithfield Friends should respond to them: * Yearly Meeting Minute 2001-25: On Campaign of Conscience for the Iraqi People (ref: Smithfield Minutes 2000-19. 31, 38, 42, 60) * Yearly Meeting Minute 2001-59: On the National Missile Defense System * Yearly Meeting Minute 2001-66: On public health and the environment Friends noted this meeting has already minuted its support for the Campaign of Conscience for the Iraqi People. Friends asked Peace and Social Concerns committee to begin looking at these minutes and also asked that the minutes be published in the newsletter for all to review. Smithfield Friends who feel one or more of these minutes speak to them are encouraged to join Peace and Social Concerns committee in their review. Friends asked the clerk to appoint a convener of Peace and Social Concerns committee as he can no longer serve as clerk of that committee. When the committee meets, they should choose a new clerk. 2001-54 Financial matters * Friends accepted a report from Bruce Buteau, Treasurer, that $345.00 had been raised to support Marian Baker's ministry in Kenya. $100.00 of that sum came from the Bessie Ewen fund and $50.00 was given as an honorarium. The remainder was contributed by individual Friends. * Friends asked the Finance Committee to consider developing a process through which we could continue to support Marian and others in their ministry. * It was brought to our attention that the Meeting had not decided what to do with $435 that was contributed in memory of Louise Corrigan. Kathy Malin volunteered to call Ed Corrigan, Louise's son, to get his opinion on how these funds should be used and friends asked her to do so. Friends noted that Louise had been active in First Day School and Finance committees. 2001-55 Rhoda Mowry - Program on Spiritual Formation Rhoda Mowry asked for $100 to help defray the $230 cost of a nine-month program on "Spiritual Formation" she wants to participate in at Woolman Hill and elsewhere. Friends agreed that support for Rhoda's attendance is an appropriate use of the Bessie Ewen Memorial Fund and approved $100 for this purpose. 2001-56 Peacemaking bookcovers Friends approved spending $10 to purchase 40 "peacemaking" bookcovers from Barton/Glover Meeting for distribution to and by our children. 2001-57 Quaker Meeting House Association, Uxbridge Friends approved contributing $50 to the Association that cares for the Uxbridge meeting house. 2001-58 Smithfield Meeting committees Friends asked that each Monthly Meeting Committee meet over the next several weeks and to present a status report to either the October or November meeting for business. Friends asked the clerk to make sure each committee has a clerk or convener and knows who its members are. 2001-59 Child Care Coordinator Friends asked the clerk to appoint someone to act as child care coordinator for our youngest children. This person would be responsible for recruiting and coordinating volunteers to provide child care during meeting for worship. 2001-60 Queries from Faith and Practice on Care of our Children Friends considered the Queries from Faith and Practice of New England Yearly Meeting on Care of our Children: Do children receive the loving care of your meeting? Does the meeting nurture their religious life and give them an understanding of the principles and practices of Friends? Are you an example to your children in your faithfulness to the ideals you profess? Do you promote your children's moral and spiritual development by loving oversight of their education, recreation, and social activities? Do you listen to children, recognizing that the Spirit may lead them along paths you have not foreseen? Do you assist them to assume their rightful responsibilities in the home, the meeting, and the community? Friends expressed appreciation for Marnie's regular children's message during meeting for worship. Friends also discussed how we might incorporate more music in our service that was specifically geared to younger Friends. Those Friends who are on First Day School committee who were present at this meeting felt they had the support they needed from the meeting, at least at this time. 2001-61 Closing Minute No further business arising, Friends closed with a period of waiting worship, intending to meet again for business October 14, if God permits. Friends decided to meet on this second Sunday in October so as not to conflict with the Columbus Day holiday. Respectfully Submitted, Connie Bair-Thompson, Recording Clerk Meeting for Business, September 23, 2001 2001-62 Opening Minute Smithfield Monthly Meeting met for a called meeting for worship with attention to business at noon on September 23, 2001. The meeting was called to consider what, or if, we feel called to do as a community of faith in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Richard Frechette was presiding clerk, Connie Bair-Thompson was recording clerk, and 14 other Friends were present. We began with a period of waiting worship, then the clerk read a statement from Swarthmore (PA) Monthly Meeting of Friends in support of an interfaith initiative outlining what communities of faith can do in response to the terrorist attacks. This initiative suggested faith communities can provide solace, be voices of restraint (do not do as the terrorists did), advocate for justice and accountability, among other things. 2001-63 Introspection and self-evaluation Smithfield Friends feel that any response to the terrorist attacks must go farther than the interfaith initiative that the clerk read. We believe our response must include some serious introspection and self-evaluation, as a country on a larger scale, as a meeting and as individuals on a smaller one. As a country, we should seek to find out why the terrorists were motivated to attack us. Because we believe there is a link between peace and social justice, introspection as a country should include examining how our financial and economic policies may have contributed to our being a target of such hostility. Friends feel that the problems we face are greater than the terrorist acts themselves. Actions in our daily lives can ripple out through the wider community. On a smaller scale, Friends felt we must seek ways in which we can further the cause of peace in our daily lives and in our relationships with others. In many ways, peace really does begin at home. Further, Friends feel a call to return to basic Friends' principles of Integrity, Equality, Simplicity and Peace. Returning to our core beliefs can help us avoid being overwhelmed by the tasks before us. How are we as a meeting and as individuals living up to these principles and how can we do more? How are our actions contributing to an environment which makes peace difficult to achieve? These are some of the questions we feel we must begin to address as we seek to discern what we are called to do in response to the attacks that occurred on September 11th. Friends feel that the terrorist attacks of September 11 were more than just an attack on our country, they were an attack on all humanity. Some Friends find it difficult to join the current trend on hanging out American flags for this reason. However, we do love our country and the freedoms we enjoy, and for this reason many Friends want to display the flag because it stands for these ideals. Friends do not wish to see their flag "co-opted" by those in favor of military action. 2001-64 Open gathering to pray for peace Pauline Goulet said she felt called to offer to initiate a weekly "open gathering to pray for peace" at our meetinghouse. After some discussion, Friends decided to begin this group this Friday, September 28, at 6:00PM. The gathering would begin with 30 minutes of prayer and then would be followed by a simple supper. We hope to attract those in the community and from other faith communities who want to work for peace to join us. Hence, we will get the word out through flyers, signs and public service announcements. 2001-65 Committee formed to write an epistle on our response to September 11th attacks Friends expressed an interest in having Smithfield MM generate an epistle outlining what we feel called to do in response to the events of September 11. A committee consisting of Richard Frechette, Connie Bair Thompson, Bruce Buteau and Marnie Miller-Gutsell was formed to begin writing this epistle. 2001-66 Direction for Peace and Social Concerns Committee Friends feel that much of the work involved in fashioning a corporate response to the September 11 attacks is the responsibility of Peace and Social Concerns Committee. For example, Friends would like the committee to filter and disseminate information to the meeting about peace-related activities of various organizations. Friends would also like the committee to generate letters to our elected officials. At the same time, Friend are appreciative of the amount of work already before Peace and Social Concerns Committee and of the additional work being requested here. Because of this, Friends ask Peace and Social Concerns Committee to meet and decide what, and how much, they are prepared to do and to communicate this to the meeting. A the same time, Friends were reminded that all committee meetings except for Ministry and Counsel are open to any Smithfield Friend and that those who feel led to join Peace and Social Concerns Committee's efforts will be welcomed by them. Friends asked Peace and Social Concerns Committee to announce their meetings after meeting for worship and also in the newsletter so that other Friends have an opportunity to join them. 2001-67 Closing Minute No further business arising, Friends closed with a period of waiting worship, intending to meet again for business October 14, if God permits. Respectfully Submitted, Connie Bair-Thompson, Recording Clerk Meeting for Business, October 14, 2001 2001-68 Opening Minute Smithfield Monthly Meeting met for a called meeting for worship with attention to business at noon on October 14, 2001. Richard Frechette acted as Presiding clerk, Connie Bair-Thompson was recording clerk, and 7 other Friends were present. We began with a period of waiting worship. 2001-69 Approval of minutes from prior business meetings Friends reviewed and approved the minutes from the regularly-scheduled business meeting on June 3, 2001. With minor changes, Friends also approved the minutes from the September 9 regularly-scheduled business meeting and the September 23 called meeting. 2001-70 Report from the epistle committee A committee was formed at the called meeting for business on September 23 to write an epistle that would convey Smithfield Friends' response to the tragic events of September 11. The committee has drafted an epistle and Marnie Miller-Gutsell read it to the meeting. After careful consideration, Friends agreed with the intent of the letter but expressed some discomfort with the wording. Among other things, concern was expressed that the epistle did not convey the fire of our conviction and that the draft did not speak to the concerns of the wider community. Friends asked the epistle committee to address to address these concerns. 2001-71 Peace Symbol over American Flag - Bruce Buteau Bruce Buteau brought to the meetinghouse a large plywood circle on which he painted a peace symbol over an American flag. He asked Friends to consider whether they would like the symbol displayed at the meetinghouse. Bruce expressed his long-held feelings that peace is not disrespectful to our country and that peace is the only answer that makes sense to him. Friends expressed concern about the peace sign itself, including the divisiveness it engendered during the Vietnam War in particular. Friends feel that the time is not right for us to display a symbol which has the potential to create such misunderstandings. 2001-72 Letter from Susan Furry Susan Furry has requested Smithfield Meeting's endorsement of her letter expressing her leading to visit and share again with Cuban Friends whenever way opens. The clerk read to us her letter and the minute from the NEYM Puente committee relating to it. Friends enthusiastically acknowledge that Susan has ministered to Cuban Friends over many years and that her ministry has been affirmed several times by clearness committees. Friends endorsed the process outlined in Susan's letter, which follows: Dear Friends, I've intended to write this for some time, but other concerns have been distracting me. Please forgive the short notice. The nature of my leading with respect to Cuban Friends is that I spend as much time as possible with them, either here or there. The timing of my trips to Cuba is determined by practical considerations, based on this long-term leading. At this point, to go through the full Puente process for every trip seems redundant to me. I would like very much to have an on-going permission to visit Cuban Friends as way opens, using the NEYM license, similar to that which was approved for Betsy Cazden several months ago. This would simplify thing for me, for Puente, and for the Permanent Board. It is my hope to visit Cuban Friends once a year, for 2 or 3 weeks. I would be glad to accompany other New England Friends when that seems appropriate, but would not hesitate to go alone, as I did in 1998, if no traveling companion seems led to go with me. I would welcome an oversight committee from Puente to keep in touch with me and the development of my leading and ministry. I think this is more necessary than a monthly meeting oversight committee, because Puente Friends understand much more about the context and could elder me more effectively, while a monthly meeting committee would be more likely to let me "get away" with something. The purpose of these visits would be the same as the past trips: "Love is the first motion, and from there a concern arises to spend time with the Cubans, that I might feel and understand their life and the spirit they live in, if haply I might receive some instruction from them, or they might be in any degree helped forward by my following the leadings of Truth among them." This is paraphrased from Woolman, and it is remarkable to me how closely he expressed the leading that I feel. Every time I go I learn and understand more, both about their practical situation and about their spiritual life. I believe that in some ways my ministry has been helpful to them, both to individuals and to groups. "Love was the first motion" -- I don't understand why I fell in love with Cuban Friends, more than with other Latin Friends I have met, but it's been very clear from the beginning that my leading is specifically to Cuba. It's one of those situations in which one feels the divine hand guiding in mysterious ways. It's something that I "can't not do." It's now almost a year since I was there for the centenary, and I really feel a need to decide on a time to go again. There are so many people I need to see! So many individuals I love, whom I carry in my heart. So much activity and growth in the church I want to witness. I have to go soon, one way or another. In the voices of many Cuban Friends who say or write "when are you coming back?" I hear God calling me. in Christ's love, Susan 2001-73 Quarterly Meeting Meal The annual RI Smithfield Quarterly Meeting retreat will be held at Camp Aldersgate on October 20 and 21. Smithfield Meeting has been asked to prepare Sunday breakfast. Friends discussed how to pay for the cost of materials for the meal and other logistical matters. Friends agreed to use meeting funds to buy materials Suzanne Frechette volunteered to buy the supplies and coordinate preparation of the meal. Friends thanked her. 2001-74 Louise Corrigan memorial funds Per a previous minute, Kathy Malin contacted Ed Corrigan, Louise's son, about how he thought she would have liked her funds, amounting to $435, to be spent. Ed felt that using the funds to support the First Day School would be appropriate. Friends agreed to allow First Day School committee to use the funds as they saw fit, but asked that they use the money for things other than budgeted supplies. 2001-75 Family Resources/Community Action Friends considered a request from Family Resources/Community Action in Woonsocket for us to participate once again in the holiday basket program. Friends suggested that this might be a project our young friends might be interested in taking on. Connie Thompson agreed to follow up with young friends. 2001-76 Use of laptop computer in meeting for worship with attention to business Friends discussed some of the concerns about and benefits of using a computer to compose minutes. Friends will continue to labor with this issue. 2001-77 Closing Minute No further business arising, Friends closed with a period of waiting worship, intending to meet again for business on November 4, if God permits Respectfully Submitted, Connie Bair-Thompson, Recording Clerk A Call for Peacemaking must also be a call for promoting worldwide economic and social justice, including respect for human rights. Violence, we know, can exist even in the absence of war. Poverty-ridden, Oppressed peoples are victims of economic violence. Peace is hollow without more equal sharing of the world's wealth and power. -Maynard Shelley, New Call for Peacemaking, 1969. Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friend 108 Smithfield Road Woonsocket, RI 02895