December 31, 2017

MEETING SCHEDULE AND PROGRAM

TODAY

9:00 – 10:00 meeting for worship (unprogrammed): care of meeting, Carol Bechtel, Ann Kelley (mic)

10:15 – 11:00 An intergenerational introduction to George Fox – led by Mary Snyder. The program will include singing, the story of George Fox’s journey as a teenager and young man seeking God, and some of what he discovered on his journey. There will be small group time to discuss what is surprising or meaningful in the story, and, together, we will create pictures to put in a George Fox story book for young children. Suitable for all ages. Come and join in the fun!

11:15 – 12:15 meeting for worship (semi-programmed): Susie Kanemitsu, speaker; care of meeting, Carolyn VandenDolder; Gib Pellet, (mic)

The Winter Envelope Gift is a one-time gift, outside of the general budget, that Minneapolis Meeting makes to chosen organizations. This year’s organizations will be equal beneficiaries of this year’s gift and are:
– Tuscon Samaritans: Tuscon Samaritans provide water, food, and medical aid to migrants crossing the Sonoran Desert in southern AZ. Volunteers travel the desert daily, offering emergency assistance and traveler packs with items needed for survival. Donations purchase food, water, medical supplies, baby care items, vehicle repair.
– Fondo de Resiliencia (Puerto Rico Resilience Fund): The Resilience Fund is a grassroots organization powering local / regional food systems based on sustainable farming practices. Since Hurricane Maria, they are redirecting their efforts toward food and relief for farmers affected by the devastation. This organization was selected over other hurricane relief organizations because they provide support as directly to the people of Puerto Rico as possible, rather than going through a large international organization.
– Line 3 Resistance (Camp Makwa): Camp Makwa is an Anishinaabeg-led group of water protectors dedicated to stopping the construction of the Line 3 tar sands pipeline using non-violent direct action. The Line 3 camp has received less support and publicity than the Standing Rock camp did last year and our donation can be especially meaningful given the lack of media attention.
Makes checks out to Minneapolis Meeting with “Winter Envelope Gift” in the memo line and place in offering boxes.

Directory Updates are on the bulletin table. Contact information forms as well as the current directory and a working draft of a new update are on the elevator table. Note corrections to the directory on a post-it or write correction on the update sheet. If you are not in the directory or listed in the update and wish to be, fill out a contact information form. Thanks, Friends.

UPCOMING MEETING EVENTS

FRIENDLY HOME MEALS are back! To build community and to help us get to know each other, including those relatively new to the Meeting, the Welcoming and Outreach Committee is again sponsoring a series of meals in participant homes during February, March and April, 2018. If you are able to participate fully, you will be a host for one meal in one of the three months. For the other two meals/months, you will be assigned to two different groups. If you want to participate without committing to all three months, you can sign up to be “on call” to fill in for others not able to attend a meal.
– You may sign up as a couple or as an individual. If desired, two individuals from different households may sign up to participate and host together. A more detailed description is on the elevator table near the sign-up sheets.
– There are two sign-up sheets: one for 3-month participants, and one for “on call” participants. The sign up period is only two weeks long this year – the deadline is January 15th.
– Call or email Keitha or Carolyn in the office (office(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)minneapolisfriends.org; 612-926-6159) with questions.
Sign up and allow friendly conversations and good food to brighten the winter!

Mid-Morning Program next Sunday at 10:15: A Friendly study of the teachings of George Fox: What, if anything, is relevant today?

You are invited to the potluck at the rise of semi-programmed worship next Sunday. To regulars, bring lots so we are confident asking visitors and guests to stay!

The Nominating Committee will soon begin work for the upcoming year. Please help forward the work of the committee by responding to phone calls and emails inviting you to be part of the Meeting’s work and life. If you would like to become more involved in Minneapolis Meeting, participating in committee work is an excellent way to meet people and learn more about how the Meeting functions. If you would like to know more about committees or the work they do, questions or interests may be directed to Doug, Annamary, Gayle, or Ed. Thank you for your commitment to MFM.

Dick Magraw, a loved member of the Meeting since the 1950’s, died on Nov 30th. A memorial service will be held at the meetinghouse next Saturday, January 6 at 1:00. If you are able to help with arrangements and / or the reception following the service, please contact Tom or Nancy.

The Ministry and Counsel Committee will meet this Thursday, Jan 4th, at 7:00 in the conference room.

Read Out of the Silence: Quaker Perspectives on Pastoral Care and Counseling at the Watson reading group TUES, Jan 9th at 7 PM in the conference room. No need to read ahead – we’ll read together! One-timers and regulars – everyone is welcome!

Interested in trying Experiment with Light meditations with a small group from the Meeting? Let Diane know. On-going groups are being configured now.

Loaves and Fishes: Monday, Jan 29th is the next opportunity for MFM to help serve dinner to the people of the Phillips neighborhood at Holy Rosary Church, 2424 18th Av. S. Please help if you have a few hours between 1:30pm and 7pm that day. Volunteers sign up for shifts: chopping veggies or prepping dessert fruit 1:30 4:30pm; serving food 4:45 6:30pm; clean up 5:30 7pm. Fresh or dried fruit donations for dessert are needed, too.

Pledge a bed: Quaker Earthcare Witness has expressed interest in coming to the Twin Cities in April of 2019 for its Executive Committee spring gathering. Another MFM coordinator as well as hosts for out-of-town guests are being sought now to see if there is adequate local support to extend an offer to host the gathering. If you would be interested in working to coordinate the QEW visit and / or if your living situation would allow you to offer bed(s) and breakfast(s) to out of town Quaker Earthcare Witness Friends from Thurs to Sun in mid-April, 2019, please let Carolyn know. We currently have 34 beds pledged – 21 from Twin Cities Meeting and 13 from Minneapolis Meeting. Hosting visiting Quakers is a wonderful way to build connections across the country, gain new insights into Quaker life, and nurture the corporate body of Friends! See more about QEW at: quakerearthcare.org

Friends are reminded that Connie has a new email address. The Arch1218 email no longer works. Email the office for more, office(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)minneapolisfriends.org.

A Northern Yearly Meeting high school retreat is scheduled for the weekend of Jan 26-28 in Duluth. Details posted on the bulletin board in the long hall. Request to have them emailed to you at office(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)minneapolisfriends.org .

COMMUNITY EVENT:

ISAIAH, Faith in Democracy, will co-host Seeing All God’s Children: An Interfaith Service Embracing Immigrants and Refugees next Sun, Jan 7th at 1 pm, at the Basilica of St Mary, 17th and Hennepin, Mpls. Testimony, prayer and special music will serve to remind us of our common bond and dignity as beloved children of God. RSVP: http://www.tinyurl.com/seeingall

OFFICE HOURS:
Carolyn VandenDolder, the interim Meeting Coordinator, will be in the office Wednesday through Friday, 10:30-4:00. Phone messages will be checked daily. Bulletin deadline, noon Thur. Bulletin items can be phoned in to the office, emailed, or written and put in the bulletin file of the blue box.