Smithfield Friends Newsletter September 2000 Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends 108 Smithfield Road Woonsocket, RI 02895 Vol.13________________________________________________________________________ No.121 Parsonage: 762-5726 Internet: http://www.oftedahl.com/SmithfieldFriends Clerk: Bruce Kay Recording Clerk Susan Furry Pastor: Marnie Miller-Gutsel Treasurer:RichardFrechette Ministry&Counsel Rhoda Mowry Newsletter: Randy Oftedahl CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 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: Letter from Marnie Dear Friends, I'm back from one of the busiest summers that I have ever had--a fascinating Consultation on Quaker Identity, Authority, and Community, a successful Triennial, and then Yearly Meeting--where New England Friends got just a taste of some of the diversity of world-wide Friends that I have the privilege of experiencing fairly often. I hope you folks who went to Yearly Meeting found an opportunity to at least chat with one of our eleven (!!) international guests. And to be in the plenary session where our African visitors taught us to sing in Swahili. You'll be hearing more about my FWCC experiences over the year--and believe me, I'm still processing them, and I eventually want to share them as fully as possible. As I said in my last letter, you made it possible for me to go and, in a spiritual sense, you were there with me. So I want to bring back some of the riches that came to me there. (And by the way, our banner went to India, and we have one from Finland!) But there will be plenty of opportunity for that, so this month I want to write about a more personal thing. September 7th, 2000 was my parents' 65th wedding anniversary. I returned briefly to Long Island for the celebration that my brother organized, and both my daughters arrived--Sabina with her new boyfriend. So in my family, this was a VERY BIG DEAL. The party was lovely. And it is rather out of the ordinary for two people to still be together after such a long time. I have felt for many years that my parents have had a remarkable marriage--the best one I know. As I've observed it over the years, I've asked myself what has made it work so well. I thinks it's something that's simple to describe and difficult to do. My parents have each devoted themselves to serving the well-being of the other. They have each wanted the other to develop their gifts and talents as fully as possible. You can find plenty of marriages where one person does this, and the other one simply accepts it, even expects it, so that one person is rather like the other's satellite. (Or, as a seminary friend of mine said in describing why his first marriage had failed--"I wanted a pet wife.") But when both people want to serve the other's well being, then both people get served, and both can flourish. No one has to give up his or her own potential, or individuality, and just be the servant whose job is to make somebody else's life turn out right. There has to be an acceptance--even an enjoyment--of differences, and mutuality is crucial. All that takes a lot of effort, and I don't know what enabled my parents to make the kind of choices they made--that was done before I arrived on the scene. But I am very grateful. Congratulations and blessings, Momma and Daddy! But Jesus said to them.... "From the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh.So the are no longer two but one flesh"' (Mark 10:5-8) -Love, Marnie Joyful News From the Maccinis Bob, our former pastor, and Rebecca joyfully welcome their three new Russian daughters. See announcement and photo on the bulletin board. Our International Banner The beautiful banner Smithfield Meeting made for Marnie to take to the FWCC Triennial has gone home with a representative from a Meeting in India. If you didn't get a chance to see it after it was finished, check out the photos on the bulletin board. In return, we have been given Finland Yearly Meeting's banner, which will be hung as soon as we figure out the best place. Newport Peace Festival October 14-15 October 14 marks the start of the Newport Peace Festival with a parade, music, and dance, puppets and much more in Touro Park. On the 15th there will be a peace presence at the War College. It will all be preceded by a Peacewalk which begins on Oct. 5 at Raytheon in Andover, MA. For more info, see the Peace Talks newsletter on the bulletin board, or call 274-7925 Health Care Professionals Don't forget the Friends Medical Society will hold a one day conference at the Arch Street Meeting in Philadelphia on Saturday, October 21. The theme is Meeting the Challenges of the New Millennium. Costs are modest--only $30, and home hospitality can be arranged. See brochure on bulletin board--Marnie can make extra copies. Young Quakes Conference, 2000 The deadline is coming up for the gathering of Young Friends of high school age in McNabb, IL (near Chicago) Columbus Day weekend, October 6-9. See flier on bulletin board. Mark Your Calendars - RI/Smithfield Quarterly Meeting Retreat October 21-22 RI/Smithfield Quarterly Meeting retreat will again be held at Camp Aldersgate in Glocester on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22. Complete information will appear in next month's newsletter and will be available at the Meetinghouse sometime in September. Smithfield Monthly Meetingof the Religious Society of Friends Minutes of Meeting for Business July 9, 2000 2000-49 Opening Minute Smithfield Monthly Meeting met in a regularly scheduled meeting for worship with attention to business at 12:10 pm of Sunday, July 9, 2000. Fourteen Friends were present; Bruce Kay presided. During the opening period of worship, Bruce Kay read out of the silence a memorial minute for Louise Corrigan. 2000-50 Memorial Minute for Louise Corrigan Friends approved the memorial minute for Louise Corrigan as proposed by Ministry and Counsel, here attached. Friends asked that it be forwarded to Rhode Island Smithfield Quarterly Meeting and to her family. 2000-51 Greetings from Alfred Lugalia We have received a letter of greeting and thanks from Alfred Lugalia, the Friend from Kenya who visited us recently. Friends agreed to send him a letter expressing our appreciation, with an honorarium of $50, and also to make known to Friends his need for contributions towards his expenses attending Barclay College in Kansas next year. 2000-52 Repair of Meeting House Sill For Building and Grounds Committee, Harry Bushnell reported that he has received one bid so far for repair of the sill, which specifies a minimum of $2,800, or more depending on the extent of the damage. Another bid is expected soon. Friends authorized Building and Grounds Committee to hare a contractor at their discretion for these repairs, and asked them to consult with the Treasurer as necessary to ensure availability of funds. 2000-53 Repainting of Benches Harry Bushnell and Bruce Buteau have begun repainting the Meeting House benches. Friends approved with gratitude and enthusiasm, and expressed a preference for cream rather than pure white. 2000-54 Nominating Committee Recommendations For Nominating Committee, Diane Gauthier-Barbrie recommended the following appointments: Bruce Buteau, Diane Gauthier-Barbrie, Diane O'Hara, Martha Smith, Marcel St. Germain, and Nathan St. Germain (subject to Nathan's consent) as representatives to New England Yearly Meeting this year; Rhoda Maury as representative to yearly meeting Ministry and Counsel; Liberty Goodwin (a member of Providence Meeting) as representative to yearly meeting Nominating Committee; Robert Sumner-Mack as our meeting's suggestion to quarterly meeting for the Stephen Aldrich Fund Committee. Friends approved these recommendations. 2000-55 Ministry and Counsel Report: APC Exclusion of People who Refuse to Condemn Homosexuality Bruce Kay read a report from Ministry and Counsel, as follows: Ministry and Counsel has met several times in the past three weeks, because of an incident in the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, which rents our meeting house on Sunday and Thursday evenings. A homosexual person was expelled from one of their worship services, and since then, that person and others supportive of him have been excluded from APC worship and from all fellowship. Members of Ministry and Counsel have met with four leaders of APC, who feel that their action was necessary because those excluded were intentionally disruptive. Members of Ministry and Counsel have also met with two of those excluded, who have a different understanding of what happened. Ministry and Counsel is not clear to make any recommendation, but because of these events, we feel it necessary to reaffirm our long-held belief that God's love is extended to all people. We believe that God inspires and leads many people in ministry. For this reason Friends have always tried to be open and to listen to all members of our community, because God's continuing revelation may come to us through anyone. We welcome all people, regardless of sexual orientation, to worship with us and to participate fully in our fellowship. Richard Frechette explained that we learned of the incident because one of those excluded was formerly Treasurer of APC and as such had been in touch with him, and she wrote to inform him of what had happened in our building and of her intention to write to the press about it. He also explained that Ministry and Counsel had asked him to meet with them because of his involvement with APC. Susan Furry summarized the events as Ministry and Counsel understands them. Bruce Kay summarized what had been said in the meeting with the APC's pastor and officers. 2000-56 Decision Regarding APC's Use of Our Meeting House After long and prayerful discussion, Friends asked our Clerk to write an open letter to all members of the APC community to convey the following decision: As a Christian community, Smithfield Monthly Meeting feels strongly that all people are always welcome to worship God in our Meeting House. This is our experience of the universal love of God. If the Apostolic Pentecostal Church cannot act in consonance with this principle, we ask them to seek another place to worship. Friends asked the Clerk to make it clear in the letter that, while we are not setting a deadline, we expect a decision as soon as possible, and also that members of Smithfield Monthly Meeting would be glad to participate in an open meeting with members of APC to discuss this issue. 2000-57 Distribution of Today's Minutes Friends agreed that the minutes of this meeting for business should be distributed promptly, not waiting for the September Newsletter. 2000-58 Closing Minute No further business arising, Friends closed with open worship, in gratitude to God for divine guidance in this difficult and painful decision, and with the prayer that we may be kept low and humble, remembering that we are not without sin. We purpose to meet again for business on September 10, if consistent with the divine will. -Respectfully, Susan Furry, Recording Clerk Smithfield Monthly Meeting of the Religious Soci ety of Friends Minutes of Meeting for Business -draft- (for approval Oct. 1) September 10, 2000 *Friends: please read these minutes and note any changes to be brought before next Meeting for Business. Smithfield Monthly Meeting gathered in a regular meeting for worship with attention to business at 12 noon on Sunday, September 10, 2000. Bruce Kay presided and 14 people attended. Ron Belliveau served as recording clerk. 2000-61 Approval of previous minutes The clerk read the previous minutes of August 13th, which were approved by Friends. Friends agreed to approved this meeting's minutes at the next business meeting. 2000-62 Requests for Membership Ministry and Counsel received letters from Kara Price and Bruce Buteau for membership, and enthusiastically recommends them for acceptance into the Meeting's membership. Friends approved acceptance of Kara into membership; and approved acceptance of Bruce into membership. Friends asked the pastor to meet with each of them to determine ways to celebrate their membership at later Meetings for Worship. 2000-63 Nominating Committee Connie Thompson reported for the Nominating committee. Friends approved Bruce Buteau as a replacement member of Finance committee. Friends appointed Richard Frechette convener for the Finance committee's next meeting, where they are asked to choose a clerk. Friend were reminded that another member of Ministry and Counsel also needs to be nominated. 2000-64 Relationship with the Apostolic Pentecostal Church The clerk read minute 2000-56 (July 9) which stated our decision regarding the usage of the Meetinghouse by the APC, and the response letter from the APC stating that they are looking for another place to conduct their services. Friends expressed concern that this was a painful process that Smithfield Friends are still working through. Friends ask Ministry and Counsel to develop a synopsis of the matter of our relationship with the APC and help us to put this matter to a close, once the APC has actually left. 2000-65 Childcare concern Randy Oftedahl reported that Joshua Oftedahl will not be able to continue his duties with childcare. Since the present need for childcare is not great, the youngest attender being in First Day School, Friend agreed to have a designated childcare volunteer for regular worship services to take care of any younger children that may attend. Several Friends volunteered and will coordinate with each other on an informal basis. Friends asked Randy to hire a childcare provider for Meetings for Business, and for other events as needed. Friends also agreed to have a notice requesting help in this matter placed in the newsletter. 2000-66 Building and Grounds Committee Report Harry Bushnell reported that repairs to the Meetinghouse sill were completed, and, fortunately, that they were not as extensive as they could have been. Harry will report the cost at a later meeting. The Meetinghouse still needs seamless gutters, which Building & Grounds is pursuing. The Parsonage will be getting a new kitchen floor soon. Five benches have been repainted by Bruce Buteau and Harry. Since the newly painted ones have been lightly scratched, presumably when the APC moves them for their services, Friends asked the pastor to speak to the APC about taking care in moving the benches. 2000-67 Quarterly Meeting Retreat Preparations Ministry and Counsel reported that they have prepared most of the program for the upcoming Quarterly Meeting Retreat, but asked that the Meeting help on the wording of the theme. After some discussion, Friends agreed to this year's theme as "Sharing Opportunities For Ministry". Friends asked Randy Oftedahl to be in charge of coffee, tea, and snacks for the weekend. Eunice suggested calling the time we plan for fun activities on Saturday evening "The Coffee House", and Friends approved. 2000-68 Thundermist Health Association Banquet The pastor reported that the Thundermist Health Association is holding a banquet, and is requesting sponsors to place advertisements in the banquet's program booklet. Several Friends voiced their support for the non-profit Association, which provides a much-needed service to the local community. Friends agreed to sponsor a half-page ad in the program costing $50.00. Connie Thompson and Diane O'Hara agreed to develop the ad and contact Thundermist on the details. 2000-69 Visit by the Andersons Eunice Strobel report that Doug and Joan Anderson will be visiting our Meeting on Sunday, October1st, 2000. Doug was a pastor of Smithfield in the early 1970s. In honor of the occasion, and to have a chance to meet informally with the Andersons, Friends agreed to have a 30-minute fellowship period after worship, with coffee and pastry, before conducting the following business meeting. 2000-70 Housekeeping Concern Bruce Buteau agreed to fill in for Dotty Bushnell and clean the Meetinghouse, while she is out on leave. 2000-71 Closing Minute No further business arising, Friend closed with a period of open worship, purposing to meet next for business on October 1, if God permits. Respectfully submitted, -Ronald Belliveau, recording clerk ======================================= Our relationship with the Apostolic Pentecostal Church We have had a long relationship-12 years now-with the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, who rent the Meetinghouse to conduct their services. This past summer, events occurred which called their continued use of the Meetinghouse into question. A small portion of the story is presented in the July minutes, published in this issue of the newsletter. As reported at the September business meeting, we have received a letter from the APC stating that they are looking for a new place to worship, and presumably they will be moving out soon. In the September minute (2000-64) you will also note that there is still some pain felt among Smithfield Friends over this issue. Ministry and Counsel will be considering this, and will present a fuller account of these events at a later date. -Bruce Kay, clerk ======================================= Update on Mowa Choctaw Friends Center There have been man changes in the school in McIntosh, Alabama. There is a new principle, Susan Collins Thompson. She is truly interested in the school, the children, and the Indian community. Because of the difficulty in getting qualified staff for the upper grades the school now has kindergarten through 6th grade. The older children will be encouraged to attend the public school. The rummage sales have been started again and I have a list of "wants". The Campbell Soup labels program has also been started again. One of the older students had the honor of visiting Japan last March. Details are posted on the bulletin board. See me for additional information. -Eunice Strobel Report on New England Yearly Meeting 2000 The 2000 New England Yearly Meeting of Friends was very interesting. I attended for 2 days. On Sunday I went to 5 different meetings - one being the keynote speaker, Paul Lacey. He spoke about Conforming and Transforming - from bad to good - and the Biblical example of Saul to Paul. Christ was the teacher, he said - do not rebel from civic authority but let your heart make a change if necessary and pray that it is right and God's teaching. Love, patience, humor, being civil, seeing the good in others, being a good parent and waiting in silence when trying to make a right decision - be a witness to the good life. It was a good message. Another meeting was "Worship in Singing" for all ages. I always enjoy the music. The Meeting for Business included reports from Permanent Board, Finance Committee, Correspondence, and others. The women's group meeting was very interesting. A woman from Kenya told us what their group does - care for the aged, help drought victims. They invite men to their group once a month. They also help youth with drug problems and help them find jobs and pray for miracles. The Cuban Friend said their group tries to help with many problems, spread the message of Christ, and help with children in the Sunday School. She said a prayer in Spanish. The English Friend said that her group works together with a Catholic group helping parents show love to their children. They also work in libraries. On Tuesday I went to a worship group called "Worship in Song." We sat in a circle and requested hymns that we all sang. At a Business Meeting a group of African singers entertained the Yearly Meeting and gave a report. The message was "Recognizing Individuality and Paying Attention to God." A "State of the Society" report was given by Jonathan Vogel-Borne (New England Yearly Meeting Field Secretary). He introduced Kate Clark, Executive Secretary of the Yearly Meeting, who also explained the work of Friends United Meeting ("Simple Faith, Tell the Good News, and God's Love for Us). Chris Jorgenson, Youth and Education director, asked us to pray for Young Friends and ask for God's influence in deciding about "conforming or transforming" because we do not have all the answers. She asked Friends to take time to be with young folks and Christian Education. Susan Morris, camp director at Friends China Camp in Maine, gave a report. There were 371 children at camp this year. About half of them were Quakers. She reminded us that they are our future leaders. Young Friends from camp sang and individuals spoke. A report from Permanent Board approved members to the Nominating Committee of Yearly Meeting, and a long range committee continues to discuss changes in several committees. Friends in Unity with Nature Committee began their report with a poem read. They expressed their concerns for water use, simplicity, and peace. They spoke of the greed and waste and the need for our unity with the earth. They read Queries on how we can help live in closer harmony with the earth. Marnie Miller-Gutsel challenged Friends to communal action. Another very interesting meeting was a message by Ray Boucher from the Hartford Meeting, on "Working with Troubled Countries." When he heard that workers were needed to work with other Friends in Africa he did not hesitate to offer his help, although he did not experience in helping others along these lines or in taking directions for repairing and building homes. He just had to go and his wife backed him wholeheartedly. He went to Burundi, a small African state where only 10% are Christian and mostly Catholic. The Quakers are Evangelical but moving away from it some. Conditions there are terrible - clashes among different groups, violence, poverty, disease. Many of the people are farmers. After a 5 week period he came home. After being home a short time he had the urge to go back to Africa - this time to Uganda. Help was needed in making repairs to a Quaker school and rebuild homes. Uganda is about the size of Oregon. About half the population is Christian, and there are many Quakers. Uganda is an English speaking country and became independent from England in 1967, and is divided into 3 tribes. AIDS is very prevalent and life expectancy is only 42 years. Boucher spent another 5 weeks there and hopes the people can get the help they need. I learned a lot from his talk. Yearly Meeting gives one an opportunity to renew acquaintances with Friends from around New England we don't see otherwise. All in all it was a very pleasant experience. -Martha Smith Since the central focus of the Christian faith is love, is follows naturally that in the quietness of a Quaker meeting there is an ideal opportunity for exploring one's relationship with God in the most profound way, and also the love-relationships with the many people with whom one is associated in worship and in life. In this connection, William Penn wrote these words: "Love is the hardest lesson in Christianity; but for that reason, it should be most our care to learn it." -Seth B. Hinshaw, Friends Worship Today Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends 108 Smithfield Road Woonsocket, RI 02895