December 24, 2023

MEETING SCHEDULE AND PROGRAM

TODAY

9:00 – 9:55 meeting for worship (unprogrammed): care of meeting, Mary Bosserman; Zoom host – Bill H.

10:05 – 11:15 Celebrate the Birth, followed by a carol sing! The festivities start a little early; plan to come by 10AM to share in the joy, music, and holiday fingerfood potluck treats! All willing musicians are invited to bring their instruments to accompany the carol sing! Zoom host – Kate W-J

11:15 – 12:15 meeting for worship (semi-programmed): Carolyn VandenDolder – speaker; Dave Bostrom and Jacque Wiersma – musicians; care of meeting, Lara Maupin; Zoom host – Kate W-J

Email office(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)minneapolisfriends.org for the link to Sunday worship and mid-morning program.

HOLD IN THE LIGHT

Those for whom Christmas bring feelings of isolation and loneliness, those who are grieving, and those who are carrying a burden from last year into the new year.

American Friends Service Committee and Palestinians in Gaza. AFSC has been able to provide food and other aid to thousands of displaced people in southern Gaza. Learn more here.

Those living in the midst of violence and the threat of violence, those who fear for the safety of loved ones, those who want for basic necessities.

Joy Krosschell and Friends for a NonViolent World as Joy, FNVW’s Communications and Data Specialist, leaves FNVW to attend graduate school out of state. You can send a note of goodbye to Joy this week at joy(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)fnvw.org.

NEWS FOR MINNEAPOLIS MEETING FRIENDS

Mid-Morning Program next Sunday at 10:15: How to Become Soil in Six Weeks. Learn more about Natural Organic Reduction, AKA human composting. What is it? Is it legal in MN? How does it compare to natural burial? Bring your questions for this engaging discussion about this process.

There is mid-week worship every Wed night, 7PM. Email office(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)minneapolisfriends.org by noon Wed for the link.

At monthly meeting on December 10th, the East Philips Neighborhood Institute and Jonathan House were approved as the Winter Gift recipients for this year. After a decade of organizing and resistance, EPNI won the opportunity to convert the Roof Depot warehouse into a community hub and indoor urban farm, an historic achievement of self-determination, climate crisis mitigation, and environmental justice. Jonathan House extends shelter, hope, and healing to asylum-seekers in Minneapolis/St. Paul, offering supportive housing, strategic connections, practical assistance, and a welcoming community, helping new Minnesotans recover from forced displacement and begin to rebuild their lives. To make a contribution to the Winter Gift, make checks out to Minneapolis Meeting and put “Winter Gift” in the memo line.

SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES AT MINNEAPOLIS MEETING

The Watson Reading Group meets on the fourth Tues of each month, 7-8:30PM via Zoom. We are taking turns reading aloud from Ranae Hanson’s Watershed with time for discussion. Most participants have a copy of the book available to them, but it is not mandatory. If you have interest in joining, please let John D. know.

Small group line-up: Writing Group, first Monday night; Conflict Soiree, first Wednesday afternoon; Getting to Know You Group, second Tuesday afternoon; Deep Inner Work of Racial Justice Group, second Tuesday night; Right Relationship with Indigenous People, third Tuesday night; Reading Group, fourth Tuesday night; Spirituality of Dance Group, last Tuesday morning in odd months.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WIDER WORLD OF FRIENDS

From American Friends Service Committee: The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Water, food, and fuel are running out while the Israeli government continues its invasion and bombing campaigns. But we are not powerless. There are ways every one of us can help. Here are six things you can do to support Palestinians in Gaza. AFSC can facilitate you contacting your representatives, urging a ceasefire in Gaza. See more here.

URGENT ACTION REQUESTED: Friends Committee on National Legislation has made it easy for you to contact your legislators in D.C. to urge a ceasefire, de-escalation, restraint, and respect for international law in Gaza and Israel. Click here. It also provides resources for talking with others in your community about what is going on there – to raise awareness and invite action. Click here.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY

The Minnesota Council of Churches is experiencing high demand for certain donations for refugees. Please call (612) 247-9760 or email rsvolunteers(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)mnchurches.org to donate: feminine products, new pillows, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bars of soap, disposable razors, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap.

The Minnesota Multi-Faith Network will hold a silent vigil for peace on Sat, Dec 30th, 6-6:45PM at the Stone Arch Bridge. No speeches, no signs, no flags, no messaging. Gather to focus inward on our shared humanity and pursuit of peace and to be in a space safe for grief for the loss of life in Palestine and Israel. Bridges are symbolic of connection, journey, union, transition, understanding. Gather at 6 on the downtown, Mill side of the bridge; walk across and back together in silence; enjoy warm drinks.

OFFICE HOURS – the Meeting Coordinator, will be in the office Thurs and Fri afternoons. Phone messages checked daily; email checked W-F. Bulletin deadline, noon Thur. Bulletin items can be phoned in to the office (612-926-6159) or emailed (office(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)minneapolisfriends.org).