SPARKNew York The Religious Society of Friends ()

Volume 50, Number 1 15 Rutherford Place, New York, NY 10003 January 2020

What’s Happening Now Our Quaker Family Responsibilities Sunday Suppers as Neighbors Ann Pettigrew Nunes , Wilton Children’s Sunfire Meeting Easton Meeting Quaker meetings can sometimes I was raised in the Methodist feel small, and parents of young Registration Church. Every Sunday, when the and busy children may struggle for Summer ushers had collected the offerings, to attend. A handful of children Sessions opens they marched down the aisle with attend our own meeting in Wilton, the collection plates while the choir and while we feel supported by the Feb. 1! and congregation, without prompt- Eleven NYYM Friends attended a seminar titled “Who is My Neigh- community of regular attenders, bor?” on October 22 at Pace University Law School. The event was ing or printed words, sang: sponsored by the New York State Council of Churches (NYSCOC), of which connection with other families NYYM is a member. More seminars will be held around NY state in the coming We give Thee but Thine own, deepens our experience and sense months. For more on the seminar, read the article “Our Responsibilities as whate’er the gift may be; of belonging like nothing else can. Neighbors,” by Sunfire, in this issue. all that we have is Thine alone, Our family has found that Powell a trust, O Lord, from Thee. House weekends and Summer World Ministries Summer Sessions The idea that people have a Sessions connections have opened July 19-25, 2020 up relationship with many other responsibility for the stewardship Committee Silver Bay, NY of what they possess is part of the families, a number of whose embracing meetings are in similar situations 2020 is New York Yearlyour pastMeeting’s heritage of all religious traditions. Susan Weisfeld envisioning to ours. The quiet of adult worship 325th year! Inspired by this anniver- Those of us who have attended Scarsdale Meeting 325 our future recent Summer Sessions know that is comforting, but our children also sary and current period of change, Silver Bay is on land that was once need the fun—and challenge—of The World Ministries Committee the theme for Summer Sessions is part of a hunting ground used in connecting with other kids. (WMC) is a wonderful and unique Embracing our Past, Envisioning common by all the Indian nations The Wilton Children’s Meeting committee in that it provides a our Future. Payment will again of the area, and that the treaty they Committee sought to support means whereby individual NYYM be Pay as Led. See more Summer had with each other was called “the parents in our meeting and our Friends and meetings can bring Sessions information on pages 6-8. dish with one spoon,” showing that adjacent preschool through a “Quaker love to the wider world.” Registrationembracing opens February our 1! past each nation should take from the book discussion of Paths to Quaker This is the committee’s ministry: to 325 envisioning our future land only what they needed. Parenting. This quickly led to further make possible leadings and projects More Inside: Now, in a Eurocentric society connection through the Quaker which promote peace, healing and with a capitalist economy, land titles Parenting Initiative online discus- material help for those who need Around Our Yearly are contingent on having deeds and sion group led by Harriet Heath. By support worldwide. paying taxes, and land rights are chance, three parents in the initial The WMC has been an active part Meeting page 2 regulated by law. This may incline us online discussion group came from of the NYYM since 1889. Although the same quarter. We met online WMC is a grant-funding committee, to forget the theological idea of our embracing land being held in trust from God. and wondered about possibilities for it is more than just a distribution our past On October 22, more than local gatherings. point of money. It makes possible envisioning

325 our future seventy people of faith were regis- At the suggestion of Melinda new books delivered to a rural tered for an all-day seminar at Pace Wenner Bradley through the Vital school for orphaned children in Summer Sessions University Law School sponsored Meetings Partnership Project from Kenya; trauma healing workshops pages 6-8 continued on page 4 continued on page 4 continued on page 5 Around Our Yearly Meeting Notices to get their work done and to share Freeze! Through improv games and weekend, so the stars will shine New Members that work with others, and is open other creative activities we’ll try on brighter. The far-away stars will Ami Corleto-Bales — both to those serving on NYYM different ways of being and connect- spark our close-to-the-heart discus- Mohawk Valley committees and those interested ing in the world. Then we’ll thaw sions around energy and light and Samuel Corleto-Bales — in the work of NYYM committees. with relaxation activities and warm feeding our souls. Mohawk Valley Please register at poho.org A S AP. nourishing treats. Upcoming Programs for Scott Blumenthal — Winter Meeting for Discernment Stars & Space — 9th–12th Grade, YOUNG ADULTS Morningside Feb. 8, 2020 (snow date: Feb. 15) February 21–23 • Retreat: Discovering and Living Samuel Hartman — Ithaca Meeting “Light comes from a time already into my Spiritual Gifts, Feb. 8–9, Manasquan Meetings for Discernment are gone.” It is a new moon this 2020, (6:00 p.m. Sat.–4:00 p.m. Sun.) Robert Schwab — periods of extended, waiting (begins with Meeting for Discern- Morningside worship designed to discern Junior Yearly ment on Feb. 8), at Ithaca Meeting Daniel Won — Manasquan leadings and strengthen connec- • Workshop: Giving Vocal Minis- tions in our yearly meeting. Meeting (JYM) Transfers try and Lifting my Quaker Voice, Worship will begin at 9 a.m. and will Volunteers Needed March 14, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at Annie Bancroft, from Butter- continue into the afternoon with a Manasquan Meeting (NJ) nuts to Poughkeepsie. break for lunch in the middle. The Do you or someone you know For registration: www.tickettailor. Sarah Faith Dickinson, from following topic and queries are have a gift and a leading for com/events/newyorkyearlymeeting Butternuts to Poughkeepsie. offered as focal points for worship: working with children? It’s not youngadultfriendactivities/ too early to start thinking about Seeing and being seen in Anti-Racism Workshop Marriages volunteering with Junior Yearly community: reflections on The Center for the Study of White David Obermayer, member of Meeting at Summer Sessions Friends’ experiences of power American Culture’s next workshop Binghamton, to Marie Sager, 2020. The time you give to our and authority. is “Why Color Matters” — a three- on October 18, 2019. young Friends at Summer • When have unequal power part online webinar that examines Sessions has a great impact dynamics gotten in the way of racial colorblindness and considers Deaths on their lives. For many of our your/our best spiritual discern- the alternative of color conscious- Jeff Hinkle, member of Albany, youngsters, that week at Silver ment? ness as a pathway to achieving on November 5, 2019. Bay is the highlight of their year. • When have you felt powerful? racial justice and equity. The Registration for Summer When have you felt powerless? webinar meets February 1, 8, & 15, Sessions (July 19-25, 2020) will Please register at www.nyym.org/ 2020, at 5-7 p.m. EST. MEETING NEWS open on February 1. If you’re meetingfordiscernment2020 or Visit www.euroamerican.org for interested in volunteering with New NYYM Witness Video Series! call the registrar, Bronwyn Mohlke: more information. “Witness in the World” is a new 607-220-3219. Meeting for Discern- JYM, please contact us before series of videos about Friends in ment will be followed by a retreat you register, as being a JYM SPARK (ISSN 00240591) NYYM who are active in Witness for young adults; see “Upcoming volunteer includes financial support for attending Summer New York Yearly Meeting News activities. The series is produced by Programs for Young Adults.” Published five times a year: Sessions. Leo Quirk, co-clerk of the Witness Powell House is for you! January, March, May, September, JYM volunteers will meet November by Coordinating Committee, and Powell House is NYYM’s conference together at the JYM Planning New York Yearly Meeting stars NYYM Friends like you. View and retreat center in Old Chatham, Weekend held at Powell House Religious Society of Friends the videos on the NYYM YouTube NY. Visit powellhouse.org or call 15 Rutherford Place on June 5-7. The weekend will channel—go to YouTube.com and 518-794-8811. Upcoming events: New York, NY 10003 give us a chance to get to know 212-673-5750 search for “NYYM Videos.” Friends Decision-making and each other, both as the whole [email protected] Clerking: Participating in Meetings www.nyym.org JYM volunteer crew and within UPCOMING EVENTS for Business with Joy and Confi- Editorial Board: each of the groups. Before the Coordinating Committee Weekend dence with Arthur M. Larrabee and Communications Committee end of the weekend, we want to Jan. 24-26, 2020, Powell House Steve Mohlke, Jan. 31–Feb. 2, 2020. Editor: Sarah Way enable you to have fully fleshed Coordinating committees (CCs) This workshop is for everyone who SPARK deadlines are the first week out plans for Summer Sessions of the month preceding the publica- coordinate the work of NYYM wants to deepen their understand- and have letters written to your tion month. Permission is granted to committees with a related purpose ing of Quaker decision-making—an reprint any article, provided Spark is group. We want time to play or focus; there is a Witness, Minis- opportunity to get better grounded acknowledged as the source. games together, both old and try, and General Services CC. This in what Quaker decision-making is Periodicals Postage Paid new; to learn from each other; at New York, New York weekend is an opportunity for CCs all about. and to have fun together. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Brent Bill: Beauty, Truth, Life, and Please contact the JYM SPARK Love — A Pilgrimage on Positive 15 Rutherford Place coordinators, Dawn and Ellie, Spirituality, Feb. 7–9, 2020. Join us New York, NY 10003 with any questions as soon as for this journey away from duty and Sarah Way you know whether you are led [email protected] obligation and into Brent’s latest to volunteer in 2020. We hope to Chad Gilmartin book: Beauty, Truth, Life, and Love: hear from you by February 15. [email protected] Four Essentials for the Abundant Life. —The Coordinators: Walter Naegle Upcoming youth conferences: Dawn Pozzi: 609-571-5672, [email protected] Freeze! — 6th–8th Grade, Jan. [email protected] Steve Mohlke [email protected] 31–Feb 2. January is like this in Old Ellie Rosenberg: 607-227-1403, Shrewsbury Meeting has installed new, bright Chatham: Freeze. Thaw. Freeze. Helen Garay Toppins outdoor signs for their meetinghouse. Photo by [email protected] [email protected] Gay Edelman So that is what we will do—play

Page 2 • SPARK • January 2020 From 9–11 a.m. every morning, Editor’s Note How Does God Call friends will greet each other in an Welcome to the January Spark. Us to Act? opening circle of five or ten minutes, This issue is un-themed and is and then gently move into silence. In full of news from around the FWCC Sustainability: An a meditative and creative spirit, and yearly meeting. Read about Online Conference with without spoken conversation, we will Quaker Family Suppers, epistles Friends Worldwide make art, listen to beautiful music, from Powell House youth confer- February 22, 2020 spiritual texts, nature sounds, and ences, and a report from the go on walking meditations. Simple World Ministries Committee. ‘‘Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. art projects involving dried flowers, The winter Meeting for Be courageous. Be strong.’’ watercolor, and paper will be offered. Discernment is on February 1 Corinthians 16:13 Napping, handwork, and personal 8 at Ithaca Meeting. See more The Friends of FWCC (Friends’ reading are allowed and encouraged. details in the “Around Our Yearly World Committee for Consulta- Consider 2020 FGC We will conclude the morning with Meeting” section. tion) have recognized the need to Gathering! worship sharing. Summer Sessions registra- respond to sustainability. In 2016, June 28-July 4, 2020 This workshop is just one of tion opens on February 1! This at our last world gathering, we Radford, Virginia scores of possibilities. Please earlier and longer registration generated the Pisac Sustainability consider FGC Gathering for that period helps the NYYM office, Minute. This has led to exploring Christine Japely week touching on July 4th (the which now handles all aspects the work Quakers are doing on 15th Street Meeting traditional week when FGC Gather- of registration and payment. sustainability across the world, and We of NYYM are lucky to be able to ing is held) this year! It is always Turn to page 6 for more infor- asking Friends and yearly meetings look forward to Summer Sessions an enriching and life-enhancing mation about Summer Sessions, to take action to promote sustain- on Lake George. For Friends who experience. You meet new friends happening July 19-25, 2020, ability at all levels, including the cannot make it that week, or who and bump into folks you may at Silver Bay YMCA. Sessions global level. want to extend their Quaker experi- not have seen for years. Visit the will again be “Pay as Led” in But now, almost four years on, ence, there is the annual Friends Gathering website at fgcquaker.org/ 2020, which means Friends can we recognize the need to gather, to General Conference Gathering. The connect/gathering choose their level of payment. share, and to understand where we Gathering is similar in many ways Some Friends will pay more so are as a family sharing this urgent to Summer Sessions in that you are that other Friends can pay less, concern. with many Quakers for a summer Online Articles making Sessions more accessi- This online conference will week away, enmeshed in a Quakerly Constraining Trustees’ Power ble to everyone. The registration create space to hear from one tapestry of activities and renewal. to Spend Unrestricted Trust deadline is June 1. After that, Pay another around the world on And of course election year 2020 Fund Principal Without the as Led rates lower than standard matters relating to sustainability will be frenetic; a summer escape Body’s Consent by Tim Connolly, may not be available, and room and to understand how as Quakers for rest and replenishment will Purchase Meeting. “Currently, the choices may be limited. we are being called to act. How do be an excellent tonic if we wish NYYM Trustees have the power Friends are invited to write we feel called to act? How does our to maintain a healthy emotional to use principal from unrestricted an article for Spark. Please radical faith speak to us? balance. NYYM trust funds to pay for NYYM limit yourself to 400-600 words. On Saturday February 22, 2020, I have attended FGC Gathering operating expenses. I believe this Please send article submissions there will be an online conference a number of times over the years. power should be constrained by and meeting news to commu- spanning 11 hours. You will be able One of the attractions is that it the body. Monthly meetings that [email protected] by the 1st to join one of three start times, for always moves to a new geographic agree that this power should be week of the month prior to the a duration of three hours. All of the location within the USA (on verdant constrained by the body should let month of publication. worship sharing will be in English, out-in-the-country college campuses our Trustees know this via minute Upcoming Spark themes: but if you need French, you will be mostly). This year the Gathering is prior to Spring Sessions, 2020.” March: Guest-edited by able to join in the second start time, at Radford University in Radford, Read the rest of this editorial Indian Affairs Committee. If and if you need Spanish, you will be VA (June 28-July 4, 2020). The theme article online. you’d like to write an article or able to join the third start time. We is “Way Will Open.” The location Jeffrey Aaron, Clerk of NYYM, have artwork related to Indian will be using the platform Zoom to is a small town of under 20,000 has written an article detailing an Affairs, please contact the host this call. residents near the scenic Blue Ridge Agenda Scheduling Concept: a set committee clerks: Buffy Curtis For the full breakdown of details, Mountains of Southwestern Virginia. of guidelines on how to add items to (havehelpinghands@gmail. including technical requirements It’s close to Blacksburg and Claytor our business meeting agendas. This com) and Liseli Haines (liseli and a link to registration, see Lake State Park, and about an hour useful article explains how best to [email protected]) by Feb. 1. fwcc.world/sustainability/ from the Blue Ridge Parkway, among bring concerns to the yearly meeting. Email your meeting’s news conference2020/info many other attractions. You can find both articles by to [email protected] If you have any questions, please I am offering one of the many clicking on “Spark, January 2020” at so I can include them in Info- email [email protected]. Share, NYYM’s monthly e-news- morning workshops given that nyym.org/content/spark. letter. week; it’s called Quiet and Creative NYYM is on social media: Spirit: Way Gently Opens. What • Facebook.com/NewYork does that mean? Well, here’s what I YearlyMeeting/ have been led to offer: • Twitter.com/NYYMTweets We live in difficult and demand- • Instagram.com/newyork ing times, and Friends need suste- yearlymeeting nance to continue “fighting the good Manage your NYYM email fight.” This workshop is designed to lists at www.tinyurl.com/ heal and strengthen friends through sustained meditation (worship) in a Rahway-Plainfield Friends Meeting has replaced nyymconnect their school wing with a mostly new building Happy New Year! —Sarah Way variety of nurturing, enriching, and called the community wing. Photo from Leisel gentle forms. Dreisbach-Williams

January 2020 • SPARK • Page 3 What’s Happening Now

Our Responsibilities Destiny.” Those of us who are white 2 hours, scheduled early so that spent locally with other Quaker have, for the most part, profited families with younger children can families invite a pause and a deep as Neighbors by these struggles, but no one can be home in time for bed. breath. We find ourselves singing Sunfire claim a clear moral title to the lands At our first gathering, families Rise up Singing songs in the car, Easton Meeting they occupy. Nevertheless, when settled into meeting for worship carrying the story conversation and we collectively aim to make this together in the Scarsdale Meeting- the wondering into our daily family continued from page 1 planet a place where all peoples can house, forming a circle on the life. Thank you, Friends! by the New York State Council of thrive, we find ways to fulfill our floor. Ann laid out the underlay, It’s just like a magic penny Churches (NYSCOC). The theme obligations to our Creator. Everyone introducing the story called “Gifts.” Hold it tight and you won’t have of the seminar was “Who is My becomes our neighbor. “Gifts are very special things,” she any Neighbor?” Eleven Friends from began. “Gifts can come wrapped Lend it, spend it and you’ll have NYYM meetings, including both of in a colorful package with a bow…” so many our representatives to the NYSCOC With that, toddler Friend Marshall They’ll roll all over the floor! Executive Committee, attended. crawled right into the center of the It was the first of a series of story underlay and sat up, curiously seminars; a second one was held watching to see what was coming in Medina, NY, on November 12. next. “That’s right,” his mother, Future seminars will be in Western Hallie, assured him, “Marshall is Long Island on January 28, in our gift!” Saratoga Springs on March 17, and Singing “All God’s Critters” following the story “Faith & Play is a way for kids in Syracuse on May 19. Information “Love’s Way” at Wilton Meeting, part of a Quaker and parents to learn about our Family Sunday Supper. Photo via Ann Nunes is on the NYSCOC website: faith and what it means in our daily nyscoc.org/events/community- Quaker Family lives,” commented Daniel Werges of development-and-church- Scarsdale. “Singing with kids and Manasquan Friends held a vigil against gun property-initiative/ Sunday Suppers families is wonderful. It doesn’t violence on Nov. 23, 2019. Photo via Chad Dell We began with a worship service happen much in our Meetings; I Ann Pettigrew Nunes think it really helps our boys to Quakers Offer Vigil that included everyone singing a Clerk, Wilton Children’s song made popular by Mr. Rogers­— connect spiritually by joining the to End Gun Violence Meeting singing,” he added. the one that begins, “It’s a Beautiful Chad Dell Day in the Neighborhood.” continued from page 1 It’s a special moment to witness We sat at tables and discussed and share the parenting experience Manasquan Meeting New York Yearly Meeting, we began questions like, “Why should faith together. The connection with other A vigil to end gun violence drew this year to gather in Purchase communities care about build- parents has opened up peer support more than 65 people to the Quarter for Quaker Family Sunday ing inclusive communities?” We for Quaker parenting. And our Manasquan Quaker Meetinghouse Suppers. These quarterly gather- learned about “Root Theology,” children who once were strangers on November 20, 2019. ings have been a delightful way to about “Mindy Fullilove’s Nine Keys to each other now recognize young The event began with silent foster a sense of belonging within to Restoring Joy,” and about how Friends at quarterly and yearly contemplation in the meeting- Purchase Quarter and to expand some congregations have devel- meeting gatherings, remember- house. Some participants stood our circle of young families. To date oped affordable housing on space ing this unique time they’ve spent to share their reflections about we’ve met twice (June 2019 in Scars- they owned but were not using, or together. the epidemic of gun violence in dale and October 2019 in Wilton); on space that was integrated with These suppers have been so communities throughout the a third supper will take place buildings they used. very Friendly and fun for all, offer- nation. Participants then stood December 15 at Chappaqua Friends A Friend from the New York ing another touchpoint for our outside in a vigil on the Route 35 Meeting. We rotate hosting with the City area said, “I was particularly children to get to know one another circle for an hour, signifying their intention of broadening our reach. moved by the suggestion to not and share in an intimate way. The witness to end gun violence, as The Sunday Suppers follow simply assume that the community suppers have attracted families to passing drivers honked or waved in a simple format: families arrive of people who live and work near Quaker worship who otherwise are support. and children play together while our meetinghouses need what we not able to attend meeting, and Theresa Turner, State Legislative parents meet and greet. We gather think they need, or to offer what we have even served as an introduction Leader of the nonpartisan national in meeting for worship for a family- are moved by our own conscience to Quaker practice for new families. group Moms Demand Action for friendly story and singing, followed to offer, but to genuinely and Invitations for the suppers have Gun Sense in America, spoke about by pot luck and pizza for dinner, thoroughly ASK our neighbors what been distributed widely, includ- the organization’s mission to reduce and inevitably more playtime. Faith their greatest struggles and finest ing to our preschools. We hope the number of homicides, suicides, & Play stories have been an integral hopes are, and in conversation with to continue the practice and to and accidental gun deaths occur- part of the format. Start-to-finish our neighbors, consider how our welcome new Friends as we move ring annually in the United States. the gathering lasts no more than property could most benefit the forward. According to the Pew Research community as a whole.” For future gatherings, Friends Center, nearly 40,000 people a year What did I take away from this may picnic or go for a hike together are killed in gun-related incidents seminar? For the last three or four to give our children space to run nationally. thousand years, humans have been around more. “Walking in nature is Eleanor Novek, a member of engaged in struggles—often violent a great way to start conversations Manasquan Meeting, said the event struggles—to obtain and keep land. and connect further,” notes Daniel. was an important step for her We have justified these conflicts In our hectic lives so full of work, community. “Our faith compels us Rachel Dannefer sings with her son Fynn at a activities, parenting challenges, and with the “Doctrine of Discovery” Quaker Family Sunday Supper. Photo via Ann to take a stand on this important and the concept of “Manifest Nunes rushing around, a couple of hours issue,” she said. “As Quakers, we

Page 4 • SPARK • January 2020 What’s Happening Now

Epistles from two recent youth again. This time, we exercised our conferences at Powell House: imaginations in an improv game called “Will You Buy My Anything.” Epistle: Falling Up After a lot of laughter we formed 6th to 8th Grade small groups where we discussed Nov. 15-17, 2019 the Quaker practice of discern- ing what is important in life. We PoHo was great this weekend. We realized many of the things that fell into a huge amount of fun. Friday seemed important were not deeply night we were welcomed by old important in our lives. We discussed friends, new friends, and the warmth other’s expectations for our futures of the community. The trust and and the resulting pressure we felt. falling began during Friday night’s We then moved outdoors where chair relay, followed by trust falls and we grounded ourselves through themes of supporting one another. listening and connected to the Tears, fabric, by Ruth Ralston. This piece currently hangs at Powell House. We wrapped up the evening with group’s energy. listening to poems from Shel Silver- We walked up to Lynn’s field revere life and believe that there is and Practice into Tagalog (Filipino); stein’s Falling Up. The game Islands, where we shared meaningful songs that of God in every human being.” Quaker books for a Ramallah led by Kwame on Saturday morning, with ourselves and the wind. We Jim Jones, clerk of Manasquan school; and so much more, year helped us gain insight on gravity then paired up and accompanied Meeting, called on elected officials after year. This work is possible and balance. We all took turns each other, one blindfolded the to “adopt common-sense gun-con- thanks to the bequests of Friends learning different falls during small other not, allowing us to connect trol measures that balance public whose objective was that their groups and discussed the variety and trust one another. We enjoyed safety interests with individual legacy be to insure this wonderful of emotions that come with falling. indoor and outdoor work projects, rights—and to do so immediately, ministry, and thanks to Friends who Laughs, music, and creative skits then relaxed with a 3-way massage. before one more needless death.” contribute to the Sharing Fund so were shared during Cabaret and After a tranquil self-space we reveled A petition in support of univer- that this ministry can continue. all were excited to play Body Body. in dinner and some free time. We sal background checks addressed We who serve on this committee The night finished with a peaceful moved into an Experiment with Light to Senate Majority Leader Mitch are grateful to have the opportunity moonlight walk and huggles before meditation where we processed McConnell was circulated. to help enable the projects Friends bed. Singing and worship ended hardships and important questions The vigil was covered by nj.com choose to accomplish. The commit- a wonderful weekend where we internally. We talked things through in the Jersey Journal’s “Faith tee invites applications at any time learned to roll with the falls in life. with trusted friends, then broke into Matters” column. of the year. The guidelines for grants This weekend has now fallen into more free time with couch piles, are on the NYYM website at our collection of PoHo memories. games, and laughter. After a Cabaret nyym.org/committee/world- filled with creativity, beautiful music, World Ministries ministries-committee and the form Epistle: Future Scape and hilarity, we went off to bed, Committee is easy to download. 9th to 12th Grade dreaming fondly of the future. One can say that the WMC is at We ended the conference Susan Weisfeld the heart of what defines Quakers. Sept. 27-29, 2019 with an opportunity to suggest Scarsdale Meeting Creating a path to peace and bring- On Friday night we arrived, some future conferences, an affirmation continued from page 1 ing Quaker love to the wider world of us adjusting to new schools and exercise, singing and worship. in the poorest areas of Central is both a mission for the committee social situations. We were met with Overall, we felt sessions were America; technical scholarships for and a serious charge to its members joy and laughter and bright smiles fun and light hearted, yet carried Bolivian Aymara Quaker teenagers; who evaluate each grant proposal. from dear friends. We enjoyed a the spiritual undertone had by all maternal health instruction for new As long as NYYM Friends are led spaghetti dinner and conversation. at Powell House gatherings. We mothers in East Africa; a new roof to bring peace and love to the We then circled up for session where felt that Powell House truly is a for an old crumbling meetinghouse wider world, the World Ministries we practiced the playful tradition of place where it’s okay to relax and in Cuba which is being converted Committee will continue to try to dancing the Salty Dog Rag. After a be ourselves, and where personal into an “Institute of Peace”; teacher give support within its means, in the great deal of stumbling and mirth, we growth is encouraged. During the training for young Indonesian spirit of those Friends who make sat and listened to a beautiful song light meditation, we were able to women; creating a “cultures of this committee possible. “Everything Possible.” The song was make peace with ourselves and our peace” project in the former Soviet —The committee: Edward Doty, soothing and allowed us to release lives just a little bit more. The tone of republics of Georgia, Ukraine, and David Gerhan, Martha Gurvich, some built up tension about the the conference was one of peace and Chechnya; partnering with Right David Herendeen, Arlene Reduto, future. We discussed what parts of contentment. We saw our friends Sharing World Resource organi- Lisa Stewart, Susan Weisfeld. the song were most meaningful to us again after a very long time apart, zations in Sierra Leone to prevent and when we feel most comfortable and were able to give them lots of further spread of Ebola; supporting being ourselves. We then settled into hugs. One adult-ish presence said he a initiative silence to share news in our lives. re-met a lot of heckin’ dope people. in Belize City to combat human People carried different burdens We shared stories and experiences trafficking; secondary school and we were able to connect more and all became wiser for it. scholarships for three rural tribal deeply by sharing with each other. We left carrying newfound African girls who otherwise would After some free time, we formed a wisdom, wonderful memories and have been forced to marry very big huggle and went off to bed. contentment in our hearts. young and can now go on to train We rose the next morning, ate, — Rebecca Anacheka-Nasse- to be teachers; translation of Faith From the Quaker Faith & Play story “Gifts.” and circled up for session once mann & James Russell-Peters

January 2020 • SPARK • Page 5 emrin our st

325 enisionin our uture NYYM’s 325th Summer Sessions • July 19-25, 2020

Welcome! You are invited to join New York Yearly Meeting Friends at Summer Sessions! Welcome to Summer Sessions 2020, New York changes, as is the rest of the world. Change can work we accomplish when we labor together in Yearly Meeting’s 325th annual gathering, and to be difficult, but our Quaker process, rooted in committees and in business sessions? Come for the second year of the Pay as Led experiment, deep listening to all voices, helps us move forward the spiritual re-charge that a week in a beautiful designed to encourage as much participation in the Light with love for each other and for our setting with hundreds of Friends can be. as possible. Not all of those 325 years were at community. As a community, we have much to Last summer, Pay as Led was a wonderful the beautiful Silver Bay YMCA facilities on Lake offer to each other and to the wider world. The success. It helped bring more Friends to Summer George, but we are their longest returning organi- summer schedule is chock full of opportunities to Sessions, some new or coming back after a long zation, having met there for more than a half gather, as it always is, but each of us can partici- absence, and led to an increase in youth and century. (Are there any among us who remember pate to the extent we are led. What is your favor- young adults. We look forward to more of the summer gatherings before Silver Bay?) ite part of the day? Morning worship sharing? same this year. Read below for more details. All This year’s theme is Embracing our Past, Group singing on the front porch of the Inn? Bible Friends are welcome to attend this year’s historic Envisioning our Future. We are a yearly meeting Study? Interest groups? Intergenerational activi- 325th gathering of New York Yearly Meeting! in transition, and we are facing many different ties, planned or unplanned? Maybe even the good —Jeffrey Aaron, NYYM Clerk

STEPS TO SUMMER SESSIONS • Decide on your arrival and departure dates. The full week is July 19-25, 2020. You can also attend for a half week or single day(s). • Determine who you will be rooming with, if possible. Please note that children under 18 must room with a parent or in an adjoin- ing room. • Choose your housing preference. The building and room rate list will be avail- The Fun(d) Fair takes place on the lawn next to the Auditorium. Intergenerational community worship is held every morning. able online by Feb. 1. • Parents of children ages 3-18: Read the NYYM Summer Sessions is a week-long New Morning Schedule: For 2020, Sessions Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM) section on gathering for Friends to strengthen our bonds Committee has approved shifting the morning page 8. with one another, to renew ourselves spiritually, schedule. Instead of community worship • Parents of children ages 0-2: Read For and to discern and conduct business as a body. followed by worship sharing followed by JYM children under 3 years old within the JYM Together we form a blessed community. and business meeting, we are experimenting section on page 8. Our host is Silver Bay YMCA, a conference with the following changes: community worship and family retreat center on the shores of Lake at 8:45 a.m. will be followed by both JYM and • Read the Participant Expectations George within New York State’s Adirondack Park. business meeting, then worship sharing at 11 and Agreements on the nyym.org/ Silver Bay has a variety of buildings for meetings a.m. The idea behind this is that there will not sessions-committee page, as registering and accommodations scattered across a beauti- have to be a break and a moving around (of indicates that you agree to follow them. ful campus. Staying at Silver Bay includes access adults) between community worship and the • Register online at www.nyym.org/ to swimming, boating, a craft shop, and a gymna- following business meeting. This new arrange- summer-sessions-registration. If you sium, among other amenities. Friends often take ment is an experiment that will hopefully allow cannot register online, or need assis- advantage of these activities during their free community worship to set the tone for business tance, please email [email protected] and time. Visit silverbay.org for more information. meeting, as well as save time. provide your phone number and times On Sunday July 19, our arrival day, there will The daily schedule for Monday-Friday this year: that we can call you. If you don’t have be a first-time attenders orientation at 2:30 p.m., 7:30-8:30 a.m.: Breakfast email, please mail in the form on page 8. then registration starts at 4:00 p.m. Junior Yearly 8:45-9:15 a.m.: Community Worship • You will receive a confirmation email after Meeting (JYM) registration is also at that time. you’ve registered. After dinner, there is opening worship with a roll 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: JYM Programming call and introductions, including JYM groups and 9:15-10:45 a.m.: Meeting for Business • Within two weeks, once you’ve been leaders. assigned to a room, you will receive an (Tuesday: Discernment) email with the Pay As Led rate options. If TRAVEL 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Worship Sharing your local meeting, regional meeting, or The address for Silver Bay YMCA is: 12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch committee will be financially supporting 87 Silver Bay Rd., Silver Bay, NY 12874 your attendance, you should request that 1:00-2:00 p.m.: Rest and Relaxation If you can offer a ride, or if you need a ride, now, and factor in that amount when please visit www.groupcarpool.com/t/0654yo. 2:15-5:15p.m.: Committee Meetings, Free determining which rate you will pay. Via public transit: You can take an Amtrak Time, Special Events... • Parents will receive a follow-up email train to Ticonderoga or an Adirondack 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner that will include any additional forms Trailways bus to Lake George Village. Going 6:45-7:30 p.m.: Bible Study (Mon-Thurs) they may have to fill out for their children. by train or bus and want to travel with other Parents and children will also receive Friends? Contact Helen Garay Toppins at 7:45-10:00 p.m.: Special events: Plenary, information from their JYM group. [email protected]. Interest Groups, Contra Dance, Café Night...

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NYYM’s 325th Summer Sessions • July 19-25, 2020 325 enisionin our uture

Special Events The 2020 room rates with their Pay as Led On Wednesday afternoon, the Junior Yearly options were not ready at press time but will be Meeting presents the Fun(d) Fair, a fundraising available by the start of registration on Feb. 1. fair that includes games, crafts, and refresh- Camping and Staying Off Campus ments. At the same time, there is the Tagless Do you camp? Silver Bay YMCA offers lean-tos Tag Sale, at which you can “pay what you wish” and tent platforms on their campus. Experienced for items donated by Friends. Please consider woodland campers may consider the Silver Bay bringing used items in good condition to YMCA Adirondack-style lean-tos on Ryan’s Ridge. Summer Sessions so they may be sold at the Monday Evening Plenary Closer to campus are two raised wooden tent tag sale. On Thursday evening, the senior high platforms near the gym. Rental is $30 per night, A screening of the documentary film group produces Café Night, an all-ages talent per person, and includes the daily membership Quakers: The Quiet Revolutionaries show during which hats are passed to collect fee which allows campers to use the Silver Bay Followed by Q&A with Janet Gardner, Produc- donations. Bring your instruments and props and facilities. Meals are not included and must be er-Director, and Richard Nurse, Narrator join the fun! All of these events raise money for purchased separately. Janet Gardner and Richard Nurse are members of the NYYM Sharing Fund and Powell House. Off-campus camping options include Rogers Princeton Friends Meeting in Princeton, NJ, part Room and Rate Information Rock State Park, near Ticonderoga; find it on of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. They will present Silver Bay YMCA is a campus of buildings with www.reserveamerica.com or call 800-456-2267. their acclaimed documentary about Quaker different levels of accommodations, with a range The nearby Brookwood RV Resort has tent history up to and including the present and talk of prices to match. We are a little heartbroken platforms: www.brookwoodrvresort.com. Friends with us afterward. A shortened version of the to announce that Hepbron Hall, one of the staying off campus must still pay the Silver Bay documentary was presented on WLIW21 Public largest and oldest buildings on campus, has been day membership fee and register with NYYM. Television, at the NJ Film Festival at Rutgers, deemed unsafe and is no longer available. To On-Campus Resources the New Hope Film Festival, and elsewhere. The make up for the loss of those rooms, the Sessions Food Service documentary celebrates the good works and deep Committee is working with Silver Bay YMCA to Meals are included in your room fee if you stay on spirituality of Friends, but does not shortchange identify cottages and other rooms we can use. campus. Off-campus and campers can buy meals some of the problems in our history. It will serve Rooms generally don’t have air conditioning, separately. You will be asked if you are vegetarian, as a good starting point for a week of exploration phones, or televisions. If you require air condition- vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free when you regis- of our strengths and our weaknesses. It will help ing, we can work with Silver Bay on your behalf to ter. If you have other questions about Silver Bay’s us discern how to go forward with joy and pride, reserve rooms in the food service and accommodation of special diets, with a recognition of the need to labor together new, air-conditioned ask Martha Gurvich, [email protected]. to remedy those areas where we sometimes fall William Boyd Center. short. You can watch a short preview of the film at Rooms in the Boyd 12-Step Meetings gardnerdocgroup.com/other/quakers.html Center are substan- 12-Step Meetings will be held every day during Worship at Summer Sessions tially more expensive Summer Sessions. 12-Step Meetings are under NYYM Summer Sessions provides many oppor- than other build- the care of Sessions Committee, which has tunities to worship and share with the Peace- ings, and Pay as Led named Roseann Press as coordinator. Roseann able Community. Everyone is invited to attend minimum rates are needs people who would be willing to facilitate opening worship on Sunday evening, community not available. one or more of the meetings. To volunteer, please worship each morning, meeting for discernment Room fees include contact Roseann at [email protected] or on Tuesday, and closing worship on Saturday. three meals per day Susan Bingham at [email protected]. The front porch of the Inn is lined Worship sharing groups will meet every morning with rocking chairs. and access to all of Healing Work after business meeting. Need time for quiet Silver Bay’s facilities. Friends create and maintain a Healing Center reflection during the course of your day? Waiting When you register, you will choose your room during the week. Modalities offered may include worship is available all day, all week. In addition, and building preference. Room rates vary. If you energy work (healing touch, Reiki), massage, your worship and your discernment are needed are a single person sharing a double room in craniosacral therapy, and spiritual counseling. at meetings for worship with a concern for a dormitory-type building (the most common The type of services offered depends on the skills business. Join us! room type), the Pay as Led standard rate, which of those who volunteer. If you are skilled in a Interest Groups is the actual amount NYYM owes to Silver Bay, healing art and you’d like to volunteer, please is around $550 per person. The most affordable indicate that on your registration form. & Meals with Meaning building, Overlook, is around $350 per person in Disability Concerns Interest groups are a good way to introduce a double (there are no singles) but fills up quickly. Friends who indicate special needs on their regis- yourself to a topic or dive deeper, to learn and If you’d like your first choice of room, register as tration form will be contacted by the NYYM office to share, and can consist of a presentation, slide early as possible. Rooms that are more central to gather further information. Several mobili- show, film, discussion group, or other activity. or have a private bath cost around $850-1,000/ ty-accessible sleeping rooms with bathrooms are For the list of interest groups offered last year, person in a double. reserved in the Inn for those using wheelchairs visit www.nyym.org/InterestGroups. Meals with Children ages 0-5 are free, and there are (and their roommates). Other more accessible Meaning are conversations or presentations on reduced rates for older children. Rates per person rooms in the Inn may be reserved by people who topics of interest to Friends given during a meal. are also discounted if more than two people are need them. Friends who require assistance with Do you have expertise or knowledge to share sharing a room. Half-week and single night stays personal needs must arrange this assistance on with Friends? Volunteers are needed to lead are pro-rated. Room rates include meals! their own, and the person assisting them must interest groups. Interest groups should relate to If you will be staying with a roommate(s) or in stay in their room with them. Please indicate our theme and/or the NYYM Leadings and Prior- a family group, please make sure you name each on your registration form if you require help ities in general. If you feel led to run an interest other on your registration forms. If you need a with hearing or movement. Note takers can be group, contact Martha Gurvich (margurvl@aol. roommate, NYYM will make every effort to assign provided or accessible locations allocated for com) or Helen Garay Toppins ([email protected]). one to you. January 2020 • SPARK • Page 7 emrin our st

325 enisionin our uture NYYM’s 325th Summer Sessions • July 19-25, 2020

Junior Yearly worship-shar- ing groups and Pay as Led Meeting (JYM) committee Within two weeks of Junior Yearly Meeting meetings. registering (typically a is the program for few days) you will receive Golf Carts children ages 3-18. a follow-up email or paper letter with your Silver Bay is a Groups are arranged Pay as Led rate options. The three options Café Night. beautiful place, according to grade, and Most meetings for business take place in are: the standard rate, which covers the cost but it can be meet every morning, Mon.-Fri., from the the Auditorium. of room and board; the full rate, which helps challenging to rise of Community Worship to lunchtime at others attend; and the Pay as Led minimum walk up and down its hills and from one meeting 12:15 p.m. JYM volunteers plan a communi- rate, which is the lowest suggested amount. place to another. As in previous years, we will have ty-building week of activities for the children, Please factor in any financial assistance that golf carts to help Friends get around. We need including games, discussions, art projects, you will request and expect to receive from volunteers to drive the carts. Driving is easy, fun, and more. JYM is a time for young people to your local or regional meetings or yearly and a great way to get to know Friends of all ages. experience a community based on Friends’ meeting committee. testimonies and practices. Age-appropriate, Volunteer Opportunities Friends should carefully consider how experiential Quaker content is part of the There are many opportunities to help create the much they can afford to pay. The Pay as Led program, and groups will spend some time in blessed community during our week at Summer plan is designed to encourage new people quiet worship or worship sharing every day. Sessions. You can indicate your interest on your to attend Summer Sessions, and it relies on After you arrive at Summer Sessions and registration form. Please consider supporting our generosity from those who can afford to pay check in at the NYYM welcome table, you community by volunteering in one of these ways: more. Thank you. must bring your child to JYM registration Special needs volunteers: Help someone by in the Inn’s Gullen Lounge. Parents should carrying a tray for them at mealtime, among REGISTRATION provide a cell phone number where they can other ways. Registration for Summer Sessions is now be reached while on campus. Golf cart drivers: Want to drive a golf cart all completely online. Registering online is more For children under 3 years old, Silver Bay around campus—AND make it possible for efficient for staff. If you are unable to register offers childcare through their Silver Camp people with limited mobility to attend Sessions? online please ask someone you know to assist on Monday through Friday mornings from If you are at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s you, or fill out and mail the form below. We 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. Parents do not pay for this; license, you can! will have volunteers ready, willing, and able to NYYM covers the cost. We ask parents who Healing Center volunteers: Are you skilled in the provide online registration assistance. are making use of this childcare service to healing arts? Help staff the Healing Center during The online registration form is not for making sign up to cover the time from 11:45 a.m. and the week. payments. It is for collecting your preferences 12:15 p.m. one day so they can attend worship Other options: You can also volunteer to serve so volunteers and staff can plan sessions and sharing on the other days. If you might use as a microphone carrier during meetings for assign rooms. After you register you will receive a Silver Bay’s morning childcare, you should worship, including those with a concern for message describing your Pay as Led options. See complete the NYYM–Silver Bay camp form. It business, or to assist Friends with luggage. the Pay as Led information above. You can pay will be emailed to you after you register. online or send checks to the NYYM office. afternoon JYM volunteers will provide Register online at www.nyym.org/ (PM) childcare in Morse Hall for children up summer-sessions-registration. If you cannot to 10 years old. Parents using PM childcare are register online, or need assistance, please email asked to volunteer some of their time when [email protected] and provide your phone they are not in meetings. In a shift from past number and times that someone can call you. If evening (PM) childcare years, will only be you don’t have email, please use the form below. available on Monday, until 9:00 p.m., during The deadline for registrations is June 1. the plenary session. Evening childcare will If you register after that date, we can’t guarantee not be available on other evenings. If evening that there will be a room available for you, and childcare is needed, a list of volunteers who lower Pay as Led rates may not be available. So are willing to babysit will be provided at JYM register as soon as you can! Please attend. We Registration and the JYM table throughout All of Junior Yearly Meeting gathers together on Friday morning. can’t wait to see you. the week. Parents can contact one of those volunteers directly to make arrangements. Please register by June 1 at www.nyym.org/summer-sessions-registration Can my child go to Silver Bay without me? Yes! If your child is under 18, they may attend Silver Bay with an adult chaperone. If you are unable to register online or to email this information to [email protected], They must room with the chaperone if possi- please fill out and mail this form to: NYYM, 15 Rutherford Pl., New York, NY 10003 ble and appropriate; otherwise they should be in adjoining rooms. The chaperone must PLEASE PRINT be designated by the parent/guardian on Name: Meeting: their registration forms, and must be at least 10 years older than the young Friend they are Day phone: Evening phone: chaperoning. The chaperone and the child Best time for us to call you (days of the week, times of day): should know each other reasonably well. The parent/guardian must provide a signed note giving the chaperone the authority to care for their child, to be presented at JYM registration.

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