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April 2005 QuakerShaker
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dablan-@aol.com
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Mar 31, 2005 06:56 PST
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1. April Calendar
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Sundays 8:30 a.m. Meeting for Worship, Rockford
10:00 a.m. Friendly Bible Study, Rockford
First Day School for Children
11:00 a.m. Meeting for Worship, Rockford (Childcare is
available)
Wednesdays 7:00 a.m. Meeting for Worship, Rockford
Sun. April 3 1:00 pm Meeting for Worship with Attention to
Business, following noon potluck, Rockford
Sat. April 9 1:30 pm Middle Youth Bowling Party
Sun. April 10 12:30 pm Contributions Pool Discussion & Brown Bag
Lunch
April 16-18 FCNL Young Adult Lobby Weekend in Washington, D.C
Sun. April 17 1:00 pm Meeting for Worship for Discernment of
Corporate Leading for Social Concerns
Sun. April 24 12:30 pm Discussion of the OVYM Book of Discipline
Revision
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2. Calling all Middle Youth
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Young people aged 11-14 are invited to a Middle Youth bowling party on
Saturday, April 9. We'll meet at Rockford Chapel at 1:30 p.m. and car
pool to Community Lanes in Xenia, where we'll bowl (and eat pizza) from
2 to 4 p.m. We'll be back at Rockford for pickup by 4:30 p.m.
For more information, or to volunteer a driver, call Carol Simmons,
767-1023 (home), 225-7309 (work) or 232-4250 (cell). Or e-mail Carol at
csim-@coxohio.com.
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3. Revising the Discipline--Dale Blanchard
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Greetings, Friends. We will be meeting April 24, after rise of
Meeting for Worship, to discuss the first draft of the Introductory
Statement/Table of Contents of the revised OVYM Book of Discipline/Faith
and Practice. Friends on the clerk's e-mail list should already have
received an e-mail with a copy of a 4-page draft, ready to print out in
text or document format. Printed copies are also available at Rockford.
A version should be up on the website, also http://quakershaker.net/
Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting Revision Committee asks that Friends not
“micro-edit” the document, but instead concentrate on whether or not the
document captures our faith experience. We are to let them know if
important aspects of our faith experience are absent, or if material
presented is inconsistent with our faith experience. Please read and
consider the text as it stands currently, then join us for this session
of discernment and discussion. All are welcome.
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4. Friendly Bible Study Discussions—Carolyn Treadway
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The 10 a.m. discussion group on Sundays uses the FGC booklet, Friendly
Bible Study, by Joanne and Larry Spears. Those wishing to participate
should gather at Rockford at 10:00 on Sundays, and bring a Bible (any
translation) and writing materials. Contact Carolyn Treadway,
trea-@midwest.net
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5. Budget Notes—Peg Champney
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1) We have contributions to the general budget of $21,836 to date. There
have been 49 contributors. Our goal is $25,026 and we feel confident the
total can be raised if those who haven't yet contributed do so.
2) Friends will meet shortly after the rise of Meeting for Worship, on
Sunday, April 10, for a brown bag lunch discussion. We will decide how
to distribute the funds raised for this year’s contributions pool. In
the meantime, contributions for the pool should be sent to Ken Champney,
Treasurer; PO Box 427; Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. To help avoid
confusion, please indicate whether the check is for the contributions
pool, or for the Meeting’s general fund.
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6. Why Senji Yamaguchi, A Survivor of Nagasaki, Should Win the Nobel
Peace Prize—Irwin Abrams
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Note: This essay by Irwin Abrams appeared on the Internet a few weeks
ago in History News Network, which has also posted some of Irwin’s
pieces on the Nobel Peace Prize. The complete document can be found at
http://hnn.us/articles/10148.html. Here are some excerpts from Irwin’s
nomination of Senji Yamaguchi.
This year is the 60th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki
bombings, as well as of the coming five-year review of the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty, and it is good that several nominations for
the Nobel Peace Prize of 2005 have been made with the threat of nuclear
weapons in mind, whose use could result in the extinction of human life
on this planet….
My own nominee… is Senji Yamaguchi, a victim of the Nagasaki bombing…
who has been an international leader in the popular campaign to ban
nuclear weapons. A prize for him would not only add to the Nobel
pantheon of peace an extraordinarily courageous man who has given most
of his life to the effort to prevent any future Hiroshimas and
Nagasakis, but whose vivid tellings of his own experience of sufferings
can help the rest of us better understand just what a nuclear weapon can
do to a human being.
The photograph of Yamaguchi's badly burned body has been widely
circulated in the campaigns against nuclear weapons. Before his many
surgical operations, he had to avoid looking at his scarred face in the
mirror and his appearance so scared children that they ran away from
him…. Like other survivors, whose mental and physical agonies have never
left them, Yamaguchi thought often of suicide. Once he actually came
very close to killing himself. But, for himself and other survivors, as
he has explained, "the campaign against A and H bombs has been one of
the reasons for not throwing away their lives. " …
Senji Yamaguchi was a high school student, 14 years old, when that bomb
was dropped on Nagasaki, which killed so many thousands at that moment
and so many more in later months and years. He miraculously survived,
but with severe bodily and psychic wounds. In 1956 he was able to help
organize the earliest organization of bomb survivors, then a youth
association….
Despite his injuries, Yamaguchi went on to help organize and lead
associations of bomb victims and to speak, representing Nihon Hidankyo,
and even the city of Nagasaki, at national and international meetings
protesting nuclear weapons, sometimes having to rise from a hospital bed
to attend them and returning there afterwards…. He has explained,
"Whenever I deliver a speech, I am exhausted and feel numb when it is
over. I want to communicate all my feelings, outrage, sadness and hope,
in a condensed way. I put all my strength into delivering a speech."…
… A prize for Senji Yamaguchi would give world attention to his personal
story and to the cause for which he has worked most of his life --- "No
more Hiroshimas! No more Nagasakis!"
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7. FRIENDLY CONCERNS - Jane Morgan
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From time to time, Friends share information about concerns that they
hold personally. These topics may not have been addressed by our Meeting
or by other Quaker organizations, but individuals among us may care
deeply about them. This month, Jane Morgan raises a concern about the
concept of a failing American empire. An article by Kirkpatrick Sale,
titled Imperial Entropy: Collapse of the American Empire, has stirred
Jane, and may interest others as well. Sale foresees a catastrophic
America collapse within the next 15 years. Below are some excerpts from
the essay, which Jane would be happy to provide in its entirety. Contact
her (767-1461) for more information. —Ann Cooper, editor
It is quite ironic: only a decade or so after the idea of the
United States as an imperial power came to be accepted by both right and
left, and people were actually able to talk openly about an American
empire, it is showing multiple signs of its inability to continue. And
indeed it is now possible to contemplate, and openly speculate about,
its collapse.
…I think it behooves us to examine seriously the ways in which
the U.S. system is so drastically imperiling itself that it will cause
not only the collapse of its worldwide empire but drastically alter the
nation itself on the domestic front.
…I have come up with four reasons that almost always explain [the
collapse of empires]…. Let me set them out, largely in reference to the
present American empire.
First, environmental degradation. Empires always end by
destroying the lands and waters they depend upon for survival, largely
because they build and farm and grow without limits…. As the Harvard
biologist E.O. Wilson has said… our “ecological footprint is already too
large for the planet to sustain, and it is getting larger.” A Defense
Department study last year predicted “abrupt climate change,” likely to
occur within a decade, will lead to “catastrophic” shortages of water
and energy, endemic “disruption and conflict,” warfare that “would
define human life,” and a “significant drop” in the planet’s ability to
sustain its present population.
Second, economic meltdown. Empires always depend on excessive
resource exploitation, usually derived from colonies farther and farther
away from the center, and eventually fall when the resources are
exhausted or become too expensive for all but the elite…. At the moment
we sustain a nearly $630-billion trade deficit…. That kind of excess is
simply unsustainable….
Third, military overstretch. Empires, because they are by
definition colonizers, are always forced to extend their military reach
farther and farther, and enlarge it against unwilling colonies…until
coffers are exhausted, communication lines are overextended, troops are
unreliable, and the periphery resists and ultimately revolts…. The
American empire…now has some 446,000 active troops at more than 725
acknowledged … bases in at least 38 countries around the world, plus a
formal “military presence” in no less than 153 countries, on every
continent but Antarctica….
Finally, domestic dissent and upheaval. …The upsurge in talk
about secession after the last election, some of which was deadly
serious and led on to organizations throughout most of the blue states,
indicates that at least a minority is willing to think about drastic
steps to “alter or abolish” a regime it finds itself fundamentally at
odds with…
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8. Notes and Minute from the Called Meeting for Business, February 13,
2005
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Yellow Springs Friends met for a Called Meeting for Worship with
Attention to Business in February. Those present discussed a request
that our Meeting endorse a resolution affirming rights for all domestic
partnerships in the village of Yellow Springs. Some report of this
discussion was presented in the March 2005 Quakershaker (pages 6-7).
Here is further documentation arising from that discussion:
A suggestion was made to thank the Human Relations Commission and
Solidarity Ohio for their efforts in bringing this Resolution forward
and initiating the open discussion of the issues.
It was noted that in essence, we are suggesting that the Village of
Yellow Springs continue with “business as usual” in its responses to the
needs of its citizens.
Friends affirm that Yellow Springs Friends support marriages of same sex
couples, and that family is supported by these unions.
Yellow Springs Friends ask that the clerk of the Meeting prepare a
letter to the Human Relations Commission and Solidarity Ohio affirming
unity with the spirit of the Resolution to be presented to the Village
Council of Yellow Springs, and noting the concerns voiced by those in
attendance at the Called Meeting for Business. Friends further request
that the clerk prepare a letter to the Village Council of Yellow Springs
noting our further concerns. The clerk will include a copy of the
minute adopted by Yellow Springs Friends Meeting on the subject of same
sex marriage and the minute approved by the Called Meeting for Business
on February 13, 2005.
Yellow Springs Friends approve the following Minute:
Yellow Springs Friends support the intent of the Yellow Springs Human
Relations Commission and Solidarity Ohio’s Resolution to the Village
Council of Yellow Springs on Ohio State Issue 1. We ask the Village
Council to continue to provide services as usual to all citizens,
including all domestic partnerships, regardless of restrictions included
in Ohio State Issue 1.
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9. Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business March 6, 2005
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Yellow Springs Friends met for worship with attention to business at
Rockford March 6, 2005.
Present were: Dale Blanchard, Bill Houston, Ellen Duell, Veronica Frost,
Paul Wagner, Dick Eastman, Susan Hyde, Peg Champney, Carl Hyde, Joan
Brucker, Victoria Burke, Kathy Angell, Deb Kociszewski, Hazel Tulecke,
Terry Snider, Carol Simmons, Katy Kola, Claire Winold, Denise Runyon,
Irwin Abrams, Jane Morgan
The meeting opened in silence, which included prayerful consideration of
the third query from the Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting Book of Discipline
and other unnamed sources on Social Relations and Universal Love.
Minutes. The recording clerk read the minutes from the February 6, 2005
Meeting for Business and the February 13, 2005 Called Meeting for
Business. Friends noted that Miami Township citizens should be included
in the expression of the meeting’s concerns about Ohio Issue 1. Friends
request that this concern be raised with the Yellow Springs Village
Council and the Miami Township Trustees. Friends agreed that an ad hoc
committee is the best means to address Yellow Springs Friends Meeting
concerns to the Miami Township Trustees. Dick Eastman agreed to serve on
the ad hoc committee.
1. Membership Approval. Friends approve the membership of Alan Palmer
in the Yellow Springs Friends Meeting.
2. Request for Membership Procedures. Some Friends expressed concern
about some of the procedures currently in use relative to requests for
membership. Friends request that Membership and Pastoral Care report to
the business meeting the procedure that will be followed for requests
for membership.
3. Request for Membership. The clerk read a letter from Veronica Frost
requesting membership in the Yellow Springs Friends Meeting. Membership
and Pastoral Care will consider the request for membership.
4. Friends Care Center Worship. Ellen Duell advised that worship in the
manner of Friends has been added to the Friends Care Center activity
list on the third Sunday of each month as a vespers service from 4:00 –
4:30 PM. The first worship will be held Sunday, March 20, 2005. Friends
are encouraged to attend this worship in the South Lounge of Friends
Care Center.
5. Clerk’s Desk. The clerk has written and forwarded letters regarding
Eve Williams’ need, the Yellow Springs Human Relations Commission, and
Sojourning status for Kathy Angell, and the traveling minute for Kathy
Angell and Carol Simmons.
6. OVYM Book of Discipline Revision. The clerk advised that the OVYM
Book of Discipline Revision Committee section on the Table of Contents
has arrived. The committee has requested responses from monthly meetings
by the middle of April. The clerk will distribute copies of the draft
section starting March 13 and publish the draft in the April
Quakershaker with a scheduled meeting date for Friends to consider the
draft. Friends expressed concern that we may not be able to respond
within the committee’s requested timetable.
7. Hearing System. Terry Snider reported that Ben Cooper is working
with us on the sound system for the meeting room. There are a few bugs
to be worked out.
8. FCNL Letter Writing. The clerk advised that FCNL Letter Writing will
resume and is being coordinated by Jean Putnam.
9. Clearness Committee Request. Eve Williams has requested a Clearness
Committee to assist her in seeking a grant to help fund her upcoming
trip to Cuba. Membership and Pastoral Care will coordinate the
committee.
10. Midwinter Gathering of Friends with Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender
and Queer Concerns. Kathy Angell shared that the FLGBTQC Midwinter
Gathering included worship of deep spiritual richness. The theme of the
Midwinter Gathering was “Spiritual Work at the Edge of Certainty.”
Concerns were addressed regarding the location of the FGC Gathering in
Blacksburg, Virginia relative to emergency services for FLGBTQC
attenders and how to witness to the concerns. Carol Simmons expressed
that the gathering was deeply Quaker and challenges us that the rights
to be shared by Friends with Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer
Concerns are spiritual and not just civil in nature. Friends responded
heartily to Kathy and Carol’s offer to schedule a meeting that would
allow us to experience the event as well as hear a report about the
gathering.
11. Contributions Pool. Peg Champney announced that the annual
Contributions Pool letter would be distributed during the week of March
7. The meeting to discern contributions will be held Sunday, April 10
after Meeting for Worship in a brown bag format.
12. Care of the Meetinghouse. Paul Wagner distributed the Building
Maintenance and Use Fund for Rockford. The fund is in good shape at this
time and will meet anticipated expenses. It was also noted that the fund
should maintain its current level and not drop much lower. Paul shared a
letter dated April 30, 2004 sent to Antioch regarding Yellow Springs
Friends Meeting contributions in support of the building. Paul also
distributed copies of an introduction to the current building lease.
13. Peace and Social Concerns. After a period of silence, Denise Runyon
offered a proposal to the meeting for corporate involvement in Peace and
Social Concerns matters as a response to a November 2004 request from
the business meeting. The committee suggested a series of Meetings for
Worship for Discernment about Corporate Peace and Social Concerns. The
proposed dates are Sunday, April 17 and Sunday, May 22 from 1:00 to 2:00
PM. Katy Kola will serve as contact person.
The meeting closed in silent worship.
The next meeting for business will be Sunday, April 3, 2005 at 1:00 PM
at Rockford.
Submitted,
Deb Kociszewski, Recording Clerk
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10. Building Maintenance and Use Fund Yellow Springs Friends Meeting
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‘03/04 ‘04/05
Actual Budget
Beginning Balance $ 4952 $ 5993
Income
Meeting General Fund 3900 3900
Rent and Contributions 668 600
Interest 36 36
Total Available $ 9556 $10529
Expense:
Insurance 277 277
Supplies 40 100
New Keys 234
Library Steam Valve & Temp Control 1247
Library Steam Radiator 1588
Telephone 182 190
Carpet Cleaning 180
Roof Repair 2661
Other Contractor Service 1000
Total Expense $ 3563 $ 4408
Balance $ 5993 $ 6121
PW
2-2-05
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11. Meetings for Worship for Discernment about Peace & Social Concerns
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Many Friends have expressed a desire for Yellow Springs Friends
Meeting to be able to unite our efforts in some way so as to make a
clearer and more moving testimony of our faith in the public arena.
There is a pervading sense within the meeting that these are critical
times, and that critical times should be both honestly appraised and
responded to, with appropriate depth of consideration and clarity of
purpose. In light of both the complexity and the volume of critical
social and environmental issues facing us today, and the extent to which
individual friends each carry personal beliefs about priorities for
action on issues of peace and social justice, the Peace and Social
Concerns Committee invites Friends and meeting attenders to engage with
us in a process of Worship for Discernment of what, if any, issues or
projects promoting peace and social justice the Meeting feels gathered
around in corporate witness.
We call upon Friends to prayerfully consider this question both
individually and through participation in a series of Meetings for
Worship for Discernment about Peace and Social Concerns this spring. We
propose that these meetings take place on Sunday, April 17 and Sunday,
May 22 from 1-2 PM with a potluck lunch between the 11:00 Meeting for
Worship and the Meeting for Worship for Discernment.
The Peace and Social Concerns Committee invites everyone to contribute
to the development of queries related to seeking Divine Guidance for
peace and social concerns. Each Meeting for Worship for Discernment
will begin with a query read aloud and then posted. Katy Kola will
serve as the P&SC’s contact person if you have a query contribution.
She can be reached at kkola-@yahoo.com or 767-2188. Please contact
her before April 7
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12. FCNL’s Young Adult Lobby Weekend
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April 16-18 in Washington, DC
This is an opportunity for our young people that the Peace & Social
Concerns Committee would like to support. If you are interested, or
know someone else who is, please let me know. Thanks! —Denise Runyon
767-8422 or daru-@aol.com
The Senate will be voting final approval of new Iraq war funding in mid
April. There are increasing signs of the likely return of the military
draft. Make sure Congress hears from people in your community on these
important issues! Sign up for FCNL’s Young Adult Lobby Weekend, April
16-18 in Washington, DC, or help someone in your community to attend the
lobby weekend.
Young adults will learn to effectively lobby Congress for a resolution
saying that it is the policy of the United States is to withdraw all
military troops and bases from Iraq, and against the resumption of the
draft. The weekend is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 and
costs $50, which includes housing and meals but not transportation.
Visit FCNL’s web site at http://www.fcnl.org/young.htm to register
online, or contact Jennifer Chapin Harris (jenn-@fcnl.org,
800-630-1330 x140) to register by mail or to find out how to sponsor a
young adult for the weekend. Do you know someone else who might want to
come to this weekend? Please pass on this message to them!
The Quakershaker
March 2005
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13.Fourth Query: Sincerity, Simplicity & Moderation
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Do you keep to simplicity and moderation in your speech, your manner of
living, and your pursuit of business? Are you careful to keep your
business and your outward activities from absorbing time and energy that
should be given to spiritual growth and to the service of your religious
society? Are you just in your dealings and careful to fulfill your
promises? Do you take care of such members as need aid, and assist them,
when possible, to become self-supporting?
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