. Septemrer 2007 • $5 Quaker FR I ENDS Thought and Life OURNAL Today
Friends and Cyberspace
Living Truth at the Woolman Semester -~~ The Meeting School's 50th Anniversary ------~ An • AMONG FRIENDS independent magazine serving the Back to business Religious Society of Friends usan Corson-Finnerty is on vacation while this issue is being prepared. For me, summer is not a time to be away (I take my vacation in the fall), since I oversee Editorial our editorial interns and we always have several between college semesters. Our Susan Corson-Finnerty (Publisher and Executive Editor}, S Robert Dockhorn (Senior Editor), Rebecca Howe interns are generally students from high school to post-grad (although we've had one (Associate Editor}, Judith Brown (Poetry Editor}, Joan teacher during her break), but this summer they're mostly college students. We have Overman (Book Review Assistant}, Christine Rusch (Milestones Editor}, Guli Fager, Melissa Minnich, Mary had six interns these past months, helping to prepare the magazine. Their names Julia Street (Assistant Milestones Editors), Robert Marks, appear on the masthead. They have contributed much to the final product. Nancy Milio, George Rubin (News Editors}, Kara Newell (Columnist}, Lisa Rand, Marjorie Schier (Proofteaders), You may have been struck as you read through the previous issue-August-that Patty Quinn (Volunteer}, Erica Bradley, Susanna its fare was lighter than usual. For the most part the articles and features were agile Corson-Finnerty, Amanda Gagnon, Breja Gunnison, Elizabeth Markham, Maximilian Plotnick (Interns) and humorous rather than deeply serious. We allowed ourselves some late summer Production latitude, and we hope you enjoyed it. Barbara Benton {.4rt Director}, Alia Podolsky (Assistant Art Director}, Peter Deitz ~b Manager) With this September issue we shift into a more serious mode. The first two articles Advertising, Circulation, Development address grim realities of today--ones that call out for attention. In "Unpalatable Gabriel Ehri (Associate Publisher), Larry Jalowiec Truths," Burton Housman writes about his work with the wounded U.S. soldiers (Director ofAdvancement), Nagendran Gulendran (Advertising Manager}, Margie Garren (Grant Writer}, returning from Iraq and elsewhere with severe injuries. Friends have long been called Patricia Boyle (Database Manager}, Nicole Hackel (Circulation Assistant}, Kay Bacon, Ruth Peterson to minister to the victims of war-whether soldiers or civilians, whether from our (Volunteers) country or foreigners. The evenhandedness of Friends concern for all sides in a Administration conflict is an important part of what it means to "answer that of God in every one." Marianne De Lange (Office Manager}, Tom McPeak (.4ccounting Services} The second article is "Friends and Torture" by Chuck Fager. The evil of torture is Board ofTrustees still around and dangerous and, as we now know, is governmental policy. So, what Barbara Andrews, Catharine Bell Weneroth, Jon Berry, Paul Buckley, Katharine Clark, Karen Cromley, John can we do to confront its use? In this article, Chuck candidly examines what Darnell, Mary Ann Downey (Assistant Clerk), Walter influence Friends have--or don't have-as concerned citizens. With inspiration Evans (Treasurer}, Linda Houser, Bobbi Kelly, Paul Landskroener (Recording Clerk), Pat La Viscount, Linda from the Bible for naming tools available to us, Chuck issues a prophetic call for Lyman, Jay Wade Marshall, Barbara Mays, Pete our involvement. McCaughan, Ron McDonald, Larry Miller, Nancy Moore, Michael Moulton, Mark B. Myers, Nan The next article is quite different. In "Friends and Cyberspace," Mark Franek sees O'Connor, Liz Perch, Janet Ross (Clerk), S. C. Thomas, the world of blogs, in which many Friends-especially young Friends-engage, as a Rich Van Dellen, Margery Walker, Elizabeth Yeats FRIENDS j OURNAL (ISSN 0016-1322) was esra.blished place where the Spirit can move freely. There is a helpful sidebar, as well as the in 1955 as the successor to The Friend (1827- 1955) example of a recent blog entry by Peggy Senger Parsons. and Friends lntelltgencer(l844-1955). That is followed by articles that celebrate two small but influential Friends • FRIENDS JouRNAL is published monthly by Friends Publishing Corporation, 1216 Arch Street, 2A, educational institutions: The Meeting School in New Hampshire, and The Woolman Philadelphia, PA 19107-2835. Telephone (215) 563-8629. E-mail [email protected]. Semester in California. Although they contrast sharply with each other in their Periodicals postage paid at Philadelphia, Pa., and structure and functioning, they are similar in calling upon each student to exercise additional mailing offices. leadership in taking responsibility for one's own development. • Subscriptions: one year $39, two years $76. Add $12 per year for postage to countries outside the U.S., You might like to know that these last two articles are among several that were Canada, and Mexico. Individual copies $5 each. originally submitted for the special issue on "Nurturing Younger Friends" for which • Advertising information and assistance is available on there was insufficient space in July. There are still more articles in this reservoir, and request. Appearance of any advertisement does not imply endorsement by FRIENDS jOURNAL. they will be appearing in our pages through next May. • Postmaster: send address changes to FRIENDS joURNAL, Not all the articles here will be a delight to read-some, as you can see from this 1216 Arch Street, 2A, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2835. description, contain disturbing material. But we know that you don't want us to shy • Copyright © 2007 Friends Publishing Corporation. Permission should be received before reprinting excerpts away from the truth whether it is joyful or painful. Both aspects of truth can be longer than 200 words. uplifring, in their different ways. Available on microfilm from Bell and Howell Information and Learning. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Min. 20% post-consumer
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2 September 2007 FRIENDS j OURNAL FRIENDS SEPTEMBER 2007 JOURNAL VOLUME 53, N0.9
• FEATURES • DEPARTMENTS
6 "Unpalatable Truths" 2 Among Friends Burton Housman Forum Too few understand the impact ofwar injuries. 4 5 Viewpoint I I Friends and Torture Please respect the need for privacy Chuck Fager He issues a call to conftont torture in our nation. 25 Reflections Mending the world 14 Friends and Cyberspace: The Many Doors to Living outside the box Meeting for Worship Include the Virtual On being a grandmother Mark Franek Thoughts on the Peace Testimony The world ofblcgs resembles meetingfor worship. 28 Life in the Meeting 17 God Does Not Need Your Cash Strengths, weaknesses, and clerking Peggy Senger Parsons Silence A pastor extols the gifts ofgiving and debunks a few myths alcng the way. 18 The Meeting School after 50 Years Mary DesRosiers Alumni reminisce for the school's semicentenniaL 22 Living Truth at the Woolman Semester Elizabeth De Sa A Friend seeks and finds an authentic teaching experience. • POETRY 9 Peace Is Not Phil Lord Blood Mixed with Milk 10 Books Silvia Brandon-Perez 30 News 21 Table Matters 34 Joseph A. Chelius 35 Bulletin Board A Glimpse of the Bird of Paradise 37 Cryptogram Solution Becky Banasiak Code 38 Milestones 50 Classified Front cover: photo ftom The Woolman Semester at Sierra Friends Center, California
F RIENDS J OURNAL September 2007 3 • FORUM
From a Quaker soldier families and loved ones, isolated and alone consumed with hatred, fear, desperation, and for many months and even years at a time. a sense of spiritual abandonment. I can't say I am writing to you today from Camp For these reasons and many more, it that I understand your experience, because I Striker, Iraq, a maze of concrete barriers and concerns me that soldiers and pacifists haven't lived it- I don't understand. But I inhospirable-looking structures that house cannot find more common ground to build can say that I understood what you wrote in and sustain several brigades of U.S. forces. upon and learn from one another. The your letter, and was deeply touched and The units are responsible for the safety and Quaker may teach the soldier how to use impressed by it. security of southern Baghdad. I am a staff love and acceptance as a way to open I know this might sound ridiculous officer with the Tenth Mountain Division, dialogue with an estranged spouse or friend. coming from someone sitting in a safe and U.S. Army, and have been in Iraq since The soldier may teach the Quaker about comfortable environment, but what I'm led August 2006. The majority of my tour was resolution and steadfastness in order to work to say to you is: do not be afraid. I don't spent as the executive officer of a rifle toward a definitive goal. As the peculiar mean of your physical environment and company based in Sadr al Yusifiyah, a town breed of person who is both Quaker and actual, real-life, horrendously dangerous southwest of the city, nestled alongside the soldier, I believe there are a thousand ways situation; I mean of any sort ofs piritual Euphrates River. we can communicate with and appreciate awakening that is occurring to you. You I am a lifelong Friend, but only in recent one another for what we truly are: flawed, wrote, "Soldiers are part of a military months, afrer a long absence from vulnerable human beings who are all institution that adheres to strict rules of participation in the Religious Society of beautiful nonetheless. discipline and behavior; a place where Friends, have I come to understand and I st Lieutenant David R Gosling differences of temperament or belief are appreciate the Quaker faith, its members, often ridiculed, scorned." I'm sure that Camp Striker, Iraq and its message. I purchased a subscription sentiments like the ones you expressed in to FRIENDS jOURNAL when I began to ask your letter are not encouraged and nurtured questions the military was unable to In response: holding you in in the environment over there, and to be answer--questions concerned with universal the Light feeling the things you feel, having the ethics, compassion, and genuine questions that you're having, must be understanding. The thoughtfulness displayed {Note: The foUowing letter was sent to Lt. incredibly difficult. I want to tell you that in by your contributors gives me new hope in Gosling in Iraq, but returned unopened by the Philadelphia someone is holding you in the the face of our chaotic reality here in Iraq, military. It is published here in the hope that he Light, thinking about your spiritual journey, and on Earth. will see it. - Eds.} and praying for you. I'm sure that as your Looking through the pages of FRIENDS I'm an intern at FRIENDS jOURNAL and letter is shared with the wider readership of j OURNAL, I am struck by the contrast my mom (the publisher and executive the j OURNAL, you will have many others berween the Quaker way of life and what editor) just handed me your letter to read. I doing the same for you. I support you and our men and women in uniform experience want to write to you before the feelings your thank you for sharing your experience so overseas. Quaker beliefs radiate peace and letter evoked slip into memory. intimately. My deepest wish is that you come acceptance, joy and understanding. The I have absolutely no frame of reference home safely in mind, body, and spirit. soldier emanates a different form of energy, for what your experience over there must be often negative, frustrated, antagonistic, and like. Being a Literature student in college, Susanna Corson-Finnerty confused. I do not think less of them for it, I've read story upon story about the war Elkins Park, Pa. because I understand it is the result of experience, about PTSD, about the ugliness humans were not meant to embrace. impossibilities/difficulties of reintegrating Focus on togetherness And if by some divine twist of fate we were back into the society from which one comes designed to fight wars, surely it was in order after the war is over, but only in my As a relatively new Quaker, I have been to choose the path less traveled by, one that imagination can I fathom these experiences. disheartened by several items in FRIENDS in the end would make all the difference. I want to extend my heart to you and tell jOURNAL that recently used the language of Until this time comes it is important to you that I'm sorry. Sorry that we live in a exclusion. By contrast, I heard FCNL understand and empathize with what society where people really do have to Executive Secretary Joe VoLk describe what soldiers are forced to endure. There is a experience these things, to see what must be he has experienced working with a wide pressure exerted on them that is radically the utter darkest side of human nature. I variety of religious groups. He said that they different from anything else in modern U .S. have no idea what that would do to one's accomplished more by working on what life. They see death, in all of its horrid allure, heart, to one's soul. they could do together rather than what they at an age when it is unexpected and What really struck me about your letter each believe, which may differ. I hope we all unwelcome. They face the possibility of was what the experience seems to have done work on ways to practice our faith together, capture by men who will gladly torture and to your spirit. (I hope the language of as diverse as our individual spiritual truth murder in a vain anempt to find resolution "spirit" and "soul" isn't uncomfortable, if it seeking paths may be at any point in time. through never-ending cycles of retributive is, please substitute something more To my mind, the uniqueness of the Quaker violence. Soldiers are part of a military comfortable.) It sounds as if the experience way is its commitment to seeking truths that institution that adheres to strict rules of has led you toward revelations of sorts. I'm bring our world closer to peace and justice, discipline and behavior, a place where somewhat awed by this. In the face of welcoming any and all who would join us in differences of temperament or belief are darkness you seem to be turning toward the this lifelong quest. often ridiculed or scorned. It must also be Light. I don't know that my own character is NancyMilio remembered that they are away from their that sttong, that I wouldn't find myself Chapel Hill, N.C. 4 September 2 007 FRIENDS JOURNAL Please respect the need for privacy
very year, I eagerly await the Gath Here is an example. What if someone you only did I have to change careers, but I ering. It is the one week of the year never met came up to you and without any also deal with the balance between pain Ethat is completdy mine. I immerse introductions or pleasantries started to talk in and heavy-duty medication. I have had myself in my workshop, music, worship, a manner such as this: "Oh my God, what periods when it has been difficult to walk. afternoon naps, and pleasure reading. It is happened to you? You have on a blue shirt. In time, I may be crippled by my condi my time for nurture and renewal. Why in the world would you wear a blue tion. I do not share this to gain pity; I am For a number of years now, I have shirt? What, you don't want to talk about it? merely trying to illustrate how my out found mysdf struggling to fed as much What's your problem?" ward appearance does not represent what nurture and renewal as I need. It has noth Of course, this conversation seems absurd. I actually experience. When I am pushed ing to do with the structure of the week, You are turned into an object and merely to share by people who feel more the FGC and university staff. or the Gath seen as a blue shirt rather than a feeling, voyeuristic than sympathetic, it brings up ering Committee, of which I have been thinking human being. The person is not a lot of emotions--emotions that are dif a part several times. My struggles are cre interacting with a shirt; they are interacting ficult and personal. ated by thoughtless, rude, or intrusive with you. A conversation like this feels rude Friends, please respect people's need comments made to me by people I do and insensitive. for privacy. Do not assume they are eager not know. Think about it. Why would someone who or willing to talk about things that might Friends, those of us who have "dis uses a medical device want to be treated any be very personal or painful. People who abilities" are much more than our differently than you do? They do not. They are already hurting do not need to be fur crutches, our wheelchairs, our cervical too wish to be approached respectfully. They ther hurt in an environment in which collars, our oxygen tanks, or any other do not want to be seen as a blue shirt any more they expect to receive nurture. It is not outward manifestation. Please do not than you do, but often they are. always taboo to ask about medical prob make assumptions. It can take a lot of physical, emotional, and lems. However, if you wish to do so, it Think before you speak. Even well spiritual energy to live with a chronic health needs to be done gently after trust and meaning questions can feel intrusive, so problem. Frequently, what the world sees is rapport have been established. And, if a listen carefully to the responses, and don't not indicative ofwhat is really going on. In my person is not in a place to talk, that needs push. What may seem like harmless case, my cervical collar does not mean to be respected. chitchat to you could be very hurtful to whiplash. It is the outward sign of a serious ill Linda Goldstein the recipient. ness that has drastically changed my life. Not Charlottesville, Va.
More than a mentor whom he wishes "to speak the truth in So, what's to be done? Is there a "church" another's church!" for James, and for me? Jesus says, "The Thank you again for publishing Breeze Conservatism is very much part of my kingdom of Heaven is like a householder Richardson's article about my involvement little Episcopalian branch of Christianity. who takes &om her store both old and new." with Project Lakota ("Walking the Walk: Indeed, there are those who wish we liberals May we both become that "householder" Greg Woods," Fj May). would just drop off the tree altogether. They discerning what to hold, what to lose, I have one correction to make concerning are angrier than James. and cherishing these precious things in the article. Candy Boyd was a co-founder of Let me return to the Gospels: Jesus' hopeful, non-blaming, peace-full hands. Project Lakota and has been a coordinator of conversations with Nicodemus by night. Blessings, James! the project over the last seven years, not only Was that good Pharisee troubled by the Roberta Nobleman a mentor to me. We are equal parmers in newness of the young Rabbi's teaching? Dumont, N.J. this project. "How can a man be born again?" he asks. GregWOodr Jesus replies that the new life is the Spirit, On e-mails, conference calls, Jefferson City, Mo. blowing where she wills. When we next meet Nicodemus-defending Jesus against other and face-to-face meetings What should we conserve? Pharisees-the Spirit seems to have borne I noted the letter from Evamaria As one who "worships in a fancy new Truths-the birthing process has Hawkins (Forum, F]June), which raised a steeplehouse, takes up tithes," and is gladly happened for him. question about the World Office of FWCC's and gaily "liberal," I feel compelled to Conservation can sometimes mean relatively new practice of having its respond to my dear brother in Christ, James holding onto ideas and things that no longer committees meet by telephone conference Wilkerson (Viewpoint: "Is Thee Truly a "serve" the new "baby." In my own church, call, supplemented by e-mail. She queried Friend?" F]June). many feel this way about "new" ideas about whether such a practice might be No--I am not; yet I consider myself a sexuality. Likewise, we liberals may be in incompatible with Quaker process. "Quakerly Episcopalian." Perhaps James danger of throwing out the baby with the FWCC's primary purpose is to link can hear my "leading" more readily &om bathwater, so amazingly generous, even careless, one definitely beyond the pale--one to are we. Is this true for Friends as well? Continued on page 48
FRIENDS JoURNAL September 2007 5 UIIPillilliiUIII I rUDIS .
by Burton Housman thought I knew the costs of war. • Is being an enraged critic all you've got? of entry to this new world I was now They had fueled my outrage over How can you be an engaged doer? struggling to enter. I recalled memories of the arrogance, the ignorance, and • Just how much do you know about the my father, who was a World War I veter the folly of the Iraq War, a rage that damage and destruction you despise? an. In the age of radio of my childhood, had begun to corrode my most • You have all your faculties; you're in we would listen to some radio drama in treasured relationships. It had good health; why are you claiming a which we heard the firing of artillery already begun to sap the life from helpless state? my perceived calling to invite urban • If you say that you are the wrong eighth graders to savor the wonders of age to reach out to 20-year-olds, algebra and geometry. It wasn't just my just what is the right age? A Q!my: imagination, I feared, that when my • If you were to work with ampu friends saw me coming, they ducked tees and were criticized for help through the nearest open door to avoid ing the war effort, what makes you my too-familiar litany of criticism, think that getting a Department mourning, and helplessness. of Defense parking sticker to enter There are those of us who recognize a military base to assist in binding that the Religious Society of Friends, as up wounds is cooperating? stewards of the queries, have a treasure The timing was right. easily as central for us as creeds are for oth I became a volunteer through er religious bodies. One query from the Armed Services YMCA on the Britain Yearly Meeting particularly haunt NMCSD base, coordinating re ed me: "What unpalatable truths might you sponse to the wounded that arrived be evading?" by Medevac at a nearby Marine News that the nearby Naval Medical Corps air station. Family members Center in San Diego (NMCSD) would of the wounded began to arrive become the third center in the United from all over the western United States to provide rehabilitation for States. Their distress over the amputees from Iraq and Afghanistan wounds of a young family member helped to focus this query for me. It drove (70 percent of the casualties are 19 me to admit that carrying a sign by the to 23 years old) was compounded side of the road, reading aloud with oth by bewildered attempts to cope -Britain Yearly Meeting's ers the names of slain U.S. service mem with both military and hospital reg Faith and Practice bers, and flying a flag at my house day and ulations as well as limited means to night at half-mast wasn't enough. There travel or set up housing in a city far was nothing I could do about an estimat from home. ed half-million Iraqis killed. But perhaps Under the guidance of an envisioned shells, followed by their explosions. Those here was a chance to rechannel some of Comprehensive Combat Casualty Criti were the only times when I was growing my rage. cal Care (C5) program at NMCSD, we up that I saw my father weep. Adults, I Satellite queries now floated into view trained volunteers, greeted the wounded, learned later, called it "shell shock." All I for me: and helped guide family members knew was that it didn't subside until we through the labyrinthine bureaucracies. I changed the station. But his eyes Burton Housman, a veteran of World ~r II, have met weekly with the two dozen med remained wet-and distant- for a long was sent by his church to help the japanese ical professionals who consider the broad time, each time. I was almost 50 when he rebuild after the war. When he held in his hands needs of these patients one by one every died, and had enjoyed 50 years of his evidence ofthe damage.from the aerial bombing week. I have grown respectful of the ded relentless determination to raise a family he helped cause, he resolved to become a part of icated, caring, and capable care by and support it well. During that time I a church that sought alternatives to violmce. He providers who combine their talents to never once heard that he had slept entire has been a Friendfor 50 yean in fouryearry meet deal with patients and their families. ly through the night. We never knew the ing.r. He is now a member ofLa jolla (Calif) I was struck by the number ofinvisible horrors of his nights, but we did know we Meeting and serves on the Discipline Commit wounds the C5 team considered each never saw him rested in the morning. tee ofPacific Yearry Meeting. week. My memory brought forth a portal We didn't have the concepts yet-
6 September 2007 FRIENDS JoURNAL much less the words-for Post Traumatic gouge craters large enough to hold sever ize what awaits the return of the loved one Stress Disorder (PTSD). The term in use al automobiles, rip off limbs, shred spinal who comes back. It does follow that after then was "shell shock." My father's was cords, and riddle bodies not only with care for battle wounded-now survivors mild. There were many more cases, far shrapnel but also with infectious debris as never before--has ballooned. And it more severe. It was, all agreed, a price to and contaminants from the soil that had may extend far, far beyond hospital time. be paid after the fear, the stench, the suf once filled those craters. And that's only The Navy medic who accompanies fering of trench warfare spent enduring the visible part. every Marine patrol and who is nearby to shelling in the slime of mud and on the Yes, there is ceramic armor, but sharp respond to an lED or RPG casualty, tries bodies of those who had been killed shooters have learned to aim for its edges to clear airways, maintain breathing, and with medical attention scant and distant. and seams, both of which are vulnerable assure circulation in the face of multiple Shell shock? You dealt with it. Families to blast-impelled shrapnel. Designed to wounds, only a portion of which are visi adapted. A grateful nation could do little deter bullets, armor offers little protection ble. Medics themselves, always in the bat more than say "Tsk-tsk." Children won against the blasts of Rocket Propelled tle arena, are frequently among the wound dered, but never inquired. At least your Grenades (RPGs), IEDs, or land mines. ed, and the damage to them is often ini loved one had survived. The bottoms of Humvees, often lightly tially as invisible as for those in combat. Within minutes a hel icopter arrives to pluck out the patient for trans port to a nearby base hos pital. Once stabilized, the wounded warrior is on the way to a major med- ical center. It sometimes takes less than 48 hours to get from the scene ofa combat wound to a full service hospital in anoth- er country. However, even with the most intensive and advanced medical care, wounds so incurred may have to stay open for ~ six to eight weeks until ~ infection is controlled. f 1:1 Surgeries must wait. The ~ agony is prolonged not ~ only for patients but also § for surgeons, who must ~ wait to determine wheth- v er it is possible to save a ~ limb or if it is necessary ~ to amputate. -~ Among the complex ~ multiple injuries, not all As life has changed, so has war for com armored, are as vulnerable to lED blasts of which surface immediately, is Traumat- bat infantry, Marines, Navy medics--and as the seams of body armor. ic Brain Injury (TBI)-what medical pro for their families. Gone are adversaries The rotor blades of Medevac helicop fessionals call the signature injury of the defined by uniforms; gender or age is not ters are already turning, ready and waiting Iraq War. These closed head injuries, not an identifier. Bullets are not the biggest to be called, when Marines leave for as immediately visible as penetrating head danger; 70 percent of the complex multi patrol. This symbolizes the speed with wounds, are often the result of blasts, not causal wounds &om Iraq and Afghanistan which the reduction of time from battle bullets-and blast injuries have affiicted are caused by the detonations of Impro field to hospital has been dramatically about rwo out of three of those wounded vised Explosive Devices (lEOs). Often shortened with improved resuscitation, in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. hidden in everyday materials and deto evacuation, protection, surgery, and Severe cases of traumatic brain injury nated remotely from unknown sources, antibiotics. The ratio of casualties to may be obvious, but those that are mild, they cause far more injuries than the ubiq deaths has thus risen sharply in Iraq to an commonly called concussions, are not. uitous rounds of AK-47s or the bullets astounding high of 16 survivors to every Recovery &om concussions, or mild brain of snipers. death. It does not follow that planned use injuries, is sometimes uncomplicated and With no whistling warning of ap of resources was sufficient to cope with complete, but not always. Some individ proach, the sudden blasts of the IEDs this. Nor does it follow that families real- uals continue to experience cognitive or FRIENDS j OURNAL September 2007 7 mood difficulties. T here also may be a For the 19- to 23-year-olds who repre delay in the symptoms becoming sent most of the battle casualties, it is des apparent. Measurements vary in sever perately difficult not to associate PTSD al locales but often show that about one symptoms with being crazy or weak. Care out of ten of the combat wounded givers constantly have to point out that treated showed some evidence ofTBI. PTSD is the result ofstress and not a men With a total of one and a half mil tal illness, that it is a normal reaction to lion individuals having served in regu abnormal circumstances, that it is to be lar, reserve, and National Guard units expected, and that help and support are in Iraq and Afghanistan, whatever the widely available. However, the macho val actual proportion, the number ofthose ues inherent in a survival-driven warrior with TBI is large. It is no wonder that culture discourage this. A valued T-shirt the Veterans Administration reports that bears the motto: "To err is human, to forgive requests for mental health aid have ris divine. Neither is a Marine Corps virtue. " en dramatically in the past 15 months. Perhaps even more difficult is that the It is often difficult to distinguish stress reactions may not appear until between the effects of concussions months after the trigger event, perhaps at (TBI) and the aftereffects of combat the very time that the recovering wound stress (PTSD). A commonly used list ed have reunited with their families and of the widely varying emotional, phys are supposedly past the period in which ical, mental, and behavioral reactions they received treatment. These reactions to combat stress fills a single typewrit vary from lack of coping skills, profound ten page with 30 column-inches of grief, or guilt over one's own survival to newspaper-size print. These emotional anxiety that saps resiliency and varied aftershocks can be the result of simply forms of anger, agitation, and irritabili witnessing as well as being involved in ty-forming a list far too long to enu life-threatening circumstances. merate here.
8 September 2007 FRIENDS JOURNAL Among the amputees at the mili tary hospital where I have been the PEACE IS NOT past year, the determination of pa tients who have lost one leg or both to Peace is not a testimony and still move on match the physical therapist's goals to the get them to run again is thrilling to when uttered because life we feel see. Coupled with the demonsuations behind the fortress is more compelling of courage, loyalty, and honor one so of suburban landscapes; than the fearful future frequently sees in the wounded pa or whispered we would otherwise protect. tients, this grit, this drive despite the in the bedrooms horrors of war and the battlefield is a reminder of the strengths of youth of indignant sufferers of fools Peace is not a testimony that we often fail to acknowledge. who wish the world until we realize that Even professional care providers face could only be like us; the good that turns the world compassion fatigue and must labor to the way we used to be is not our formula or instrument avoid giving a patient the impression (like no one). but we are carried by it that he or she is damaged for good and like a river into other lives undermining the will to keep the heal ing process moving. One cannot over Peace is not a testimony if we don't shut our hearts state the stress on some families as they when it shields us from the pain against the terrifying try to welcome back those so changed of those who bear the burden torrent of its force. by their war experience. of our indifference, Unpalatable truths may appear for as we in condescending tones Peace without price us as heartbreaking questions in the night: wouldn't it be easier to handle of well-protected comfort is apathy dressed up death than disabling disfigurement, instruct the victims to look like principle diminished capacity, or lifelong care of of our greed to wait and self-protection wounds? But what may appear as an in patience for their of the status quo "unpalatable truth" may simply be un coming turn. interpreted to sound palatable, and not a truth. For exam ple, criticism aimed at a Quaker for like saintly sacrifice. "cooperating" with the military effon. Peace is not a testimony Look at the unholy basis for this criti before the rage has even Peace is only peace cism. What Amos and Jeremiah called seethed within our blood when love is more than life "fal se gods , " Jesus calle d "demons, " against the godlike arrogance and truth the only duty Paul called "principalities and pow ers,'' and Shakespeare called "instru of men to our souls ments of darkness,'' we call "absolute who try to slaughter and all salvation sinks princi~les. " Truth triumphs over them their own fears beneath simple silence every arne. they see reflected of our inevitable Being. Other unpalatable truths can still in the eyes of little children. be digested; there are things you can To find this Peace do no matter how old you are. No major hospital can function without Peace is not a testimony we must leave our homes volunteers. Wounds may take a life until we are so and stand naked time of healing and require more than bored with explanations in the rain of darkened night only patient and doctor. "Helpless" of our political correctness until the drops fall through us doesn't mean lack of power, it means that no one needs into thirsty soil lack of vision. There isn't a "right" time; the time is now. to suffer or affirm from which the morning But one unpalatable truth still the hollow righteousness flowers spring. abides. As a senior military Medevac that echoes in our cause. dispatcher told me, "You don't get back All else is war. the one you sent. " 0 Peace is not a testimony by Phil Lord until we freely give what cannot be requested; PhiL Lord is a member ofChestnut HiLL (Pa.} and we ignore Meeting. This poem originaLLy appeared in the ever-present fact of death FRIENDS j OURNAL in December 2001. Copyright© 2001 PhiL Lord
FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2007 9 Blood mixed with milk (written on the occasion of the death of a mother and infant by a smart bomb) I imagine that the babe that lies with its small eyes closed forever nursed from your breast, and that with that hand with which you kept him to your last breath from death, you changed his diapers, nestled him toward the nipple bursting with white milk, that cream our breasts create for the nourishment of our small ones, I imagine that perhaps minutes before the bomb, before that scream that sealed his tears and yours for eternities I neither understand nor care explaining, he might have bitten you with that smile of infants when they nurse, smiling from a taste of godly feasting, and then a noise and a world in flames and clusters of emissaries of death on the wing, and a roar that maybe left you deaf there toward the end so you couldn't hear your baby's scream, and left you blinded so you could not see how your blood mixed with milk in the mouth of an innocent.
Sangre mezclada con Ia leche by Sylvia Brandon-Perez Me imagino que .Wn este bebe que yace con sus ojitos cerrados para siempre lactaba de tu seno, y que con esa rnano con que lo guardaste hasta el suspiro ultimo de Ia muerte le cambiabas paiiales, lo acomodabas al pezon rebosante de leche blanca, de Ia crema que crean nuestros pechos para el sustento de nuestras criaturas, me imagino que tal vez unos minutos antes de Ia bomba, antes de ese grito que sello su llanto y el tuyo por etemidades que ni comprendo ni me interesa el explicar, tal vez te habia mordido con Ia sonrisa esa de los niiios cuando lactan, sonriente Sylvia BrandiJn-Pirez lives in de probar rnanjar de dioses, y luego un ruido Hayward, Calif She wrote this poem after seeing a graphic y el mundo en llamas y racimos de emisarias photograph in La Jornada on de Ia muerte al vuelo, y un estruenclo que tal vez April2, 2003. The poem was composed in Spanish and te dejo sonia ya a1 final para no oir los chllliclos transkzted into English by the de tu crfo, y que algo te dej6 dega para no comprobar author. como tu sangre se mezclaba con Ia leche en boca de inocente.
IO September 2 007 FRIENDs JOURNAL Friends and Tonure by Chuck Fager
o get at the issue of Friends and torture, let me starr with the Bible, specifically a parable what I think of as a parable of Quakerism. It's from the begin Tning of Chapter 18 of the Gospel of Luke. The parable tells of an unjust judge, who neither feared God nor had any regard for people, and a widow, who had nothing but her voice. The widow carne into his courtroom, and she cried out to the judge, "Give me justice! Give me jus tice!" But the unjust judge ignored her. While the text is very terse here, the social context is not hard to fill in: chances are the widow's back was against the wall. Chances are she was in court because some greedy relative or landlord was try ing to steal the inheritance from her dead husband, which was probably all she had to live on. H er case at first seems hopeless, be cause we're told straight up that the deck A sign at Ft. Bragg, N.C. What U.S. forces do at Gitmo and Abu Ghraib is not "torture," the is stacked, the fix is in, the judge is military insists, but merely "enhanced crooked. How is he crooked? Most likely If most of interrogation techniques." he's on the take, selling his rulings to the highest bidder. But this widow doesn't give up. She what we know echoed for faithful Jews with Deuterono keeps coming back, again and again, and my 16: 19's stern command to Israel's cries out to the judge, and to anyone else judges, "Do not pervert justice or show who will listen, "Give me justice! Give about tonure partiality. Do not accept a bribe .... Jus me justice!" tice, and only justice shall you pursue." What was she doing? Consider her sit comes from So with her cries, the widow is not just uation: she was a woman alone, in a soci making a private complaint-she's also ety where such women were the very speaking ancient truth, reminding the archetype of powerlessness and weakness. the media, Israelite public as well as the judge that If she lost her case, she would probably there is an authentic, holy tradition ofjus starve to death-and starvation was com tice in her society, and that it's being bla mon in those days. So this was a life and weare not tantly and shamelessly perverted here. So death struggle, and in it she made use of her cries are also an expose, a kind ofco m all she had, that is, the weapons of the well informed. mitted feminist journalism. They shine a weak and the powers of the powerless. spotlight, or at least a penlight, of veraci What are these weapons of the weak? ty into the fog the judge uses to conceal What are these powers? I group them his dirty deeds. under the initials TVA, for tenacity, verac The widow is tenacious-she keeps And she is audacious-in her patriar ity, and audacity. coming back, she won't give up. And chal world women are expected to keep when she cries out, she's speaking not only quiet, especially in the public sphere. The courts are men's turf, and litigation is Chuck Fager, director ofQytaker House, a Friends of her own case, but also reminding the peace witness in Fayetteville, N C, serves on the judge-and the watching and listening men's business. But she refuses to go along planning group ofQuaker Initiative to End Tor public--of his sacred duty: he's supposed with this custom. She breaks the mold; ture (QUIT). He is a member ofS tate College to be upholding the Law of Moses, the she thinks and acts outside the box. (Pa.) Meeting, and attends Fayetteville Meeting. law of God. For centuries, this Torah had And eventually she wins, she gets a
FRIENDS j OURNAL September 2007 II chance at survival. To be sure, hers is a this matter and most others relating to Quakers kept telling the truth that slavery limited victory. She doesn't move the peace and war. Not only are we without was an abomination before God and judge to repent of his evil ways-he reaf real power, we've also lost most of the humankind. And they did this in many firms that he's still a crook; nor does she rights we once thought we had. What's ways, some as audacious as Lucretia Mort overturn the corrupt system of which he's left is mainly pretense and illusion. And of facing down mobs with her eloquence, a part. But she wears him out, harasses course, creature comforts. and others daring to start the Under and embarrasses him, until he decides Our milieu of powerlessness may be ground Railroad. he'll have to give her what she's due, if more comfortable than some others, but There are other examples-bur that's only ro get her off his back. it's powerlessness still. And if Quakers try the past. What about now? What does 1VA For a text that's only five verses long, ing to end torture are among the com- mean for Quaker work to end torture? there's a lot of meaning packed into this parable. In fact, as I said, I fmd in it a model for long-term Quaker social witness, and particular ly for the work some Friends have now begun on torture. Why is it a model? I think there are two reasons. First of all, because in the face of the forces that are establishing torture as an accepted instrument of policy, we too are among the power less. We-and our votes don't count. This realization is very important, and not an easy one for U.S. citizens. It may be especially uncomfort- ~ able for Friends, most of '=! whom are white, middle class, '-' ~ and pretty liberal to left- -~ liberal in outlook. ~ As such, I suspect that ~ many of us have been ro diver ~ sity sessions and antiracism § workshops, where we've heard a lot about white privilege, and Above: The Washington Region Religious might even be feeling a bit guilty about all Campaign Against Torture protests at the that privilege we are told we enjoy. White House, October 2007 But how we name things is important, Right: This undated still photo made available Friends, and here I think we need to be by The Washington Post on May 21, 2004, shows a U.S. soldier holding a dog in front of careful. In this case I find the term "com an Iraqi detainee at Abu Ghraib prison. forrs" more helpful than "privilege." Whites in our society do have more crea ture comforts than many others. We ben fortably weak and powerless, I suggest efit from various preferences that are cul that if we're to have any hope of success, Here I can be very concrete. Tenacity pably connected with a past and present of we set out to learn from the widow of means that we prepare for a struggle that racism and oppression. That's true enough. Luke 18 and deploy the weapons of the we expect to last longer than most who are Yet the word "privilege" connotes ro weak. That's the second reason the wid reading this will live. As part of that, we me a connection to power, and this is ow's story is a model for us. will need to keep our ears open, especial where the term falls short. Because in rela And what are these weapons? Again, ly our inward ear, the one that hears the tion to truly holding worldly power today, for me they are summed up in the initials insistent whispers of the Spirit. especially where torture is concerned, I 1VA tenacity, veracity, and audacity. We need to keep that inward ear open contend that even the wealthiest and most If you look at the history of serious, because some among us are going to start comfortable among Friends are essen long-term Quaker social witness, that's hearing some insistent whispers of calling. tially without power. We too are among what you will find. Take slavery: we In particular, a call to build a small but the powerless. worked against it in the U.S. tenaciously sturdy infrastructure that can support In fact, almost all U.S. citizens are now for 100 years. It wasn't a fad or a fashion. ongoing Quaker work on torture, and without real power, or access to power, in And in those generations of struggle, connect it ro the larger networks of srrug-
12 September 2007 FRIENDS j oURNAL gle. For instance, I believe the Quaker The value of this work is twofold: it problems of the world, I feel like I'm actu work to end torture will need a newslet not only sheds light on this particular ally doing something about them." But of ter, e-mail lists, periodic gatherings like clandestine base, but it also points out course, he is not. To repeat: real, long the Quaker Conferences on Torture, and, that there is a "torture industrial complex" term change will come from the sparks lit before it's done, perhaps a small office that has been surreptitiously created in by those in the far corners of this land, with a staff member or two, plus a devot our society. This "torture industrial com who lack worldly power but have imagi ed oversight committee. Mundane stuff, plex" is growing and spreading around us nation and daring. but the basics of long-term work. like social gangrene. A key part of our A look at Quaker history confirms this As for veracity, it means continuing to work will be to name it, expose it, and approach. I'm talking about the spirit of educate ourselves in an ongoing way give it no rest. We can't hope to do this six Quaker housewives in Seneca Falls, about the ugly truths of torture and the New York, who started a revolution for growing opportunities to end it.. I'm very women around their kitchen table. And serious about this educational task, and What are other history has lessons too: remember feel obliged to sound a warning here: if Rosa Parks, riding a shabby bus in Mont most of what we know about torture gomery, Alabama. And the late Friend Jim comes from the news media, Friends, we these weapons Corbett, starting the Sanctuary Move are not yet well informed. ment in the 1980s in the Sonora desert of News reports are just the beginning, Ariwna. There are others. and too many, even in prestigious outlets, of the weakil It is such audacity that will set the are not to be trusted. Learning the hard wheels of change turning, wheels that will truths of torture will call for digging deep What are these roll across this country and rumble into er, and doing some hard work. I can tes Washington, until torture is driven from tify that coming to terms with the extent the land. of and the institutional strength and sup powers;» These are the weapons of the weak. I port for torture as well as the secret do not say they will bring quick or easy world that sustains it can be a very unset results. But they are already being tling, even frightening, experience. unless we bring imagination and creativi deployed and are having an effect. Eigh (Alfred McCoy's book, A Question ofTor ty to bear on the truth. teen months ago, there was no anti-tor ture, is a good place to start.) One temptation in this work needs to ture movement in the U.S. T here were As we become more versed, we are be mentioned here, namely the urge to some dedicated anti-torture activists, but called to spread this information. The focus all our energy on Washington, no national anti-torture movement. But basics of veracity here are elemental-not D.C.: Congress, the White House, and within the space of barely a year an anti elementary, but basic: torture is immoral, the national political scene. torture movement has come onto the torture is inhuman, it is rarely effective, In my view, this would be a trap. To be scene in the U.S. and is growing rapidly. and torture defiles the law, debases the sure, Washington can't be ignored. But Yes, it includes national groups based in culture, and makes a lie of our human my own work on the frontlines of peace Washington, hectoring Congress about rights. It is also invisibly taking root in witness persuades me that to accept such torture flights and secret prisons. But for more and more parts of our culture like an emphasis is to see the task of change my part, the more important sectors of some invisible, malevolent, parallel reali from the wrong end of the telescope: this this nascent movement are groups like ty. The recent poll of U.S. soldiers, show country will be redeemed from the curse No2Torrure, which was started by a Pres ing that large numbers accept torture as a of torture by forces that will end up in byterian from Minnesota, and Stop Tor routine part of warfare, is one telling Washington, not begin there. And it will ture Now, here in North Carolina. Uni indicator. Like the widow's cries, these be a distraction from the necessary foun tarians are a part of it too, as is a new baleful truths cannot be repeated often or dation work if we permit most of our group, Evangelicals for Human Rights. loudly enough. energy to be expended inside the Beltway. And of course, QUIT, the Quaker Initia And then audacity: imagination and Maintaining the proper balance here tive to End Torture. This movement is creativity will be crucial to this work, to will be a challenge. It is not an accident taking form right before our eyes. leverage our small numbers and resources. that most of the major media want us to Quakers are not the center of this As a current example, I'm grateful for the stay flXated on the antics inside the Belt movement, or its leaders. But today there pioneering work of Stop Torture Now way. After all, Washington is where those are Friends who are on the leading edge of N.C., a small band of activists including with real worldly power do their thing, this campaign as it comes into being, and some Quakers here in North Carolina. For and we, remember, are not among them. our role in it can be crucial-if we will more information visit
FRIENDS j OURNAL September 2007 13 by Mark Franek
My interest in Quakerism I= • S and Cyb during my tenure as an English teacher and more recently as the X dean of students at William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia. I never had an aha! moment in meeting for worship, what early Quakers might have experienced as a literal shaking of the body. In fuct, I have never been much ofa religious person. But for the past ten years I have dutifully escorted my charges into the meeting room each Thursday morn ing to sit with about 500 students and teachers in relative silence for 40 minutes. For the first few years, I considered these weekly meetings as minor inconven iences in the way ofgetting some real work done. Now I realize that much of the real and important work of the school is being modeled and reinforced during these weekly meetings, which are individual and communal searches for the truth/Truth. Meetings for worship at Quaker schools imitate those at monthly meet ings, but school meetings also serve a ped agogical purpose. Genuine reflection is an incredibly hard thing to teach, wheedle, or cajole from schoolchildren each week, yet that is what Quaker schools are up to. In fuct, meeting for worship is a very deliberate teaching tool, though most practicing Quakers might eschew the notion that meeting for worship may be used as a deliberate means to a secular end. The Quaker educator Robert Smith was on to it when he wrote (in a Friends Council on Education "occasional paper"): "Simple in design, minimally comfortable and as broad as space allows, the meeting bench has been a Friends school's most important learning tool for more than 300 years." I've come to realize that the meeting for worship experience attempts to create a space in school each week for Quaker beliefs and practices to germinate and then emanatt<-both inwardly to the spirit and outwardly to the community and to the
world in various forms of service. Inter ed States-meeting for worship must feel Mark Franek is the outgoing dean ofstudents and an English teacher at William Penn Char estingly, you can't record what is happen at fi rst like a peculiar, downright foreign ter School in Philadelphia, Pa., where he has ing in the room with any device known to experience. Young people, however, are served for ten years. Michael Moulton, director us. It must be experienced. not totally in the dark when it comes to oftechnohg;y at the school and a member ofGer For non-Quaker schoolchildren- like understanding the norms, rules, and pro mantown Meeting in Philadelphia, also con the 93 percent of students who currently tocols of the nearest Quaker.s chool's meet tributed to this essay. attend the 81 Quaker schools in the Unit- ing for worship. Students, particularly in
14 September 2007 FRIENDS jOURNAL middle and high school, often come to behind Internet-connected computers an endless series of camps, each engaged their first meeting for worship with listen acting alone and yet together-fanned in making more noise than the other, is ing, reflecting, and speaking skills intact this story into numerous Internet "fires" just faulty. Most people who read and skills they have developed online in the until the truth could not be extinguished write blogs spend time listening to others, form ofsocial networking sites and blogs. by the pundits in the mainstream press. weighing opinions, and generally reflect More about these sites and blogs in a This anecdote underscores the power ing on many sources of data and what moment, but for now consider how we of individuals on the Internet. Bloggers they mean. Part of the fun is in bouncing are all connected, technologically speak often feel that they are connected and that around the Internet and reading all kinds ing: electronic communication will their voices matter, both individually and of opinions, from amateur to profession increasingly blur the line between what collectively. Bloggers are also involved in al, to just plain wacky. Sometimes the pro happens in face-to-face interactions and serious play. At any time, day or night, fessionals get it wrong, or miss something what happens in cyberspace. All the zeroes someone is talking about spitfires or important. Sometimes the wacky, upon and ones that make up the binary code of spelunking or Steven Spielberg's latest review, don't seem so wacky. In the same electronic communication will continue movie. If you can imagine it, then there way, in a Friends' meeting for worship, to become central in our daily lives. Tech is-or there will be-a blog about it. The sometimes a profound message or a sim nology in this century is in the process of sidebar to this article gives some more ple idea is gracefully expressed by the most fundamentally altering the way we live information about Quaker blogs, includ unlikely member of the meeting. Would and love one another. ing a helpful discussion about the com we rather hear only from the elders? Most readers of FRIENDS JOURNAL position of blogs. know firsthand the purposes and practices Blogs give people around the globe the How Blogging of a Friends meeting. But I suspect that power to communicate about any topic at Resembles Friends there are more than a few who are in the any time. Even if you had an army of dark about the topography of the Inter reporters and writers at your disposal and Meetings net, especially as it pertains to the hottest an unlimited payroll, you could not cov It is illuminating to consider that al new phenomenon on the web right er this "beat." In the cyberworld, the beat most everything a person needs to know now-blogs. Friends meetings and the is whatever people are interested in talk about how to be an exemplary online cit blogosphere have a lot in common, and ing about. The interests of the people izen can be learned in Friends meetings. their similarities are surprising. including the infinite pursuits of all kinds Meeting for worship has been described as of truths-are no longer bound and lim a place and a time to have conversations Why Should We Care ited by magazines on a rack, the pull-out with God/the Inner Light, without the sections of newspapers, or journals. Nor is help of intermediaries. The various roads About Blogs? information solely "owned" or dissemi to Truth are paved by the stones we call "Blog" is an abbreviated word for nated by institutions and organizations, community, hannony, respect, simplicity, "weblog," which is a website that offers from the sacred to the secular. In the blo sincerity, and equali~testimon ies that information that can constantly be updat gosphere, "all the world's a stage," and we ideally carry with us and act on long ed. People who update blogs are called anyone with an Internet connection can after the meeting is closed with the tradi "bloggers." Writers write, singers sing, play a part. If you honestly believe in the tional shaking of hands. and bloggers blog. The labels bloggers, wisdom of the group, this is nothing short In many ways, blogs are similar. They blogr, and blogging don't sound dignified, of a revelation. are constantly evolving online conversa let alone important. In fact, most people Some argue that the democratization tions where the purpose of the meeting is who are not Internet-savvy look upon of the blogosphere and the reduction of not to assemble to worship, but to gather blogs the way the ultra-left looks upon professional gatekeepers (editors, publish to learn more about something-any golf: anyone who has time to blog must ers, etc.) in comparison to other media thing- that interests a group of people. not be working very hard. create an environment where purveyors of Like the members of a Friends meet But bloggers are engaged in very seri inaccurate or biased information are ele ing, all bloggers are equal in their ability ous activities. Take the small group ofama vated to their own soapbox. I've always to enter the conversation (in most cases, teur bloggers that upended Dan Rather's been suspicious of this criticism, since it all you need is a computer and an Inter faulty report on George Bush's military takes into consideration only one small net connection), but that doesn't mean record on the eve of the last presidential part of the blogosphere. To be sure, liber that all opinions carry equal weight. Just election-bloggers began Internet discus als and conservatives have their favorite as there are "weighty Friends" (those sions that were picked up by the main blogs and their favorite bloggers who stri whose judgment is regarded as exception stream media, which was widely held to dently espouse rigidly held views in a ally sound) in all Quaker meetings, there have accelerated Rather's retirement. manner that would bring most Friends' are also "experts" in most blogging com How's that for the power of the people? A meetings for business to a grinding halt. munities, usually those who have been group of average U .S. citizens sitting But to characterize the Internet as merely around a long time, or those who have a
FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2 007 15 .... . - ·· ------r--·, • . -·· .... _ ...... _...... ,,._.-. ""'" J ....,.._..... •• ..._, U V.L IU' .._. VA.V....,&t..'-''-L LJ..V.l.LJ. who are right ar~ alw~ys . the experts. The exuberance causes them to leave com future conversations. Bloggers are gener purpose of most blogs is to harness the ments that go against the rules of the blog, ally a lot less patient than Friends. For power of the group and to chronicle its un which are usually quite simple. They example, in most Friends meetings, folding and constantly updated wisdom. sound a lot like the rules for a Quaker Quakers labor with those who are con In blogs, postings are not organized accord meeting for business and get boiled down tributing negatively for a long time before ing to an imposed hierarchy; normally the to something like this: Be courteous and "blocking" their voice from further meet most recent post appears at the top of the respectful to all readers and writers. ings. On a blog, getting locked out of page. To see older posts-or to see com- Reflect before you leave a comment. future discussions can happen with the "Under the Hood" of a Blog (Us ing Quaker Blogs as Examples) byTomKim 1e best way to learn about blog deal with his interest in the emergence ging is to read, comment, and sub of postrnodernism in religion. He scribe to several of them. The blogos also has a series of Frequently phere--the collective online universe Asked Questions meant to intro of all blogs-already has a small but duce non-Quakers to Quaker beliefs active subculture ofQuaker blogs, and and practices. QJ.taker Magpie (jour the best way to explore that commu nal.earthwitness.org/the-quaker-magpie nity is through QuakerQuaker,
FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2007 ~ ~ ~ \...- .l. V ~\...-\...- l-.1.1.15 u \,.,.1.1 VV.1 d..l L\....1. ./ V by Mary DesRosiers
''what if we could have the kind and added new ones, increased the size of niversary this year-inviting alumni, for of schools that prepared the working farm that has always been cen mer teachers, and the wider fellowship of youngsters for the kind of tral to the school's life, responded to the Friends to join them-several former stu world we should have, instead of the students' needs for more recreation and dents were surveyed to find out how their world we do have?" That was the question arts spaces, and met the challenges of the experiences at the school had shaped their posed, in 1955, by George Bliss to a computer age. It has graduated more than lives. The questions included in the sur group of Friends who would soon 500 students from all over the country. vey were as broad as "How has your time become the first teachers at The Meeting At the heart of the school are the prin at TMS influenced who you are today?" School. When the early classes met in an ciples of responsibility, nonviolence, sim and as specific as "What do you remem old farmhouse in Rindge, New Hamp plicity, and integrity so essential to Friends ber about the food?" The responses were, shire, in 1957, those first teachers could practice. Unique to The Meeting School ofcourse, unique, but presented a striking scarcely have foreseen what their dream experience is the family living unit where unity across generations and geography. would look like 50 years later. students live in faculty homes, sharing the All the respondents cited the themes of Since those early days, The Meeting day-to-day rhythms of cooking and community and cooperation. Amy Hath School has expanded existing buildings housework. The founders of the school away ('83) writes, "I learned the impor set a model for finding a balance between tance of interdependence and how deeply Mary DesRosiers, a member of Monadnock the life of the mind, the dignity of physi one's decisions or actions can affect the Meeting in jaffrey, NH, is a journalist, musi cal labor, and the joy of the soul, all of whole, for better or worse. In times of cian, and dance caller. She has taught at Scat which the students have tried to emulate. conflict we had to learn forgiveness, hon tergood School as well as The Meeting School. As the school celebrates its 50th an- esty, and respect." Chris Bennett ('81)
18 September 2007 FRIENDS JOURNAL in charge of each other." format in his professional life and in his Tom Weidlinger ('69) experienced family: "We adopted meeting for business the school from both the student and for raising our kids. Anything we expect faculty perspectives, returning as an ed ofour daughters was deserving ofa log intern and houseparent in 1975. He ical explanation . . . and of a family meet credits the school with giving him his ing to arrive at a decision. Instead of stan "first experience of community and dard discipline, we arrived at a decision sense of family." A big part of that about consequences as a family. In my awakening to community for all was humble opinion, this method could not the meeting for business each week, be better." Even when the discussions were where the decisions that affected each painfUl and emotions ran high, alumni person in the community were made. remembered the true value of the deliber Meeting for business in the manner ation. "We didn't always succeed in solving of Friends-where input is made problems," writes Amy Hathaway, "but it prayerfully, and where collective dis was the process that taught us so much." cernment leads to unity, not majority Memories of farm and kitchen ranked rule-is central to the life of The high on the alumni's lists. "The school Meeting School. For students not influenced my career as a doctor," writes raised in Quaker families, that ap Chris Bennet. "Initially I wasn't sure of proach to running a school can seem what I wanted to do, but I was consider outlandish. Tom Morris ('02) writes of ing becoming a vet. Milking cows all year the gathering silence as "the longest ten long, sometimes because no one else minutes of my life." He adds, "I could wanted to, convinced me that I wanted to n't help but wonder, 'Who's in charge pursue either veterinary or human medi right now?"' For many students and cine." He adds, "Being outdoors was a faculty, learning the rhythm of meet great centering influence for me, remind ing for business takes months or years. ing me ofwhere I fit in the world." It's not But for most, the lessons of listening to all reverie, however; Paul Jaeger ('59) others and of airing differences mindfully remembers "rising at four in the morning last a lifetime. Jim Clark ('63) used the and trudging through two feet of snow
(Page 18) The past: students around the mailbox, in a photo taken around 1960 (This page) The present: wood chopping, apple picking, and lunch in Aurora dining room
All photos courtesy of The Meeting School
FRIENDS j OURNAL September 2007 19 to milk the cows." tine acuvmes there was a heightened Torn Morris writes of "relishing the awareness of the possible hurt it could idea of being part of a process, that is, if cause." She sums up the feelings ofall the you don't grow and prepare the food, then respondents when she cites "forgiveness you don't eat." "I saw the connections from and honesty" as being the most important the beginning," he says, "from ordering lessons she learned. the seed to planting the gardens, to plan Other memories shared by the survey ning the meals." Amy Hathaway remem respondents included music, particularly bers the downside of the equation: "I hat the lively rounds composed and taught by ed pruning trees, and killing chickens Joel Hayden, one ofThe Meeting School's founders. Singing is a part of the daily morning meeting at the school, and many former students and faculty have vivid remembrances of popular folksongs and impromptu performances. Sports, both organized and spontaneous, were also
wasn't much fun either." Turning com post, cutting and bringing in wood, and driving tractors and horse teams at chore time-all are part of a typical academic day at The Meeting School. Many alum ni have applied the lessons learned to their own families, and they are still involved in rural and urban gardening and coopera tive farm ventures. Jim Clark speaks for many when he writes, "Farming is how, if I could, I'd prefer to spend my life." "A large part of developing tolerance," writes Chris Bennet, "was when we were cooking for each other." The Meeting School setting was, for many students, the first time they'd been "on their own'' in breaking is taken very seriously. Tom mentioned. Jim Clark remembers an all the kitchen. "We were all pretty accept Morris speaks of the moment when he school game of Capture The Flag that ing," Bennet continues. "If I was on bak found out his actions affected others as an lasted for an entire weekend! ing crew, and we baked ten loaves of "epiphany": "When a faculty member Torn Weidlinger's image ofThe Meet tough, heavy 'doorstop bread' that was found I had not been truthful with her ing School as a "gold standard" for the what the household ate for the week." and called me on it, I recognized that she experiences he sought in adult life rings Amy Hathaway remembers the steep really cared for me. The system of being true for the other former students in the learning curve in her own tolerance: "The confronted by a fellow student or faculty survey. "I remember a whole onionskin of first time I tasted whole-wheat spaghetti member when you break a minute is so things, so many layers," writes Chris Ben was memorable, but I eventually found a effective." Jim Clark recalled after a drink net. "I established relationships in a way few things to like." Paul Jaeger remembers ing incident, "It was as though we had lost I'd never thought possible." "all the fresh cream and milk, and know our way, but the school had given us the Weidlinger also cites the "intellectual ing you had picked the fruit that was in tools to find our way back, including hav rigor" of his classes and the lasting gifts of the pies." Jim Clark quips, "I learned I ing the guts to go right to George (Bliss)'s the books he was required to read. Amy could eat just about anything the kitchen office and tell him the truth." Hathaway credits the school with her dai crew produced and stiU survive!" "I suffered the usual struggles of ado ly journaling practice and the habit of Surviving conflict was also a big part of lescence," writes Amy Hathaway, "but "quiet attention to the soul" she learned. the memories of the respondents. Since being at The Meeting School forced a cer The founders would indeed see many The Meeting School has "minutes" tain mindfulness about my actions. Was I changes at The Meeting School 50 years instead of rules governing student behav the model student many faculty members later, but their vision lives on in the young ior, and since those minutes are agreed thought me to be? Absolutely not-but men and women who are students today. upon by the whole community, minute- anytime I chose to participate in clandes- 0
20 September 2007 FRIENDS jOURNAL Table Matters A Glimpse of the Bird of Paradise We long for a place we can't articulate For years I have lived on like lyrics that can only be hummed small matters at table: or strains of music that aren't strained at all those mornings before school or the deadening of the drum. just barely taking in the bowl and spoon Mobbed by an inherited lemming response my father set out like lava's relentless march- at my place each day; in an unquestioned quest to Make a name for oneself, the way fingers grazed we're entombed in Reach for the stars. when the milk was passed; the patient music But we were known before we were born, before the universe became un-one, of serving things, before the uncharted continents were torn the last helpings scraped by countless discriminating sons. from a dented pot. Oblivious to the unbidden And later, on the delicacies while the obvious (thus hidden) wraps us like a womb, of play as my teacher's hand we fawn over famous figures, moved over my work, and fail to follow the tune: doing its little dance, hovering there the silencing of synapses with the grace of a gull just before the sneeze, over words set down the dark of night phone call as we salvaged scraps that crumples confident knees, along the shores of the page. the unexpected snowfall's aaahhh, the chasm before the kiss, by joseph A Chelius but if we're lucky enough to be looking, this inexplicable this:
a tiny crevice in the crust of time, a subtle but massive rift joseph A. Chelius attends Fallsington (Pa.) as the continental self collides Meeting. with some counter-consciousness shift.
It's an invitation to lose one's self in a whispered wink of bliss Becky Banasiak Code attends Athens that in the herd of making one's mark (Ohio) Meeting. is so sheepishly dismissed.
To pin a label, to plant a flag is the slamming of this door. Yet once the canary has caught the kitty, there's this taste of unnameable more.
by Becky Banmiak Cotle
FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2007 21 Living Truth at The Woolman Semester
by Elizabeth De Sa
n late 2003 I was at a peak of emotional and spiritual turmoil. I I was teaching middle and high school in Adelaide, Australia, and attending Quaker meeting regularly. However, I felt dissatisfied with how categorized my life had become. My spirit was the thread holding all the pieces together, yet I felt so shallowly grounded that I was unable to be as authentic in various areas as I desired. Six years before, when I was 23, teaching had seemed the most likely vocation for me. I loved to challenge myself and inspire others, and through exposure to a melting pot of ideas and questions I could ensure continued learning and thinking for myself Yet somehow that had not been the case. I had taught at a number of schools--state schools in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia; an alternative school; and years. Into my mind swam Left: a view of the campus then a rather elitist inde a collage of myself grow Above: Elizabeth De Sa, right, with a student, Celia Chatham pendent school in Ade ing my own food, living laide. Over the years I simply, teaching the values then on, I wanted to consciously choose became increasingly de I thought really mattered, my style and mode of living, not simply spondent with what I was raising children, growing accept what was passed down to me. doing. Within the public in a loving and fulfilling An idea formed of the type of school I school sector I felt like a relationship, writing, do wanted to live and teach at-a Quaker state-employed babysitter; at the alterna ing prison ministry, playing my flute, community where I could let my life tive school I felt that offering students and meditating. The Divine was the basis speak. I wanted freedom to explore what complete freedom to choose had turned of it all- but they weren't interested in really mattered to me, and I wanted to gift into permission to avoid challenge; and at that. They were asking me about my that freedom to my students. I wanted to the independent school, with increasingly professional goals, which were somehow live and work at a school that inspired rigid standards and protocols, I felt that I separate from and extraneous to my per young people rather than taught them to was constantly jumping through hoops sonal goals. conform, a place where I could be authen and forcing my students to conform, all Integrity, as a testimony, was unfolding tic and so give young people the permis the while ensuring that I kept the cus in my life. My soul was persistently sion to be authentic too. I wondered if tomer satisfied. I felt as though I had lost demanding alignment of my inner and such a place existed. myself and sold my soul. outer selves--otherwise, I would never In August 2006, my search led me to When I was interviewed for the posi know inner peace. In order to do that, I become the Environmental Science tion at the independent school I had been sensed a call within myself to go deep, to teacher at The Woolman Semester in the asked what I saw myself doing in ten put down roots, and to explore who I am. Sierra foothills of California. Over time I Elizabeth De Sa is a young adult Friend, of I left Australia and went to Pendle Hill learned that neither the school nor the Indian descent, raised in the UK, who attends for a year of deep spiritual exploration. community was perfect. I found many Grass Valley Meeting on the campus of The Still not knowing quite how to proceed, I faults with the place, but gradually, as I Woolman Semester at Sierra Friends Center in spent seven more months exploring made a commitment to the school, I dis Nevada Cil)l Calif For information on The intentional communities and working on covered that the problems became chal Woolman Semester, see
22 September 2007 FRIENDS jOURNAL that solutions were being actions against small farm sought and could be found ers for cross-pollination of because we aspire to practice genetically modified corn Quaker process. T he Greek on their farms beyond their word for faith, pistis, trans control. We look at the lates literally as "faith in ac effect of lifestyle and con tion." We intend to seek sumerism on the environ Truth, not make changes ment, global warming, and because ofhuman or world oil and energy production. ly motives. Students build bikes and The Woolman Semester is a high school semester Above: a moment of worship before a backpacking trip program. We teach peace, Right: installing an oudet during a service learning trip to a clinic in Mexico social justice, and environ mental sustainability. It is an intense and ful stories and understand them in a rigorously academic program. Students global context. get one year's worth of credit and are In teaching "Food," I encourage expected to show up to do the work that the students to question conventional needs to be done-here, and in the world. methods of agricultural production. They choose to do so. Students come here This topic challenges everyone at because they are passionate about peace, some level because it deals with a basic social justice, and the environment. Often human need and how it interplays they are disillusioned with society and the with economics, politics, spirituality, education system. Through The Wool the environment, and human desires. man Semester they seek to discover who Some students feel outraged and help they are, to let their Light shine. less when they learn the truth about the cycle eight miles uphill to the nearest Teaching here is exciting. As a teacher, global food market. They tell me how town for critical mass pedal power dem I have more freedom to challenge and there are more fast food joints than gro onstrations to show the world that alter inspire than I've ever had before. One of cery stores in their neighborhood. They natives to cars exist and can be fun. Then the first things we look at is Environmen question how they can afford to buy in Local Ecology and Deep Ecology, I tal Science in the. context of Quakerism. healthy, organic food when no grocery invite the students to approach the What is science? How is science taught in store in their neighborhood stocks it. We wilderness as something sacred, some schools? What do society and the educa visit a meat lab to watch animals being thing we are a part of, and we seek to rec tion system expect of you? We consider slaughtered. We tackle the moral impli oncile the science of the environment the testimonies and how our lives speak cations of eating meat, which is inherent with the spiritual. empowerment versus hopelessness-and ly violent, as well as consider the possi Ultimately, I expect students to take re how to make effective change in the bility of plant consciousness, in order to sponsibility for their own learning. I treat world. Discussions within this topic have encourage students to eat consciously. them as mature young people, and they ranged from anger at the way science is Students struggle with what they have usually rise to the occasion. They can taught in public schools, to considering discovered and the fact that they still love negotiate assignments and the curriculum how our culture uses silence and inaction the taste of meat. Some change their eat to meet their passions and needs, though as weapons of oppression in how we treat ing habits, some don't, but the learning I don't hesitate to challenge them by ask people and the environment, and how is illuminating. ing why they are doing so. I give them the we as individuals are treated. Because of We also study Genetic Engineering at permission, and I show them how to make the level of trust and vulnerability fostered The Woolman Semester. Students have this experience one of their own choosing. in this community, students are able to coordinated a phone campaign to Mon We go on two trips during the semes share their personal and sometimes pain- santo, asking them to justifY their legal ter-a one-week wilderness hiking trip during which students do a 36-hour solo, and a three-week service learning trip to The Woolman Semester is a single-semester academic exploration ofpeace , social Mexico where we study water issues, bor justice, and environmental sustainability. Students live on our 230-acre cam der issues, consumerism, tolerance, jus pus and become members ofa close, caring, multigenerational ~ com tice, and injustice along the way. We en munity. Thought-provoking class discusswns, hands-on lab work, and offiite courage students to engage in dialogue expeditions link coursework to what goes on in the world around us. As the only instead of polarized debate, and to seek semester program among Friends schools, The Woolman Semester provides a multiple perspectives on every issue. Along unique, intensive experience for students. The Woolman Semester asks high the Mexican-American border we take a school students in their junior, senwr, or post-graduate year to fuUy engage and tour with American Friends Service Com take ownership oftheir education. mittee, talk to border patrol officers, and -Shana Maziarz, head ofschool meet the Minutemen-vigilantes who have taken it upon themselves to patrol
FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2007 23 the border and report illegal immigrants. Students take their learning out to the wider community. They host a social Olney Friends School issues forum in town, and write and per form theatre pieces based on such autobi Barnesville, OH Est. 1837 ographies as Mohandas Gandhi, Frida Kahlo, Adolf Hitler, and Che Guevara. As Good schooL Good friends. a community we aspire to increasing envi ronmental and human sustainability. We • Intellectually challenging have chickens, sheep, and a llama, and we grow some of our own food. Students • College preparatory have worked on sustainability projects such as installing a drip irrigation system • Coeducational boarding in the garden, practicing permaculture, and day high school building and installing hot water solar panels, building a greenhouse from recy • Supportive Quaker cled material, and increasing energy effi community ciency by using clothes lines in summer and drying racks in winter. Overall, stu ~vtilues: dents learn practical skills and tangible ways to increase the sustainability of their lives back home. Over the course of 16 weeks, students learn about the state of the world in a way not enough adults know. They expe rience hopelessness, fear, and empowering activism. They learn firsthand that opting out of the system and doing nothing is not an effective means ofexp ression. They question their lives and their place within the world. And I aspire to listen to them. As a learning and living community, we stand at the edge of awareness and LEARNING action. Through meeting for worship and the study of Humanities and Ethics, stu dents are exposed to the spiritual founda DlFFERENT tions underneath our work that demand a paradigm shift. We demonstrate to the students how changes stemming from this shift bring joy rather than a sense of IS OFTEN deprivation. We accept that conflict inevitably arises, and we all work on skills such as "Non-Violent Communication" BETTER. (a method of communication to resolve conflict and deeply listen to each other For Students with Learning Differences developed by Marshall Rosenberg) to deal Multisensory teaching strategies for diverse learning styles with it in a positive and enriching way. Last semester a student told me that College Preparatonj ·Grades 7-12 · Summer Program the most powerful lessons she had learned from me had not been in the classroom, but from seeing how I live out my values Prospective Parents Open House dates for 2007-2008: and beliefs. Here at The Woolman Semes October 24 ·November 28 · December 12 ter, in community, I feel supported in January 30 ·February 20 · March 12 ·April 16 · May 21 practicing authenticity and being the per Professional Open House: January 16 son I was called to be. This is a powerful statement, one that young people need to DELAWARE VALLEY FRIENDS SCHOOL see. And from my students I have learned Ill l ,1-..t Cl·nlr September 2007 FRIENDS JOURNAL FRIENDS ]OURNAL Name: ______subscriptions are $39 for Address: ______12 great issues (save 35%) 0 Payment enclosed in my own City:------envdope (Checks payable to FRIENDS JoURNAL) State: _ ____ Zip: _ ____ Outside North America please add $12/year e-mail: ------0 Bill me later. Gift 1 ($39) Gift 2 ($39) Name: ------ Name: ------ Address: ------Address: ------City:------City:------State: ------Zip: _____ State: ______Zip: _ ____ e-mail: ------e-maiL· ------For faster services, subscribe online: www.friendsjournal.org or caU toll free: (8oo) 471-6863 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO 35933 PHILADELPHIA PA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE FRIENDS JOURNAL 1216 ARCH ST STE 2A PHILADELPHIA PA 19107-9370 I ••• III.J ••••• IIII ••• J••• II.J •••• II.J ••• III ••••• II.I • REFLECTIONS of a sock. It can help to have the right tools. Sometimes it's how we reference personal Mending the You need materials-bits of wood, doth, events. It's in a family's history. yarn. But mostly it just requires patience. The making of war is high on the list of Mending takes time. government priorities. There seem to be no World Then there is the relationship that gets bro limits to our country's expenditures for war. ken or torn or frayed around the edges. The We as individuals participate in this process by Pamela Haines impulse to just throw it out and get a new one each time we write a check to the IRS. can be strong. But we can practice mending Against this backdrop, peace seems almost ur world is torn and broken. Many here as well-acknowledging our parr, listen a foreign concept. The alternative choice. parts of it are not working. There are ing from the heart, saying we're sorry, not giv Outside the mainstream. Nebulous. Almost great tears and gashes, holes and O ing up on ourselves or the other person, put impossible. Arduous, like pushing a rock up a frayed edges. What it needs is mending. And ting in the time to be in contact. hill. A void. What's going to replace all those in general that's something we're not very What if we thought of mending as a criti statues of generals and lists of the dead? Is this good at. Ours is not a culture of mending. cal activity in our quest for a truly livable why we feel so boxed in by a construct that Somewhere along the line we got confused world? Then every time we sewed a button, could obliterate our planet and ourselves? and started believing that ifsomething is broken every time we apologized, or repaired some The reality is that peace is life-affirming, or torn we should throw it out and get a new thing rather than throwing it out, we could kinder to us and the planet, and much, much one. We are not helped in this by a system that remember that we are building the skills, mus less costly. It is vital to our survival. In our is focused on consumption rather than quali cles, and attitudes that are needed to make our hearts, it is what we devoutly wish for and ty-that produces things with an intentional world whole. know is the only way. ly short life so that it can sell us more. We need to redefine ourselves, our envi But we can't throw out the world. It's been Pamela Haines is a member ofCentral Philadel rons, our country, and our world in terms of around for quite a while, and it's worth saving. phia (Pa.) Meeting peace. Many of us are working for peace bur Besides, it's the only one we have. s~we sometimes Quakers think of themselves as have to learn to mend. "islands" of peace in a violent world. Instead, This is not a hardship. Not long ago, I had let us weave peace into the fabric of society the privilege ofhelping a young woman mend Living Outside and put it on the calendar, into the budget, a favorite dress. A small hole had made it into the culture, and in the national psyche. unwearable. We found a place around a seam in We can start with ourselves. Why not cel the hem where we could cut out a tiny bit of the Box ebrate our own personal Peace Day, create a fabric and sew it back up to leave no trace. peace budget, make a decision to choose non Then, with the tiniest of stitches, she sewed by Fran Palmeri violent entertainment, and forego war news? I that bit of fabric over the hole. It took quite a am sure our children can come up with won while, but when it was done her beloved dress ometimes in meeting for worship we are derful ideas. was restored, and we'd had an evening togeth knocked off our comfortable seats by rev Kurt Rowe, a member of Sarasota Meet er to cherish. elations arising from messages from S ing, e-mailed us this postscript: "In a world To mend something well, you have to without and within. Last year on Veterans consumed with violence and war perhaps giv understand how it's put together. How do the Day weekend, the vocal ministry at Sarasota ing or receiving a hug is a good place to start seams work in a dress? What is the process of (Fla.) Meeting, led off by our beloved Friend the change our planet and species needs." knitting that will allow me to repair a long Eileen O'Brien, focused on war and peace, unraveling? It can be hard when, in order to and evoked much discussion after meeting, all Fran Palmeri is a dual member of Sarasota fix something, you have to take a first step that of which prompted these thoughts: (Fla.) and Annapolis (Md.) Meetinf!. makes it worse. I don't mind disassembling War is concrete: tanks, guns, planes, and things; if I just pay attention I have a fair soldiers marching. Reminders of war are scat amount of confidence that I can get them tered about our landscapes: in museums; ceme back together. But with my wobbly dining teries; city squares (lots of generals on horses); On Being a room chairs I needed the support of a more in Hometown, USA, where lists ofthe fallen are experienced friend to know that, before they honored on plaques; and in Washington, D.C., could be solidly reglued, I had to knock the where the Vietnam Wall is the most visited Grandmother joints completely apart. Once I had good memorial. In my area, there's even a World War access to all those pegs and holes, it was easy II fighter plane outside a restaurant. by Connie McPeak Green to know what to do. War is embedded in the culture: It's glam I think we just need to practice, knowing orized in movies, music, plays, books, veryone said just wait- being a grand that it's time well spent-practice sewing but videogames, and on the evening news. It is in mother is the most wonderful thing in tons back on (and snipping them off the shirts our language. We "battle" for the environ Ethe world. I thought to myself: yeah, that are beyond repair, so we'll have some extras ment and, ironically, for peace and social jus yeah ... whatever! But, then the first time I in time of need); practice taping torn books or tice. War is ceremony, parades, and a national heard little Nate cry, about three minutes after maps; practice gluing broken parts together. holiday. War is fraternity. Think of all the he was born I had the physical sensation of my Sometimes there's skill involved-putting organizations that bring together those that heart opening up wide-I mean as wide as the new doth underneath a frayed part to give it have been involved in its making. Bravery in universe. It was an amazing sensation, quite strength, then stitching to make them one; battle is a yardstick some use to measure the shocking to me. The first time I held him, and whittling a replacement part till it fits just character of a man. every time since, I have found myself trans right; creating a tidy woven patch in the heel It is how we organize the study of history. ported to a place of deep, centered joy. T he FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2 007 25 only other experience I can equate it to is the God consciousness that comes sometimes in meeting for worship or when I am in a med itative state. Our heart connection and Nate's pure little spirit have become a portal for me. I suspect that this is a transient experience, one that will not continue as he gets older and more sophisticated. I hope I am wrong. My sense is that now his essence is still so pure, unsullied if you will, that he is directly con nected to the Divine without any of the blocks we take on as we experience life. Our essential self is the connection to the Divine and babies haven't developed a false or social self yet. I know that there are young women and men who connect with their babies in this deeper way. T hey may have less of the self protective crust that I found it necessary ro take on to make my way in the world. When Lower School Mid.. IUpper I was a young mother my inner life was too Visiton• Mornings Visitors' Momings Pre-k-Grade 4 Grades 5-12 chaotic and fearful for me to connect except for a few times during late night feedings. My Thundlly, October 4th 'I'IHndlly, October 25th Wednesday October 17th 8:45 am-11:00 am inner life now is less encumbered with some Thursday, November 8th of the fears, judgments, and deceptions of my For more Information, 9:00 am-11 :00 am please call: 61G-649-7440 earlier life, so I am more receptive. This may For more infonnation, www.friendscentral.org be one of the gifts of having lived long enough please call: 610-642-7575 to rediscover and reclaim some of that which Friends' is essential in myself. My life intention now is C E N T R A L to be free of anything that blocks me from experiencing the flow of Divine Love in my life. It is, I think, the movement into wisdom, which comes with getting older. Our litt!e What does it mean when people say Nate brings the precious gift of immeasurable joy, peace, and hope. His innocence opens me to the infinite. Holding him transports me to Active Retirement? the dimension where we connect with that of ... the residents ofFriends Home God in each of us. It is the Kingdom of H eav en, which Jesus said "is among you." It is the and Village volunteer in the community, place from which the world may be trans garden and live independently among Friends. formed. My grandson, Nate, is helping me to find my way. One and Two Bedroom Connie McPeak Green is a member of Cleve Garden Apartments Available. land (Ohio) Meeting and is the grandmother of Nate McPeak. Thoughts on the Affordable, Peace Testimony Independent and Assisted Living by Elizabeth A. Osuch in the Quaker Tradition. have been scruggling with what to say about the Peace Testimony for several I weeks now. Every time I think about the FRIENDS HOME AND VILLAGE problems they become more complex and seemingly insolvable. For example, consider Newtown, Pennsylvania @ the following biological reality. In naturalistic 215.968.3346 • friendshomeandvillage.org studies of primates in groups in the wild, revenge and similar violent acting out is September 2 007 FRIENDS JoURNAL advantageous. There are hormonal, biochem instance with which we were all faced. At first NEWTOWN FRIENDS ical alterations that occur in male nonhuman it struck me as insane. If we did that then the SCHOOL primates in response to the stress of being whole world would be overtaken by "bad peo "bested" by another male. But if the victim ple" who would destroy us and wreak havoc. ized male then goes and attacks another ani After my two days of rage and thoughts of mal, that in turn relieves his stress. This is the revenge, my Peace Corps mentality conclud biological equivalent of the old adage "S ed that the solution might be to take every rolls downhill." Violence in response to vio- sixth (or so) household in this country and lence resolves the distressed state of the victim. exchange them with a family in Mghanistan Without that "resolution" the animal is at risk and other Arab countries for 8-12-month for many negative consequences from abnor stays. What an interesting exercise that would mally high stress hormones. Similar findings be! So many of us would learn so much and 'The accomplislunents of adults in the field of social psychology confirm this so many of them would also. In face, maybe begin as the dreams of children. basic principal in humans. It is an inescapable we'd each stop being a "we" and a "they." reality of our biological inheritance as human It didn't happen that way, of course. Our Newtown Friends is a place organisms on this planet. collective response was much closer to our where dreams begin." This is a difficult and painful challenge to biological roots. And now there are other - NFS Mission Statement have to transcend. What it means, essentially, nations defending their violent self-defense is that every stressor inflicted upon a person with the same rationale we used only a few Pre,K to Grade 8 predisposes that person to act out violently, months ago. And there is mounting violence unless the person has learned how to manage from us towards other nations in self-defense. OPEN HOUSE differently. I think this is fai rly easy to confirm In the months afrer September 11 I carne October 28, 2007 ifone looks at one's own feelings and reactions to the realization that a "self' is not worth 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. as well as those of others. I can certainly see it defending. It is only the current of Love (or every time I drive in rush hour in the metro- God) running through each of us that is For further information, politan D.C. area. But as something other worth defending. Being alive is not an end call 215-968-2225, or visit than a complete pessimist and nihilist, I need unto itself, loving one another is. In a culture us at newtownfriends.org to believe that there is a better way to resolve that measures success by the amount of per this biochemical and neuropsychological sonal possessions, money, longevity, and pow II~IN,IhP~II~~ predicament than violence. Predisposing er over others one has, it is hard to remember P.waie ~~~ .&1-U someone to a type of action is not the same as that we are judged not by these measures, but unconditionally "causing" that type of action. by the amount of love and compassion we That is, provided we stop and think and have been able co freely give. And not just to choose our reactions and responses rather than one's own family and friends, but to one's self act on "reflex." and one's enemies equally. To one's worst ene Consider for a moment what it would real mies. To the people who hurt us. ly mean to not create reasons for interperson If these principles were easy to live by then al violence--to not cause others distress. It the peoples of the world would have already would mean not taking things at the expense begun doing so in large numbers. We have We manage Investment Portfolios of others. It would mean not tolerating other not. Yet they are the principles of every major from a socially responsible perspective people being hurt or hungry. On September world religion. Spiritual disciplines struggle Financial Advisory 11 , I am told, about 35,000 people around desperately to challenge our innate biological the globe died ofsrarvatio n-as they do every drives to discharge distress by using violence. Socially Responsible Investment other day of the year as well. What would it I'm willing to keep trying, failing, and try Portfolios that perform mean co not tolerate that? What does not ing I have no idea what else to do. again. Custodians: C harles Schwab causing others distress mean about the 7 per Bear Stearns Sec. Inc. cent of all the world's oil reserves that go to Elizabeth A. Osuch, from Baltimore Yearry U.S. automobiles while people around the Meeting, is currento/ sojourning at Goldstream (410) 745-3550 world don't have fuel to cook a meal or heat a Meeting in 1/derton, Ont., where she read this www.nethompson.com home? What does it mean about buying the essay to the meeting. [email protected] SUV that gets 18 miles to the gallon but is big so that "we" can be safe in an accident (never mind the people in the small cars)? What does it mean about our assertion that we have a right to defend our lifestyle by bombing one CREMATION of the poorest countries in the world? To Friends are reminded that the choose a side, co take a stance against another, Anna T. Jeanes Fund will reimburse cremation costs. causes distress. There is no way around that. (Applicable to members of In the aftermath of September 11 I Philadelphia Yearly Meeting only.) thought quite a bit about the story of Christ For Information, write that involved his injunction to "turn the och DORIS CLINKSCALE 414 Foulkeways er cheek'' if struck on one cheek I wondered Gwynedd, PA 19436 what that would look like in the particular FRIENDS JoURNAL September 2007 27 '-""' I \,...;\.../ I I~ l..l '-...;""' L ~ Friends School Strengths, Weaknesses, "the small school that makes big people" and Clerking by Mariellen Gilpin I was minding my own business one day draft minute ahead of time. By doing rhis, when the idea came to me that someday, business meeting was less likely to get bogged someone would ask me to be clerk. "No way!" down deciding on the perfect word choice. Since I thought at once, and began practicing the committee reports were electronic, I began word no. My main reason for refusing was preparing detailed printed agendas including because psychiatric medication greatly limited the text of proposed minutes. All Friends had Greene Street Friends School my attention span. I simply didn't have the the minute in front of them. The new agen 5511 Greene Street energy to clerk the marathon business meet das helped Friends stay focused. I shared the Philadelphia, PA 19144 ings we were having. electronic version of the agendas with the • T he idea went away, bur presented itself recording clerk. She loved them-they drasti Pre-K through Grade 8 Founded in 1855 again a few weeks later. "No way!" I thought cally cut the amount of time she spent taking again, and again practiced saying no. The idea minutes and typing them afterwards. This went away again, only to return a rhird time a allowed her to focus on recording Friends' Please call TODAY for a few weeks later. "Wait a minute," I said. "Is concerns during discussions at the meeting. tour. 215-438-7545 rhis You?" Controversial matters were referred to spe I suddenly began thinking about clerking cially called meetings for business, in which in a different way. I realized the person who the controversy was the only matter dealt was currently clerk had a disability, too. with. Two short business meetings were easier Friends simply adapted to his needs with per on me than one requiring O lympian Guidelines for Writers fect matter-of-factness and lack ofr esentment. endurance. Friends who dreamed up new I understood that Friends would accommo items of business on their way to business The articles that appear in FRIENDS date my disability too, and that I did have gifrs meeting were firmly encouraged to season JouRNAL are freely given; authors receive to bring to the task of clerking. I told God I them in the appropriate committee and have copies of the issue in which their article would serve when asked. A few weeks later, the committee bring it back to a later business appears. Manuscripts submitted by non someone called and asked if I would accept meeting. Committees- rather than the entire Friends are welcome. We prefer articles the nomination. I was ready. business meeting-dealt with half-baked written in a fresh, nonacademic style, I hung up the phone and turned to God in ideas, and good ideas got better in committee using language that clearly includes both prayer: "Thank You for all Your gifts, as more ideas were contributed. sexes. We appreciate receiving Quaker strengths, and weaknesses alike. My strengths Shortly, business meetings dropped from related humor. are also my weaknesses, and You turn my three or four hours to an hour and a half •!• maximum 2,500 words; electronic weaknesses into strengths in Your service. and on a couple of memorable occasions, to submissions are encouraged Thank You for helping me dedicate all my 45 minutes. I personally invited newcomers to strengths and all my weaknesses to loving, participate in business meetings. They came, •!• include full references for serving, and pleasing You." found our process worthwhile, and came all quotations In my early days in the clerk's chair, I began back. Because there were new faces and new •!• author's name and address should to see ways to keep our business meetings ideas in business meetings, any bad group appear on the manuscript from becoming marathons. I asked Friends to dynamics were jiggled around so that new, e-mail their committee reports to me two days better interactions took shape. Instead of feel •!• for the full guidelines, see before business meeting. Reading reports ing totally wrung out after business meeting September 2007 FRIENDS j OURNAL Based on a $10,000 cash gift, the chart below shows examples of how a gift annuity. could also provide you or your loved ones with tax savings and a lifetime income. For more information, check the items you would like to see and mail this card, or call our Advancement Coordinator toll free at (800) 471-6863. 0 our booklet on charitable gift planning 0 a gift annuity illustration for the 0 sample bequest language for your will birthdates below Name: Annual Annuity Charitable Birthdate: Rate Income Deduction Name: 65 6.0% $600 $3,854 70 6.5% $650 $4,198 Birthdate: 75 7.1 o/o $710 $4,626 Address: 80 8.0% $800 $5,053 City: 85 9.5% $950 $5,368 State: Zip: 90 11.3% $1,130 $5,807 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO 35933 PHILADELPHIA PA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE FRIENDS JOURNAL 1216 ARCH ST STE 2A PHILADELPHIA PA 19107-9370 1••• 111.1 ••••• 1111 ••• 1••• 11.1 •••• 11.1 ••• 111 ••••• 11.1 as necessary. I look back on my three years of clerking and I see that, indeed, God took my weakness-my inability to focus for long peri ods of rime--and turned it into a strength in God's service. I am awed. I am grateful. Marie/len Gilpin is a member of Urbana Friends General Conference nurtures a vibrant future for Champaign (IlL) Meeting. She edits What Canst Quakerism by providing Thou Say? quarterly newsletter on Quakers, spiritual and practical mystical experience, and contemplative practice. resources for individuals, meetings, and the Religious Silence ~ ofFpends as a by Harold Heritage There is something quiet coming out of the Silence-quieter than a whisper, a heart beat, a breath, a rhythm, a sensing of bright colors, or a transparency of nature. When your mind is quiet, the Light will manifest its intelligence. When your mind is very quiet, you sense a natural joy; an openness and a clarity. The world has a profound stillness about it. You may feel a keen oneness and communion with the world; an absence of fear, and a peacefulness. Through the Silence we have the power to hold ourselves in the Light, and in that Light we become aware of our higher purpose. One is able to enter into the silence, which enables us to tap the Universal Energy. To enter the Silence signifies the silencing "Sometimes I feel as if we of all unreality: of doubt, fear, false beliefs, worry, complaining, grief, ofeverything that is have our own life-time of our outer personality, all that hinders the Creative Force. learning establishment:' Physical vibrations are aroused in the -A Foxdale Resident vibratory centers of the body. The physical and the Light are united, creating a group Opportunities for growth abound at Foxdale Village, mind-part of the Universal Energy. The a community where each resident is encouraged to live motivating force is love. fully and compassionately, with respect and care for When two or three are gathered in silence each other. Three levels of care contribute to a graceful and touched by the Light Within, they are life at Foxdale: residential living in ground-floor garden aware of universal truth. Opinions are no apartments, assisted living, and skilled nursing. longer an issue. Each has a feeling for the truth • Front-door public transportation to theatres, in each situation. The truth comes in a sense museums, sporting events, and shopping of unity. We begin to listen and hear the oth er person in a totally different way. We are • Cultural and educational really listening and love avails itself Q opportunities at nearby · Foxdal e Penn State's campus Harold Heritage, born a Quaker and now in • Reasonable fees include , his 80s, attends meeting for worship regularly ~ Vi II age at HadtUJnfield (NJ) Meeting. This short lifetime medical care A Quaker-Directed Continuing essay originally appeared in the HadtUJnfield and pharmacy Care Retirement Community Meeting newsletter. It is the policy of Foxdale ViUage to be fully inclusivei@I'"'• and not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, '• ®- national origin, familial status, ancestry, gender, ~..,,. •..., ' - sexual orientation, religion, handicap, or disability. :>::."''"' =·~ SOO J:m;t \htr) I) n .\\cnue • State College. P.\ 1680 I • www.foxdale\ illagc.org For more information call (814) 238 - 3~)22 or (800) 253-4951 FRIENDS j OURNAL September 2007 29 • BOOKS From West Point to Quakerism By Mike Heller. Pendle Hill Pamphlet #389, *All graduates accepted to college 2007. 36pages. $5. How can a path that runs through West *Self-directed, lifelong learning Point wind up at a Quaker meetinghouse? As we follow Mike Heller along this difficult journey, we begin co understand just how many and varied are the ways that can lead to Quaker &ith. In a sense, there was always a Friend making his presence known quietly *Laptop computer program within the young cadet, who "learned that there is more than one way co be tough mind *Daily Collection, weekly ed." To be a pacifist does not mean to be pas Meeting for Worship sive, but co be peaceful and patient, and it takes a great effort of "cough mindedness" to survive in an environment that denies peace and patience (both inwardly and outwardly) in favo r of decisive force. Among those who, like Heller, grew up in military families, sur rounded by military culture and protocol, it is possible to find loyalty, kindness, dignity, friendship, and beauty, and to nurture a gen tle heart within. God is present at West Point, just like anywhere (and everywhere) else. This pamphlet tells the story of one man's growing recognition of the nature of his own character and soul, a recognition that leads him to seek a new life more in keeping with his experience of God and himsel£ After reading this story, the path "from West Point to Quakerism" does not seem any more improbable than any other path that follows the guidance of the Personalized Care in the Inward Teacher-a guide who can see the Quaker Tradition faintest trail through even the most difficult landscapes, and always find a way home. Since 1896 - Kirsten Backstrom Kirsten Backstrom is a member ofMultnomah A Quiet, Meeting in Portland, Oreg. Home-Like Setting in a Endeavors to Mend: Beautifully Landscaped Perspectives on British Atmosphere Quaker Work in the World Today • Private Rooms, Suites and • Recreational Activities Edited by Brian Phillips with john Lampen. Apartments Britain Yearo/ Meeting, 2006. 127 pages. • 24 Hour Security $23/soft cover. • Assistance with Activities of Daily • Some Financial "Can we be open co learning &om each Living Assistance Available other's experiences, and let them nourish our &ith?" This is the question at the center of this • Emergency Response System highly readable anthology of reflections on the • Three Nutritious, Home-Cooked For information please endeavors of Quakers co mend some of our Meals Served Daily in Elegant call856-235-4884 world's broken places. In a few succinct pages, nine modern-day philosophers invite us to Surroundings 28 Main Street, explore perspectives on personal experience • Linen and Housekeeping Services Moorestown, NJ 08057 and individual faith-two concepts that underpin tl1e life of Quaker founder George Fox, who turned his back on religious experi- 30 September 2007 FRIENDS J OURNAL ence retold to him by others, and advocated instead for a F.Uth that one could experience individually, firsthand. But experiencing this way is not the same thing as turning a deaf ear to others' experi ences. Nor is it the same as being isolated in one's religious experience. Quakerism has long nurtured a delicate balance between individual experience and community witness. Thus the Religious Society of Friends has a long tradi tion-beginning with the mid-17th-century tracts--of publishing the depth of individual experience as inspiration and guidance for oth Foulkeways at Gwynedd, community ers who seek to understand-and perhaps ~ members look forward to exploring new have-similarly powerful experiences. Endeav horizons and re-establishing past interests and ors to Mend continues that tradition, noting the value ofmonthly meetings, yearly meetings, and hobbies. There 's always something close at F.Uth-based economic trusts as a support for hand to inspire both mind AND body! those individual and community experiences. So, what are you doing with the Phillips and Lampen's collection of essays second half of YOUR life? Guided by Quaker Values follows this tradition of honoring individual experience in the context of community wit For more information about life at Foulkeways 1120 Meetinghouse Road ness. All of the authors weave the threads of Continuing Care Retirement Community, call Gwynedd , PA 19436 the "demands of the Spirit versus the condi Lori Schmidt at 215-283-7010 in the 215-643-2200 tions of the world." All address the question Residency Information Office today. www.foulkeways.org ofgrowing into a ministry of peace rather than arriving at war-torn places in the world with a Rlulkeways at Gwynedd does not discriminate rigid plan of action, and all address the crucial on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, handicap or sexual orientation. difference between being "pacifist" and "pas sivist" as Friends seek a "truly dynamic Quak er global witness." The editors inspire by reminding us of many quotations and concepts that will be familiar to many Friends (for example, George Fox's concept of an ocean of darkness over spread with an ocean of Light.) But the edi Quaker Faith in Practice tors also include some aspects of inspiration that will surprise the reader, and expand our thinking on such subjects as "reconciliation" at Pendle Hill and "the peacemaker within." Similarly, the edi tors suggest some new ways of thinking about October 22-26 the smallness of our worldwide Quaker com Faith to Follow: munity. In addition, the volume abounds Responding to Call with personal truths and thought-provoking with Viv Hawkins ideas delivered in the eloquence of Quaker simple language. For example: "I wrote this November 2-4 book, in pare, to see if what I still believed, in Inquirers' Weekend: spite and indeed because of my experience of working with violent conflict, was capable of Basic Quakerism explanation-to myself and to others." with Jean-Marie Batrh and Michael Cronin The reader will be treated to some won November 16-18 derful prose and will glean new information about aspects of Friends' work in the world Clerlcina: Servinc the Community both the work itself, and some of the philo with Joy and Confidence sophical postures that underlie that work. In rtillh Atthur IMiabee addition, the volume contains a tantalizing bibliography, highlighting both the 17th- and 18th-century roots of Quakers' F.Uth/work and the writings of modern-day prophets. Here, however, is the book's major weak ness-proofreading-for some of the cita tions and bibliographic entries have errors that may make it difficult for the reader to track FRIENDS j OURNAL September 2007 31 visit to Eli's workshop helps the main charac ter, Punchinello, or his friend, Lucia, learn an important lesson: l. We don't have to believe others' assess ments of our worth [You The oldest Quaker school in the world, are Special in book 1]. William Penn Charter School embraces The gold stars and gray tradition and welcomes innovation. down a desired item. Never dots the Wemmicks give theless, the intrepid researcher will eventu each other won't stick to ally locate the desired additional reading. Punchinello if he doesn't accept them as true. An anthology always runs the risk of lack Essential Quaker principles and practice 2. No "ances-tree" is better than another ing cohesion, of being a series of disparate guide Penn Charter, a Friends school [Best ofAU in book 1]. Punchinello is looked voices that lack a common theme. The editors by birthright and conviction. Within a down upon for being made of willow (but have overcome that danger by calling forth their diverse community, we engage srudents doesn't look willowy) until his willow supple in a stimulating and rigorous educational assessing of five defining characteristics of ness saves the day. program. We foster academic discipline and Quaker work in the world, and bracketing the 3. Owning certain things doesn't make us intellecrual curiosity to prepare graduates essays with this framework. The characteris better [You are Mine in book 2]. Punchinello for higher education and for life. tics are identifying those who can make a dif follows the fad of collecting boxes and balls as ference within the culture where change is need a way to feel important. 3000 West School House Lane, Philadelphia ed (even if those individuals are not immedi 4. It is best to be who we really are [IfOnly 215.844.3460 ately obvious); maintaining a "ministry of pres I Had a Green Nose in book 2]. Punchinello ence"; maintaining "continuity of commit www.penncharter.com and rwo friends experience how the makers of ment"; holding to "acts of faith"; and adopting fads seek to control the lives of others. "pragmatic approaches to reconciliation." These The message in each of the four stories is ~ are all fascinating concepts, which the editors nearly the same: your Maker loves you just the WilliamPenn define in stimulating ways. What do they way you are, and you don't have to live accord Cliarter mean by these concepts? It's worth reading the ing to the judgments of others or listen to School book to find out! those who put you down. This is an impor -Emma Lapsansky tant message, one found in wisdom tales of Emma Lapsansky is a curator ofHaverford Col many cultures, and Max Lucado does well at lege Quaker Collection and a member ofLans showing it through Punchinello's discoveries diJwn (Pa.) Meeting. without too much preaching from Eli. But as FRIENDS JouRNAL tellers ofwisdom tales ourselves, we find these stories a bit too similar in theme and pre seeks a volunteer Wemmicks Collection: (1) dictable in outcome to read or tell together. Book Review Editor As a religious education resource, these sto You Are Special and Best of ries seem best suited for reading aloud, one at We seek an individual who loves books All and (2) You Are Mine and a time, with four- to seven-year-olds. Each and would like to share this interest with message is simple and clear, with concrete other Friends. If Only I Had a Green Nose images that children can identify with and talk about. Each story has an element of integrity, By Max Lucado with illustrations by Sergio This posicion coordinates closely with equality, or simplicity that could be used to other volunteers and with the editor in Martinez. Crossway Books, 2006. 64 pages start a First-day school lesson. Note that Eli, (each). $19.99/hardcover. our office. the kindly maker of the wooden people, is a During Max Lucado's 20 years as senior none-too-sophisticated, somewhat patriarchal minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Tasks may be performed in your own divinity. He is illustrated as an Anglo-Euro Texas, he has written many books including home; there is no need to live dose ro pean giant, and his creations are shown to be several short allegorical stories about know our offices. of similar ethnicity even though they differ in ing God's love and having a personal relation ways that make them fun to look at. We offer satisfying work and warm ship with God. The best known of these, You Are these "must-have" books for either collegiality! A job description is available. are Specia~ available in hardbound, board home or meeting? No. But they are nice in a book, and miniature editions, is often pur refreshingly innocent sort of way. Please contact: chased for a first communion or confirma Susan Corson-Finnerty tion gift. Now Crossway has reissued four of -Sandy and Tom Farley Publisher and Executive Editor the stories in rwo full-size hardbound volumes FRIENDS JOURNAL, 12I6 Arch with the original full-color illustrations, Wem &viewers Sandy and Tom Farley are members of Street, 2A, Philadelphia, micks Collection, Book 1 and Wemmicks Col Palo Alto (Calif) Meeting and profosional story I PA 19107 • (215) 563-8629 lection, Book 2. tellers. Sandy teaches English as a second kznguage [email protected] Wemrnicks are small wooden people, all to adults. Tom works as a children's bookseller. made by Eli the woodworker. In each story, a Learn more about them at Beauty of place~ outstanding views of rolling countryside or wooded hillsides surround our Phase II cottages. Now is the time to reserve a spacious new home with many custom upgrades to choose from. Beauty of spirit~ resident-directed community life coupled with excellence in service and fiscal integrity. With on-site wellness and health care programs, Kendal at Lexington offers growth, enjoyment, and security. An affiliate of the respected Kendal Corporation, this dynamic and stimulating community embraces lifelong learning and a culture of outreach. Ask about our TRY IT program and upcoming informational meetings, or visit us I FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2007 33 • NEWS Ibrahim Shatali, American Friends Service Friends Academy Committee's program coordinator for the youth program in Gaza, was wounded on Founded 1876 Located on scenic Long Island, June 13 when he, along with hundreds of Pa • less than 30 miles from New York City. lestinian peace activists, joined peaceful demon strations in Rafuh, Khan Younis, and Gaza City, out of concern for the rising levels of fight Celebrating our 125th Anniversary ing between Hamas and Fatah. In Gaza City and Rafah the matchers were met with gun fire that resulted in the death of one partici pant and the wounding of 15 others, includ -- ~ ing Shatali. He joined the Gaza program as one " of the student coaches, which led to a staff position in 2004. He suffered a chest injury and undeiWent a three-hour surgery in AI Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. According to Amal Sabawi, AFSC Gaza youth program director, he was in stable condition as of July. -Bill Pierre and Tahija Vikalo of the Founded in 1876 by Gideon Frost for "the children of Friends and those International Division, .from their conversations similarly sentimented," Friends Academy is a Quaker, coeducational, inde with Amal Sabawi, AFSC's Gaza youth pro gram director. pendent, college preparatory day school serving 750 students from age three through the twelfth grade. The school awards significant financial assistance. David Atwood, director of Quaker UN Office Geneva, has agreed to take on the role of interim director for QUNO New York as Friends Academy • Duck Pond Road • Locust Valley, NY 11560 QUNO proceeds with the search for a direc Phone: 516-676-0393 • Fax: 516-671-2025 • [email protected] tor. David will continue to be based in Gene va, still carrying his fUll portfolio of work there, and he will be meeting regularly with staff via teleconferencing and other electronic means ofcommunication . H e will also be vis iting the QUNO office for a week at a time about every 5~ weeks until a new director is FRIENDS j OURNAL offers the classic book in place. David Arwood has been representa tive for disarmament and peace at QUNO in Geneva since 1995. His work has had a major focus on issues related to small arms and light BENJAMIN ,. weapons, and he is currently directing QUNO's focus on peacebuilding. He has The Meetinghouse Mouse I served as QUNO Geneva's director since 2004. For ten yeats he was on the staff of by Benjamin, as told to Clifford Pfeil, Woodbrooke, the Quaker study center in with illustrations by John D. Gurnmere Birmingham, UK, where he was tutor for peace studies and active in peace and conflict If you remember the Benjamin stories resolution work. From 1988 to 1994 he was in past issues, you will be happy to share them general secretary of the International Fellow now in book form- with your children, grandchildren, and Friends! ship of Reconciliation, headquartered in the Netherlands. A Quaker by convincement, Look for Benjamin in Friends bookstores or order directly from FRIENDS JOURNAL: David is a native of North Carolina. He holds a PhD in Political Science. He lives in Gene Please send me copies of Benjamin @ $6.00 each, plus $2.00 shipping and handling va with his wife, Marie Helene Culioli. His ($3.50 for shipping and handling outside U.S., Canada, and Mexico). My check is enclosed. daughter, Hannah, lives in England. Name ------Reaching "an apex'' in its efforts to eliminate Adruess ------foreign military bases, AFSC supported and joined in an International Conference for the City State ZIP ------ Abolition of Foreign Military Bases in Quito, Councry, if other than U.S. ------Ecuador, last spring. In this largest meeting of its kind, grassroots leaders from over 40 coun Please mail to Friends Journal, 1216 Arch Street, 2a, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2835. tries met to share experiences and directly lob If any questions please call (215) 563-8629. by the president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, who reiterated his commitment to end U.S. 34 September 2007 FRIENDS j OURNAL military use of a base in his country. The con Warm and welcoming, always. servative estimate of permanent U.S. foreign bases is over 730, with at least another 100 tem Kendai-Crosslands offers attractive, porary bases; in addition there are over 2,600 affordable floor plans in studio, small bases in the U.S. Anti-base advocates say that one-bedroom, and one-bedroom units the sheer expanse and presence of the installa to enjoy along with spacious commu tions is an incentive to use military options for nity grounds, choice of dining areas, solving problems, as well as damaging the envi and a fully-equipped, professionally ronment, absorbing billions of dollars better staffed wellness center. Full residen spent elsewhere, and exposing local commu tial services and lifetime, restraint-free nities to the ubiquitous drinking, drug, and health care. sex enterprises that often locate around the bases. -Quaker Action, Summer 2007 J FRIENDS JouRNAL September 2007 35 God Does Not Need Your Cash continued.from page 17 preached tithing, but did not make it dad would send with his checks. He said mandatory for membership or good to me, "I can find other money, but where standing. I do not think that my dad am I going to find those good checked up on us to see ifwe had put words?" Yeah, me too. our tenth in, but he didn't need to. I believe in doing some giv He set the example, and trusted us to ing spontaneously. Mosdy, I like (609) 714-0100 follow his lead. He was a good leader. to know where my money is going. I like [email protected] When I was 12, I became apostate. I to see annual reports, and I like to see low • MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES • did not, of course, tell my parents this. In overhead costs. I like accountabil • INSCRIPTIONS • SCROLLS • protest I withheld from the church the ity. But sometimes the Spirit 22 New Freedom Rd., Medford, NJ 08055 tithe of my considerable babysitting just says, "Here, now," and I revenues. I decided instead to send try to respond. I like to help my small riches to a group that was people in the grocery line in saving baby harp seals in Nova Sco ftont of me when they cannot find tia. When I told my dad about that last buck they are looking G this-the harp seals, not the apos for in the bottom of their tasy-he was concerned, but purse. Nobody ever has to send F asked only, "Is that what you think an item back ifl am standing in God would have you do?" I told him the line behind them. It freaks s I thought Jesus really loved the baby harp people out, but it is a lot of fun. Germantown Friends School seals, and that yes, it was what I felt led I have heard a lot oflousy preach (215) 951-2345 to do. He accepted my decision. ing about giving in my life. A lot of Please come to our Open Houses: I have been a religious and phil shameless hooey. Let me debunk • Oct. 13, Saturday; 2-4 p.m. anthropic donor for as long as I a bit of it. Giving to the church (registration ends at 3 p.m.) can remember. I believe in it. is not the same as giving to God. • Nov. 12, Monday, 8:30 a.m. • May 16, 2008, Friday; 8:30 a.m. I believe it is good for the giv This silly notion gets put out er and good for the world. I there all the time. I heard U2 lead believe in giving locally, singer Saint Bono say once, "My God nationally, and internationally. does not need your cash!" It is just so obvi- Photographing people I support my local church. ously true. God owns it all places, objects, and events My apostasy did not last into my did before you came along (also dancers a11d fish) 20s. This is where the ancient practice of and will after you are long Arthur Fink Photography tithing comes in. If you have ten fami gone. Because it tickles lies, and everybody gives 10 percent off God's cosmic fancy, the af®arthurfinkphoto.com the gross, then the rabbi eats as well Divine lets us push stuff around; as the average member. This prac but don't kid yourself, God tice has worked for millennia; no is not a beggar. People who tell Plymouth Meeting Friends reason to challenge it now. I hap you that giving to them or their ~eUngl'lot. pen to believe that for all their organization is the same as giving to /y~. ft,.~ problems, religious organizations have God have ego, or possibly blasphemy, done more good than harm. If you sit in issues going on. Shame on them. ... T \ a pew, you should support the work From which follows the corollary: giv of that group or find another pew you ing does not make you acceptable to God. 1750 can support. God finds you acceptable. Face it, God's Pre--K through 6th Grade I believe in doing some giving in secret. crazy about you- indulgent as all get out. Admissions Open Houses: After my father left this planet to pursue This does not mean that God does not a:t. 11, N::llr. 3, Jan. 23, llpril 10 other interests, I discovered that he had have issues with some of the stuff that you 2150 <ler Pike, Plyrrrut.h Meeting, PA been giving regularly to many organiza are doing, but you can't fix that by writ 19462 tions; some of them I knew about, others ing a check. I did not. There was a group on the north Giving is not a get-rich formula. Giv side of Chicago that helps male prosti ing to that which purports to be or even The Bible Association of Friends tutes; my dad was a regular and generous is God's work does not force God to give in America supporter of their work. I got a phone call to you. It doesn't sway the Divine opinion since 1829 has offered Bibles, NewTest amems, from their director when I sent a last of you in a way that makes God want to and Portions free or at cost to Friends check and a note to them. He choked up institutions, individuals, and others worldwide. bless you. There is no magic here except W rite ro: P.O. Box 3, Riverton, NJ 08077 on the phone talking to me, telling me this: when you give away some of your about the notes ofencouragement that my stuff you are freed from your slavery to September 2 007 FRIENDS J OURNAL stuff. You place your bet on the kindness of the universe. You trust. And that changes you and frees you from the terri ble lie that says there is not enough to go A jANUARY ------.,.,, .r-- -=--==:.....::~.:::::.:...=- around, and then you find that you have plenty. And you feel a lot richer. People 'ln ~merBirttJ Christianity who are not fearful and mistrustful are more productive. January 18-20 or January 2 1-23, 2008 H ere are some things I have found to Epworth By The Sea· St. Simons Island, Georgia be true about giving. It does not matrer how much you have or how much you "Qxfs Holiness at Work In the Midst of give. If you have ten dimes, you can part Great Social Upheaval: Lessons from jeremiah with one. It is good for you to part with for His Time and Ours" one. This giving develops the spiritual dis cipline of generosity. It is good to start by Walter Brueggemann when you are young, with your first job, and and it is good to revisit your giving when you have a change in fortunes. It is fun to "God's Holiness at Work In the Everyday: Practices split a windfall. It is especially important from Scripture for the Living of These Days" to give when you don't feel like it, when it by Barbara Brown Taylor seems risky. It changes you, and you change your world. For information, contact us at: My dad was never a wealthy man. He [email protected] Registration fo rms and Program information available at did not have a professional job or a college www. januaryadventure.org degree. We rented our home for most of 9 12-638-8945 my childhood. But he left his children a nice little bit, and when I took over his books at the very end, I discovered that he was giving 40 percent of his retirement income away. And that was off the gross, not the net. 0 Summer Camps Solution to last that Specialize Month's Cryptogram: in Kids Margaret Hope Bacon, Elizabeth Five Quaker-based overnight camps and the Barn Day camp for girls Watson, Sarah Mapps Douglass, and/or boys ages 4-17 Marjorie Sykes, Faye Honey Farm & Wilderness. Knopp, Susan B. Anthony, Lady Unplugged and Unforgettable. A summer of rugged excitement. Fun. Borton, Jessamyn West, Lucretia Cooperation. Skill-building. Individualized attention. Self-awareness and self-expression. Nurturing and supportive. Adventure and Community. Calderone, B FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2007 37 • MILESTONES A Vibrant City. A Close Community. Births A Culture of Learning. Kem-Ruthannajulian Kern, on August 22, 2006, to Alexander Levering Kern and Rebecca Aeron Gnnko, of Friends Meeting at Cambridge, Mass. Deaths Baldwin-Michael Scott Baldwin, 42, on February 5, 2007, at the home of his sister in CrownsviUe, Md., after an eight-month illness. Michael was born on September 21, 1964, in Washington, D.C., to Addie and Roland Baldwin. From child hood he showed a precocious talent for mathemat ics and computer programming. He won prizes in math competitions through his school years, and entered Johns Hopkins University at age 15, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Elecuical Engi neering. Selected for Johns Hopkins' Study of MathemacicaUy Precocious Youth, he exceUed in academics and enjoyed using his talents in extracur ricular activities. He played a major role in the Elec trical Engineering Department's computer systems operations, where he was involved in one of the ear liest UNIX instaUations outside of BeU Labs. He A college preparatory, coed, Quaker day school, had a legendary ability ro absorb software, ferret pre-k through 12, at 17th on The Parkway in out bugs, and detect system security breaches and Center City Philadelphia. Admission and open plug them. In his final year at Hopkins, he was parr house information: 215.561.5900 ext 104. of a ream that rook first place in the programming www.friends-select.org contest sponsored by the Association for Comput ing Machinery. Michael earned a master's degree in Computer Science from CorneU University. He worked at the Hopkins Applied Physics Lab and then at AT&T Bell Labs. For nearly two decades at BeU he led the development ofcorporate -wide online Sales: Insurance and financial services directory systems and engaged in next-generation voice-controUed telephony research. His entrepre neurial spirit showed through when he joined Vita Nuova, a new venture that sought to commercial ize software developed at BeU. In 2003 he became Combine your professional skills the chief technology officer at Cibernet, where he was still employed at the time of his death. At Ciberner, he directed the creation of organizations and our Christian faith values fo r research and development and global informa tion technology. He also helped launch new Ciber net products, and oversaw the London and India offices. Michael led a rich life outside ofwo rk. Out of his enjoyment of independent and foreign films, MMA, an established, church-related organiza he organized a film association in New Jersey. He loved travel and learning about other cultures. And tion, is seeking sales professionals to provide his spiritual life found a home in the Religious Soci insurance and financial solutions to one of the ety of Friends. He became a member of Montclair industry's most loyal markets. (N.J.) Meeting in 2001, and served on the Board Stewardship ofTrustees ofFRJENDS j OURNAL. He participated in Solutions MMA is a highly trusted organization the Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, serving individuals and businesses primarily and Queer Concerns (FLGBTQC). For the last 11 years of his life, Michael and Uriel Orellana formed associated with Mennonite and other a loving relationship. They enjoyed the comforts of Anabaptist-related denominations. Excellent home and cat, and the adventures of travel, includ ing to Uriel's home country of Guatemala. income potential and generous benefits. To Michael, whom Uriel called his "beautiful Quetzal learn more, visit www.mma-online.org/careers. feather," had a fun-loving spirit, and was always gathering up people for spontaneous adventures. Fax or e-mail resume to (574) 537-6635 or Improving communications was far &om merely a [email protected]. technical and professional activity for Michael; he was passionate about good communications among people. Regular attendees of Sandy Spring (Md.) Meeting, Michael and Uriel deepened their relationship by participating in two couples enrich ment groups through the Bethesda (Md.) and September 2007 FRIENDS JOURNAL VVLUI.. II;I;R Sandy Spring Meetings. Under the care of Mont Social Work from Bryn Mawr College. Margaret clair (N.J.) Meeting, in concert with the Sandy worked to integrate housing in the Philadelphia Spring Meeting, their bond was solemnized in a Main Line area and later, with the help of Haver SOLDIER marriage ceremony on February 3, 2007. Surviving ford Meeting members, to rehabilitate houses for TO Michael are his spouse, Uriel Orellana; Michael's poor buyers. She also produced a three-volume parents, Roland and Addie Baldwin; his brother, genealogy of the Collins fa.mily. Concerned about CONSCIENTIOUS David K. Baldwin; his sister, Kathryn B. Mussel the segregation of AlTican American people, she man; and several nieces and nephews. happened to meet a local teacher, Mazie Hall, with OBJECTOR whom she at first arranged interracial weekend Beadle-David &adk, 74, on April 19, 2006, in groups. Out of this experience grew her determi Pasadena, Calif. David was born in Pasadena in nation to make housing available to AJTican Amer 1932 to Marion Hill Beadle and George Wells Bea icans on the Philadelphia Main Line. Having dle, a Nebraska geneticist and 1958 Nobel co-Lau obtained a real esrate license, she formed Friends reate who laid the foundation for the field of Suburban Housing in 1956, where she was joined biotechnology by helping to discover that genes by Haverford Meeting member Dean Short. This control chemical reactions by guiding the forma work generally went smoothly, but led to a riot in tion of specific enzymes. Dave grew up on the col Folcroft in 1963. In the 1960s Margaret sued the lege campuses where his father worked, including Main Line Board of Realtors, who had withheld Cal Tech, University of Chicago, Cornell, and from her their multiple listings. Her landmark case Oxford. He traveled widely, living in several coun was pleaded by late Haverford Meeting member tries and, ultimately, having many different careers. David Firzgerald, aided by Robert Sayre and oth In the early 1950s, he was an Air Force flight ers. The suit in 1973 reached the U.S. Supreme instructor in Ariwna; then, in Europe, he wrote for Court, which, by refusing to review it, reaffirmed railroad trade publications in the Netherlands and her victory in Pennsylvania and set a national prece Italy. He lived in the United Kingdom for many dent. Margaret next organized a group to buy old years, writing technical articles for the concrete houses, rehabilitate them with largely volunteer industry and, in his off-hours, roving the country labor, and sell them cheaply to poor people, cen side with an amateur folk music group. For many tering this effort in the Mrican American commu years he struggled with alcoholism, and when he nity in Morton, Pa. In this project, which ran for decided to become a street musician, he and his 25 years, she was joined by Haverford Meeting THE SUTRAS OF wife parted ways. But she made for him a patch members Dean Short and Miles Day. In her 90s, work jacket, a few of the stitches unsewn and held after she became roo infirm to wield a hammer or together with pins. It was in the UK that he expe drive a sration wagon full of lumber, Margaret still ABlJ GHRAIB rienced his first encounter with Quakerism. When walked to meeting and was often seen wheeling a NOTES FROM A CONSCIENTIOUS he returned to Pasadena in the late 1980s, Dave cart of groceries home from the supermarket. With OBJECTOR IN IRAQ became a regular in Old Town and at the Farmers' characteristic tenacity she rebounded from a series Markets. He loved being a wandering minstrel, of severe illnesses, finally requiring an assisted liv AIDAN DELGADO reeling out runes on his fiddle, wearing his coat of ing fa.cility. During meeting, having become severe many colors. He shared his home with many, many ly deaf, Margaret had trouble with her hearing aid, In 2001, Aidan Delgado enlisted in the cats and joined Orange Grove Meeting, where he which would go off like a siren, leading more elec U.S. Army Reserve, and in 2003 he was ministered often and articulately. He became resi tronically sophisticated members to station them dent artist with the Pasadena Parks Department, selves nearby. Even at Quadrangle, as the staff dis deployed as a specialist in Iraq. As he working at the Jackie Robinson Center. An advo covered, she was fiercely independent and a tough witnessed more and more American cate for the children of Northwest Pasadena at City negotiator. Over the years, Margaret's humanitari racism, arrogance, and abuse of un Council meetings, he often created art projects an work brought her many honors, including the armed Iraqis, his opposition mounted. with the children of Orange Grove Meeting. Fellowship Award. At Margaret's request, there was Concluding that war ran counter to his Although eventually his involvement with Orange no memorial service. Grove Meeting dwindled and then stopped, he Buddhist principles, he sought con never wanted to drop his membership. He spoke Darnell-Doro Hartings Darnell, 90, on March scientious objector status and, after often ofreturning to Wahoo, Neb., where his fa.ther 29, 2007, peacefully, at her home in Srate College, finishing his tour of duty, was honor had been born. ln his final years he volunteered at Pa. Doris was born on September 4, 1916, in ably discharged. Cleveland Elementary School, where he was affec Chicago, Ill., to Willard and Faith Olmstead Hast tionately known as "Babaji." He wrote a grant to ings. She attended Abington Friends School and buy the school a new kiln, raught art classes for the was a graduate of Westtown Friends School and "A keen observer and an eloquent after-school program, painted several murals, and Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in Latin writer ... he shocks us while also edu vocally represented Cleveland at School Board and Greek, pausing briefly at the end of her junior cating us about the reality of the war in meetings. Dave is survived by two daughters, year to wed Howard C. Darnell, with whom she Iraq." -HOWARD ZINN Katharine and Maiwenn; a son, John; and two would share a marriage of 68 years. Working with people was her strength, first as assistant to the granddaughters, Felicia and Victoria. "His insight helps you understand the director at Pendle Hill, a Quaker center for spiritu Collins-Ma'Xam Hill Collins, 98, on May 2, al growth, study, and service; then as librarian at desperation of soldiers and the tragic 2006, at the Quadrangle, in Haverford, Pa. Mar Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges; followed by and inevitable path leading to the garet was born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., on April 21, work as head of the Westtown School Library. In photographs from Abu Ghraib." 1908, into a prosperous Quaker fa.mily whose fa.m 1955 she became executive secretary of the West -FORMER BRIGADIER ily paper products business collapsed in the Depres town Alumni Association and editor of the alumni GENERAL JANIS KARPINSKI sion. For most of her life, she occupied the former magazine, The Westonian. Doris was the first srable of the fa.mily mansion, which had been woman president of the Westtown Alumni Associ $24.95 HARDCOVER bought by Bryn Mawr College. She became a ation. Later she worked for American Friends Ser Friend and joined Haverford Meeting in 1944. vice Committee, beginning as a sraff recruiter, then BEACON PRESS Margaret was educated at Sarah Lawrence and as head of the personnel department, and finally as BEACON www.beacon.org Berkeley, and later received a master's degree in associate executive secretary for human resources- FRIENDS j OURNAL September 2007 39 the first woman to hold this position. She often Blanche and Otto J. Goerlich. As a child, he traveled to regional offices around the country, attended Fair Hill Friends Meeting, an indulged working as a mediator and using her finely tuned meeting under the care of Green Street Meeting in sense of humor to solve problems. Her interest in Philadelphia, Pa, and as a young adult became a Quaker education and social concerns found her member. He graduated from Northeast High serving on committees and corporate boards; and School in 1941 with honors in mathematics; from she was always available, scatting at the age of 22, the Pennsylvania Maritime Academy in 1945; and as a marriage and f.unily counselor. She was a afTer being commissioned as an officer, &om Drex founding trUStee of the Allen Hilles Fund, a chari el University in 1952 with a degree in Engineering. table foundation that provides financial support in In 1950 he married Leanna Chase. They later the areas of education, women's issues, and eco divorced. Norman worked as an electrical engineer nomic development in disadvantaged communi for Western Electric of Reading, Pa., and Atlas ties, focusing on Philadelphia and Chester, Pa., and Mineral Products Co. in Morgantown, Pa., bur Wtlmingron, Del. She was also a member of the then, inspired by Clarence Pickett to join Ameri Rufus Jones Associates at Haverford College. Doris can Friends Service Committee as a fundraiser, he retired &om AFSC in 1978. After retiring, Doris, moved his family to San Jose, Calif., and later to who had taken elocution lessons at the age of ten San Francisco. He continued his career in fundrais and performed in Auburn, N.Y., and nearby vil ing, moving co Wumingcon, Ohio, as vice presi lages, combined her love of antique clothing and dent of development for Wumingron College; to WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER. the stage into a second career lecturing and story Scarsdale, N.Y., as director of development for the telling with her Century of Elegance Shows, which U.S. Committee for UNICEF; and finally ro PEACEFUL PREVEN110N IS. she presented around the country and on cruise Ossining, N.Y., ar Bethel Methodist Home. An ships, traveling almost around the world. Her audi active member in the meetings wherever he lived, Free "Peaceful Prevention" ences modeled and brought to life the antique including Reading (Pa.), San Jose (Calif), San clothing &om the 19th and 20th centuries in her Francisco (Calif.), Marin (Calif.), Wilmington booklet or "War Is Not the elegant collection, which she had started while she (Del.), Scarsdale (N.Y.), and Byberry (Pa.) Meet Answer" bumper sticker was in her 20s. Her first performance was at the ings, Norman's main interest and concern was for invitation ofgraduates from the Barnes Foundation men and women in prison. While living in Scars See www.fcnl.org in Philadelphia. They pointed out that her collec dale, he visited Sing-Sing Prison on First Day to or call 1-800-630-1330 tion was an art treasure and suggested that she dis hold a meeting for worship, bringing coffee and play some of the clothing and accessories and tell doughnuts for the people who attended. At times the stories about the people who had worn the he wondered jokingly "Was it for the silence or the Friends Committee clothes. In 1983, she wore to the Metropolitan doughnuts?" However, he did feel that holding the Opera centennial a gown that had been worn to the worship was meaningful. He would also share his on National Legislation Metropolitan Opera's 1883 opening. In 1996, in time with the prisoners during Christmas holidays. the Germantown communiry of Philadelphia, she He was introduced to Inge De Carlo by his aunt displayed the "Quakerly dress" Eleanor Cope wore and remarried in 1998. Inge and Norman enjoyed in 1877 when she married George Williams traveling and visiting with their families and many Emlen. Another of her dresses had been worn by friends. Norman is survived by his wife, Inge Goer Lucy Biddle Lewis to the first gathering of women lich; his daughter, Judith Anne Geisser; his sons, Walttr Winks sap: "The Sermon &om around the world at T he Hague, Netherlands, Patrick Allen, Bruce David, and Peter Douglas on the Hount is the most radica l in 1915, to discuss world peace. The Century of Goerlich; his sister, Ethel Goerlich Trefsger; his grandchildren, Lamar Geisser, Sarah Geisser, statement of Jes us' new reality, and Elegance has been televised by the Chinese branch ofVoice ofAmerica in a documentary about retiree Andrew Goerlich, Noelle Goerlich, and Sierra l vt I Ttl ftW is a good place to activities in the U.S. She gave part of her collection Goerlich; his nephews, Bruce and Roberr Trefsger; engage its challenge to a new life. This to Shippensburg Universiry Fashion Archives, and and his many grandnieces and grandnephews. live~ and readable book is made the the resr to her goddaughter Charlotte Smith, to EUm 86, on April house in a museum in Australia. When she and Hai.nes---Ha.ul MnxweU Haines, more va luable thanks to the author's 18, 2007, in her home in Clinton, New York. Howard retired to Foxdale Village in 1992, Doris knowledge of Gre ek. Read, and enjoy. Hazel was born on September 6, 1920, in South rransferred her membership &om the Monthly Carolina to Eva and Uoyd Maxwell. Her child Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, Pa., and hood was spent in New York City, with summers became active in State College Meeting on the on the family farm in Oklahoma. She loved learn Memorial Committee. Her papers are housed in ing, at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New the Special Collections department of the Bryn York City, at Swarthmore College, where Greek Mawr College Library. Doris saw herself as a mav was her favorite subject, and at Radcliffe College erick, challenging traditions, working for justice, where she got a master's degree in History. She mar and resolving differences through mediation. Her ried Walter Haines in 1945, while he was doing passions included the stage, corresponding with Civilian Pub~c Service in Chicago. In 1949, with family and friends, collecting elegant antique cloth two daughters, they moved to a cooperative com ing and the stories behind the clothes, reading, munity north of New York Ciry where they settled films, travel, and conserving our world for the gen ro raise a family of six children. Connections they erations to follow. Doris is survived by her husband both had with Quakers through Swarthmore and of 68 years, Howard C. Darnell; her daughter, Eliz CPS helped them decide to join with several other abeth Loyd Darnell; her rwo sons, John Hastings families to found Rockland (N.Y.) Meeting in and Eric Allen Darnell; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; her sister, Shirley Hastings; and her 1950. Hazel was an anchor of the meeting; she began bringing a casserole dish to meeting and But I Tell You nephew, Kenneth Orvis, and his three children. inviting others to stay ro lunch, which gradually jesus Introduces a Better Way to Uve Goerlich-Norman Richard Goerlich, 83, on Janu grew into a tradition of eating together every Sun by Karen L. Oberst • s1 9.00 ary 7, 2007, in Greer, S.C. Norman was born in day. She was an imaginative First-day School Philadelphia, Pa., on September 25, 1923, to reacher, a creator of costumes for pageants and 40 September 2007 FRIENDS j OURNAL baked goods and crafts for the bazaar, and a loving member of the meeting community. She loved singing and on long drives by herself would sing hymns with such exuberance that she was some times hoarse by the time she arrived. She said in lat er years that creativity was her special pathway to God. Her greatest joy was in being a mother. She was renowned for her children's parties, for her bread and pie baking, and for the variety of crafts she could reach. Her quilts and afghans were leg endary. She chose her palette with great care, bur with great daring, resulting in vibrandy energetic and colorful creations. She wrote marvelous chil dren's stories and poems. She taught her children that nothing was impossible and that life was full of magic and wonder. When the child ren were ages 3 to 16, the family spent a year in northwest Pak istan, traveling through Asia and Europe. Later they spent a year in Kapragar and Kaimosi, Kenya, and another in Ankara, Turkey. She was an adven turous traveler, always seeking ro immerse herself in local life and culture. After the children were Good Stewardship grown, she got a master's in English as a Second Language, moved to New York City, and taught ar Through Socially Responsible Investing Borough of Manhattan Community College. She was divorced in 1991 and moved to Clinton in cen tral New York Stare, where she became active in and Planned Giving Mohawk Valley Meeting. She was clerk for many years before her death, as well as clerk of Butternuts Quarterly Meeting. She had the vision for, and was the driving force behind the building of the meet Since 1898 Friends Fiduciary Corporation's mission has inghouse on the site where the New Swarthmoor been to assist Friends meetings and organizations in the community-a vibrant offShoot of Young Friends ofNorth America-had gathered in the late 1960s stewardship of their financial resources, guided by Friends and early 1970s. She was a strong supporter and board member of Powell House, New York Yearly Testimonies and Concerns. Our services include: Meeting's conference center, and served for many years on Ministry and Counsel and as clerk of the Socially Responsible Investing Nominating Committee for the yearly meeting. H er spiritual life deepened in her later years, a bless Trusteeship ing both to herself and to those around her. She is remembered for her love of people, her fascination Charitable Gift Annuities with language, her vibrant textile arr, her candied and other Planned Giving citrus treats, and her serene and cheerful willingness ro make the best of whatever life had to offer. She is survived by her six children, Jennifer, Deborah, Pamela, Christopher, and Liseli Haines, and Tim For more information on how FFC's knowledge, experience and othy Shuker-Haines; and 11 grandchildren. expertise can help your organization be good stewards of the funds Hunter-Lois Y. Hunter, 74, on April 6, 2007, ar home in Pipersville, Pa., after an extended illness. entrusted to you, please contact our staff or visit our website. Lois was born on January 28, 1933, in Piscataway, N.J., to Grace and F. P. Young. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 1961 and was associ ate professor of Piano at Westminster Choir Col lege for 30 years. She was also an organist, choir director, and singer at numerous other schools, churches, and institutions and performed various guest appearances as well as duo-piano FR I ENDS FIDUCIARY with Leon DuBois and Harriet C hase. She was an active member of Wrightstown (Pa.) Meeting, C ORPORATIO N past president of the Delaware Valley Music C lub, and a member of the Phillips Mill Art An independent Quaker nonprofit corporation Committee and the Martha Washington Garden C lub. Her memorial service was a wonderful 1515 C herry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 tribute to Lois' music, her performing and reach 215-241-7272 or [email protected] ing, her warm and gracious hospitality, and love of flowers and all things beautiful. Lois is survived www. friendsfid uciary.org by her husband of 36 years, William Hunter Jr.; her stepsons, Jeffrey T. and Daniel P. Hunter; her stepdaughter, Nancy H. Wilcox; her sister, Audrey FRIENDS jOURNAL September 2007 Display Ad Deadlines November issue: Reserve space by September 10. Ads must be received by September 13. Y. Tippen of Delran; and her six step-grandchil Reservations are dren; along with many nieces and nephews. December issue: Reserve space by October required for display ads 8. Paulmiec- Mmguerite Paulmier, 74, on December in FRIENDS JOURNAL. Ads must be received by October 11 . 8, 2006, in Philadelphia, Pa. Marge was born in Philadelphia on May 16, 1932, to Samuel and Ad rate is $40 per column inch. Marie Benedetto Carelli, who had immigrated to the United States from Italy. Marge spent her early Call (215) 563-8629 now childhood in South Philadelphia. Later her family with your reservation or questions. moved to Oakmont, Pa., and there, at Haverford High School, she met her fUture husband, Louis S. E-mail: [email protected] Paulmier III. Marge completed a nursing degree at Bryn Mawr Hospital, and she and Lou moved to Levittown, Pa., where they supported the efforts to integrate the neighborhood. Later they returned to Philadelphia and joined Germantown Meeting, where their five children attended Germantown Friends School. These progressive Friends immersed their children in social concerns, includ Inside each child: wonder 11~ ) L ,',~ / L 1-' ___,/. ,~-_ ing civil rights marches and peace vigils. The fami /U~ v-~7 W fxr 7vv. ly spent their summers in Maine, first at Robin Hood Camp, where Marge served as a nurse, and then at a blueberry farm, which they operated for more than 35 years. While in Maine, Marge also worked as a private nurse for patients that includ ed author E. B. White. After Lou became ill with Parkinson's disease, they moved to the residence on the grounds of Germantown Friends School, and became responsible for taking care of the German town Meetinghouse. Marge was a loving caregiver to Lou as his condition worsened. Lou died in 2002. With her ever-present enthusiasm and her care of people, she was a friend to many. She delighted in trinkets, both the objectS we collect and the stories we carry. Marge was an avid gar dener as well as a quilter for many years in several sewing circles. She volunteered at Wyck, a historic house and museum in Germantown; Women's International League for Peace and Freedom; Crossroads Women's Center; and Stapeley of Ger mantown, a Quaker-sponsored continuing care retirement community. Marge was predeceased by OPEN HOUSE Monday, October 8, 9:00a.m. her husband, Louis Paulmier. She is survived by her five children, Stephen, Mark, Gregory, Christo Saturday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. pher, and Emily Paulmier; 11 grandchildren; her sister, Joan Gallagher; her brother, Samuel (Bud) Carelli Jr; and several nieces and nephews. spirited Quaker education since 1799 Singsen- Mary Ellen (Mickey) Singsen, 88, on November 19, 2006, at home in Edgartown, Westtown School pre·K-8 day I 9-l 0 day & boarding I 11 -12 boarding Mass., surrounded by her family. Mickey was born Westtown, Pennsylvania 19395 6 10-399-7900 www.westtown.edu on December 14, 1917, to Margaret Peirce and W illiam Henry McKee, in Pittsfield, Mass. She grew up in Glencoe, Ill. in a world filled with books, childhood games, and friends, although her father died when she was 14. After graduating from Winnetka High School, she entered Smith College, Quaker House where she majored in English. At Smith, she joined Fayetteville/ Ft. Bragg NC the Peace Committee. She became a Quaker IDebm~ Front-Line Peace Witness through her association with the AFSC, beginning Since 1969 in 1937, when she attended an International Rela tions conference where she met her fUture husband, Write for Our FREE Antone Gerhardt Singsen II. She was active in Truth in Recruiting Packet! peace and social concerns at Smith, and their rela tionship was created around their shared beliefS. -e~!~ Quaker House Between college and her marriage in 1941, Mick Car~r~~ 223 Hillside Ave. ey worked as a secretary and research assistant for Fayetteville 1\£ 28301 Encyclopedia Brirannica. Antone became a consci www.mtcalligraphy.com www.qua kerhouse.org entious objector during World War II. His years in 10 Union Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 Chuck Fager, Director the Civilian Public Service camps during the war (413) 529 9212 E·mail: [email protected] produced lifelong friends and values that they 42 September 2007 FRIENDS JOURNAL A NATIONAL QUAKER WITNESS passed on to their children. During World War II, while her husband worked as a conscientious objec tor doing soil conservation work, she supported herself and their small son by returning to an earli er profession as a graphologist. Alter the war, she devoted herself to her family and to educational, social welfare and cultural, peace, and political action committees, boards, and councils. Mickey and Antone's five children and family life became the core of their lives, around which their work revolved. Berween 1957- 1962, Antone's job took them to Scarsdale, N.Y. T hey then returned to illi nois. Their three sons, Gerry, Bill, and Michael,and their rwo daughters, Sarah and Katrina, kept Mick ey quire busy, bur she still produced a tasty, nutri tious dinner and full lunchboxes every day, took care of a big house, and entertained often. Books were always at the center of her life, and she read to her children and raught them to love books. The Winnetka beaches o(Lake Michigan were another great love that she passed on to her children. In 1975 Mickey and Antone moved back to Scarsdale, where Antone shortly fell ill and then died in 1977. Mickey srayed in Scarsdale thereafter. Her home was always a central gathering destination for fam ily members for holidays and birthday celebrations, bringing together the growing group of grandchil dren and then great-grandchildren. A member of Scarsdale Meeting, she continued her engagement with Quaker service and dozens of other local, state, and national organizations, including Amer ican Friends Service Committee (AFSC), where she served for decades on the executive committee and was a longtime board member of the New York Office. She also chaired a Friends General Confer ence (FGC) Gathering and served for many years on its Central Committee. She gave over 50 active years to the League of Women Voters, and worked for Family Services of Winnetka and then Westch ester, N.Y. She was a former clerk of Friends Gen eral Conference and participant in many New York Yearly Meeting activities. She also worked for peace inside the United Nations and traveled to Russia and the Far East with a group of UN delegates. In Westchester County, N.Y., she served on the Boards of the Martin Luther King Institute, Pre-tri al Legal Services, and Scarsdale Clergy Association, among many others, and became well-known as a historian of Quaker activity in the counry. She found ed the Scarsdale Campaign for Peace Through Com mon Security and devoted much of her time ro supporting social justice, nuclear disarmament, and an end to war. She served on many Scarsdale village committees as well, and proposed creation of what became the Scarsdale Senior Center, where she was honored by the mayor as Scarsdale's 2006 "Senior of the Year." In 2006 Mickey came to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Singsen Nevin and Bruce E. Nevin, on Martha's Vineyard where she had been a frequent visitor. Mickey enthusiastical ly adapted to island life and immediately became involved in Martha's Vineyard Meeting and the Martha's Vineyard Peace Council, with whom she kept vigils, demonstrated, and participated in the rwo-mile July 4th parade. About eight weeks before her death, the family learned that Mickey had gall bladder cancer. Alter occasional periods of ques tioning the accuracy of the diagnosis, Mickey took the news with her usual grace. She lived every minute she could eke out, rising to the occasion for FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2007 43 Keep your copies for reading , reflection, and referral. FRIENDS JouRNAL is a major Share the ideas forum for Quaker thought and Quaker life in multiple visits from F.unily and friends from afar. She died 30 years to the day afrer her the 21st Century. It's a helpful reference for husband. Throughout Mickey's 88 years, she treas Keep the copy ured her F.unily, preserving ancestral documents conversation and contemplation. Don't wait. and records, using the cherished furniture and collected artifacts, and proudly hanging 19th cen Subscribe today to the journal that tells you tury f.unily portraits. Mickey was predeceased by Subscribe now her husband, Antone G. Singsen; and her son, what Quakers are thinking and saying. William D. Singsen. She is survived by four chil dren: Gerry Singsen, Sarah Ellen Nevin, Katrina Taggart, and Michael P. Singsen; two brothers, Willian1 and Peirce McKee; 11 grandchildren; and Q) 0 I'll take 12 monthly issues for $39, please. 0 Lock in my rate for 2 four great grandchildren. years-24 issues-for just $76. Overseas subscribers please add $12 per Thatcher-Henry Hibbard Thatcher, 81, on year for postage. August 5, 2006, peacefully, in Nashville, Tenn. Hibbard was born on March 15, 1925, in Chat 0 Check enclosed 0 Please bill me 0 Charge my MasterCard or Visa tanooga, Tenn., the middle of three sons of Miriam JO Hines and Alfred Haviland Thatcher. His Quaker Card Number Expiration date ____ • 0 ancestors had imrnigrared to Chester County, Pa., t in the 1680s. Hibbard's mother set high standards Name: for her sons' schooling, behavior, and particularly language. The heart of the Thatcher house was a ~ weU-srocked library, and Hibbard spent hours at a tinle reading. Years later he would read to his sons c~~ap ______from books as if from memory. Hibbard anended Baylor School in Chattanooga, where he took hon u ors in Latin, then graduated from Westtown in For fastest servia. log on to 44 September 2007 FRIENDS j OURNAL cited by police. Hibbard's activities sometimes IN THE SHADOW OF THE CIVIL WAR came at the expense of his studies, and eventually he transferred to University of Indiana to pursue a Passmore Williamson and the Rescue ofJane Johnson degree in Recreation. One weekend, at a folk dance Nat Brandt with Vanna Kroyt Brandt workshop in Lexington, Ky., he met his future wife, Ruby Yocum, a young graduate student there. Not quite finished with his degree, Hibbard moved to Six years before the onset of the Louisville to take a job as a social worker with the Civil War, two courageous figures Louisville Children's Hospital-and to be dose to Ruby, who had also moved there. In November one a free white man and one an 1955, they were married. After their fii'St son was enslaved black woman- risked born, the small family moved to Nashville, where Hibbard had enrolled at University ofTennessee's personal liberty to ensure each Graduate School of Social Work. He worked on his other's freedom in an explosive MSW for the next several years while working full time, first at the Family and Children's Service, episode that captured the attention then the Knowles Senior Citizens' Center. He got ofa nation on the brink of cataclysmic his master's degree in 1964. He was active in the local chapter of the National Association of Social change. In this deeply resea rched Workers, and continued civil rights activism on a personal level, such as serving on the board of the account of the rescue of the slave South Street Community Center in the Edgehill Jane Johnson by the Philadelphia area of Nashville. During his earlier sojourn in Nashville, Hibbard had joined a small, informal Quaker and fervent abolitionist group ofQuak ers for silent worship. Now there was Passmore Williamson, of the federal a larger and more stable group, officially recognized in 1963 as Nashville Meeting. In 1966 Hibbard court case that followed, and of and Ruby moved to a Banery Lane house, with its Johnson's selfless efforts to free the tree-filled yard, perfect for their two active boys. 224 pages, 9 illus. Hibbard was a very involved member of the meet jailed Williamson, veteran journalist cloth, $29.95 ing, serving as clerk several times, and instrumen Nat Brandt and Emmy-winning tal in the meeting's purchase of their first meeting house in the 1970s, and of the present one. For filmmaker Yanna Kroyt Brandt decades, he was a regular at the regional Friends' capture the heroism and humanity at conferences and at the national FGC. Upon their AS SEEN ON BOOK TV move to Nashville, Hibbard and Ruby had soon the heart of this important moment joined a folk dance group of mostly young couples in American history. doing international dancing. Their sons often dozed in the corners of church basements while their parents danced the Israeli hora or Greek has "In the Shadow of the Civil War is an exciting narrative of a apiko. By the 1970s Hibbard and Ruby were inter ested in specializing in traditional Appalachian and conflict between slavery and freedom that had national English Country Dance, and they founded a group consequences beyond the streets and courts of Philadelphia to do so. The Nashville Country Dancers grew and prospered, and Hibbard and Ruby taught and nur where it took place. In their riveting account, the Brandts show tured a group of young proteges who continue the how the publicity generated by this case the nation a group today. In the early 1980s, Hibbard and Ruby moved sraned the annual Playford Ball, which has become step closer to the crisis of 1861 :'-James M. McPherson, author a nationally recognized gathering ofEnglish Coun try Dance enthusiasts. Hibbard continued his of Battle Cry ofFreedom: The Civil War Era social work career at Meharry Medical College in North Nashville, where he filled several roles over the years, including teaching. After his retirement "The Brandts, both masterful storytellers, have given us a really from Meharry in 1982, he and Ruby spent a term marvelous book:' at the Quaker retreat center Pendle Hill in Pa., and over the next several years, the couple traveled - Franklin W. Knight, Johns Hopkins University extensively. Hibbard was one of the founders of the Nashville Peace and Justice Center and served on its board until his death. He volunteered and then worked part-time at Nashville's Crisis Call Center, where he also assisted in training social work stu dents. During the 1980s, Hibbard became Available in bookstores or from intrigued with "shape note" gospel singing, using the Sacred Harp hymnal, and joined a group in ~THE UNIVERSITY OF Nashville. In 200 1 Ruby had a stroke that lefi: her partially disabled, and Hibbard took on primary SOUTH CAROUNA pRESS responsibility for her care. Still, he continued to keep up a regularscheduleofQuakerevents, Sacred 800-768-2500 I www.sc.edu/uscpress Harp singing, and, of course, dancing. In January 2006, Hibbard entered the hospital with pneuma- FRIENDS JoURNAL September 2007 45 nia caused by a virulent strain of staphylococcus bacteria. He pulled through, mentally unfazed, and there were long talks in his room with friends and Family and frequently music. He was relaxed, Year 2008 warm, voluble, witty, and gracious with guests and medical staff. But in early August, Hibbard Quaker Motto Calendar developed an infection in his lungs, and it quickly overwhelmed his weakened system. Before losing consciousness, Hibbard was able to blow Ruby a Inspirational messages kiss. His end came peacefully, after all his family for each month had gathered to say goodbye. Hibbard was a small The critical balance between man in stature but he was large in personality and Since 1884 influence. He paid dose attention to the world academic rigor andjoy in learning around him, and was always reminding us to notice the leaves in fall, the flowers in bloom in spring. 25 calendars $24.00 or during his final illness, the morning light in his 25 calendars & envelopes $26.00 hospital room. Hibbard is survived by his wife and dancing partner of 50-plus years, Ruby Thatch er; his sons, Alan and Jonathan Thatcher; and four grandchildren. ABINGTON F RIENDS S CHOOL Send orders with check to: A coeducational ~aker school The Motto Calendar Tbompson-Gtrol Lewis Thompson, 88, on Janu ary 9, 2007, in Newtown, Pa. Carol was born on from preschool through grade r2 1101 Ridge Road December 12, 1918, in New York City, to Jasper Pottstown, PA 19465 R Lewis and Frieda Rafalsky Lewis. At the age of three she moved to a house in the Ludlow section 575 Washington Lane, Jenkintown, PA 19046 of Yonkers. El Thompson, a slightly older three 215-886-4350 [email protected] year-old, lived around the corner. As their back www.abingtonfriends.net yards adjoined, they met. Carol attended public Telephone: 301-320-3931 schools in Yonkers, received a BA in Political Sci ence from Wellesley College in 1940 and an MAin Political Science from Mt. Holyoke. Carol and El married in 1942. Afrer receiving her master's, Car ol began work with Current History magazine, the oldest U.S. publication devoted exclusively to world affairs. She became editor, and while the GuideOne Insurance is America's leading insur publishing office was in Philadelphia, the editorial er of religious institutions, and has been pro office moved with Carol: first to Norwalk, Conn., tecting Friends houses of worship and schools then to Wtlton, Conn., and finally; from 1970 until her retirement, to the barn at her home in for more than 20 years. In fact, since 1979, Forest Grove, Pa. Carol was an active member of GuideOne has been the Friends Insurance Wilton Meeting while in Connecticut and of Wrightstown Meeting after the move to Forest Group property and casualty insurer of choice. Grove. All four of her children married under the To arrange for a FREE premium quotation, and care of Wrightstown Meeting. She was active in to learn more about GuideOne Insurance. call social causes at a deeply personal level. In Wtlton, she participated in an AFSC program placing high 1-877-448-4331 ext. 5429. school students of color from the South with local fnsur~nce families so that they could attend local schools. At one point, Carol and two of her assistant editors sponsored students, and in Bucks County she was involved with programs sponsoring Cambodian and Vietnamese refugee families. She was active until her passing. Carol was predeceased by her husband of nearly 63 years, El Thompson. She is AQuaker boarding and day high school where ... survived by two sons, Timothy and John T homp ... personal transformations take place son; two daughters, Ellen and Abigail Thompson; and nine grandch ildren, Andrew, Charles, ... each person seeks to live with full integrity N icholas, and Daniel T hompson; Erica and Rosie ... distinct waysof learning are honored Leavell; and Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Lucy H aas. Wallace--Albm johnston Wai.Uue Jr., 95, on Janu ary 8, 2007, in Marblehead, Mass. Albert was born on February 4, 1912, to Alben Johnston Wallace and Laura Vtrginia Wallace in Collingswood, N.J., where he grew up. A resident of the Delaware Val eting School ley for most of his life, Alben graduated from the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania in 1934, and joined the mineral-importing firm of E. J. Lavino & Company in Philadelphia, where he spent his working life. Voyages aboard the City of September 2007 FRIENDS JOURNAL New l0rk as a working seaman to South Africa and beconnected Cuba, together with his construction of a wooden sailboat from scratch, were early expressions of his lifelong zest for travel, all things nautical, and car pentl:y He met his wife, Susan Morton Tatum, ''Everything here is about through her aunt, who had been his teacher in junior high school. When Albert and Susan mar community. It's just a fun ried in Providence Meeting in Media, Pa., in 1940, Albert became a member of the Religious Society place to be. The professors of Friends, and a devoted partnership began that was to endure for over half a century. The couple provide an environment lived first in Pennsylvania, then in New Jersey, set cling in Haddonfield, N.J. , in 1952. They were that has built my passion very active members ofWalnuc Street Meeting in Haddonfield and enthusiastic supporters ofuniting and excites me about my the rwo Haddonfield meetings. With Albert's help ture career options. I'm the meeting was able to obtain funding for the con struction of a substantial addition to the Haddon rilled to be a part of field Meeting/Friends' School complex. The couple also started the Haddonfield Meeting Nwslener, in the days when this in\Olved manual typewriters EMU. '' and mimeograph machines. When Albert retired, he and Susan became )(!ar-round residents of Ocean Ciry, N.J., the site of his own childhood Carolyn Riley vacations, and the couple joined Seaville (N.J.) health and physical Meeting in Cape May Counry, where their dedi cated energy helped revitalize the linle meeting, education major from leading to the construction of a fine addition to the Warrenton, Va. tiny, historic wooden meetinghouse. When they left New Jersey for Friends Village in Newrown, Memb&r, Hopewell Pa., Albert and Susan joined Yardley Meeting. Centrejriends Meeting Using Albert's fine photographs, he and Susan pro duced a series of memorable Christmas cards. They shared a love of music and of travel, and they visit ed friends in the U.S. and abroad. After Susan's death in 1990, Albert moved north to Marblehead, Mass., where he lived with his younger daughter, Debbie, and her family, with his son Gene and family nearby. Unable to rravel or to attend a local meeting, Albert rejoined Haddonfidd Meeting, and became a keen supporter of the Quaker Mis sions project, collecting numerous used stamps. He remained in close touch with many old friends. In 2005 Albert moved to a small nursing home in Marblehead. Alben was predeceased by his wife, Susan Monon Tatum. He is survived by his daugh ters, Edith Wallis and Deborah Essig; his son, Eugene Wallace; his grandchildren, Whitney Gui da, Ashley Wallace, Jason Wallace, Matthew Essig, and Susan Essig; and rwo nieces and one nephew. FRIENDS JOURNAL September 2 007 47 Forum continued from page 5 together Friends around the world in a It's the myriad of ways, so it is incwnbent upon us to govern ourselves and to do our work internationally. I heartily agree that face-to face meetings are the best means of carrying forward our work, but we have to realistically settle for telephone of (j) Broadmead communications as the means to be inclusive and to get the work accomplished. We began this practice in 2004, recognizing the QS2{/I. inclusive healthcare, maintenance-free garden apartments, imperative for our committees to be and interesting friends are a way of life at Broadmead. Enjoy an representative of the world body of Friends, abundance of resident-driven programs & activities or the serenity and the limitations of our financial ability to of the natural surroundings on this 94-acre campus. It's all up to bring such committees together face-to-face. The cost of holding our annual face-to-face you. We invite you to visit us and catch the Broadmead meeting of the Central Executive Committee Call (410) 584-3388 to schedule your personal (16 people) in the UK exceeds $20,000 each time. UK charity law mandates at least one face-to-face meeting of the trUStees each year, so we must bear this cost. Broadmead is an inclusive, accredited, With the formation of a new International Finance Committee, Continuing Care Retirement Commu nity recognizing the imperative for broad and operated in the caring Quaker tradition. representation and our limitations, FWCC TTY/Voice - Maryland Relay Service has a committee meeting only by telephone, 1-800-201-7165 supplemented by e-mail. Its members are www.broadmead.org ~ ~..._...,.. from the U.S. (five people, three time zones), UK, Kenya, and Australia. We begin and end with prayer or devotional time, circulate the agenda and docwnents in advance, have only one person speak at once, and pause for silent worshipful consideration as needed. "Lee has authored a very The minutes are circulated shortly after the important book that examines meeting. It works. For an international Quaker body, what many important subjects is our alternative? Would FWCC have to relevant to successfully have all its committees be British-based? Hardly an option these days, but until the managing a business availability of conference calls it was the only financially viable option. This was true of enterprise in today s complex, our International Membership Committee, difficult environment. " which is now in the process of transforming - Daniel Bauer DBA itself to an international committee, which Dean, W. Fielding Rubel School of Business will use conference calls for meetings. Bellarmine University. Louisville, Kentucky FWCC has benefited from this innovation in our way of working. No This book is about ethical principles in committee of ours works exclusively by e business, and translating those principles mail, although it is necessary for the into ethical behavior in the workplace. preliminary work. We have found that It's about how people need to form nearly all Friends have access to an Internet cafe and a free web address. peaceful partnerships so that everyone Finances permitting, FWCC would have Lee B. Thomas, comes out a winner. all its meetings face-to-face. Several years Jr. is a longtime Hardcover, 152 pages, $16.95 ago, we created the Committee Travel Fund, businessman and an endowed fund whose interest income founding member of supports bringing committee members Louisville Friends Order online at together. We would welcome further Meeting, which contributions to that fund. celebrated its 50th www. butlerbooks.com year in 2004. or ca11502-897-9393 Nancy Irving, GeneraL Secretary Friends World Committee for Consultation September 2007 FRIENDS j OURNAL Kutus Jones deserves much Uut ot the loop? ------~-~ ------of the credit I feel like that proverbial voice crying in the wilderness. You can't be a good Quaker I think it is unfortunate that it was not unless you own (and can use) a computer. mentioned in Francine Cheeks' excellent I just received my July issue of FRIENDS article, "American Friends Service j OURNAL. I haven't read any of the feature Committee after 90 Years" (F]June) that articles yet but it seems very enlightening, Rufus Jones, as a co-founder of AFSC who and I love encouraging young Friends. I was led it for 30 or so years, was largely especially impressed with the upcoming responsible for the Nobel Prize that was events and the list of yearly meetings to awarded to AFSC in 1947. come in the Bulletin Board. I want the Ann Foster editor to plan a full page next May-listing Boston, Mass. all the upcoming yearly meetings-like famed-plenty of spaces between to make More on interreligious notes-so that others can plan ahead to visit! Also, so when people ask me about Quakers Progoff weddings I can hand them a copy and say we are quite Dick Wood's fme description of different, numerous and cover the world. Intensive JournaP yet similar, manners of conducting weddings On page 51 in that issue, across from the ("Facilitating Interreligious Weddings," Life August listing of yearly meetings, is an Program in the Meeting: Fj June) impels two advertisement for a new retirement home in comments. Some time ago our department Pennsylvania. When are we old Quakers members were invited to two colleagues' going to get some help in Texas? How about quite different weddings. The first was an some cooperative housing that is under the An integrated system of Indian, Hindu, woman marrying a Philippine, care of the yearly meeting-that fits my writing exercises and Catholic man. There were two very different, $1,003 monthly income? I struggle with quite moving wedding ceremonies for this commercial "housing" and, at age 85, could meditation to evoke couple on separate days. The details are too share time and energy with ten or so other many to describe here, but interestingly, the aging Friends--like the cooperative dorms at your life potential bride's father had to pay extra for the Hindu college. So many more women than men ceremony to be shortened to two hours. The need each other's companionship and an second wedding was a Lithuanian Lutheran inexpensive lifestyle. The woman in that ad Workshops Nationwide ceremony. It was quite clear that the actual may find art in retirement, but many find it focal points of each wedding were the a big fmancial struggle. mutual promises offered and accepted in the Austin Meeting has some wonderful Host at your presence of witnesses. active people and we have acquired some My second comment concerns Dick wonderful buildings through the astuteness Friends Meeting Wood's closing with two translations of the and hard work of Austin Friends. But my beloved benediction. To give credit, it comes dwelling is out of the "circle"-and the price Special member rates from Numbers 6:24-26. According to the of gasoline prohibits much visiting. context it comes from the Lord giving Definitely my "fault"-my brain does instructions to Moses that Aaron should not accept "computerize." Most of my CallS00-221-5844 thus transmit this, the Lord's blessing, a queries have the answer, "Oh, that's on the www.intensivejournal.org continuing favor, to the children oflsrael. website," and then the apology for my As well as the Hebrew, Dick quotes a advanced years? Bah, humbug! modern version of the well-known King Eleanor R Hammond 175,000 participants since 1966 James translation. The Hebrew version San Marcos, Texas Continuing Education Credits translated into English, which reads in the marmer of the Hebrew (from the beautifully bound translation by Everett Fox, The Five An appreciative renewal Award-winning Books ofMos es), is just as beautiful, even Thank you for reminding me why I am a emphatic. It is clear that it is not just a Quaker. book by divine pat on the head: I renew my subscription so that the May YHWH bless you and keep you! ministry may "build and nourish the work IraProgoff May YHWH shine his face upon you of the Holy Spirit in our lives." and favor you! juyce Trotman May YHWH lift up his face toward you Surrey, England and grant you shalom! "Intensive Journal," a trademark of Jon james Baker Progoff, is licensed to Dialogue House Nelson, B.C. FRIENDs j OURNAL September 2007 49 $25-:--L:~' ;;;v;dd~~ $19.' .\dd"10.:k ii 'b;,~;d~ Join the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts ($25/year), 1Oo/o discount lor three consecutive insertions, Assistance Sought and share your work with Friends in our exciting quar 25% lor six. Appearance of any advertisement terly, "Types and Shadows." Seeking short fiction and does not imply endorsement by Friends Journal. INFORMATION NEEDED FOR BOOK PROJECT: non-fiction, poetry, drawings, B&W photos, and NEWS Researching conscientious objectors who served as U.S. of Quaker art/artists. Help create a new chapter in CWSIFIED AD DEADUNES: Army combat medics in Europe, 1943-45, for book project. Quaker history! Info: FQA, c/o PYM, 1515 Cherry St., November issue, September 17 Letters, journals, etc. appreciated. Would like to interview Philadelphia, PA 19102. E-mail submissions OK. December issue, October 15 subjects via phone, mail, or e-mail. Contact David Austin September 2007 FRIENDs JoURNAL Catskill Mountains (NY)· Log Chalet with mountain views. Near hiking, fishing, tennis, golf and skiing. Minutes to Bel· leayre ski center and lake. Wrap-around deck with hum· ·~·. mingbirds. 3 bedrooms-2.5 baths. Sleeps 7·8. Rental by EARLHAM week June-February. Contact Victoria Moore at 516 48& SC HOOL .f RELI C ION 4367 or [email protected]. Peace and Justice is an emphasis in both the M Div.IM Blueberry Cottage on organic lavender, blueberry, and Medford Leas- Min. and MAin Religion programs at ESR. Occasion· dairy goat farm in the mountains of N. Carolina. Pond, moun· A Quaker-Related, Not-for-Profit Community a1 students are welcome too. Also accessible to ESR lain views, protected river. Sleeps 8+. Family farm visit or For Adults Age 55+ students are courses from two other mid-west Peace romantic getaway. Near Celo Friends Meeting. By week or programs. Study with ESR on-line or on-campus at day. FRIENDS JouRNAL September 2007 51 • • • J;ese are difficult times in publishing, • especially for small nonprofits. At FRIENDS JouRNAL, income from subscriptions and • advertising revenue covers only 52 percent of Help secure • what it costs to produce the magazine. You can play a significant role in assuring the the future of • future of FRIENDS JoURNAL-and our goal • of building readership among Friends of all ages-by contributing a planned gift FRIENDS • that fits your needs. Such a gift allows even • those of modest means to contribute significantly to the ministry of the written JOURNAL • word found in FRIENDS JouRNAL because • such a gift can provide lifetime income and • significant tax benefits for the donor. For 52 years, the written Quaker Thought words of Friends have FRIENDS and Ute informed, enriched, and JOURNAL lOday nurtured our Quaker community. Your contribution to this ministry is critically important as it helps us to FRIENDS JOURNAL ensure a lasting, vital connection among Friends. And your gift a charitable gift annuity as simple as a line in your FRIENDS JOURNAL will-provides a legacy FRIENDS JouRNAL as that can help sustain the arwwl,.i!:lory of an IRA or publication of Quaker thought for decades to come. nee p9licy Gifts can be funded with cash, stock, or other property. a trust that au.:l~ FRIENDS JOURNAL Want to know more? Please contact our development staff at: 1216 Arch Street, 2A FRIENDS Philadelphia, PA 19107 a gift to our Board [email protected] ry Fund JOURNAL ( 8oo) 4 71-6863