The Farmington Friend

Transcription

1 The Farmington Friend Margaret Webb, Pastor VOLUME 70 NUMBER 5 FARMINGTON, NY May 2015 Moving Forward There have been many times in the past when I thought my life would be better if everyone thought and acted just like me. A couple of years ago I gave that idea some really serious thought. What would my world be like if everyone was actually just like me? Really, really boring! While reading the last two chapters in Philip Gulley s book, Living the Quaker Way, I was struck by the richness of possibilities when we embrace our diversity. Philip reminds us that since there is that of God in each of God s children we owe it to God, others and ourselves to listen carefully to all, regardless of their station or status in life. If we open our hearts and our minds to others who come from different cultures or backgrounds we open ourselves and our community to new opportunities. If we are to become a dynamic worshipping community we must embrace welcoming diversity in our midst. We need to realize the importance of individuality within the structure of community. We need to accept the fact that it is our individual uniqueness which contributes to a rich community where all feel welcome and respected. Where individuals contribute to the whole and the whole in turn becomes more generous and bountiful. A story about the Quaker testimonies from Faith and Play, a Quaker resource for teaching First Day School, claims that wherever there is simplicity, integrity, peace, equality and community there too is the power of the Spirit of God. Mr. Gulley talks about the church which rejoices when the marginalized are included, when the slave is freed, when the despised are embraced. It sees in its fellow beings not sin and separation from God but potential, promise and connection. Wherever people love, it is there. If Farmington Friends is to become a vital, thriving, worship community we must be prepared to make positive changes, moving forward in a healthy community in which the past is honored and diversity is celebrated among all. Kathy Dudarchik

2 Margaret s Musings As a mother and a pastor I believe that it is important for my children to be involved in a faith community. I know that many parents raise healthy, happy, moral and compassionate children outside of faith communities and I know that participation in a church community isn t right for every person. I also know that I will always encourage my children to be part of a Quaker meeting. I think that children have a natural ability to understand the world and have the ability to connect deeply with the Divine. I often think as I watch my children play that they are unencumbered by greed, apathy, prejudice and cynicism all of which can so often impact an adults ability to be sensitive to the Still Small Voice. I preached recently on Matthew 19:13-14 and was reminded of the importance place that children should have within our faith communities. I believe that children can be full participants in church. My 3-year old son loves to sing along to hymns, loves to listen to scripture and listen while I preach. I sometimes don t realize how much he is picking up at church. A few weeks ago he told us that God gives everyone hugs when they are sad. I wish I was able to so eloquently express God s deep and abiding love for creation! I believe that my son is not the exception but the norm, children are able to fully participate in church and are hungry for real religious experiences. I believe that children want to be accepted and loved for who they are and they are longing to learn about the world and about God. I think the same could be said for most adults. I also believe that churches thrive when they are diverse and age diversity is part of that. I believe deeply that it is important for my children to be at church (even when they are noisy or messy or fussy or impatient or strangely dressed) not just for their sake but also for the sake of the community. After all, Jesus said, let the children come to me. He didn t say, let only the clean, quiet and well-behaved children come to me. I want to extend to all of you with children the same gracious and unequivocal welcome. Your children are welcome. They are welcome even if they are messy or noisy. They are welcome no matter what they might want to wear or if they are wiggly and active. They are precious to God just as they are. Happy Birthday! JUNE 1 Margaret Hartsough 3 Caleb Ford 3 Daniel Congdon 5 Noah Bedette 5 Carol Deys 5 Grace Ellingham 6 J J Bay 8 Teddy Webb 10 Randy Lee 10 Christine Walton 11 Mason Smith 13 Brennan Pawlak 14 Peter Soule 15 Elizabeth Campbell 16 Linda Kula 17 Nance Simkin 19 Jane Drury 20 Hazel Goveia 21 Colleen Horan 22 Hannah Sharp 26 Deborah Walton 29 Jonathan Parker FARMINGTON FRIEND STAFF Editor: Keith Egnor Co-editor Annie Bontrager Front Page: Kathy Dudarchik Society Editors: Margaret Baker, Jeanette Bay Treasurer: Scott Parker Address Labels: Susan Sharp Mailing Staff: Pat Ford (copying), Evelyn Sadler, Margaret Hartsough, Lloyd Hartsough, Margaret Baker, Linda Doyen Leave articles in Meetinghouse folders or mail to the editor by the 2nd Sunday of the month. Mail: 193 Howell Street, Canandaigua, NY egnork@yahoo.com Telephone: March Treasurer s Report Income: $4, Expenses: $6, Cash Flow: ($2,045.49)

3 Society Congratulations! John and Theresa Zabliski will celebrate 30 years of marriage on May 18, They have one son, David Zabliski, who will enter his 3rd year at Haverford College this fall. Thank You Thank you to John and Sylvia Bayer for their donation to The Friend. Upcoming Events Special Date for P&SC Meeting with Getry Agizah Peace and Social Concerns will hold their meeting at 4:00 PM on Monday, May 18th. They will follow the meeting with a pot-luck supper at 6:00 PM. 3 May 31st for the Monthly Meeting The Monthly Meeting will follow the Meeting for Worship on Sunday the 31st, not the Meeting of the 24th. MOSTLY MUSIC SUNDAY! Come and join us for a service of worship through music on Sunday, June 7 at 11:00 AM. This is our annual Mostly Music Sunday with Bell Choir and Senior Choir bringing an hour of musical praise and prayer together with Pastor Margaret s scripture readings. Immediately following will be the $.50 a dip dinner sponsored by the Missions Committee. The money raised will help support our many Mission outreach programs. We hope you will be able to join us. USFW Annual Luncheon The luncheon will be held Tuesday, May 19th at 1:00 PM at the Holloway House, which is in East Bloomfield. Contact Jeanette Bay if you plan to attend. May 24th Memorial Service A Memorial Service for Gerry McClurg will be held at the Meetinghouse on Sunday, May 24th at 2:00 PM. Following the service there will be a reception downstairs. There are sign-up sheets on the bulletin board in the foyer for help with furnishings for the reception; if you can help with set-up/prep and clean up, please let Pat Ford know. May 25th Memorial Day Veterans Service The Annual Memorial Day Veterans Service is Monday, May 25th in the North Farmington Friends Cemetery by the flag pole. Please Note: This year s service is at 9AM instead of 8AM.

4 4 Meeting Minutes Summary Summary of Minutes of Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business Farmington Friends Monthly Meeting April 26, 2015 Meditation and Prayer Farmington Friends Monthly Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business met Sunday, April 26, 2015, at the rise of worship with fifteen (15) persons in attendance: Annie Bontrager, Willie Bontrager, Marion Cole, Linda Doyen, Darleen Farley, Anne Gilson, Bea Kimball, Helen Kirker, Cynthia Marvin, Carol Nicholson, Polly Nicholson, Jean Parker, Barbara Popenhusen, Gardie Soule, and Margaret Webb. Marion Cole, clerk of the meeting, read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 there is a time for every purpose. We settled into silence with the following queries: What is it time for Farmington Friends to do? Where is this season leading us? Minutes of the previous Meeting No changes or corrections were offered. Health of the Meeting We note with sadness the passing of Richard Padgham (April 3, 2015), Geraldine (Gerry) McClurg (April 6, 2015), Don Kutniewski (April 7, 2015 ), Frances (Chickie) Lesko (March 28 ), mother of John Ceddia, and Marion Elizabeth Donato and Willliam Patrick Donoto, infant twins of Carrie and Joe Donato. We record with joy the dedication of Cole VanderVelden (son of David and Jena VanderVelden ) who was dedicated on April 5, We hold the following friends in healing prayer: Dick McClurg, Kathy Dudarchik, Carrie and Joe Donato, Diana VanderVelden, Don Bay, Marion Milne, and Nance Simkin. Both Karen Baker and Marion Milne are much improved, but we shall continue to hold them in the Light as well. Pastor s Report The Meeting accepted the pastor s verbal report brought by the pastor, Margaret Webb. Most of her care has been crisis care with those who were approaching death and with those families who have experienced the death of loved ones, and planning memorial services. This has meant that many of Margaret s customary pastoral care visits have been postponed. She has been working on worship preparation and with a couple planning to be married in the fall, and will be meeting with them in the next few months for marriage preparation. She has been working hard on preparing more challenging messages as she was asked to do so by M&C. She welcomes feedback. She has continued her regular committee work including her work with 2015 SGCC. Treasurer s report The meeting accepted the verbal report of the treasurer brought by Annie Bontrager. The expenses for March, 2015, were $6, while the income for the same period was $4, The checking account balance as of 31 March 2015 was $9, The treasurer requests that we rent a post office box for $72.00 per year for the delivery of mail addressed to 187 County Road 8. We have been experiencing problems with change of address notices. This seems to be a result of our not having a physical place here at the Meetinghouse for the delivery of mail. The IRS has notified us that they think we have changed our address. Annie Bontrager will get change of address cards from the post office to facilitate the changing of our address. The meeting approved this request. Ministry and Counsel The meeting accepted the verbal report for Ministry and Counsel brought by Willie Bontrager. The clerking workshop with Arthur Larrabee was successful, and we received many positive

5 comments about providing this opportunity nearby and at minimal cost. About 30 people attended from throughout the region. M&C thanked Carol Nicholson for her role in bringing this workshop to Farmington. M&C discussed how to be more supportive of RE and the Sunday school program. A continuing concern is how M&C can support families, the pastor, and the meeting during difficult times for families and periods when there is very great demand for pastoral visits. M&C was asked to consider a change in the morning programmed worship time from 11:00 to 10:30 this seems to be a difficult change for practical reasons choir, bell choir, Sunday school, and the fact that our worships times for both unprogrammed and programmed are set. Margaret s support person, Jen Perry, came to M&C to share how the committee can be supportive of Margaret in her role as pastor and how to help the meeting itself to progress and grow. One suggestion was to support Margaret in going to NYYM Summer Sessions at Silver Bay July 19-25, The meeting approved Margaret s investigating if attendance at Summer Sessions is feasible for her and the children; the meeting is willing to provide financial suppor perhaps in the form of travel expenses and some support for housing costs. Willie Bontrager and Linda Doyen are looking into the formation of the clearness committee requested by Griffin Perry. Peace & Social Concerns The meeting accepted the verbal report of Peace and Social Concerns brought by Annie Bontrager. Peace and Social Concerns met on Thursday, April 23. Getry Agizah will be at spring gather May 16. She will be staying with the Bontragers until May 22 when they will drive her to VA. Getry has that week available to meet with people or groups. Getry will give the morning message Sunday May 17 followed by a potluck. She will speak again here at the meetinghouse in the afternoon. The response from other clergy regarding an auction has not been forthcoming. P&SC has decided if no 5 other groups wish to participate the auction still will be held with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Good Neighbor Fund. The meeting approved the requested date of Saturday, September 19, 2015, for the auction. Willie Bontrager and Kathy Dudarchik currently comprise the auction committee and will be asking others to join. Twelve people attended John Lindsay Poland s presentation and potluck last Sunday, April 19, Fifty-five dollars was donated to support John s work. Missions The Missions Committee did not bring a report at this time. House & Grounds The ground bees are back near swing set and a solution is being investigated. The meetinghouse phones are not working as of this morning. Annie Bontrager will call Time Warner to have this checked. House and Grounds will be asked about posting a sign advising of the low clearance of wires overhanging the driveway on the north side of the meetinghouse. The sound system was not operating properly yesterday, but seemed to be working correctly this morning. The problem may be that a plug is being dislodged by the bell choir tables. Spring Cleanup is Saturday, May 2, at 8:00 A.M. People are invited to bring their bag lunch if they wish. Lawn mowing will be done at a $3.00/per mowing increase this year, so the rate will be $83 per mowing. The meeting approved retaining the lawn service. Religious Education The meeting accepted the verbal report of the religious education committee brought by Anne Gilson. During Junior Church last Sunday the children made jewelry to sell to raise funds to send to Heifer International

6 There are only two sessions of Sunday school remaining in May and one in June. Youth Sunday and Sundae Sunday are June 14, Concern persists about low attendance. Ideas and s are still circulating. Travis Kipp will be presented with his Scout badge on Youth Sunday. Nine young people still need pen pals. Music The meeting accepted the verbal report of the Music Committee reminding the Meeting of Mostly Music Sunday, June 7, Library The Library Committee did not bring a report at this time. Spring Gathering The meeting accepted the verbal report of the 2015 Spring Gathering Coordinating Committee brought by Cyndi Marvin. The 2015 SGCC continues to work diligently on the planning and on finding answers and solutions to the many questions and challenges involved. The Committee has found the work both more confusing and more demanding than anticipated. Farmington Friends are urged to register and attend all or part of SG weekend May 15-17, 2015, at Watson Homestead, Painted Post, NY. 6 Report to Farmington Friends Monthly Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business Regarding the Archiving of our Meeting s Records 26 April 2015 The records of NYYM and its constituent monthly meetings are archived with the Friends Historical Library at Swarthmore College. In a phone conversation, Christopher Densmore, NYYM archivist, indicated that our monthly meeting is welcomed to send our monthly meeting minutes and our monthly newsletter to Friends Historical Library, Swarthmore College, for archiving. We need to send these records only once every five years. It is most helpful to the Library if the records are sent on acid-free, archival-quality paper though that is not a requirement. He also expressed that lack of such paper should not prevent any meeting from sending their records. Christopher Densmore also mentioned that his records indicate that the Library has not received material from our meeting since The recording clerk will prepare a file of our complete Monthly Meeting Minutes on acid-free, archival-quality paper beginning with the minutes from the February, 2015, until the conclusion of her term with the records of being sent to the Library in Darleen Farley, Recording Clerk Hosting Unprogrammed Extended Meeting Perry City is hosting this spring and Orchard Park in the fall. We might consider hosting next winter. Record Keeping The meeting accepted the following report from the recording clerk in response to the concern raised last month regarding the archiving of our meeting s records: The meeting approved the recording clerk s checking on whether anyone from NYYM has been forwarding The Friend to Swarthmore. The Friend The meeting accepted the verbal report brought Anne Gilson about how the Meeting wishes to send The Friend. The meeting approved not renewing the bulk mailing permit and mailing the paper copies via first class mail to people who have requested it and e- mailing it to others who have requested it.

7 7 Float for Farmington Firemen s Carnival Barbara Popenhusen reported that she has been unsuccessful in locating a tractor and a wagon to be used for the float; Willie Bontrager offered the use of his wagon and tractor July 31. Anne Gilson said our Sunday School children might be willing to make flags for the float with the Quaker testimonies. Use of Building The meeting approved permission for Guiding Eyes for the Blind to use Fellowship Hall June 1, 2015, from 6:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. Continuing Quaker Education In response to Arthur Larrabee s workshop, Clerking: Serving the Community with Joy and Confidence, hosted by our meeting and presented here Saturday, April 18, a few members brought the idea of using Arthur s concept of Continuing Quaker Education in our bulletins and at monthly meetings for worship with a concern for business. The information for CQE would be derived from the materials Arthur uses in his workshops. Arthur has given his permission for us to use his materials in this way. Today s presentation describes the characteristics of Quaker meetings for worship including meetings for worship with a concern for business--: the fruits of the Spirit as given in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If these characteristics are not present, then we must ask ourselves, have we lost worship and should we adjourn? The meeting approved placing continuing Quaker education items in the bulletin and having material presented at monthly meeting Quaker Meetinghouse Museum Committee The Meeting approved the request by the 1816 Quaker Meetinghouse Museum Committee to use our Meetinghouse May 13, and June 23, Correspondence Our Meeting has received materials regarding NYYM Spring Session Donald F. Kutniewski ~ April 7, 2015 Donald F. Kutniewski, age 79, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a devoted husband, predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Joan. He was predeceased by his sister, Joan Moseng. He is survived by his daughters Kathy (Rob) Gardner of Macedon, Barb (Danny) Evans of Orchard Park and Kerri Kutniewski of Canandaigua, as well as six grandchildren: Casey, Connor and Abbey Gardner, and Zoe, Mia and Dylan Evans. He is also survived by his sister Carole Duntley of California; sister-in-law Eunice Reynolds of Palmyra; and special friends Donna and Craig Nielsen and Greg Shaffer. He had several nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends. Don grew up in Binghamton, NY, and after graduation served in the Army in Texas. He later retired from Mobil Chemical Corp in Macedon after 31 years of employment, where he was proud that he achieved two Patents. A memorial service was held on Friday, April 17th. Donations in his memory can be made to the Colony Caregivers, PO box 12, Shortsville, NY 14548, to the Wilmot Cancer Institute, Sands Cancer Center, FF Thompson Foundation, 350 Parrish St., Canandaigua, NY and to the Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Service, c/o Director of Development, 756 Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, NewYork Tribute to Gerry and Dick McClurg This tribute goes out to Gerry and Dick McClurg who chaired the committee mailing the Friend for decades. Gerry has since passed and Dick is now dealing with health issues. We thank them for their many years of faithfully working with friends to mail out the Friend so friends far and near could keep up with activities and news at Farmington Friends. The committee now working on the Friend misses you two.

8 8 OPENING SPRING I walked in my yard a few days ago - looking and watching for signs of Spring. I found them in so many ways! Above my head the sky was washed in blue, and the white clouds dominated the spaces in between. Underneath my feet was the greening of the grasses, waiting patiently for the lawnmower to start its ever-present roaring. Carefully stepping in between them, I found zillions of purple and white violets. All over the little hills and valleys of our garden, I saw their tiny blossoms reaching for the sun - waiting for someone to walk by and praise their efforts to sustain. Who would have believed that after such a hard winter, they would still be around to share in the beauty and resurrective qualities of Spring? I saw God this morning. Not in the way we would usually claim in the every day world - high upon a mountain/top experience, but in the places which are daily mine to share. I saw God in the budding of the multi/colored lilacs around me, fresh in the discerning grace of their fabulous colors to be. White, pink, lavender, purple, purple and white, yellow (its first budding is this year) and the tender spaces in/between where the shoots of tomorrow's bushes are now preparing to extend their beauty in another Spring. I saw God in the glistening dewdrops which touched their leaves and the tiny ladybugs who had come forth to drink from their sustaining puddles of water...nature's fountain of youth for all concerned. I remembered that as a child I had also walked through my mother's garden in the same way, and then climbed my favorite apple tree and peered out from its gnarly branches..hanging by my feet, the world was then viewed upside down in new and exciting ways! God in the little things - God in the larger, and is it possible that this powerful, manifesting energy of hope we call the Exalted Being is really the very breath we breathe, and the anchored ways we walk upon the earth with the abilities to breathe, walk and talk to one another? Is it possible that this promised way surrounds us all in so many ways that I have lost count - and I am now blessed just knowing of the infinite possibilities which walk before me through the parallel expansions of my own life, and the lives of those surrounding? Take a moment to reflect upon the promises of a world worth keeping. Value the participatory rhythms of the surrounding aspects of your own personal world - and then shining in the middle of all of it,perhaps you will see and comprehend what I am saying. You will hear the songs of the birds, see the value of friendship and acknowledge that there is work to be done - and we have only just begun to realize this potential in our villages, our towns and the worlds of our choice. May this reflective harmony begin to touch your lives as it has mine, and may you never, ever forget the wonders we have been given. To breathe in the breath of wholeness, and to breathe out the wonder of your own personal walk is truly a miracle in itself! Mercy walks before me in many ways, and I am blessed to share the continuity of this anchoring vestige of hope with any and all who would listen and share in the value this brings before them. May peace prevail! Carol Elaine Deys PARA-DEYS ACRES I met a new friend this week. I have known this person before - somewhere, some how in time. Recognizing the common denominators in her life and mine, I shall continue to value this newly found - or is it, friendship. I saw God in the entrance of this experience in my now life, and I am blessed because of it.

9 Farmington Friend June Noon AA 3 6:15 RE Meeting 7:00 Senior Choir :00-4:00 Sophia Circle Group Meets 7 8:00 Unprogrammed Worship 10:00 Sunday School All Age Groups 10:00-11:00 Adult Bible Study 11:00 Worship - Mostly Music Sunday 50 -a-dip Dinner Following 8 9 Noon AA :00 Unprogrammed Worship 10:00 Sunday School Youth Group 10:00-11:00 Adult Bible Study 11:00 Worship Sundae Sunday/ Youth Sunday Friend Notes Due Noon AA 18 6:00 Peace & Social Concerns :00-4:00 Sophia Circle Group Meets 21 8:00 Unprogrammed Worship 10:00 Sunday School All Age Groups 10:00-11:00 Adult Bible Study 11:00 Worship Noon AA 6:30 Ministry & Counsel :00 Unprogrammed Worship 10:00 Sunday School Youth Group 10:00-11:00 Adult Bible Study 11:00 Worship Monthly Meeting on Rise from Worship Noon AA

10 Table of Contents Front Page Moving Forward Page 2 Margaret s Musings/Birthdays/Treasurer s Report Page 3 Society/Upcoming Events Page 4 Meeting Minutes Summary Page 7 Don Kutniewski/Tribute to the McClurgs Page 8 Opening Spring Page 9 Calendar FARMINGTON FRIENDS CHURCH 187 County Road 8, PO Box Farmington, NY