Contacts 2023-2024

Clerk [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Presiding Clerk(s) of Meeting)

For sending ‘Documents in Advance’ of Meeting for Business, please use PresidingAndRecordingClerks [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (subject: CMM%20MfB%20Documents%20in%20Advance) (Presiding & Recording Clerks)

• Richard Kleinschmidt
• Ruth Heath

The clerk conducts all business sessions, sees that business is properly presented to the meeting for consideration, and announces decisions when made. The clerk is responsible for keeping accurate minutes, properly dated and signed, showing all matters discussed and actions taken. These shall be kept in permanent form in a minute book after they have been approved by the meeting.

The clerk carries out the instructions of the meeting on all matters pertaining to the accomplishment of its business and signs necessary documents on behalf of the meeting. The clerk also receives, transmits, and acknowledges communications; the meeting may appoint a correspondent to assist with these matters. In the absence of the clerk, the meeting may appoint another Friend to be clerk for the day.

(See Faith and Practice [3] of New England Yearly Meeting, §“Officers of the Monthly Meeting” on page 153.  See also “Advices for Clerks [4]”.)

RecordingClerk [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Recording Clerk)

• Jennifer Smith

The recording clerk keeps accurate minutes showing all actions taken by the meeting. When appropriate, the recording clerk may assist the presiding clerk in framing a minute.

(See Faith and Practice [3] of New England Yearly Meeting, §“Officers of the Monthly Meeting” on page 153.  See also “Advices for Recording Clerks [5]”, “Before Business Begins [6]”, and “Unforeseen Joy [7]”.)

Treasurer [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Treasurer)

• Chris Haigh

The treasurer receives and disburses funds as the meeting directs.  The treasurer keeps the account books of the meeting and reports regularly to it.  The accounts should be audited [8] annually.

(See Faith and Practice [3] of New England Yearly Meeting, §“Officers of the Monthly Meeting” on page 153.)

Recorder [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Recorder)

• Paula Werme

The recorder keeps the permanent records of all changes in the status of membership, such as births, deaths, marriages, applications, transfers, and withdrawals. Records should be kept in a form approved by the Yearly Meeting and statistics on membership submitted as called for. It is recommended that recorders issue annually to the membership an up-to-date list of names and addresses of all members. Such a list should be appended to the monthly meeting minutes every ten years, beginning with the first monthly meeting in 1985.

(See Faith and Practice [3] of New England Yearly Meeting, §“Officers of the Monthly Meeting” on page 153.)

Bookkeeper [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Bookkeeper)

• Greg Heath

Maintains QuickBooks [9] accounting system and all financial records.

OfficersAndCommitteeClerksAndConveners [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Officers & Committee Clerks/Conveners)

• Chris Haigh
• Dave Woolpert
• Elaine Bello
• Elizabeth (“Betsy”) Meyer
• Greg Heath
• James Farquhar
• Mark Barker
• Paula Werme
• Richard Kleinschmidt
• Ruth Heath
• Sara Smith

Forwarding e-mail address for the current Officers and Committee Clerks/Conveners of Concord Monthly Meeting (CMM) of Friends

Part of preparing hearts and minds for Meeting for Worship with Concern for Business is reminding officers and committee clerks/conveners to report on activities, plans, and possible agenda items.  The purpose of this forwarding address is to simplify the sending of the reminders.  Friends may respond by sending their ‘Documents in Advance’ of Meeting for Business (MfB) to PresidingAndRecordingClerks [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (subject: CMM%20MfB%20Documents%20in%20Advance)

ChildCareYREAssistants [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Current Child Care YRE Assistants for Concord Friends Meeting)

(discernment by YRE & NEYM background checks)

• Chris Haigh
• David Woolpert
• Elaine Bello
• Faith Sillars
• Greg Heath
• James Farquhar
• JJ Smith
• Jonah Sutton-Morse
• Jone LaBombard
• Juliet Curran
• Kathy Mercer
• Kathy Urie
• Mark Barker
• Pat Wallace
• Richard Kleinschmidt
• Rob Spencer
• Ruth Heath
• Sara Smith
• Sharon Kulik
• Sheryl Ingraham

Assists First-Day School teachers and helps provide child care during meeting for worship.

ClerkConsultationCommittee [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Clerk’s Consultation Committee)

• Elizabeth (Betsy) Meyer
• Rich Kleinschmidt
• Rob Spencer
• Ruth Heath

Supports the presiding clerk/co-clerks of the Meeting.

ConcordFriendsNewsletter [at] gmail [dot] com (Email Newsletter)

• Juliet Curran

Edits and sends newsletter to the e-mail list for the Meeting.

FinanceCommittee [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (subject: CMM%20Finance%20Committee) (Finance Committee)

• Chris Haigh, Treasurer, EO
• David Woolpert, IC
• Greg Heath, Bookkeeper, EO
• Jonah Sutton-Morse

Prepares annual budget proposal; manages approved budget, reports monthly to Meeting.  Ensures efficacy and integrity of Meeting financial practices.

The finance committee is responsible for raising funds and preparing a budget for the consideration of the monthly meeting.

(See Faith and Practice [3] of New England Yearly Meeting, §“Standing Committees” on page 154.)

FirstDaySchoolTeachers [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (First-Day School Teachers)

(discernment by YRE Committee)

• Elaine Bello
• Richard Kleinschmidt
• Ruth Heath

Fundraising Committee

(to be addressed when needed)

A Spirituality of Fundraising [10], by Henri J.M. Nouwen

LibraryCommittee [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Library Committee)

• Kathy Urie
• Mark Barker
• Ruth Heath

Catalogs new media.  Keeps media filed in order.  Ensures Meeting has access to media and ensures borrowed media is returned.  Makes selections for acquisitions.  Weeds collection. Manages its budget.  See draft Library Policy [11].

MinistryAndCounsel [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Ministry and Counsel Committee)

• Betsy Meyer
• Chris Haigh
• Greg Heath
• Jonah Sutton-Morse
• Richard Kleinschmidt, IC (EO)
• Ruth Heath (EO)

Ministry and Counsel should be especially attentive to the quality of the meeting for worship. Humility of spirit and confidence that the power of God will work in each person are essential to this service.

Ministry and Counsel should encourage those whose vocal ministry gives evidence of true spiritual insight and offer guidance to those whose messages seem inappropriate to a meeting for worship. The depth and timeliness of the message and its harmony with the spirit of the meeting are more important than the form. The example of one struggling to be faithful in a difficult task may be more helpful than a polished address. Although the vocal ministry serves an important purpose, Friends should be constantly aware that the opportunity for silent communion with God is basic to their religious practice.

Ministry and Counsel initiates the recording of gifts in the ministry.

Where ministry is offered through music, Ministry and Counsel should be sensitive to its contribution to the quality of worship.

Ministry and Counsel should also encourage private prayer, meditation, and devotional reading which promote growth in the spiritual life and prepare each worshipper for the corporate worship of the meeting.

(See Faith and Practice [3] of New England Yearly Meeting.)

See also Ministry and Counsel webpage [12] on this website.

HospitalityHelpers [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (NEYM Hospitality Helpers & Hosts)

• Faith Sillars
• Greg Heath
• Jonah Sutton-Morse
• Kathy Urie (Coordinator)
• Richard Kleinschmidt
• Sara Smith

NominatingCommittee [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Nominating Committee)

(intital year)

• Elaine Bello, clerk    (2021-22) 2026
• Sara Smith      (2020-21) 2024
• Rich Kleinschmidt (2022-23) 2027
• Ruth Heath (2021-22) 2025

The nominating committee makes nominations throughout the year for officers, committees, representatives, and other positions of responsibility as directed by the monthly meeting.  Members of this committee are chosen with regard to their discernment, seasoned judgment, and general knowledge of the membership of the meeting.  They confer with proposed nominees before presenting their names to the monthly meeting. Any member of the meeting may suggest changes in the nominations.  Members of the nominating committee serve for no more than three consecutive years.

(See Faith and Practice [3] of New England Yearly Meeting, §“Standing Committees” on page 154.)

OutreachCommittee [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Outreach Committee)

• Paula Werme
• Richard Kleinschmidt
• Ruth Heath

Friends are exploring new ways to be present and available in the broader culture, offering the Quaker way for a life lived in the Light and a mode of seeking that together.

Quaker outreach is a broad topic and there is a positive role for every Friend to play. 

• See with the eyes of a newcomer.
• Look for the details that speak of cleanliness, safety, proper maintenance.
• Have pamphlets and books available for the new seeker.
• Embrace an active role in offering the Quaker way.
• Enfold your outreach efforts in your prayer practice.

(See https://neym.org/strengthen-your-local-meeting/reach-out-and-welcome [13].)

PSECC [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Peace, Social, and Earthcare Concerns Committee (PSECC))

• Anne Saunders
• Sara Smith, clerk
• Sharon Kulik

Plan Fourth Sundays relative to their concerns; threshing items under their concern prior to business meeting.  Possibly connect with outside groups working on these types of concerns.  Manages its budget.

PropertyCommittee [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Property Committee)

• Chris Haigh, IC
• Dave Woolpert
• Greg Heath
• James Farquhar
• Jennifer J Smith
• Susan Lombard

Keeps building supplies on hand.  Makes minor repairs.  Engages and supervises contractors as needed.  Manages improvements to, maintenance of, cleaning, and rental/use of property and equipment.  Manages its budget lines.

Property Committee Mission Statement [14]

SolarCommittee [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Solar Committee) (ad hoc)

• Chris Haigh
• Greg Heath
• Ruth Heath

TechnologyCommittee [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Technology Committee) (ad hoc)

• Greg Heath, IC
• James Farquhar
• Richard Kleinschmidt
• Ruth Heath

Evaluates and secures such technology as Internet access, computers, microphones, web cameras, software, etc. to support the work of Concord Monthly Meeting of Friends.

WebClerk [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Website Committee)

• James Farquhar
• Juliet Curran
• Mark Barker

Maintains and enhances web site.

ReligiousEducation [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Youth Religious Education Committee)

• Elaine Bello
• Richard Kleinschmidt
• Ruth Heath, IC
• Wendy Lapham

Plans curriculum and policies for the First Day School.  Hears and responds to concerns of teachers.  Oversees the First Day School and its budget.  Mission Statement of the Youth Religious Education Committee [15]

AFSC-CorporationRep [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (AFSC Corporation Member [for NEYM])

(discernment by AFSC Corporation Standing Nominating Committee (SNC) and AFSC Board – up to 2 3-year terms from 1^st of 10^th Month of the first year–30^th of 9^th Month of the third year)

• Mark Barker (2023-2026) 1^st term

Attends scheduled meetings and participates in the work of the Corporation of the American Friends Service Committee [16].  The Corporation is the official governance body of the AFSC.

AFSC-NH-Reps [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (AFSC - NH Support Committee)

(discernment by AFSC-NH Program)

Representatives (serve a three-year term from Ninth Month of the first year through Eighth Month of the third year, renewable once)

• open

Attends scheduled meetings and participates in the work of the NH Support Committee [17].  For further information, please see “Orientation for AFSC NH Program Support Committee Members [18]” (a PDF)

AFSC-Northeast-Rep [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (AFSC - Northeast Region Executive Committee (NEREC) Member)

(discernment by AFSC NEREC, SNC, and AFSC Board – up to 2 3-year terms from 1^st of 10^th Month of the first year–30^th of 9^th Month of the third year)

• Mark Barker (2021-2023) 2^nd term (extended)

Attends scheduled meetings and participates in the work of the Northeast Region Executive Committee [19] (NEREC).  The Northeast Region includes New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

BHFH-BoardRep [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Beacon Hill Friends House Dover Quarter Representative)

(discernment by Dover Quarterly Meeting)

• Faith Sillars, 2021–2024 (1^st term)
• Kathy Urie, 2021–2024 (1^st term)

Attends scheduled meetings and participates in the work of the Beacon Hill Friends House [20] Corporation Board, which meets once per year in Sixth Month.

FCNL – NH Group

• Sara Smith

GCIC-Reps [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (Greater Concord Interfaith Council Representatives)

(discernment by Ministry & Counsel – up to 3 reps.)

• open

At least one representative to attend monthly meeting.  Assists or leads program planning for a Greater Concord Interfaith Council [21] event.

NEYM-MandC-Reps [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (NEYM Ministry and Counsel Representatives) (discerned by CMM M&C)

Attends scheduled meetings and participates in the work of the NEYM Ministry and Counsel Committee [22].

NEYM-PermanentBoardRep [at] ConcordFriendsMeeting [dot] org (NEYM Permanent Board Representative)

(discernment by NEYM Permanent Board)

Attends scheduled meetings and participates in the work of the NEYM Permanent Board [23].