CMM 2017-11-12 Possible Items for Agenda

Here are some possible agenda items for Eleventh Month’s Meeting for Worship with attention to Business, which will be on the 12^th of Eleventh Month.  Some of the items from Tenth Month have been carried forward.  Some of the proposed items may need further seasoning. They are in no particular order at the moment.  [See also http://quakerspeak.com/quaker-decision-making-consensus/ [1]]

During worship, please hold in your heart the following from Eden Grace’s paper “An Introduction to Quaker Business Practice” [2].

Quakers profess a theocratic understanding of authority. “The primary authority is that of God, as the God whose will is sought, as Christ who presides, and as the Holy Spirit who inspires and empowers. Thus the task of the meeting is to listen in worship, putting itself under that authority, to discern the right way forward on any piece of business.” ^* All human leadership is subordinated to the authority of Christ, the true shepherd of any gathering of Christians. All participants in the Meeting are equally capable of being used by the Holy Spirit, and those who moderate the Meeting are seen as servants of the gathering discernment process.

* Scott, Janet “Business Meetings”, manuscript submitted for inclusion in the forthcoming Dictionary of the Religious Society of Friends, 1999.

• Minutes of Tenth Month’s Meeting for Worship with attention to Business [3].
• Budget Committee report
  • “How does our Meeting engage its members in the support of the Meeting’s work, its ministry, and the upkeep of its property?” ¹ [4]
• Property Committee report
  • “Does our Meeting serve social and economic justice in its uses of property and money?” ¹ [4]
  • From the minutes to a recent Property Committee meeting:
    • 1. The September meeting for business discussed the possibility of temporary housing at the meetinghouse and asked the property committee to provide a budgetary estimate of the cost to install a sprinkler system and a shower. The property committee recalled that the original cost of installation during building construction was about $40,000.00 and would be higher now. Greg to send a report to the Clerk of the business meeting.
      
      The Committee does not wish to invest contractor time in getting a more specific estimate until the Meeting determines it is open to such a large expense.
  • Appalachian Mountain Teen Project [5] and transfer of their camping property?  Before Meeting, please download and read the following notes from the first and second meetings of the AMTP Ad Hoc Committee.  We will report these to Business Meeting this Sunday.  Note that we are asking for authorization from the meeting for clerks to be able to sign deed/articles of agreement, etc before next business meeting.
    • 2017-09-26 AMTP Ad Hoc Committee minutes.doc [6]
    • Acquisition Committee minutes v2.doc [7]
    • One major concern and cost for AMTP before transferring the property is the removal of the building debris. AMTP reached out to the subcommittee for suggestions. The subcommittee reached out to the property committee.  After a review of the site and photographs of the site as well as some consultation with an outside contractor, the property committee suggests that AMTP provide a “clean” site before transferring the property.  Greg will report this to the subcommittee.
    • [From Ruth's e-mail:]  Responses to [Greg's e-mail?] about debris removal issues from Nathan.  I did not press him on any of his answers, just asked about these issues:  (I left Greg’s notes in black, and put in Nathan’s responses in red.)
      1. 1.  It appears all burnables (can we assume clean? i.e., no plastics, shingles, etc.) were burned.  Ash pile is at grade level with thin layer of earth over top.  Nathan believes he did not burn plastic, etc., since he was asked to only burn wood.
      2. 2.  Two large tractor tires and all tire swings and ropes course structures remain in place. - would have cost a lot of money to remove - Nathan did not ask him to do that, nor to remove tire swings, nor the other ropes course, thinking they might be useful in the future.
      3. 3.  Did not ask to remove the outhouse. Nathan thought it might be useful to us and did not ask him to remove.
      4. 4.  The two upper culverts that were displaced on the downstream side of the stream crossing remain in their tipped positions under the foot bridge. Nathan thought they had been removed by previous contractor (who took out the bridge and didn't finish).  Did not appear to think was an issue.
      5. 5.  The access road on the hill down to the stream crossing was lowered by machinery.  Exposed earth along the sides of the road and crossing the stream is subject to erosion and beginning to do so. - original people that took building down pulled the earth away so he didn't think this contractor should repair.

      In general, [Nathan] was very relieved that all the debris was removed.  The contractor said it was the hardest job he had ever done.  Greg confirmed this; Greg saw them coming out of the woods one of the days and they were totally exhausted.  So we do need to decide if we should press AMTP to change anything left.
      
      Greg's Conclusion:  "I do not believe there is any circumstance involved which would cause us to want to reject the AMTP's plan to transfer the property to the Meeting.  From a personal point of view, I am 90% satisfied.  If the culverts had been placed back on the road and covered or removed fully and the tractor tires removed I would be 100% satisfied.  I believe the tractor tires can remain on site.  I'd like to find a way to so something with the culverts, but is seems like a big job.  I believe the ash pile is not a hazard.  As for the ropes course, I believe we should remove the hanging tires at a minimum.  The entry from Oxbow Pond Road needs to be barred with a chain or similar removable device.  I think I saw a cable on the ground."
      
      Greg gave his opinion and here's my [Ruth's] personal opinion:  Nothing is what is left would cause me to not accept the land.  Specifically here is what I think about each issue:

      1. a.  Culverts not removed - should we ask they remove before they hand over land?  We might be able to get someone to remove for value of culverts?
      2. b.  Erosion on road down to the bridge - will they fix this before they hand it over?  Could we do this ourselves?
      3. c.  Is ash pile toxic? - how do we find out and what would we do if it is?  I trust it is not an issue.
      4. d.  Do we want to remove the tires?  These are part of the ropes course.
      5. e.  Do we want to remove the hanging tire that are part of ropes course?  Do we want to remove other wooden structures part of the ropes course?  I do not see why we need to remove these.  I don't see how they are much of an 'attractive nuisance'. They might be a bit of fun for kids.  If we ever do establish a day camp these would be useful.

      I [Ruth] would support the idea of getting as many people out there for a walk this weekend to see for themselves before Business Meeting next week.

  • Solar Committee report
    • “We do not own the world, and its riches are not ours to dispose of at will. Show a loving consideration for all creatures, and seek to maintain the beauty and variety of the world. Work to ensure that our increasing power over nature is used responsibly, with reverence for life. Rejoice in the splendour of God’s continuing creation.” ² [8]
  • Youth Religious Education Committee report
    • “Children and young people need love and stability. Are we doing all we can to uphold and sustain parents and others who carry the responsibility for providing this care?” ³ [9]
  • Outreach Committee report
    • “Are you patterns, examples; do your lives preach among all sorts of people, and to them?  Do you walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one?” - https://neym.org/faith-practice/part-3/queries [10]
    • Canterbury Fair [11]
    • Compassionate Listening [12]
  • Ministry & Counsel Committee report
  • PSECC report
  • Dover Quarterly Meeting report

  Announcements & Events:

  Click here [13] for more information about the “Compassionate Listening: Stories from Israel and Palestine” meeting on November 9^th, 2017 at our Meetinghouse.

  Sarah Freeman-Woolpert's recent article, “Experiments with Truth in the Age of Trump [14]”, was published in Dialogue, Issue 17 [15] on pages 23-25.  Sarah's argument can be summarised in her statement "Without holding nonviolence as a moral principle, nonviolent tactics can manipu­late and preach but will never foster common ground."

  Brennan Barnard's recent article, “Turn Up The Volume On Racism [16]”, was published in the Concord Monitor and the Huffington Post.

  Recently we published a statement in response to the tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia [17].  Please also see “Such a Time as This: A Response to Hate and Violence [18]” as well as the “2017 Epistle of New England Yearly Meeting [19]”, Ruby Sales' Plenary Message [20] on NEYM’s Youtube channel, and the audio recordings of the 2017 Annual Sessions Bible Half-Hours by Marty Grundy [21].  Draft booklet of Bible Half Hour texts [22]. 

  Oct 12 (Thu)   6:00 – 7:00 PM Quakerism 201: This Is Our Testimony to the World [23]. Week 1: “What Is A Testimony?”.  Printed booklets of background readings for the next session will be available at each meeting.  At the end of each session, we will agree the date and time that is most convenient for the next session.
  
  Oct 13 (Fri)   8:30 – 10:00 AM Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Oct 15 (Sun)  10 AM worship. Closing: Rob Y and Jon.
  
  Oct 16-20 (Mon-Fri)  12 PM - 1 PM  PSECC Witness Against Further War Action on the side walk in front of the State House.  Volunteers needed to encourage passersby to write their Congressional Representatives and Senators to oppose future wars with Iran and North Korea and to give witness and challenge to the reality of this danger we are facing.  Pleas send an e-mail to Jessica at behold [dot] peace [dot] kindness [at] gmail [dot] com to volunteer. (This witness had to be rescheduled and one of our volunteers will be out of town during the week of the 16^th.)
  
  Oct 17 (Tue)   8:30 – 10:00 AM Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Oct 19 (Thu)   8:30 – 10:00 AM Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.  This will be followed by the Sanctuary Support Network [25] meeting at Blessed-Sacrament Church, 14 Elm St, Manchester where there will be refreshments.  We have signed the pledge to stand with our immigrant neighbors.  If you have not seen a copy of the revised solidarity statement, it can be found here [26].
  
  Oct 22 (Sun)  10 AM Meeting for Worship. Closing: Dave and Penny; potluck and 4th Sunday Program with Minga Glaggett-Borne from Cambridge Friends Meeting will join us to share about her experience as a Climate Pilgrim last July when she walked 7 days from the Rochester coal plant to the Bow coal plant.  This action was taken from a deeply spiritual place and she will share her motivation and her own growth as a result of the experience.  Minga is a therapist in Boston, holds a deep concern for social justice and the environment among many other social issues. This sharing by a seasoned Friend will be enlightening to all.
  
  Oct 22 (Sun)   2 PM West Epping [27] Annual Meeting - Will be held on 10-22-2017 at 2:00pm.  There will be no regularly scheduled 10:00 meeting for worship.  Bridget Rogier who lives near the meetinghouse will be hosting the refreshments at her home following the meeting since there is no bathroom or running water at the West Epping Meeting House. She invites folks to stop at her place on the way to the meeting also and encourages carpooling from there to the meeting.  She can be reached at: rogierb [at] comcast [dot] net
  
  Oct 24 (Tue)   8:30 – 10:00 AM Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Oct 25 (Wed)   8:30 – 10:00 AM Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Oct 26 (Thu)   6:00 – 7:00 PM Quakerism 201: This Is Our Testimony to the World [23].  Week 2: “The Testimony on Integrity”.  Printed booklets of background readings for the next session will be available at each meeting.  At the end of each session, we will agree the date and time that is most convenient for the next session.
  
  Oct 29 (Sun)  10:00 AM Meeting for Worship. Closing: Rich & Sara
  
  Oct 29 (Sun)  Dover Quarterly Meeting  Gonic Monthly Meeting will be hosting the meeting and Weare Monthly Meeting will be responsible for the program, which will be about outreach.
  
  Program:

  • 10:00 Meeting for Worship
  • 11:00 Introductions and Lunch (bring your own bag lunch)
  • 12:00 Meeting for Worship for Business
  • 12:30 Program on Outreach, Weare Monthly Meeting

  The Gonic Friends Meetinghouse is located at 41 Pickering Road, Gonic, NH 03839. Information on how to get to the meeting house can be found here: https://neym.org/meetings/gonic.  [28] For more information on the meeting please contact Erik Cleven at erikcleven [at] gmail [dot] com.  For more info on Gonic and how to get there please contact Muriel Farrar at muriel [dot] farrar [at] gmail [dot] com.  I look forward to seeing you all at the end of October!  In friendship, Erik Cleven, clerk Dover Quarterly Meeting
  
  Oct 29 (Sun)   5:00 pm — 7:00 pm  NH Immigrant Solidarity Network  There will be an official launch event for the NH Immigrant Solidarity Network this Sunday October 29, 5—7 pm at St. Anne–St. Augustin Parish [29], 383 Beech Street, Manchester, NH  03103, Lower Classroom.  Parking is available in the PAL lot on Beech Street.  Enter St. Anne–St. Augustin through the rear door.  Please call GSOP at 668-8250 for more info.  The Immigrant Solidarity Network is committed to supporting our immigrant neighbors with accompaniment, advocacy, and sanctuary.
  
  Nov  2 (Thu)   6:00 – 7:00 PM Quakerism 201: This Is Our Testimony to the World [23].  Week 3: “Simplicity (or Purity)”.  Printed booklets of background readings for the next session will be available at each meeting.  At the end of each session, we will agree the date and time that is most convenient for the next session.
  
  Nov  4 (Sat)   5:00 pm – 8:30 pm  NH Peace Action [30] Annual Fundraising Dinner [31] at Bektash Temple [31], 189 Pembroke Rd, Concord, NH.  Join us for an evening of storytelling, entertainment and a fantastic meal!  Doors open at 5 pm. More details available on the poster [32].
  
  Tickets:  $40 pre-ordered; $50 at the door.  For tickets or more information contact 603-228-0559 or doreen [at] nhpeaceaction [dot] org
  
  Online Auction: http://nhpeaceaction.org/auctions/.  [33] Please contact Greg Heath if you can make any contributions to the silent auction.
  
  Nov  4 (Sat)   7:00 pm – 9:00 pm  The First Friday Song Circle is going to become the First Saturday Song Circle in November. We are changing this because several people have asked us to do this so they can attend. So 7-9pm Saturday, Nov 4, bring your singing spirit, a snack to share, your songbooks (or borrow ours), and a friend!
  
  Nov  5 (Sun)  10:00 am Worship. Closing: Mark and Gini.
  
  Nov  5 (Sun)    9:30 am - 2:30 pm  Hands to Work, Hearts to God [34]: Living a spiritual life in the world around us.  A day of prayer, exploration and community.
  
  Free registration. Please register here [35].  Attendees are welcome to participate in the full day or attend only a portion, depending on their time and interests.
  
  All are invited to Canterbury Shaker Village for a day of worship and spiritual exploration co-sponsored by the Village, the Canterbury United Community Church, and the Church of the Woods / Kairos Earth.  These organizations, collaborating for the first time in this way, hope to offer all who seek spiritual meaning an opportunity to step outside of their normal ways in a day of open-minded togetherness.
  
  Nov  6 (Mon)   8:30 – 10:00 AM Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Nov  7 (Tue)   8:30 – 10:00 AM Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Nov  7 (Tue)  Last chance to order Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, Calendars, Note cards to support Christine Imbiti: Please let Ruth Heath know (ruthmheath [at] comcast [dot] net or 783-4401) if you intend to buy coffee, tea or cocoa (if you already haven't). It appears there may be enough of us to make more than one order, with one being send right away and the other in a couple weeks. We need $135 in each order to get free shipping. Ordering by the case (of six) will allow you to choose any of their many items. Or buy Breakfast Blend, “Mind Body Soul” coffee; or Hot Cocoa Mix by individual packages. Thank you!!
  
  Nov  9 (Thu)   6:30 pm – 8:30 pm  Compassionate Listening Project at the Meetinghouse [36].  Come and hear stories of Israelis and Palestinians from the other side of the world, retold precisely as told by those who live them.  Many Israelis and Palestinians opened their hearts and shared their personal stories with us. Now we will share them with you.  After listening to those narratives, you will have the opportunity to explore and discuss your reactions with other participants. We hope tins process will open your hearts to the experiences of both Israelis and Palestinians.
  
  Our program will also introduce you to the principles and practices of Compassionate Listening, a process based on the conviction that truly healing each other's stories - without judgment - opens the possibility of mutual compassion, understanding, and honest human relations laps.  A deeply moving and experiential presentation by Concord’s Compassionate Listening Project and members of Concord Friends Meeting.
  
  Nov 11 (Sat)  10:00 — 11 AM.  Vigil: No War with North Korea, at City Plaza, Concord (in front of State House).  Sponsored by AFSC-NH and NH Peace Action.  Information at 603-224-2407 or 603-228-0559.
  
  Nov 11 (Sat)  12:00 — 2:00 PM  Lunch with Frances Moore Lappé and Adam Eichen, launch of their new book Daring Democracy at South Congregational Church, 27 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH.  Tickets are $20 each at http://NHRebellion.org/Daring_Democracy [37].  Pre-order your copy for $15 when you purchase your ticket!  Frances and Adam will be autographing books after lunch.
  
  Nov 12 (Sun)  10:00 AM Worship followed by potluck and Meeting for Worship for Business, Closing ....
  
  Nov 12 (Sun)   4:00 PM Interfaith Choir Concert to benefit the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness [38]. Various church choirs will be each performing an anthem (or two). We might offer to lead the audience (and other choirs) in two songs that we sing before Meeting. If we had eight people or more, I think this would be quite fun and good outreach as well as participating in a worthwhile fundraiser. Please contact Ruth Heath.
  
  Nov 13 (Mon)   8:30 – 10:00 AM  Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Nov 14 (Tue)   8:30 – 10:00 AM  Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Nov 15 (Wed)   6:00 – 7:00 PM  2017 NEYM Bible Half Hour [22] discussion.  Day 1: “The World”.  Printed booklets of the talks for all five sessions are available from MarkBarker [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org.  At the end of each session, we will agree the date and time that is most convenient for the next session.
  
  Nov 17 (Fri)   8:30 – 10:00 AM  Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice [24] for those reporting to ICE for deportation that day at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street in Manchester.
  
  Nov 18 (Sat)  10:15 AM – 3:00 PM Quaker Approach to Pastoral Care and End of Life.  Hanover Friends invite us to this workshop facilitated by Fran Brokaw, Rachel Guaraldi, Lisa Solbert Sheldon at Howe Library, Mayer Room, 13 South Street, Hanover, NH;  Brown Bag Lunch; Light Refreshments provided Please RSVP and send questions to:  lizmeller1 [at] gmail [dot] com or sarahmonego [at] yahoo [dot] com
  

   

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  ^1. See http://www.pym.org/faith-and-practice/queries/11-stewardship-of-resources/

  ^2. See http://qfp.quaker.org.uk/chapter/1/ [39] № 42

  ^3. See http://qfp.quaker.org.uk/chapter/1/ [39] № 24