Smithfield Friends Newsletter December 2002 Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends 108 Smithfield Road Woonsocket, RI 02895 Vol.15________________________________________________________________________ No.144 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 December/January EVERY SUNDAY 10:30 am: MEETING FOR WORSHIP Child Care Available LAST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH: Unprogrammed Worship and Pot Luck Lunch Children's First Day School during worship OTHER WORSHIP UNDER THE CARE OF SMITHFIELD MEETING OR RI/SMITHFIELD QTLY. MTG. SECOND SUNDAY OF MONTH 4:00 PM: Unprogrammed Worship at Uxbridge Meetinghouse, Uxbridge, Mass EVERY WEDNESDAY 4:00 PM: Unprogrammed Worship and discussion at ACI(Maximum) Other events Sunday, Dec. 8 9:15 - 10:15 AM: Adult Discussion Group 4:00 PM: Meeting for Worship at Uxbridge Meeting House - with a special concern for Peace Wed Dec 11 7:00 PM: Ministry & Counsel Committee @ Frechette home Sunday, Dec. 15 9:30 - 10:00 AM: Meeting for Worship for Healing Sunday, Dec. 22 9:15 - 10:15 AM: Adult Discussion Group Christmas Pizza Party at the rise of Meeting Tues., Dec. 24 5 PM: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, followed by a potluck dessert reception at the parsonage. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Collection: A contributions basket will be placed at the rear of the meeting room for the Christmas Eve candlelight service. All contributions collected on that time will be directed to The Haven of Grace, a Woonsocket non-profit program offering transitional housing and services to women who have suffered from abusive relationships and other life-debilitating circumstances. Letter from Marnie Dear Friends, The theme of my Advent messages this year is "Waiting," and it reminded me of one winter years ago, while I was still in seminary. The seminary had arranged for groups of interested students to spend a weekend at an Abbey in the mountains of Virginia, where guests may go on individual or small group retreats. We were forewarned: our rooms would be small, and, like the food, very plain. Like the monks, we were encouraged to spend as much time as possible in silence. And there would be no program, nothing to do, though if we wished, we were welcome in the chapel to listen to the periodic chanting of the canonical hours. And that was it! Silence! And nothing we had to do! As guests, we were free to walk in the monastery grounds, to read in the small guest house library, or to study, write, or pray in our rooms. Most of us chose to do no work connected with our seminary studies, in keeping with the spirit of our retreat. The monks, of course, had their assigned monastery tasks. But at the canonical hours, they stopped work for prayers, the chanting of Psalms, and devotions--a practice which began in the 1400's. But for us seminarians, who were usually frantically busy, this slow and quiet rhythm of work and prayer was a radical change in our approach to life. All this had a very strange effect on me--time seemed to slow down. This effect began when I went Friday evening with the other students to attend Compline, the service for the last canonical hour of the day. Part of the service was a chanting of the beautiful words of Psalm 91, which promise, "The one who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the AImighty....God is my refuge and my fortress." (w. 1, 2) It was the perfect Psalm to hear before going to sleep. We walked in silence back to the guest house through a night that was cold and clear, with the radiance of a a full moon shining on the snow covered fields. Seldom have I felt such a sense of perfect peace. The next day I discovered a fascinating book in the Guest House library. I read it avidly, thinking "I've gotta finish this, 'cause I can't take it back with me." But then I realized, "No--Walt! I ~n1 'gotta' do this, or a lot of the other stuff I think I 'gotta' do. If God wants me to know what's in the rest of this book, it will come into my hands again." I longed to bring that sense of time back to the seminary with me, but of course I never seemed to manage it. But I still remember the feeling that this was "Real Time" --rich, nourishing, and slow.. Advent should be a time that nourishes us, with its slow and measured waiting for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. There is a wisdom in having a time of quiet, mindful preparation, rather than a time of frantic rushing about, trying to jam in dozens of extra activities alongside all the regular things we are trying to keep up with. It should be a time to rest in the grace of God: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:4) Love and Christmas Peace to you, Friends, -Marnie Advent and Christmas Music Our list of volunteer musicians for our Christmas Eve music is nearly full, but we still need singers and players for Advent services. We would like to form a singing group but are short on several parts. See Marnie or Ron. Read and Rejoice, Ye Children of the Light! We still need readers for the Holiday Season at Smithfield, especially for our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, but also for some of our Sunday Meetings for Worship during Advent. So members and attenders of all ages, if you would like to be a reader, please let Marnie know. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of lessons and carols will begin at 5 PM, Tuesday, Dec. 24. If you would like to be part of the service but haven't yet let Marnie know, please do so ASAP. More Christmas Eve Celebrations Following the Candlelight Service, Marnie again invites you to join her at the parsonage for the delicious tradition of the Seventh (!) Annual Christmas Eve Reception, with 'pot luck' treats. Bring your favorite Christmas goodies to share-- Marnie will provide tea, coffee, and mulled cider, and the annual rendition (in German!) of 0 Tannenbaum. Christmas Tree longing for warm items: One again this year, the meeting's Christmas Tree beckons us to adorn it with mittens, scarves, hats, and similar items. The tree has promised to shed all of its adornments on Christmas for the benefit of needy humans in the community. Just bring them in and decorate before or after worship. Meeting Christmas Party: Stop! Take a break! After worship on 1st Day, December 22, we will have a simple Christmas party for us - us oldens and youngens. Pizza will be served (bring a pastry if you wish, but don't feel you have to). Also, bring a simple, very inexpensive gift for a Yankee swap. In fact, don't go out and buy it - in true Yankee tradition, find something that you already have that you don't need and think someone else might like it. We'll also have a few games for all ages. Rhode Island Peace Mission: The Rhode Island Peace Mission is an association of churches and civic organizations dedicated to a mission of peace. In particular, the group, through its member organizations, has established a periodic process of meeting with members of the Rhode Island congressional delegation to promote various legislative avenues towards peace. Earlier this year, Smithfield Meeting decided to become one of the organizational members. At our meeting for business this month, we agreed to contribute $50 to the effort, as well as to encourage individual friends to consider contributing. If you wish to make such a contribution, you may do so through our Meeting, identifying "for RI Peace Mission" on the memo portion of your check or on an attached note. Moses Brown Class Days for Parents of Prospective Students Thinking of sending your child to Moses Brown? From now through February of 2003, there will be a series of days on which you may come to observe classes at the school. Reservations are required. See the notice on the Bulletin Board for dates and times. Christmas Food Baskets We have once again decided to participate as a meeting in the Family Resources Christmas food basket program for families in need. In the past two years, we have delivered more than ten large baskets and boxes of food to Family Resources. As a small meeting, we are proud of this. Collecting the baskets at the meetinghouse and scheduling a day for Friends to deliver them (just prior to Christmas) has worked well for the last two Christmases. We intend to do the same thing this year. So, if you did prepare a basket in past years, please consider putting another one together. If you weren't able to last year, perhaps you can participate this year. Those who are unable to collect an entire basket can donate money to purchase a supermarket gift certificate or donate individual items that we will be added to another person's basket. As soon as it is ready, bring your basket or food contribution to the meetinghouse. We will deliver everything to Family Resources sometime during the week before Christmas - the exact date and time will be announced. If you have further questions, please talk to Connie Bair-Thompson. If you would like to contribute a basket or individual items, please put your name on the sign-up sheet that will be put on the bulletin board (do this even if you have already spoken to Connie.) We have committed to Family Resources to deliver at least ten baskets. If we come through with more, they can use them - their waiting list is very long. Particulars: Family Resources asks that we include a gift certificate to a local market in lieu of anything perishable like a turkey. Also bear in mind that most families don't have proper kitchenware to cook turkey (roasting pan, baster, etc.). These things can be included in the basket or extra money can be included in the store gift certificate for these items. Family Resources suggests filling extra space in baskets or offering an extra basket with staples - flour, sugar, canned goods, peanut butter, etc. Baskets do not have to be elaborate. Some suggestions for contents are: CHRISTMAS MEAL Appetizer: * cheese and crackers * chips and salsa * cut-up veggies and dip * ? Beverages: * juice * sparkling water * ? Main course: * Gift Certificate to local market (one suggestion from Family Resources) Stuffing (if turkey as main course) Potatoes, sweet potatoes Cranberry sauce Vegetables Desert: * Pies * Cookies * ? Extras: candlesticks, candles, etc. ?? STAPLES include in basket or separate basket: * Flour * Sugar * Pasta, Sauce * Peanut Butter * Jelly * Baby food * Powdered milk * Cereal * Instant coffee * Tea bags * Bisquick * Juice * Canned Goods * ? The Boston Public Library on Copley Square is the setting for a touring exhibit entitled "Quiet Helpers", which tells of the work of Quaker relief efforts in Germany from World War I, through the Hitler years to reconstruction efforts after World War II. The exhibit uses a mix of artifacts and three-dimensional objects, documents, historical photos and video to explore the themes. It provides a glimpse of how Friends have stood with the oppressed in difficult times, and can serve as a springboard for thought and discussion on what we as Friends may be called to in the present and future. Smithfield Meeting will sponsor a group tour to the exhibit on Saturday, January 25, 2003. Friends who wish to attend are asked to contribute $10 per participant, all proceeds of which will be used to help offset the cost of the exhibit. Please note that this is a voluntary contribution; please feel free to give less if you are unable to cover this amount for yourself or other family members. For more information, contact Randy Oftedahl at 568-3420 or randy@oftedahl.com Also, if you are unable to make this date, you may wish to go on your own at another time - the exhibit runs from January 4 to February 26, 2003. On the exhibit: Millions of children in Germany were starving in 1920 through 1926, as a result of the effects of war, economic crisis, and a blockade. Feeding more than one million children a day, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) mounted the largest aid effort ever carried out in Germany. The Quakerspeisung ("Quaker feeding") is still widely remembered. During the rise of Nazism, Quakers maintained a network of aid offices and helped thousands of Jewish people flee Nazi Europe, along with others who were persecuted. As World War II drew to a close, the first Quaker volunteers entered Germany and started aid and reconciliation work that eventually became large- scale feeding programs in schools, refugee resettlements, services for concentration camp survivors, neighborhood centers, and youth and student programs. In 1947, Quakers worldwide were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their "silent help from the nameless to the nameless The AFSC and Friends Service of Britain were co-recipients on behalf of Friends everywhere. Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, December 1, 2002 2002-69 Opening Minute Smithfield Monthly Meeting met for a regularly scheduled meeting for worship with attention to business at noon on 1st day, December 1, 2002. Richard Frechette was presiding clerk; Suzanne Frechette served as recording clerk pro tempore; and ten other Friends were present. We began with a period of waiting worship. 2002-78 Memorial Minute for Lester Taber A draft memorial minute for Lester R. Taber was read out of the silence. Friends gave suggestions for changes and additions to the memorial minute. A revised memorial minute will be presented for consideration at the January meeting for worship for business. 2002-79 Requests for financial support 2002-79.1 Rhode Island Peace Mission Smithfield Friends had earlier agreed to co-sponsor the work of the R.I. Peace Mission and its lobbying of the RI Congressional delegation. In response to a request, we agree to contribute $50 of Meeting funds to support the work of this organization and also to encourage Smithfield Friends to make individual contributions earmarked for the organization, which we will forward to the Peace Mission. 2002-79.2 AFSC - Southeastern New England Area We have received a request for funds from the American Friends Service Committee - Southeastern New England Area as it begins its second year of operation. They have been very active during this first year while receiving funding from the New England Regional Office (mother organization). We will make a corporate contribution of $100, noting that a number of Smithfield Friends make individual contributions to AFSC. 2002-79.3 "Quiet Helpers" Salem Quarterly Meeting and the New England Regional Office of AFSC has requested that each Friends Meeting in New England consider contributing $100 to support the "Quiet Helpers" exhibit (about AFSC work in post-war Germany) at the Boston Public Library for January and February 2003. Some Friends expressed concern over the process whereby specific amounts of contributions were requested after the exhibit was scheduled. Friends were also concerned about using our limited resources to look back at our history of social action rather than using our money to address current needs. On the other hand, it is important to recognize the history of Quaker peace work. As a way to contribute funds to support the effort, we will plan to sponsor a group trip to this exhibit with free transportation, asking a $10 donation from each traveler. This creative solution will support the exhibit with our presence and through individual contributions of participating Friends. Budget for contributions to organizations We ask the Finance Committee to consider re-establishing a line item in the 2003 budget to address corporate requests for funds. 2002-80 Building and Grounds On behalf of the Building and Grounds Committee, Suzanne Frechette that we have received a $5,000 grant from the Obadiah Brown Benevolent Fund to be used towards repairs to and painting of the meetinghouse. We also received approximately $1,000 from the silent auction, all of which will be used for the building fund. Dan Warren was unable to initiate the painting of the parsonage trim and the meetinghouse before the first snowfall, so it is unlikely that this task will begin before the spring. The Committee has received bids for the roofing of the parsonage, and is ready to select a contractor with a prospective cost of $4,700. Work will be done on non-icy days during the winter. Friends approve the expansion this contract to include roofing of the garage, and renovation of the parsonage bulkhead. Friends also ask the Committee to inspect the portico of the meetinghouse and arrange repairs if needed. 2002-81 Nominating Committee Randy Oftedahl, reporting on behalf of the Nominating Committee, recommended the continued service of the current officers for 2003: * Richard Frechette, Clerk * Connie Bair-Thompson, Recording Clerk * Bruce Buteau, Treasurer Friends approved the nominations. 2002-82 Christmastime Contributions Friends approved sponsoring again a mitten tree, contributing the items locally to the needy. Friends also approved having, once again, a special collection at the Christmas eve candlelight service, contributing these funds to The Haven of Grace. Cindy Keene has offered to take on the role of coordinating our Meeting's efforts to package at least ten food baskets to be given to the Family Resources/Community Action Program for local distribution. 2002-70 Closing Minute No further business arising, Friends closed with a period of waiting worship, intending to meet again for business on January 5, 2003, God willing. Respectfully submitted, Suzanne Frechette Acting Recording Clerk REFLECTIONS ON THE LAYING DOWN OF EAST BLACKSTONE MEETING HOUSE Thoughts taken from Christian Faith and Practice (London Yearly Meeting) 1960 Let all nations hear the word by sound or writing. Spare no place, spare not tongue or pen, but be obedient to the Lord God and go through the world and be valiant for truth upon the earth; tread and trample all that is contrary under. Be patterns; be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come, that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one. -George Fox, 1656 In the fulfillment of our fundamental responsibility of bringing men and women to God there are openings for every Friend. Some have gifts that will help those with spiritual problems; others are better equipped to meet intellectual difficulties; all must strive for a rich and joyous fellowship in the meetings into which we should draw seeking souls. We must go out to those around us in a spirit of love and prayer, letting our lives speak. -Yearly Meeting, 1953 We need to be alive with concern for the spiritual welfare of our fellow men, and set on fire for God, so that by the intensity of the convictions by which we live, and with renewed dedication to the life of prayer, we may be enabled to give, faithfully and with power, clear and deliberate spoken witness. -Friends Home Service Committee 1950 To whom and when shall we go? The answer is very simple --- we must go, and only go, when we are sent, and go where people are and especially 'where there are no friends' --- maybe into an emperor's parlour to talk and pray with him as Stephen Grellet did; into a war-stricken area as in Shanghai; with those in flight as from Barcelona; or into a miner's kitchen. The Lord has a great and wide service for Friends to do, and never more than now. The market crosses still stand for us to occupy, the friendly pulpit, the disused meeting house, the town or country Friend's living-room. We must begin again, where people are, seeking them out, confident in the divine power of our Gospel to lift men out of disillusionment, despair, dishonour and inhumanity into the new day of truth, mutual trust, decency and hope. -John A. Hughes 1940 There are many reasons for laying down the meeting house and transferring the property to the family descendents of those buried in the cemetery. The descendents hold ecumenical services there for themselves and townspeople are invited. The descendents keep up the property. And the quiet Quakers abandoned the place long ago. What can you say? Please direct all feedback to Jeanne Kinney or Bruce Buteau. REPORT ON YOUNG FRIENDS YARD SALE --- NOV. 2ND When I arrived at the meeting house at 7:50 am on a sunny but windy cool Sat. morning, half the items were already outside on tables and a crew of parents and teens were all in motion carrying, setting up and spreading out the donated dishes, clothes, toys and household articles. Eunice said: We don't have much time. Anna and Marcel, Kathy, Rocky, Alex and Eunice were busy. Cindy and Liz who readied things the evening before along with the Malins were their usual organized selves. The cider was in the kitchen. Coffee was made. Anna brought out her surprise chili. By 8:30 the early birds arrived. Soon after Nathan , Andrew and Connie appeared. The hot drinks kept us warm. By mid-morning we were eating Anna's chili. A constant stream of shoppers came and went. By 11:30 the pizza arrived and we were ready to sit down for a 5 minute break. Around 1 pm Marcel declared it was time to fill a bag for 50 cents. Christmas shopping began in earnest. By 1:30 cleanup began. More boxing, hauling to the basement and curbsiding the leftovers. Then the table takedowns. Whew! Count it up. And the grand total is: $ 343. 25 (plus a free lunch). Not bad for amateurs.. Special merit badges should be awarded to Martha Smith who donated many items from her home sale and to Bruce Buteau who singlehandedly trucked them over to the basement (3+ loads). Also cheers for Cindy Keene for convincing her sisters to donate bags and bags of clothes and toys. The cider was great this year too. Well, my Christmas shopping is done! How about yours? PS. The Young Friends plan to spend some of their money redecorating the downstairs to make it more child friendly. They have already donated $200. to the Aids/Orphans Project in Kenya and $100. to the House of Compassion in Cumberland where Rocky volunteers. And who knows, we may even get to take a trip next Spring. -Jeanne Kinney Take a STAND FOR PEACE this holiday season! (LIGHT A CANDLE FOR PEACE WITH IRAQ Wednesday, December 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM Abbott Place Park (next to Beneficent Church) 300 Weybosset Street, Providence (Up the street from Providence Performing Arts Center) CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: Stand together in support of peace with Iraq For further information contact 521-3584 & PEACE RIBBON: Individuals, faith communities and groups of all kinds are invited to write HOPES, PRAYERS OR PROMISES FOR PEACE on ribbons to display at the vigil. Make one when you come or write your peace message on 11/4" x 36" ivory (or white) ribbon and bring them. Call Jack (732-9310) to get ribbons in advance for groups. Sponsored by (list in formation): American Friends Service Committee of Southeastern New England, Beneficent Church, Green Party of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Peace Action, Rhode Island Peace and Justice Education Fund, Rhode Island Peace Mission, RI United Methodist Association, Social Ministry Secretariat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, The Rhode Island State Council of Churches, United Church of Christ Peace Committee -Off-street parking available in Beneficent Church lot on Chestnut Street- Advent is the time of promise; it is not yet the time of fulfillment. We are still in the midst of everything and in the logical inexorability and relentlessness of destiny. To eyes that do not see, it still seems as though the final dice are being cast down here in these valleys, on these battlefields, in these camps and prisons and bomb shelters. Those who are awake sense the working of the other powers and can await the coming of their hour. Space is still filled with the noise of destruction and annihilation, the shouts of self-assurance and arrogance, the weeping of despair and helplessness. But round about the horizon the eternal realities stand silent in their age-old longing. There shines on them already the first mild light of the radiant fulfillment to come. From afar sound the first notes as of pipes and voices, not yet discernable as a song or melody. It is all far off still, and only just announced and foretold. But it is happening, today. -Alfred Delp, written from his Nazi prison cell, just before his execution for opposing Hitler. Smithfield Monthly Meeting of Friends 108 Smithfield Road Woonsocket, RI 02895