December 2009 • $6 Quaker Thought FRIENDS and Life OURNAL Today
Quaking with Confidence Addressing the Differences among Friends • A Message from the Board and the Publisher An independent magazine serving I' the Religious Is It Time to Lay Down Society of Friends FRIENDS JouRNAL? Editorial Susan Corson-Finnerty (Publisher and Executive Editor), Robert Dockhorn (Senior Editor), Rebecca Howe (Associate Editor}, Judith An Open Letter from janet Ross, Clerk of of Quaker thought, which is often Brown (Poetry Editor), Catherine Wald (Book Review the Board ofTrustees , Friends Publishing plumbed by authors and publishers who Editor), Eileen Redden (Assistant Book Review Editor) , request permission to reprint, or by meet Mary Julia Street (Milestones Editor), Guli Fager Corporation and Susan Corson-Finnerty, (Assistant Milestones Editor), Robert Marks, George Publisher and Executive Editor ings who use its articles to assist meeting Rubin (News Editors), Judith Inskeep, Lisa Rand, business. 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FruENDS JouRNAL December 2009 3 our ~ebsite, •< www.friendsjournal.org>. ~nd~wme nt and reserve ;hat will sup costs ~o retain you as a ....~eader. 'For ~' • Accept two-page spread port and sustain FRIENDS JOURNAL for every reader has great value as a partici advertisements and advertisements at years to come. O ur current endowment/ pant in a community that ministers to the front of the magazine. reserve stands at $767,400 as of 6/2009. itsel£ Our writers are not paid journal • Create "Sustaining Subscriber" and Projecting forward, without change in ists-they are our readers, members of "Sustaining Meeting" programs with income or expense, it will be entirely ex our community. Your participation is special benefits in exchange for hausted in 12-18 months. Clearly a dra important to us on many levels. committed support. matic reversal is needed. We will need Fifth, you can become a sustaining • Institute a postage and handling to raise $400,000 to $600,000 this subscriber or ask your meeting to be charge for print subscriptions. year, and more to build an endowment come a sustaining meeting, giving • Move to a less recycled or non in the next few years. regular monthly donations above the recycled paper stock. We do not know ifs uch funds can be price of your subscription, at a level that • Cap the number of pages at 52. secured in 12-18 months-the time that is right for you. Regular monthly gifts • Combine the June and July issues, we have available. Friends and readers enable larger yearly donations from reducing frequency to 11 issues per have significant resources, but those per modest donors and help us greatly with year. sonal resources have been diminished by cash flow. • Send renewal notices by e-mail when the crisis in our economy. Furthermore, Sixth, you can volunteer your time. possible. many charitable and educational orga This letter can be shared, and discussed • Create an electronic subscription nizations are also experiencing difficult at your meeting or with friends. Mem option, using PDFs. times, including many Quaker institu bers of our Board and staff would be • Potentially reduce personnel costs by tions. There are many worthy uses for happy to respond to invitations to speak raising employee health insurance philanthropic dollars, and those who do about the JouRNAL, and to hear the premium contributions, eliminating have money must decide among them. views of your meeting or community. You life insurance, and reducing staff can let us know if you might be willing wages (already frozen at 2008 level). How you can assist our Board in de to be a volunteer fundraiser, ifo ur Board ciding our future decides to undertake a capital drive. The Executive Committee and the There are several ways that readers of Finally, there are a few people read other Committee clerks of the Board this letter could assist us: ing this who have the ability to make and the staff have together developed First, you can write to us and tell or help secure a transformative gift this cost-cutting/r evenue-generating pro us what you think. Is the JOURNAL im for the jOURNAL. That is to say, a sig gram. It includes many steps we would portant, even vital, to the future ofFriends? nificantly large gift that would build our rather not take, but that are necessary in What ideas and suggestions do you have endowment. We do not expect such a this financial environment. However, that may be helpful to the Board in its gift to arrive in the mail, but if you feel these steps alone may not insure that February and June meetings? You can con led to consider such a step, we would be FRIENDS JOURNAL will make it through tact us at
4 December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL I 1'-1 Ll ~LIJ
DECEMBER 2009 OURNAL VOL . 55, NO. 12
• FEATURES 8 A Ia Chureca Christmas Herb Haigh A couple tries to give the best Christmas they can to orphans at Los Quinchos, Nicaragua. 12 Quaking with Confidence • POETRY Ben Pink Dandelion This Quaker scholar offers a tour de force on his Life and on IS It Is Now the stages ofconvincement. Louise D. Harris 18 Addressing the Differences among Friends 17 A Birthmother's Prayer Howie Baker Madeline Strong Diehl Friends need to bridge the theological divides among us and 20 On the Back of a Wooden Bench recognize that there is one Spirit. in a Quaker Meetinghouse 21 Chronicle of a Journey: Central America, 2008 Douglas Fleming Loida E. Fernandez G. She describes and reflects on recent journeys from Mexico City to Managua and San jose. • DEPARTMENTS 2 A Message from the Board and the Publisher 6 Forum 7 Viewpoint Active nonviolence and the Nickel Mines tragedy 25 Books Young Friends bookshelf 33 News 36 Milestones 46 Classified
On Left and on cover: photos courtesy ofHerb Haigh
FRIENDS Jou RNAL December 2009 5 We walk the Blessing Way join the discussion, we are reading several The JOURNAL is one of these receptive, works written about him. On the table in recording places. Everyone who Recently I received a letter from the entry is displayed an array of Friends contributes to it, the writers as well as FRIENDS JOURNAL asking for financial written pamphlets and magazines. Among members of the staff, is giving Friends a support: our magazine is in jeopardy. I these is FRIENDS JOURNAL. How many great gift: the gift of attention to the agonized over what I could do to help. It's people in this meeting read the JOURNAL? power of the Divine in our lives today. clear that we don't have funds to How many in meetings elsewhere Our adult education committees have a contribute. This request sank within me, subscribe to it for themselves? In two source of ready inspiration and instruction to germinate a response appropriate to my meetings that I know, an individual used on the manner of Friends today: FRIENDS ways and means. It was stirred into inner to subscribe and share a copy with others; JOURNAL. Religious education is best life again by a communication with our now, there is no JOURNAL available for conveyed and expanded through Inner G uides last night. It surfaced today meeting attenders and members. examples. Our stories, the events of our as I read two pamphlets on John Apparently no one now subscribes to it. lives presented with inner reflections Woolman. Now I know: I am to remind Our JOURNAL has let me share my gifts about their meaning, are living testimony Friends that we walk the Blessing Way of insight with other Friends. It's also given to the treasure we've inherited in our together. Further, our walk today is Daniel and me a heart and mind Friends tradition. Let our JOURNAL be empowered by those who came before us. connection with the work of Spirit in other regular reading for our people. Let us Those who come after us will need our Friends. This is particularly important for weave ourselves together in understanding example of steadfastness in the Light to chose of us who can't be physically part of as well as in Spirit: grow together, guide and empower them. As John their Friends communities. strengthen each other. Let us walk the Woolman says: What worth are our gifts if they can't Blessing Way, together. be received, if there is no ready heart or Alicia Adams A trust is committed to us, a great avenue for our sharing? What is the worth Mimbres, N.Mex. & weighty trust, to which our of the short poem by Janeal Turnbull diligent attention is necessary.... Ravndal, "Centering," in the September Information sought on I feel a living invitation in my mind issue? It points to territory in all of us that to such who are active in our religious we need to examine from that place of conducting Friends society, that we may lay to heart this "pure principle" within. When we define business remotely matter, and consider the station in ourselves as Friends and individuals by our which we stand. We stand in a place outer actions and accomplishments, what A number of yearly meetings and of outward liberty, under the free enduring worth is this to the generations other Quaker organizations are grappling exercise of our conscience towards that come after us? These individuals will with how to do Quaker business with God, not obtained but through great have challenges different than ours to face. less travel. This is resulting in widespread and manifold afflictions of those who Janeal speaks to the inner shift that is experiments such as conference calls, lived before us. Can our hearts necessary if we are to stay close to "the combined "hub" meetings with conference endure, or our hands be strong if we root," as Woolman calls this centering calls, Skype, etc. There is consternation desert a cause so precious; if we turn place of insight and power. Do our actions even among experimenters about what aside from a work under which so truly reflect the action of the Divine, can be handled when we are not in each many have patiently laboured? through us, or do they reflect our concerns other's presence, whether Skype is or is and ideas of how to be a "good person," a not being present, and other questions. I Our JOURNAL represents a trust: one "good Friend"? would like to collect information about given into our care. It is also a treasure. We In one of Woolman's visions, he heard a these experiments and write an article can look again to the life and work of]ohn voice saying, "John Woolman is dead." In discussing the issue. Please send write- Woolman to see what the blessing is in this reflection afterward, he determined that ups on your experience with this publication. Woolman "laboured" with this was the death of his inner "contending problem to Mary Gilbert of Friends many regarding the concerns that came to spirit": that which opposed the "pure Meeting at Cambridge (Mass.) at him. He felt "motions of love" and inner principle." How do we die to ourselves, as
6 December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL Active Nonviolence and the Nickel Mines Tragedy
n his very thoughtful article about made different choices, and it is not my in threat of violence. the Nickel Mines tragedy, "Forgive tent to condemn them in any way. Thich Nhat Hanh has been quoted I ness: An Amish Lesson for the Rest Rather, my intent is to challenge the as saying: "If you wait until the time of of Us?" (Fj Aug.), Jonathan Kooker fo false dichotomy of choice described in the crisis, it will be too late ... Even if you cuses on the important lesson of trans article and apparently underpinning most know that nonviolence is better than vi formative forgiveness, but at the same of the popular debate about this tragic inci olence, if your understanding is only in time he ignores another potential lesson dent. While the lessons contained within the tellectual and not in your whole being, that was lost-that of the transforma story of communal forgiveness are impor you will not act nonviolently. The fear tive power of active nonviolence. He ex tant, I believe we also need to remember and and anger will prevent you." I know the plains that the teacher decided to leave celebrate other stories that offer a different truth of those words in my own life ex the schoolhouse because she "knew that set of lessons. We need to understand and perience- especially when translated combating violence with violence would to believe that another outcome was possi into the language ofactive nonviolence, not be her best role in this situation, ble so that we can free ourselves to choose which is more than simply walking and that persons trained in dealing with actions outside the "fight or flight" duality. away from or avoiding violence. hostage crises were best equipped to I still remember being overcome with We must learn and teach the stories deal with [the attacker]." With that state grief mixed with disbelief on the afternoon of ordinary people like ourselves tapping ment, he falls into the same false dichot when I first heard the news on the radio. into and trusting the power of the Spir omy trap as the online commentators he "Why did they leave?" I asked myself over it, responding to the threat of violence quotes, who derided the failure of the and over again. "Why did the adults walk in unexpected and extraordinary ways. Amish teachers and students to attempt out of that room?" As I am a student of non But that collective work is not enough; to overpower their attacker with force. violent action, my reaction was based on a we each have our own work to do, as The trap is the assumption that the very different set ofassumptions than those well-both practical and spiritual. Ac only choices available in that moment that prompted the criticism of their lack of quiring some training in specific skills were "fight" or "flight"-to strike back violent resistance. My grief arose from the is helpful, but my experience teaches me or to submit to the gunman's demand assumption that they must have been un that the real learning comes from seek to leave the building. The outcome, as aware of the rich heritage of stories that re ing opportunities to put the knowledge described in this article, clearly chal veal the potential power of active nonvio and skills into practice, and stumbling, lenges the further assumption that the lence to transform a violent situation. and trying again. institutional threat of violence or pun Those powerful emotions returned one For most of us, that will involve con ishment embodied in law enforcement evening last winter as I sat in midweek wor sciously stepping outside of our comfort was the best response to this violent sit ship and noticed the small framed painting able lives and surroundings. The two uation. The gunman's panic upon the on a shelf in our meetinghouse. The painting years that I commuted by public bus pro arrival of the police is what precipitated depicts the famous incident in which a Native vided a number ofs uch opportunities; liv the rapid killing of the young girls, as American war party bursts into a Quaker ing in an urban neighborhood "in tran well as the gunman's suicide. meeting for worship. The incident is notable sition" has provided others; and engaging The article provides a powerful tell because the Quakers remained in worship, in various forms of public witness for ing of the actions of the girls who were completely surprising their would-be attack peace and justice has provided still more. left behind, reaching out to the young ers and transforming the threat of violence. Each opportunity involves the frighten man in love and with offers of self-sac My thoughts returned to Nickel Mines. I ing choice to engage, to trust the Spirit's rifice. We will never know whether wondered whether the story in the paint guidance in that moment. Preparing to their words and actions, given more ing-a part of our heritage as Friends-and make that choice is our spiritual worship. time, might have touched him and its underlying truths are sufficiently embed john Humphries transformed the situation. We also can ded in the collective consciousness of our not know whether the outcome might community to instill in each of us a vision john Humphries is a memeber of Hart have been different had the teachers for alternative responses to violence or the ford {Conn.) Meeting. forward I have, in very subtle ways, process the motivation and drive was Christianity- or found myself in a constant state of that first Spark of Light that was ignited metamorphosis, growing and expanding when I was introduced to Friends. I Constantininanism? in depth and development. I began to would like to feel that now they are truly acquire a greater sense of respect for my Friends- but my feelings tell me that I thought of responding at once to knowledge and to listen to my innermost they have always been my Friends. Do Newton Garver's "Are We Christian?" (Fj thoughts more as I intuitively rationalize you have a Friend? June, Viewpoint)-but glad I held off, as and analyze the cause of the mechanics Knowledge Y. johmon letters from Steve Chase and Hannah behind my past life, existence as I know Clinton Correctional Facility Logan Morris in the September issue it to be now, and what lies ahead for Dannemore, N.Y. expressed much of what I would have said. myself and others, both alike and unalike. Throughout this transformation Continued on page 39
FRJENDS JoURNAL December 2009 7 J L ~ L 1/ Vtl (...(...U L 1/ I 1-.Jtl I 1-U.J
by Herb Haigh
~ fcicnd Michact popped into it is a much tougher place than that. Los kids up at the larger campus in San Mar my office. When he told me he couldn't Quinchos is a place that, by its nature, cos, take them to Lake Nicaragua, and make it to Nicaragua this year for the melts the hardest of hearts and at the let them swim, open presents, do a lot of Los Quinchos Christmas party, his tears same time demands disciplined dedica hugging, wish them a "Feliz Navidad," welled up. My wife, Pam, operates two tion. The children who live there were and get them back to San Marcos. beauty schools in Managua, and he found alone on the streets of Managua, This year's plan was that a busload of knew that in a day or two we would be the country's capital. Until they arrived kids from La Chureca, in Managua, traveling there so she could officiate at there, they had lived a child's life with the annual graduation. He took a deep out love, and many of them are addict breath, looked straight at me, and said, ed to the glue they inhale to quell the "As a personal friend, please promise me pain ofhunger. To them, "Papa Miguel" that 'all my babies' will get presents; it is a combination of father figure, rock will be a great party, and you'll bring star, and generous benefactor. He is their back plenty of pictures." I agreed, at real-life Santa Claus, who visits in De least to the part about the pictures; but cember each year. When he arrives, it's in my heart I knew that I would have to officially Christmas at Los Quinchos. overcome some considerable disappoint I accepted his request, but I knew ment from "Mike's babies." success would be in God's hands. The Los Quinchos he referred to is a The two beauty schools Pam oper refuge for children in the mountains of ates teach a less dangerous way for young Nicaragua, the second-poorest country women who have been forced to work in the Western Hemisphere. It is one of in the sex trade to support themselves. It the projects that are supported by Pro is a big job, and Pam had traveled to Ni Nica, a Quaker-sponsored organization caragua several days before me to help in which my wife and I play a parr. It is the staff prepare for their annual gradu not a place for folks who have a passing ation ceremony. When I arrived a few would ride up to San Marcos, where they interest in helping those less fortunate- days later, she had already learned that would join the other kids and they would the traditional Christmas party at Los have a party together. Sounds simple Quinchos would not be carried our this enough, but look at the arithmetic: Herb Haigh, a member of St. Petersburg about 30 kids from La Chureca would (Fla.) Meeting, is president ofAmeri-Plus Se year. The powers that be decided to do lect Services, a Medicare Select hospital net something different, and she knew I join about 40 kids from San Marcos. work. He and his wife, Pam, are available to would be worried about my vow as a Yes, that's a lot of kids and Christmas talk about the work of ProNica to monthly personal friend to "Papa Miguel." presents that weren't anticipated. It meetings and other interested groups; contact Los Quinchos has several campuses, would also require several additional pi through
8 score of other details. If we could get the porch of the ProNica residence, ment at La Chureca. those chores done in a few hours, there "Quaker House," having a casual morn Most people confuse poverty with was also the part about the two-hour ing coffee on the not-so-quiet residen being impoverished. T hat's because bus ride on unmarked mountain roads, tial street when a bus load of children most of us spend our lives in a culture followed by a 30-minute walk through arrived a full 15 minutes early (perhaps that deeply believes in the American the rain forest with a horde of Spanish dream of success. As such we usually speaking, affection-starved kids who, can't accept as fact that the basic struc shall we say, "don't get out much." ture of some economic systems perpetu San Marcos is a small town some dis ates poverty. In other words, these indi tance outside Managua. "La Chureca" viduals live in poverty with no chance, ~ is not a town. It is a burning, smoking no ability, and no hope of change; they ~ mountain of stinking refuse within the live in a world where the concept ofup- i: city itself, about the size of a golf course. ward mobility is absent. Their condition ~ It is also home to many of God's poorest exceeds that of poverty; they are impov- ~ people. I am not sure that there are any erished. A very few, I will admit, do es- ~ census takers in Nicaragua, but if there cape-with scars, but nonetheless, they !i do escape. Then again, some of us end ~ up on MTV, getting money for noth- ~ ing, but I don't know any of those peo- ~
are, I am certain none would be willing to walk around and count heads in such a terrible place. It is estimated that more than a thousand souls find themselves there. With a life expectancy of only 35 years, by default, most of them are chil dren. They make their way in life, sift ing through trash for recyclables that can be sold, garbage that can be eaten, and "johns" who will pay meager amounts of money to exploit the women and chil dren sexually. When Jesus attempted to describe hell, he used the name Gehenna, which a Nicaraguan first). I have always won pie personally. I suppose that given six was the place south ofJerusalem where dered what it was like inside those white degrees of separation we all are connect the ancients took children to be sacri buses that the prisoners ride in when ed to someone living in both of these ficed to the god Moloch. During his one pulled up in front of Quaker house. extremes, but they are still intangible. rime, it was a city dump that was con I realized I was going to have my chance The bus squealed to a stop in front of stantly in flames. It is said that ifa prop to find out. me with all the noise and commotion of er tomb had not been donated, after his Unlike the ones at home, this ancient, a freight train arriving at a depot. It crucifixion his body would have been smoky, recently hand-brush-painted white took me so by surprise that at first I left there as refuse. La Chureca is the bus wasn't filled with prisoners as we didn't notice that all of the windows modern-day equivalent of Gehenna. normally know them. This bus was were open or absent and peering thru Fortunately, the people of Nicaragua filled with prisoners of life: children, every one of them was a child who was adapt to changes in schedules with ease. from one who was a few months old thinking, "Donde esta Miguel?" I am not sure how it came about, but (accompanied by her three siblings and I took a moment of silence and somehow presents were bought, pinatas her 24-year-old mother) up to one about reminded myself that I had put this were loaded with goodies, and I, on Sat 13, as best I could guess, who by bad whole thing in God's hands. I got on urday morning, found myself sitting on luck were born into a life of impoverish- the bus, smiled, waived, and introduced
FRIENDS JouRNAL December 2009 9 my wife, "Pam Ella" (in espafio[) and my from ordinary day. self as "Hereberto." Now everyone was aboard the The arrival of the bus a full 15 min completely full prison bus, and, utes ahead of schedule was a situation so there being no seats left, I was rare and unexpected in Nicaragua that perched on the very warm engine our translator had not yet arrived. cover riding backwards, looking at a In my panic my mind briefly went busload of adorable urchins who back to my arrangement with God, re were looking at me. minding God that this is in God's I smiled as my senses abruptly in hands, and since that's the deal, now formed me that this year Santa was would be a good time to tell me how I not the only one who was covered in inform 30 children who are raging with ashes and soot from head to foot. yuletide excitement that Miguel can't The 30 elves I was about to spend make it, Pam and I will have to do, and my day with, spend their life that Marcos, we all smelled the same, and I -oh yeah-they have to sit there and way, and guess what, every one of them was in love with every one of them. behave for 15 minutes, and God, please wanted to take a turn sitting in my lap. I was filled with the sheer joy of it all, remember, I don't speak Spanish. Oh well, there was plenty of time. I had and my inside voice was saying, "Thank I am here to tell you, that God deliv a pocket full of Pure!!. God had already you, Michael, with God's help you have ered on God's end of the deal. God re proved to be paying careful attention given me this day, and I am very grate minded me that way back I acquired a so, I thought, as they say, let's "dash ful for that." few very poor juggling skills (I mean away, dash away, dash away all." Although I noticed that none of the that literally), so a set of keys over the We don't think of poor people as be dashboard gauges work, and we always shoulder and caught behind the back, ing pleasing to the eye, but that was the had to park on an incline because the got us through. I guess I should men reality with these children. They lived starter doesn't work either, the prison tion that the kids' fascination with my inside magnificently beautiful brown bus did its job and after an hour or so movie star-looking, blonde, gringo wife skin, with bright eyes augmented by long we arrived in time for lunch at the Los being on the bus with them put them a eyelashes. By the time we arrived in San Quinchos Pizza Parlor. little bit in awe and bought me at least half of those 15 minutes. I just know they were wondering if they had ever seen her in a movie. By being the world's clumsiest juggler, I had pro duced a half dozen howls of laughter mixed with fin ger pointing when a motor cycle shrouded in a cloud of carbon monoxide pulled up and stopped, and off stepped a rider who even with a helmet on, is easily understood to be female. As if she'd been born on a motorcycle, in one sweep she dismounted, removed her helmet, shook her head, and revealed her long, flow ing, raven black hair. She walked over to us, gave Pam a hug as they had met before, and looked at me and said, "Hi, I'm Car men, I am going to be your translator." My secret voice inside my head is saying, "Thank you God, again." Back in the world out side my head it was clear that it was going to be a far
10 December 2009 FRJENDS JouRNAL my mm<1 conJures up an Image ot a skel uve, strange as that may seem to some. mg so netprut. 1 want to remma you eton on a small deserted island, long Everyone was enjoying themselves, that once a bus full of deprived kids dead, but still clutching a fishing pole. and nothing was wrong, but I felt that stops in a parking lot anywhere near a But I must say that this point of view is something was lacking. Something in circus, there is no going back." alive and well at Los Quinchos. The side me said that we had not achieved With that thought, the Spirit re pizza parlor serves as local restaurant that special status the Christmas spirit minded me that earlier in the week I and a vocational program for the kids demands. Little did I know that the spir had received word that a friend of mine who work rotating shifts from 11 to 7 it of Christmas within us had just be had suddenly lost his son, Andrew, dur every day. T hey prepare the dough, wait gun to do its work. ing what should have been a routine op- on tables, etc. It's a potential occupation for them, it puts money in their pocket, it makes money for the school, and it doubles as the bakery for the kids' meals. I should mention it is considered the best pizza in all of San Marcos, a town of maybe 100 people. I was intrigued and took my place at the grownups' table, my mind reeling with potential names for the place: 'Piz zas for Peace, a slice for a life," or may be, "we knead dough," and on and on. I didn't have time to find out why we were served bologna sandwiches at a pizza parlor because we were late get ting to the party, which began with dis appointment. The kids were led to be lieve that they would be able to swim in a real swimming pool, as opposed to the drainage ditch back in the city. How ever, when we arrived, the pool was still being cleaned, there was no water in it, and there would be no swimming. When you live in a dump that is con stantly on fire in the relentless heat of Central America, not getting your an Suddenly an idea popped into my eration. This friend had shown a genu nual chance to swim in a real pool is a head that was so radical I felt my inside ine interest in these kids from the dump. big disappointment. But to my amaze voice screaming "Oh, no! Please God I I had been thinking all week about what ment-or should I say, "But what to my know you have been helping out all day, I could do to honor my friend's son. This wondering eyes should appear"-in front but please don't lead me to that travel idea was so far out that I knew in my of me were 30 kids who took it in stride ing Mexican circus we saw back in Ma heart I was being led to do this. God was and moved the whole party over to the nagua! We can't do that, it's too much, up to mysterious ways again. And way soccer field and quickly chose up sides. over the top, beyond my ability, and had been put in front of me. Perhaps I Once again, I was reminded that these way too scary." I must have sounded had simply lost my mind, but I felt that kids are in many ways very special, and like Moses saying God had the wrong Pam and I were being led by the spirit to in case I was doubtful, I was reassured guy, and there must be some mistake. take 30 beautiful orphans to a circus in that God stayed on the bus and was still I calmed down a little when the in honor of my friend's son and we were the guest of honor at our party. side voice said, "The bus driver proba now on a "mission from God." Things went well; there were soccer, bly won't go for it, maybe that will stop If I live to be 100, I will not forget dancing, pifiatas, smiles, laughs, and lots this foolish idea in its tracks." No such the look on the guy's face at the ticket of presents, all of which required batter luck. For 50 U.S. dollars and a ticket for office. He looked at me, he looked at the ies. What a feeling of being a grandfa him and his son, the bus driver had long line of obedient but excited raga ther to these kids as the director of the plenty of time. Rats! What other possi muffins standing behind me, then back program, Carlos, and I put battery after ble deal breakers can I find? How about at me and his eyes said, "Okay, let's see battery into the toys while long lines of we can't afford it! The inside voice if I get this-you're from the United children patiently waited to find out quickly reminded me that I had a ga States, and with your movie star wife, what the toy actually did once powered. rage full of motorcycles, and taking these you are going to take 30 poor Hispanic Oh yes, note to the powers that be: Even kids would cost less than a few of my though they were joyously received, motorcycles getting an annual oil change; Continued on page 34
F RIENDS JouRNAL December 2 009 II ,~.... ·~···o with Confidence
by Ben Pink Dandelion
I'd like to clear up right away a ques grew up as what I have termed a Maybe Quakers would bring about the tion that seems to crop up repeatedly at strict and particular atheist. Ethics change in society I still dreamt o£ these more public moments in my life, and I were important but after that, hedo I have to admit one of the fi rst draws that is where I got my name. My parents nism or the degree of pleasure an action was the free refreshments. I was still were strict atheists, one intellectually, one resulted in, was the usual criterion for largely atheistic, seeing in Quakerism a emotionally-any religion on the televi decision making. Which is most fun? set of values and aspirations but not un sion and it would be turned off and the However, when my family moved north derstanding at all the "rooted in spirit" vicar welcoming us to our new home when from London close to the border with of our theme. I joined after only six we moved had the door shut in his face by Scotland when I was 11, both the local months so I could attend business meet my mother, but when in their 40s, one private schools had a religious founda ing, and I believe I was let in too quick year after they married, they had a son, tion: I was sent to the Quaker school ly. Sometimes others agree! they called me "Benjamin," born ofelderly rather than the Catholic one as they Two years on, I was given a bursary parents after the biblical story ofjacob and thought it would do me the least harm. to come to the United States to look at Ruth. So that's how I got to be called "Ben." I left as I had arrived, theologically the different political context of the ori I'm glad we've got that out ofthe way. speaking, and after a year out, mainly gins of U.S. and English Quakerism. At I have in my time elicited such reac on a seven-month cycle trip, I went to the end of my study time, I used a Trail- tions as: "What Ben Pink Dandelion says is largely nonsense" (The London Friend); "That Ben Pink Dandelion-he's nuts" In the midst of this onward journey, (ministry during worship in Indiana in 1997); and '1 wanted to throw the manu just outside St. Louis, unbidden, script across the room and scream" (col league on readingoneofmydrafts). How unwanted, unimagined, and all the more ever, I have the perfect response inspired by powerful and compelling for all that, the Friend who asked, ~re you the Ben Pink Dandelion?" No-I'm the other one. I felt lifted up. I have also been eldered in my teach ing: "What's more important: the truth, or getting a laugh?" Getting a laugh, Ire college only to become quickly involved ways bus pass to go to San Francisco, plied- but ofcourse they didn't know ifI in student politics and the surely soon traveling three days for two days there was telling the truth. to-be revolution. I was a member of a after all, to travel hopefully is a better All these caveats aside, let us begin. whole variety of socialist, communist, thing than to arrive-and then back Trotskyite groups- I was elected to the again. However, on Labor Day the student union executive but resigned schedules changed and I found myself when I became an anarchist. I left col waiting in Denver for 12 hours instead lege, too, and went to live at an anar of two, suddenly realizing that on the Ben Pink Dandelion is Professor of Quaker chist peace camp for some six months. new timetable I would miss my flight Studies and Programmes Leader at the Centre (That's where I changed my name to home from New York. What was a boy for Postgraduate Quaker Studies, Woodbrooke, Pink Dandelion, by the way, reserving to do? I had $67 in my pocket and the and University ofBirmingham, England. He "Ben" for my friends). When, within only chance of catching my plane was worships at Sawley Meeting in the shadow of another few months and after many ar to buy a Greyhound ticket for $120. I Pendle Hill. He has written numerous books rests, I finally concluded that the revo begged. Try it: ''I'll send you a check and articles about Quakerism and Quaker lution was unlikely to take place in Eng no, I'm a Quaker, you can trust me." Fi history. This is an edited and shortened text of an address to the Friends General Conference land, I left the camp, trained to become nally I found another Briton and cajoled Gathering in Blacksburg, Va., on june 28, a chauffeur, but remained anarchistical him to buy me a ticket on his credit card 2009. It is reprinted by permission from ly unemployed for the next five years, giving him every dollar and cent I Friends General Conference. ©2009 FGC. and revisited Friends. Here seemed to owned as sign of good faith. I caught To acquire an mp3, CD, or DVD ofBen's foil me a group of voteless, leaderless paci the Greyhound bus and all was right in talk, go to
12 December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL from here on, I would buy only to re place, so much had I accumulated. It is clear that if I held to my rule, I would not be buying another car. A year later, I had three. Well, if you're going to break the rule, why not break it! It also highlights that you have the explicit as piration only when it is in doubt! I have never been interested in books, that more typical Quaker vice-I didn't have a rule about or for that. I had the rule because I might be tempted to break it! God laughed, I think, and gradually decreased my income so that all the cars needed to go. I have often suggested that greater se riousness on our part about the spiritual life can also lead to a greater sense of fun and joy. If we know what we are for food, I washed instead, thus finding n 1991, my mother died and in early about, we can then joke about it, and other forms of self-care to nourish me. I 1992, I had a motorcycle accident. bring laughter into even the most mun rationed out a few grapes I had. Perfect. I Then began what I call "holy nudg dane moments. That is the balance I In the midst of this onward journey, es," times of God calling me to greater want us all to achieve, the balance that just outside St. Louis, unbidden, un faithfulness. "Ben, you need to be more will help us all in our responsibilities wanted, unimagined, and all the more responsible," was the message at that and help others in theirs. Sometimes powerful and compelling for all that, I time. I felt God guiding me, but also re this means taking risks and we need to felt lifted up and cradled by what I have minding me, calling me to account find the courage to create and sustain joy called God, held and reassured even in an overdose of pride would lead to an within an authentic everyday life. that time of contentment and apparent embarrassment, undue materialism In my new book Celebrating the confidence. It was a powerful experi would be beset with complication, or at Quaker Way I have written that "I am a ence for me and delightfully, it hasn't least illumination. Along with some Quaker and I inhabit that knowledge ever left me since. Since that time, I other Friends in the mid-'90s I devel daily. . . . I feel clothed in my faith." have lived an accompanied life. God is oped a personal rule to help me lead a What does that faith look like and how with me, and I know this in George more faithful life. It addressed in par does it relate to 17th-century insights? Fox's terms, experientially. Thus I be ticular key areas of temptation for me, Here is the initial transforming expe came a lapsed atheist kind of Quaker. where the desire for pleasure outran the rience of George Fox, age 23. He had For five years God sat alongside me, ethical consequences. One of these was been traveling around the army camps, affirming and encouraging me in my my love of cars. After another motorcy among the dissenters once he stopped choices, sort of, "Whatever you want to cle accident, I sold my car to buy anoth listening to the ministers, but was in a do, Benny, I'm right with you." er bike and included in my rule that state of despair:
FRJENDS JouRNAL December 2009 IJ Now, after I had received that opening Fox in Ulverston church in 1652: All bership lists until the 1730s and only from the Lord, that to be bred at Oxford or are "shut up in unbelief," in Fox's terms; instituted them so as to be clear which Cambridge was not sufficient to fit a man "thieves, all thieves" of true faith, as Fell meeting would give poor relief to which to be a minister of Christ, I regarded the puts it. Their former lives have been Friend. (This is one of the reasons we priests less, and looked more after the Dis about profession not possession. The remain so confused about the meaning senting people.... But as I had forsaken the priests, so I left rhe separate preachers also, Light shows up their lives as they have of membership). However, lists were and those esteemed the most experienced truly been. Being "just" a "good Chris not necessary to determine who was and people; for I saw there was none among tian" is now exposed as anachronistic who was not a Friend. Quakers even them all that could speak to my condition. and part of the apostasy of all that is not from the earliest days dressed and talk When all my hopes in them and in all Quaker as this new group of"sainrs" her ed differently, refusing to participate in men were gone, so that I had nothing out alded a new New Covenant with God. the world's superfluities. wardly to help me, nor could I tell what to Consciousness and awareness were When new convert Thomas Ellwood do, then, oh, then, I heard a voice which transformed, so was the sense of rela met some of his friends, they all bowed said, "There is one, even Christ Jesus, that tionship with God. These early Friends in greeting as you did in those days. He can speak to thy condition"; and when I were co-agents with God, an intimate stood straight and said nothing. They did it again, "Tom, it is us." Then one clapped him on the back and said, "What, Tom, a We are not Friends because we are Quaker?"-already Quakers were an identifiable group. Forms of plain dress good. Indeed, we are Friends together - no earrings!-came quite early on exactly because we are not good, or not and Quakers used "thee" and "thou"' rather than the polite "you," leveling good enough. We need each other. sociery down before God. They refused to use tides or the pagan names for days and months, and did not swear oaths in court for they sought to tell the truth at heard it, my heart did leap for joy. Then the relationship. They transcended their old all times and because, in Matthew 5:34, Lord let me see why there was none upon selves by replacing the old self with the earth that could speak to my condition, Jesus says not to swear at all. Friends op God's power acting through them. erated fixed price trading: no haggling namely, that I might give Him all rhe glory. In 1648 Fox had a second life-chang and no eBay! For all are concluded under sin, and shut up ing experience, when he felt taken back in unbelief, as I had been.... And this I These first Friends had a new sense into Eden through the flaming sword knew experimentally. of how their lives were situated between God had put across the entrance after heaven and Earth and how they were to This moment remains foundational banishing Adam and Eve: further God 's purposes over and against and central to Quakers worldwide to "the world," a pejorative term in Quak day. Indeed , we can see all the changes Now I was come up in spirit through the er parlance. When we hear of walking over time and divisions between Friends flaming sword, into the paradise of God. cheerfully "over the world," I read this in terms of how this passage is interpret All things were new; and all the creation as "over and against" the world; as is said gave unto me another smell than before, be ed and emphasized. elsewhere in the passage, "trampling all yond what words can utter. I knew nothing In Fox's convincement, God breaks that is contrary under." but pureness, and innocency, and righ into Fox's life, in God 's time. This is a In terms of our testimony today, teousness; being renewed into the image of critical experience of direct unmediated much of the world has caught up in God by Christ Jesus, to the state of Adam, encounter with the Divine. This is still which he was in before he fell. ... But I was terms of tides and the right to affirm in what we aspire to-we cannot summon immediately taken up in spirit to see into court, but we have also relaxed: we are God up but we can remain open and another or more steadfast state than Adam's no longer accountable to our meetings mindful so as to not miss those particu innocency, even into a state in Christ Jesus but decide for ourselves what and what lar moments of intimate encounter. A that should never fall. is not Quaker for us. Where are we repeated theme in early Q uaker writing united in the consequences of our spiri is that the more we surrender, the more ox believed in original sin, but un tuality in everyday life today? we are given and the easier it is to in like the Calvinist Puritans around Rufus Jones told a story about an al habit our spiritual aspirations. Fhim, Fox believed that everyone lotment being given to an unemployed Importantly, the experience is inward. could be saved and saved within their miner in Wales and how after tilling Also, there is a distinction between in present lifetime. More than that, as this and tilling and a great deal of care, he ward and inner- that shift came in the passage suggests, early Quakers preached turned a most unpromising bit of land 20th century, dramatically redefining a doctrine of perfectability. Nothing into a fine garden. The local vicar came where divinity resides and for some re annoyed their opponents more than this along and congratulated him saying placing the former Quaker idea of origi claim to be "beyond Adam, beyond fall "Look what you and God have achieved," nal sin with a sense of innate goodness. ing" while the Quakers claimed of them: to which the miner replied "Yes, but Fox is transformed by his 1647 expe "All you do is preach up sin." you should have seen it when God had rience as M argaret Fell is by listening to Quakers did not have formal mem- it all to himsel£" What is our role in
14 December 2 009 FRIENDS JouRNAL how tomorrow looks? How, in Rutus Sometimes attendees say they are hes with another, and torgiVmg one anoth Jones' terms, are we to lend our hands itant to join a group ofsuch good people er, and not laying accusations one to God? with this amazing heritage of spiritual against another; but praying one for an At some level, us all being here this insight and social activism. What a ter other, and helping one another up with evening is the mark of a luxuried peo rible reputation to have that keeps oth a tender hand." ple. We have the time, the lack of other ers out. We are not Friends because we pressing concerns. I suggest, given this are good. Indeed, we are Friends togeth he spiritual stakes today are much privilege, we need to ensure that we er exactly because we are not good, or lower-few of us believe in orig make the most of it and that the conse not good enough. We need each other, T inal sin, and we don't talk much quences of being here "up the moun to help each other along, in our faith about salvation. It is not our primary tain" this week are felt throughout our fulness in everyday life, in our discipline concern. We live our faith in a secular lives by those we encounter. The quality or discipleship, in our activism. Isaac izing society in which we present Quak of our everyday exchanges and manner Penington said: "Our life is love, and erism as one faith option equal to many is so crucial-the extra gesture of care, peace, and tenderness; and bearing one or none, rather than as the True Church. the extra engagement is a power ful ministry. And it means we need to get the pace of life, not just the peace of life, just right so we are able to have those extra words in the store or at the toll booth or down the telephone to the stranger trying to earn a liv ing by conducting phone surveys. How we are in the world is a cru cial reflection of the nature of our spirituality. How do we transcend the in dividualism of modern society? How do we create community in our meetings, especially when, as Parker Palmer reminds us, they include the very last people we might hope to be in community with. (Though what riches that can bring!) In an era of increasing national and international travel, of always "leaving" to go to else where, of allowing our technolo gies to take us away from face to face here-and-now contact I want to advocate that, if only we looked for it, we can find enchantment on our doorstep. Who am I to say I hesitate over being called a 21st-centu It is the dying time of the year ry Friend? Why do we try to set our The fingers of the grey trees point out entreating: selves apart from other Quakers through Come down, come down, you slow leaves to feed us, such specific labeling as if difference is a virtue, and from wider community as if We'll store the fruits and dust 'til spring. we do not care for the future of the I am alive today, feeling my heart beating: Louise D. Harris, an world? Our Quaker heritage has always It is now, it is now. attender ofSalem been about linking our mysticism with The Sun brings God into my soul: (NC.) Worship everyday life. Who am I not to go to Group and a gradute business meeting because I don't want Warm arms, warm arms around my body; ofthe School ofthe to? "I" am "it." Any Quaker "they" are My joy in today encompasses Spirit Ministry's "we" and ultimately "me." If our busi The dying season program On Being a ness meetings are not speaking to us, let Spiritual Nurturer, us revitalize them. Ifl don't like a Quak And God's everlasting love every moment: class of2008, died of er decision, I need to remember I am It is now, it is now. pancreatic cancer on part of the Quaker priesthood who dis january 17, 2009. cerned it. Louise D. Harris
FRIENDS JoURNAL December 2009 15 What, then, is our corporate calling? Creeds are useful; they communicate at times of the certainties of, e.g., the What is God calling us to do? And is it the faith, draw boundaries, provide a creed. It is a powerful and distinct as really something we need to do private form of memorable words to help new pect of our faith. It is to me the mark of ly so only the most determined get to comers. We often say we want these a liberal Quaker, and total finders or our doors? What is wrong with commu- sorts of things. No, Ben, we do not have zealots of any persuasion will be in ten sion with the group. Those who feel eldered for the theol This "absolute perhaps" is surely some ogy of their ministry, be it Christian or nontheist, may rather have been eldered of our good news. It is not about what for the certainty of their ministry. we believe, and it transcends our form. is absolute perhaps is surely some four good news. It is not about what we believe, it transcends nicating our insights and growth? a creed. How about a little creed, just our form, and it conveys wonderfully What is our good news? some basics? No, Ben, we do not have a our intention to be faithful people, sure We could look for clues to the found creed. We could change it every year. ly more important, especially given our ing architects of liberal Quakerism such No, Ben; or have perhaps a kind of tradition of inward spirituality. as John Wilhelm Rowntree or Rufus creed, creed-ish. No, Ben, we do not Links with the wider Quaker family, Jones. Seeking to counter evangelical re have a creed. We do not have a creed. which I think are crucial to revivify vival and Quietist Quakerism, they re We believe we do not have a creed. world Quakerism, need to be built on invented the distinctiveness of Quaker Ding. Not a belief creed but a creedal this intention, i.e. to be faithful above faith along four principles: attitude to the form of Quakerism. all, even where other Quakers hold dif • That experience was primary (i.e., rath Rather, we are held together by the ferent theologies, different forms, and er than Scripture) way in which we are a religious group, different modes of believing. Intention • That faith needed to be relevant to the what I have called a "behavioral creed": is critical. age: they didn't want the old practices the way we worship and do business and We liberal Quakers are a minority of of dress and speech back areas of testimony. the Quaker world, both in our way of • That Friends needed to be open to Ifl were to run "how to resign from worship and numerically, probably less new light your Quaker meeting without a fuss" than 15 percent of global Quakerdom. • That we know more of God in each workshops, or maybe a telephone help Only a lack of resources on their part age and that new revelation has a nec line, 1-800-EX-QUAKER, I would say and lack of will on ours keeps us from essary authority over earlier revela there are two obvious ways to ease your hearing the insights of our African and tion- what is called progressivism. departure: South American sisters and brothers. We This remains our framework. It has • Cut across the behavioral creed: e.g., may feel disinclined to their more tradi meant that our Quaker believing need suggest an hour of hymn singing, or tionally Christian Quakerism. I am part not be tied to any text or any part of tra • Rush into meeting and say you have of the now 86 percent of Britain Yearly dition, and over the 20th century we found the truth for all people for all Meeting who have come in as adults, have seen patterns of believing shift be time, and that everyone needs to learn and one of the 50 percent of that num yond what Rowntree and Jones might from you! ber that came from no immediately pri have imagined. That will do it. Having a crisis offaith or religious affiliation-some of us have Belief itself has become marginal for or a period of doubt will not work little baggage as a result-and I have us. It is not how we identify ourselves as chances are the meeting will see no di worshiped in programmed Friends Quaker, and we are cautious about be lemma, will labor tenderly with you, and churches without any distress because I lief as a category, feeling the words nev you could be talked back in. have felt the sincerity, the intention, that er quite do justice to an experience that surpasses form. is ultimately "beyond what words can are absolutely certain of be For others of us "refugees," there may utter." Theology is a story rather than a ng at least a little uncertain be things we need to process about ear truth claim. We emphasize silence over W n our believing and are very lier affiliations before we can listen eas speech, and many of our theological cautious or even suspicious of those in ily to different articulations of our faith. differences are masked by our form of dividuals and groups who claim to have But we have a choice. We can go forward worship and a lack of sharing about the final revelation or whole truth. with confidence and infectious enthusi where our believing currently is. From a rational place, the basis of asm or we can remain a gathered rem This fits very much with our historic liberal religion, we have come to be clear nant, hedged in by our disinclinations. opposition to creeds-put a group of that any claims we make about God will I have a list of our things that unite Friends together, and quickly and with necessarily be "perhaps" kinds of state Quakers worldwide: direct encounter, great unity we can come up with about ments. We operate an "absolute perhaps" forms of worship and business that re 11 reasons why we do not hold to creed and it sets us apart from other spiritual flect and nurture that; similar testimo al statements of belie£ ities-it is very different to be certain of ny; and the reality of the priesthood of Sometimes I play devil's advocate. partial uncertainty than to be uncertain all believers. At a recent gathering ex-
!6 December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL the keynote speakers, young adult J: FRIENDS )OURNAL December 2009 17 among F by Howie Baker e painting Fierce Feathers, by , ames Doyle Penrose, is an icon IC Quaker painting. It is set in the state of New York in 1775, when the Iroquois were fighting for the British. Friends were meeting on Sunday morn ing when an Iroquois war party ap proached. Four braves came through the door, ready for battle, followed by their chief. He sensed the Spirit that filled the room, and that the Friends were peaceful, devout individuals. The warriors sat and joined the Friends in worship. Later, the chief and his war riors joined the Friends for lunch, and they spoke about the incident through a E: translator. The natives were surprised to ~1\j learn that Friends worshiped the Great ~ Spirit in silence, as they did. The chief ~ left a white feather and an arrow as a ~ signal that the building and those who inhabited it were peaceful, and should be left alone. The painting captures the and background. The worship experi • Whether it is picked up by the player chief just as he comes through the door, ence of being in the presence of the Di or the craftsman, the important part hatchet raised for a blow, Friends look vine is the same; only the language and of the instrument is the dark interior ing up at him, in the moment when the methods of practicing worship differ. space where the sound resonates. It is chief realizes why they are meeting. Experiences of mine such as the Young this interior space that gives the in What strikes me about this story is Adult Friend (YAF) gatherings of May strument its own sound and personal that the Native American war party, 23-26 and November 14-15,2008, have ity; the player plays it because of this armed and psyched for killing, and ig lent credence to this notion. Friends have particular resonance, and the crafts norant of the theology and methods been debating what the proper practice man works on it to clean it and practiced by the pioneer Friends, cor and terminology should be since 1827, strengthen the broken parts so that it rectly identified the Holy Spirit in terms of if not earlier. The most damaging effect may be played more beautifully. their own religion. The Friends were of this debate is that we have become • Varnish is an integral part of the in waiting upon the Most High God for estranged from each other. Friends, we strument. I work on violins for a liv instruction, and the chief recognized have been arguing over semantics for the ing, so I'm speaking from experience. them as followers of the Great Spirit. last 180-some years. I therefore offer some It prevents damage from the elements, This story and others like it have led me antics, in the hope that they will provide and so lengthens the life of the instru to believe that God speaks to us univer some grounds for reconciliation: ment. It must be thin, though, or it sally; though language cannot fully cap • God is to people as people are to musi will stifle the sound. One should take ture the experience, it is recognizable by cal instruments. The purpose of the care not to varnish oneself so thickly any who know it, regardless of culture instrument is not realized until it is (that is, take on an overly protective picked up. If a player picks it up, its shell) that one ceases to resound as the Ho wie Baker, a member of Louisville (Ky.) job is to sound in accordance with the maker intended. Meeting, plays violin in a local community or structure of the instrument and the • Brokenness, suffering, is an undeni chestra. He is deeply involved in the Young input of the player. If a craftsman able condition of human existence. Adult Friends network. comes, its job is to receive the repair. We all know it, whether an outside 18 December 2909 FRJENDS JouRNAL trom a motivation that stems trom ble text. tamtly: we have a lot m common, m brokenness (sinning) only serves to • Christ is an action of the Divine. Specifi cluding an extensive history, and if you worsen the condition. It breaks others. cally, Christ is the action of the Divine can get us all to sit down together we Brokenness is also a blessing. It is only becoming active among us mortals. can work well with each other despite from our broken state that we can be • The Inner Light is the halo around (or perhaps because of) our different ex healed; and from our experience of Jesus' head. The Still Small Voice is periences. Here is what I have experi being healed, we can teach healing. Christ whispering what we need to enced: I was raised by two Quaker pas • Separation is a disease whose symp hear. We are saved because we know tors (one a lifelong Friend from Iowa, tom is brokenness. The action of bro him thus. I offer the following Bible one who converted during the Vietnam kenness is sin. verses for consideration on this point: War and who currently frequents a Uni • Separation from what, you ask? The 1 Kings 19:11-13; Psalm 43:3; Mat tarian church, still happily married) in short answer is: everything. The long an thew 3:11; Mark 13:11; John 1:1-14; New England Yearly Meeting, a yearly swer is the Word ofGod, but since God John 14:15-21; John 16:12-15; Acts meeting that has only eight programmed spoke all of creation, including, us into 26:23; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians meetings in it. I have attended four being, the answer remains everything. 5:14; 1 Peter 2:9; and 2 Peter 1:21. yearly meetings in the United States • It is possible to believe in the absence • The point is this: That we all, down (New England, Northwestern, Western, and Ohio Valley), two YouthQuakes (1997 and 2000), the 1999 Friends United Meeting Triennial, the 2009 Friends General Conference Gather ing, and Vienna Meeting in Austria. I graduated from Earlham College with a bachelor's degree in Philoso phy. I worked with the programmed Christian Friends at Quaker Haven Camp for three summers. I moved to Louisville (Ky.) Meeting in Ohio Valley YM, where I am witnessing an unprogrammed FGC meeting take programmed evangelical Quaker refugees from Burundi under its wing and provide them not only with the necessities of living, but with the necessities of worship as well. I can say with confidence that we are one faith. There is a peculiar quality that t ~ defi nes a Quaker, but is so pecu- ""-~ liar that I have not yet found the ~ words for it, even years after I be- Cl ofcreeds to the extent that the absence to the lowest, most wretched, most came aware of it. Perhaps every Quaker of creeds becomes a creed. Likewise, corrupt of us, contain a spark of inspi has a small echo of the divine space one can forget that one is speaking to ration that was put there by the Di where the Light dwells, and where all a child of God when one is thumping vine Creator of the Universe, that calls words take their meaning. If this is the the Bible at another. us into being, that burns most fiercely case, it would explain why no words can • I have heard that the Bible is a crutch. when we truly live, and that is fed by capture the fullness of this quality, but A crutch provides support to a broken the fires of others. Not everyone tends it is still a quality that all Quakers share. individual, and since the Bible does so it or even pays heed to it, but it's there, We are a very loosely organized religion, admirably, there is no problem with and those who act in accordance with full of mystics, artists, pastors, activists, this assertion. However, it is appalling it are healed and transformed for the teachers, craftsmen, parents, scholars, to attempt to remove a crutch from labor at hand. This is the central tenet children, and performers, all of us and someone who is using it, and it is of Quaker theology. Since we have each of us following what God has re alarming to beat someone else over this common faith, we are one faith, vealed to us. Theologically, we run the the head with our own crutch. So and we need to act like it. Some of us gamut from hippie Buddhist Quakers please, Friends, use the Bible as it was labor for peace in the Middle East, in to evangelical Christian Quakers; we intended, for our own support. Offer Iraq and Israel, in spite of 5,000 years draw inspiration from the Bible, from Scripture to those who ask for it, or of bloody conflict. Why can we not others' holy texts, and from our own if someone tries to move without it, handle a mere 180 years ofsquabbling? history. We worship in silence, and in FRIENDS JouRNAL December 2009 us power to be healing hands in a world have been wounded by Christianity who those relationships. that is broken and torn. Sectarian bick find comfort in the Spirit with unpro I wonder if perhaps we are not like ering is paltry and embarrassing next to grammed Friends, and missions from the Iroquois and Friends in Fierce Feath that, and we have suffered because we the Christian yearly meetings have cer ers. We're in the same room, and we are indulge in it. tainly brought comfort to desperate not in the situation we've expected, but T here is a growing feeling among my pans of the world; both these ministries the Spirit is there. That one fact trumps generation that our debate over what need to be maintained. I ask only two everything else. 0 truly makes a Quaker is pointless. It has only created rifts that isolate us from those with experience we need. YAFs, roughly 18 to 35 years old, are hungry ON THE BACK OF A WOODEN BENCH for a living, relevant faith, and our search IN A QUAKER MEETINGHOUSE es have led us to examine not only our own branches of Quakerism, but the For Lucy other branches as well. We are finding that other branches of our faith have Just three letters: "CNR". It seems to me useful insights that we have not been that Mr. or Ms. CNR could not taught. Liberal Friends are looking into have carved them during Quaker meeting; the Bible, both from curiosity as to what it actually says and as a tool to under even a quiet chisel would standing Christian thought that in sing out like a lark at dawn. many cases has been sadly neglected at home. Programmed Friends have heard I imagine CNR about how compelling unprogrammed with a chisel discreet in grey folds worship can be, and are experimenting with it. T he gathering in May was in of Quaker cloth, on some supposed errand, toxicating. Over 100 of us learned about perhaps to bank the fire some wintry day, each other's faith and learned that we slipping in the wide main door, can, in fact, work together, and if we can, why not our elders? I found the No whistling. vember conference more sobering: our religion needs this energy. O ur meet Then out with the chisel. Working ings are getting older, more complacent, quietly in slantways light through and may simply die out, either from lack window panes that then were new, of young people or from a slow death of the Spirit. No other religion that came CNR curved gently round the C, from Christ's teachings provides the va relaxed a bit on the masculine lines riety of faith experience that is found of N, then swerved round within Quakerism, and my generation finds we can feed off the energy we find the neck-twisting loop of R. in other forms of Quakerism than the Simple, but with attention to flourish and serif. one into which we were born. I realize this article flies in the face of Just three letters. CNR the ongoing theological spat that is cur banked that fire, then exited rently still active among Friends, and that many readers may feel that their whistling identity as Friends depends on "win out into a life full of pleasures or difficulties, ning" the argument. My overwhelming loves made known or kept secret, experience is that one's identity is strengthened as one is exposed to new passing on that day by the east wall insights. We Friends have never accept of the broad graveyard where I might find today, ed the excuse that just because a posi some hundreds of years later, tion is historically untenable we shouldn't hold it anyway (abolition, anyone?), and the whole enigmatic name spelled out for me. Douglas Fleming lives in I would not be living up to my heritage Princeton, NJ ifl let this slip by. Ifl am acting against the trend of the past 180-some years of Douglas Fleming our Religious Society, so be it. I don't 20 December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL Central America, 2008 by Loida E. Fernandez G. What contrasts in such a short time and a small distance. I remember anew: God is not only God of things as they are, but also God of things as they were meant to be and for which they were created. n late January 2008, I waited for several hours in the Mexico City air I port as the prelude to a two-week trip to Central America. My plan was to attend a writers' workshop for Cen tral American Quakers in Monteverde, Costa Rica, entitled "Writing as Minis try," organized by Friends World Com mittee for Consultation and Earlham School of Religion. My role was to coor dinate the workshop, and also serve as its interpreter. Following the workshop, I planned to visit Nicaragua so I could see the country and connect with long- Loida E. Fernandez G. is a member ofGen eral Reunion ofMexican Friends, Ciudad Vic time friends. it listeth, and thou hearest the sound toria Friends Church in Mexico. She is execu I arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica, at thereof, but canst not tell whence it tive secretary of COAL, the Latin American midnight and joined the other partici cometh, and whither it goeth" (John region/program ofFriends World Committee pants. After a good rest, we traveled an 3:8). Feeling the soft massage of the for Consultation, Section of the Americas. other four hours the following day up to garna-a kind of dew that sometimes Sara Palmer, a member ofCentral Philad.el Monteverde. The days there, though turns to rain in the cloud forest and at phia (Pa.) Meeting, translated this article, packed, were a refuge for the spirit, with lower altitudes-reminded me of an with editing assistance from Helene Pollock, sunrises and sunsets that I could see from other text that speaks of the breath that also from Central Philadelphia Meeting. This the kitchen window of my host family, rose from the earth before there was is an edited version of an article originally rain, and watered all the face of the published in Spanish in the newspaper El Eco who were among the first settlers of that del Mance, in Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas, Paradise-like place. We enjoyed a unique, earth, including the garden God had Mexico (March 10, 2008), and as part ofan incomparable view of the GulfofNicoya planted to the east of Eden (Gen. 2: anthology, Antolog£a, Colectivo3, ed. Carlos on the Pacific coast. 6-8). Another resonant passage for me Acosta Guerrero and Loida Fernandez, print Strong winds kept reminding me of those days was one that speaks of a new ed by the Municipality ofEl Mante (2008). the Bible text, "The wind bloweth where heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21: 1). FRIENDS JouRNAL D ecember 2009 21 What can I say about the presenter, ond phase of my travels, I felt as ifl were Professor Susan Yanos? Her manner of 1,000 light-years away from that special instruction truly communicated a sense time in Costa Rica. of calling as a teacher. She guided us through a profound experience that trans formed our time together into some thing that was piritual in the fullest he 90 kilometers between Mana sense of the word. gua and Le6n Santiago de los Leading each of us figuratively by Caballeros went by slowly. So the hand, she opened us to literary anal T did the hazy, hot afternoon, as we rode ysis, then took us to deeper, more inti the minibuses that make that trip every mate regions of human existence. We day. As we rounded Lake Managua, a shared heart to heart without superficial body of water that receives the entire ity. This was literary analysis that al city's garbage, and as we went past the lowed us not only to dissect texts but also to approach tez. That was an hour of hearing them in a different way-from others' conversations: the endless our own experience. "Ways to ringing of cell phones, arranging Attract and Transform Read get-togethers, closing deals or sim ers," "The Power of Story," ply sending messages to who "Organizing the Climax of knows-who in cyberspace. the Story," "The Personal and The local foods are special. "For the Persuasive"-these were that reason alone it's worth endur some of the topics on which ing the heat," I was told by a wom we reflected, in the mode of an sellingpinolillo (a classic Nicara narrative theology. guan beverage made of corn, cacao, The days in Monteverde sugar, and cinnamon) when I were full of new experiences asked her if she was from Le6n. for all our senses. The natural I felt tired but relieved when I world surrounded us- many connected with a good friend of 0 new plants, birds, small mam mine for more than 30 years, nick tl mals; new foods; new people named Ia negra, in the legendary ~ to get to know; new names for Sesteo de las Aves. This coffee ~ familiar plants and fruits; new shop boasts that it served as the ~ paths; new music; and, for meeting place for the greats of Ni ~ some, even a new language. caraguan literature, as proven by ~ But what undoubtedly has the old photos hanging on one of ~ stayed with us from the time its walls. Not many people ap ~ together has been our com proach the place now, or if they do ~ mon experience as human be they may discover to their disap ...~ ings, rooted. in spiritual light pointment (as we did) that to eat a ~ that umtes us beyond cultural nacatamal (a very close relative to ~ differences and life heritage. our banana-leaf-wrapped tamales) Despite our differences in and to drink a pinolillo costs background, we shared a lan- base of the imposing, fearsome Momo around ten U.S. dollars. That's guage of inward life. We were amazed tombo (I wonder, do other capital cities prohibitive for most Nicaraguans these by this inward sharing, just as we were have volcanoes that guard them- or days, since for many it is equivalent to amazed by sunrises and sunsets, recog destroy them?), the lowlands and som several days' pay. nizing that God is not only the God of nolence brought on by heat reminded Three days before, my friends had things as they are, but the God of things me of other weary, torrid trips in my welcomed me at the airport that hasn't as they were and are destined to be. As Mexican homeland, from Mante to Ciu changed its name since it was christened the days passed, they seemed to grow dad Valles. "Leon, Leon, Leon," shouted during the period of the Sandinista Revo shorter because ofa ll we wanted to learn the agent, trying to snag additional pas lution as Augusto Cesar Sandino Airport. from and share with each other. sengers from another minibus driver at ''Ajd, and how was the trip?" '~nd Back in San Jose we returned to real the Universidad Centroamericana stop. deai? How's the traveler doing? Let's go ity, encountering numerous peasant lead It took us about an hour to arrive in straight to the UCA stop before the af ers protesting the Central American the "city of poets," which holds in its ca ternoon hits us and it gets impossible to Free Trade Treaty (CAFTA). Each of us thedral the remains of the renowned travel to Carazo." That's what we did went our separate way; I continued on Nicaraguan legendaries Ruben Daria, just to find spots on the minibus that to Nicaragua. As I prepared for this sec- Salom6n de la Selva, and Alfonso Cor- would carry us for over an hour's travel 22 December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL tas, .t-1Lrucero, Utnamba, Uolores, and mManagua. we·re ott m the hve o clock mmtbus, other little towns where the minibus After several hours' visit to two of the hoping to connect with the last bus in stops to drop off those who are return museums in Le6n-whose Colonial Managua that will take us to Carazo. ing from their daily job hunt, from sell buildings reminded me of Old Ha ing their wares, or from manual labor in vana-we visited the Art Center of the smoldering Managua. Others make sim Ortiz Gurdian Foundation. Located on ilar rounds every single day through Calle Real across from the San Francis fter a marketplace fire years ago, Granada, Masaya, Le6n, and Managua, co Church, the center is said to have Masaya, city of craft-making par just to survive. been founded by one of Nicaragua's xcellence, has a new market full "Watch out for thieves, put your richest bankers. It offers the public an today of many things that are far from being traditional Nicaraguan crafts. In stead of those guayabera shirts from the La Aguja house of embroidery (which was located in Granada, if I recall cor rectly), one finds an international mix of personal effects, accessories, and handwork similar to what I'm used to seeing in our own market back in Man te. Crafts made by hand are yielding to the invasion of synthetic textiles, Tai wanese bags, and backpacks. Woven hats and jlcara water cups are giving way to cheaper plastic versions. And the cities are shadowed by de spair, by discouragement from the daily struggle for survival. The extremes of wealth and poverty are now growing ev er more distant from one another, with nothing in the middle. In Nicaragua to day, you can be either very rich or mis erably poor. There is no middle ground. It would seem that nothing has changed. money in your shoes, be careful cross outstanding collection ofWestern paint ing the streets" were some of the many ings from the Renaissance, Baroque, recommendations with which I was sent and Romantic periods, as well as mod couldn't track down Lena the an off in the mornings as I went out to vis ern Latin American art. To the latter thropologist, an old friend whom I it various places in Managua. It's with collection are added prize-winning works I had hoped to visit, who I know lives this fear that thousands of people of all from the Center's biennial painting and in a very unstable situation and has re ages set out every day, entrusting them sculpture competition. These pieces sorted to spiritualizing neo-Christian selves to all the saints before leaving at treasures that invite contemplation religiosity in the midst of her poverty. six in the morning, and ultimately sleep are housed in two beautiful colonial Adriana, another friend, lives in the ing on the minibuses that bear them mansions, amazingly preserved. These country, working with street kids. She's day after day to their work in the coun buildings, located in the midst of the a psychologist, has worked in prisons, try's capital. bustle of transit, pedestrians, and street and she has now started a foundation The dream of seeing a different Ma vendors, are a refuge in the city, the first for these youths to make hammocks. nagua vanishes in the scorching sun and capital of Nicaragua and the cradle of They sleep in them, but also sell them. in the middle of the crush of people in Nicaraguan culture. They also cultivate a little coffee. For the Eastern Market or Roberto Huemb Getting back to Managua took us them, she represents hope. es or any other market. There, still more over an hour since hardly anybody trav My friend Aurora amazes me on the vendors offer fresh produce ranging from els to the capital once afternoon arrives. last night of my stay with the news that yuca (cassava), cashews, yams, plantains One has to wait till the minibus fills up, she's going to throw her husband out of (both whole and fried), pumpkins, and engulfed in the sounds of bands, the the house for being irresponsible. She squash. Then there are the shoes, jew agent's loudspeaker, and the music of doesn't want anyone to know yet. Per elry, and endless Taiwanese products the Mejfa Godoy family. haps she tells me because she knows I'm sold by the ton in the streets. It was as "Move it," is heard, and yet another leaving tomorrow and can therefore be FRIENDS j OURNAL December 2009 23 VUIITTIJ himself, they've told him to stop smok And I add: "our yearning." ing and not to eat pork, but he doesn't J'OOn listen." Her children don't know she'll do it, but tomorrow, early tomorrow, at breakfast, before everybody goes off to return to Mexico overwhelmed by Managua, she'll run him out. She al so much poverty, yet deeply moved ready has her speech memorized and all I that in the midst of all that poverty that's left to do is ask him to take his and hellishness, people keep going with things. ''Ah! but yes," she added, ''I'll ask out losing sight of a better tomorrow. him to leave the first book of poems he I can only think of the paradox, of the wrote, that he dedicated to me." Defi extremes through which I passed in just nitely tomorrow, tomorrow will be an two weeks. Monteverde and Managua! other day for them all. What contrasts in such a short time Calixto, another friend, has an epi and a small distance. I remember anew: leptic son. His medicine changed his God is not only God of things as they sleep patterns and now he can't stay are, but also God of things as they were awake during the day; since he works all meant to be and for which they were night, he hasn't finished his thesis. Cal created. I tell myself: perhaps little para The ministries of ixtito, as they call him, is 25 and very dises like Monteverde allow us to draw Arthur Chilson, R. Esther intelligent; yet his only option is to work breath so that we can then continue Smith, Everett Cattell, and as a watchman or, if he's lucky, some moving through life without being Jack Willcuts tell the story times in a nighttime telephone service, mere spectators. of Missions by the Spirit. but that's it. The family has two more Finally, I think, I get a clearer sense children who haven't yet completed of the meaning of those verses from their studies. Revelation, from John of Patmos, which A married couple I know, Abdias and resounded so much in my mind during Amira, are housingArnira's mother, who the workshop in Monteverde: can no longer live in the United States; she's diabetic and has no insurance. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: Though her life expectancy may possi for the first heaven and the first earth were bly decrease, her quality of life may im passed away, and there was no more sea. prove with all the affection she will now ... And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is receive here-something nobody showed with men, and he will dwell with them; and her when she was in the U.S. they shall be his people . . .. And God shall I open the newspapers and find the wipe away all tears from their eyes; and same news I read in newspapers in other there shall be no more death, neither sor cities- the same in M anagua as in San row, nor crying, neither shall there be any Jose, Costa Rica; or Chiquimula, Gua more pain, for the first former things are temala; or any Mexican city. The mod passed away. -Rev. 21:1,3,4 el, just as misery itself, is duplicated. I watch a video about places that And I wonder: When will these things truly pass away? The oldest Quaker school in the world, we-the humans of the world- should Ah! But that's not where it ends; the William Penn Charter School embraces be ashamed of seeing. It shows children tradition and welcomes innovation. living in the Managua landfill, not to text continues: mention the hundreds of thousands of And he that sat upon the throne said, Be vultures hovering or roosting in trees hold, I make all things new. And he said around the San Salvador dump. The unto me, Write ... -Rev. 21:5 Visit us on the web and learn more about sight gave me goosebumps, both on my our vigorous educational program and our skin and on my soul. And so it goes on. I've just written stimulating and diverse community. And I wonder, where is hope? Are we this. I don't know where it will go, nor www.penncharter.com any better off? Do I need to come to Ni to what end. caragua and see extreme poverty so that Tomorrow I'll hand my friend Mari ~ I can say, ''I'm okay, we're okay"? Do I ano, a Nicaraguan from my home town WilliamPenn care to see those same things in my own Mante, the book on poetry I brought Cliarter country? Or, is it easier to deal with him from his homeland, along with School those realities in a foreign land? 215.844.3460 these words I've written. I hope he won't I read : ''A scrap of blue is more in weep as much as have wept. 3000 West School House Lane • Philadelphia, PA 19144 I 0 tense than the whole sky/And I feel my 24 December 2 009 FRIENDS Jo uRNAL Return this form in the envelope provided, or to make a donation by phone, call 1-800-471-6863 FRIENDS DETACH ALONG DOTTED UNE JOURNAL 0 Yes, I want to support needs FRIENDS JOURNAL! Enclosed is the support my tax-deductible gift of: of readers like you 0$50 0$100 0$250 0$. ___ in order to continue Payment type: 0 Check 0 Visa/MC/Discover this ministry of the c~d#______Exp. Date ______written word. Signature ______Phone ______Please Em~l ______consider a gift Name ______today. Address------ Cicy______State/Province ______Postal Code ------ Country ------ Your support is appreciated! FRIENDS JOURNAL 1216 Arch St., Ste 2A Philadelphia, PA 19107 is an independent magazine serving Friends and like-minded individuals in every state, every yearly meeting, and over 50 countries worldwide. The price of a subscription covers only 36o/o of the cost of producing the JOURNAL. Advertisements cover another 17o/o. The remainder of our income must come in the form of gifts from readers who value this timeless ministry o/Friends to Friends through the power of the written word. Please consider making a donation or giving a gift subscription. You'll support this work and ensure that this valuable ministry survives. • BOOKS child when looking at the photos. The text ficult. The story would be suitable for ages accompanying the photos is suitable for 6-9 (with some adult assistance) and could children ages 4-9. This book would be a be useful fo r introducing a discussion with valuable resource for anyone teaching about older children. Adults interested in Islam world religions, regardless of the age group would find the book a lovely introduction involved. The book would be a helpful tool to an important Muslim practice. Homes, for Friends living in diverse communities to schools, and meeting libraries could benefit introduce the religions of their neighbors. from this book. T his highly recommended book was devel Lisa Rand oped by the Global Fund for Children and proceeds will go to support that organiza tion's work. Lisa Rand Lisa Rand is a member of Unami Meeting in Pennsburg, Pa. Faith By Maya Ajmera, Magda Nakassis, and Cynthia Pon. Charlesbridge, 2009. 48 pages. $16.95/hardcover, This photo essay introduces world faiths through images of children participating in various elements of spiritual life: prayer, study, cleansing, holy places, holidays, food and drink, rites of passage, and caring for others. The focus is on what we hold in Namaste! common, while differences among the world By Diana Cohn. Illustrated by Amy cultures and religions are self-evident in the Cordova. Steiner Books, 2009. 32 pages. photos. The book has a valuable aim that $17.95/hardcover. resonates with Friends beliefs: "Respecting High in the mountains in Nepal, Nima and working to understand the differences Sherpa is a little girl who, like many little among faiths helps create a more peaceful girls, wants to please her father when he and just society." goes away to work. Nima's father is a moun It is striking to see the special clothes tain guide, who leads groups up the icy and the elements of ritual that are so differ slopes of Everest. He promises her stories ent from the visually subdued practice of A Party in Ramadan when he comes back, and asks in turn for Friends. There are many photos that a By Asma Mobin-Uddin. Illustrated by her to have a story for him. Her father often Q uaker child could relate to personally, and Laura jacobsen. Boyds Mill Press, 2009. 32 tells her how he was able to help people, so others that would be familiar from the ex pages. $16.95/hardcover. on her way to school Nima tries to find a perience of friends and family. Children and In this story, young Leena is invited to a way to help someone so she can tell her fa adults alike should enjoy the visual beauty birthday party, which fa lls on the first day ther about it. But she is too little to be of of these images from around the world. of Ramadan. W hile fasting is optional for much use to anyone. At least she can raise Each double-page has a sentence or young Muslims, Leena wants to observe the her hands in the prayer position and greet phrase of text, plus captions for the photos. fas t with her family. This includes no eating people with the blessing "Namaste!" which After the photos, there is a map indicating or drinking from dawn to sunset and fast her mother has told her means, 'The light the areas in the world where the photos ing at a birthday party certainly is challeng in me meets the light in you." W hen Nima were taken. The map is followed by four ing. I appreciated the kindness and support greets porters carrying heavy loads with pages of detailed description of the topics that Leena received from her friends as she Namaste, they smile and return the greet covered, including a wonderful two-para refused chocolate cake and lemonade. ing. Nima sees that for a moment their load graph summary of what praying means. T he last page of the book includes fac was lighter. She greers others, including At the end of the book, there is a five tual details about Ramadan and an expla yaks and foreigners and her father's old Ti page glossary, especially helpful for explain nation of the hijab, the headscarf worn by betan friend Tenzig in the same way. Tenz ig ing the less familiar terms. For example, I some Muslim girls and women for modesty. gives her a spoonful of honey, saying had heard of Zoroastrianism, but could Since Leena and her mother wear the hijab "Nima, you are full of sweetness and light, not have explained it without help. I was in the story, this definition is welcome. T he just like this honey." pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of im beautiful illustrations are detailed and true Amy Cordova, a fine artist with a gallery ages from shamanism and indigenous reli to-life, and pastel pencil lends warmth and in Taos, journeyed to Nepal with Diana gions, as well as Rastafarianism and the softness to the colors. Cohn to research the art for this book, Baha'i faith. This book is a lovely way not only to and the effort shows in attention to detail Parents and teachers can read the ex learn about the Muslim observance of Ra both actual and mythic. Her art is bold planatory text (written for ages 9-13) and madan, but also to open a discussion about and expressive: she uses a pallet of vivid col use background information to help their doing the right thing even when that is dif- ors chosen from the daily life of these FRIENDS JouRNAL December 2009 isn't it time for a mountain people. The paintings are styl ized, with a different decorated border run ning between the text and the art. Through WISE playful, loving facial expressions, she is able to convey visually the Inner Light in each character. CHOICE? The simple story is particularly powerful for Quaker children who are raised with the idea of the Light of God being inside each of us. Nima learns how when one person's Divine Light greets another's, both Lights shine more brightly. Namaste! is a practical, gracious story that illustrates the most basic CALL TODAY of Quaker beliefs. to arrange a Alison james PERSONAL TOUR Alison James is a member ofSouth Starksboro (vi) Meeting. with Michele or Sue. That's Not Fair!/No Es Jus to! Emma Tenayuca's choose CADBURY! Struggle for Justice/La Lucha de Emma Tenayuca Come to Cadbury, a not-for-profit senior community dedicated to por la justicia providing the finest service and compassionate care since 1978. By Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Teneyuca. In the caring tradition of the Quakers, Cad bury offers peace of mind Illustrated by Terry Ybanez. Wings Press, 2008. 40 pages. $17.95/hardcover. to you and your family with a total package of lifetime healthcare That's Not Fair, with text in both Eng services. Direct entry is available to independent living, assisted lish and Spanish, describes childhood expe living, skilled nursing and sub-acute rehabilitation. Once you riences of Labor Leader Emma Tenayuca. Tenayuca worked for the rights of pecan move into Cadbury's attractive and well-appointed apartments, you'll shellers in Texas. This book focuses on Em feel right at home and you'll be glad you did. ma's everyday encounters with injustice that are easy for young children to under Now is a great time to make a wise choice about your future. stand and also demonstrates simple ways in Choose Cadbury! which even children can help others in need. The story, with illustrations evoking its set ting of the 1920s and '30s, also serves as a ..,.•, £._ • l 1 ' Call 1-800-422-3287 point for initiating discussions with older ~504? children about more complex topics ofequal Cadbury at Cherry Hill • 2150 Route 38 ity, injustice, and peaceful social action. CADBuqy Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 This books works well for ages 6-12, and is COHTIHUIHG CAlf UIIUMINT COMMUNitY a good basis for a First-day school lesson on ~ FSA ~ ~t«> peace and equality. www.cadbury.org --...... l.:.l """First_: Michelle McAtee Independent Living Assisted Living Skilled Nursing & Sub-acute Rehabilitation Michelle McAtee is a member of Nashville (Tenn.) Meeting. December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL Monk ~ich NhatRanh The Coconut Monk By Thich Nhat Hanh. Illustrated by Vo-Dinh Mai. Plum Blossom Books, 2009. 40 pages. $10.95/paperback. If you are looking for a beautifully illus trated picture book that provokes many av enues for discussion about peace, war, co operation, collaboration, and determina tion, this is the book for you. Coconut Monk is based on the true story of Dao Dua, known as the Coconut Monk because of his tpRIENDS ACAD~MY vegetarian diet. Dao Dua lived on an island A Quaker, independent and college preparatory school in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam serving 750 girls and boys War. The sanctuary he built on this island can still be visited today. It served as a ref Age three through 12th Grade • Fou nded 1876 • 270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY uge for Vietnamese people and U.S. soldiers during that long war. 516-676-0393 • www.fa .org T he story told is a parable of peace. In it the characters of the monk, the cat, and the mouse living together in harmony quietly acknowledge that while peace is possible, it is not easy and requires effort on the part of all involved. The cat uses his will to be peaceful with the mouse and the mouse in turn trusts the cat. The monk's relationship with these rwo gives their partnership an element of order and respect. His absolute acceptance of this improbable, yet obvious relationship makes it real. The trio travel to see their president, who lives in a big white house surrounded by guards. My heart cried when the guards locked up the monk because he had no At Kendai-Crosslands Communities, you'll Renew a passion for business with the president. The cat and the enjoy a naturally tranquil setting with full mouse stayed with the monk. People did special friendships in a access to outstanding services and amenities. not forget the monk and his mission of vibrant, resident-directed peace. They wrote to him and asked him community life. Over 400 Carefree living, on-site well ness programs, flex questions when he was in prison. acres with woods, ponds, ible dining options, enriching cultural events, Readers who know Thich Nhat Hanh complete healthcare services ...all giving you will have their expectations met with the and walking trails in the simple truths presented in understandable heart of Pennsylvania's less responsibility, and more opportunity in words in this story. New readers may wish Brandywine Valley. transforming your experience of aging. to know more about this man of peace and poetry who has authored over 60 books and three delightful children's books. J<&NDAL--CROSSLANDS Lucinda Hathaway '--Go 111 111 11 11 i I i e s a Continuing Care Lucinda Hathaway is a member ofSarasota call 1-800-216-1920 Retirement Community (Fl.) Meeting. ·~ , - Quaker-Related ~r e~ ···~ EOUAL.HOIJII«JG:r- ...... QIIIIOIInUIITY www.kcc.kendal.org Not-for-Profit Continued on p. 28 FRIENDS JouRNAL December 2009 27 Year 2010 Quaker Motto Calendar Inspirational messages for each month Since 1884 25 calendars $25 The Barefoot Book of 25 calendars & envelopes $28 Earth Tales By Dawn Casey. Illustrated by Anne Wilson . Send orders with check to: Barefoot Books, 2009. 96pages. $19.991 The Motto Calendar hardcover. Sahwira: An African P.O. Box 1383 The Barefoot Book ofEarth Tales is a de lightful collection of seven stories V.:ith en Friendship Pottstown, PA 19465 vironmental messages each from a dtfferent By Carolyn Marsden and Philip Matzigkeit. part of the world: Australia, Nigeria, the Candlewick, 2009. 189 pages. $15.991 [email protected] U.S. Southwest, Bali, Kazakhstan, India, hardcover. and Wales. Each story is followed by in Evan is a 12-year-old Caucasian Ameri Telephone: 301-320-3931 structions for a related activity. can living with his parents at a Methodist The stories, some familiar, some not, are mission. Blessing is African, a Shona boy all very well told in a style that says "Read whose father is the pastor at the mission's me out loud." This is a great lap book. The church. Despite their apparent differences Elaine P. Zickler, PhD, LCSW illustrations have a bright child-friendly and the pressures placed on their relation style that says "Try this yourself," which_ is Psych oanal ysis~ Psychotherapy ship by society, Evan is devoted. to his f~iend . what the first activity for the first story ts: Blessing thinks of Evan as hts sahwtra, .a Moorestown, New Jersey painting in the Australian Aboriginal style. friend who is closer than a brother. Thetr (856) 234-9117 We could easily see a First-day school teach life together should represent the brother er gathering the activity materials and pre hood that is possible between all people. paring a whole lesson out of each of the sto But this is Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in ries. The stories are engaging and the craft the early 1960s. Huge changes are coming The Bible Association of Friends ideas are too. in America to the country both boys caB home and However, some of the activities are sea these changes seem destined to tear apart since 1829 has offered Bibles, New Testaments, and sonal or better done at home. For example, both their friendship and their nation. Porrions free or at cost to Friends institutions, the "Build a Willow Den" activity assumes Violent incidents by freedom fighters are individuals, and others worldwide. you have a source of willow prunings and a P.O. Box 3, Riverton, NJ 08077, [email protected] threatening the peaceful (if unjust) way of lawn that may be cur into. We'd caution life Blessing and his community are used that you might be disappointed in the re~ult to. Evan is being pressured into joining if you try this activity at any other ume the cadets at his aJl-white school, a move CREMATION than early spring. The "Grow Your Own Friends are reminded that the that threatens more than just his friendship Anna T. Jeanes Fund Tomatoes" activity works best in late spring. with Blessing. will reimburse cremation costs. The "Make a Pine Cone Bird Feeder" is This book takes readers to a place and (Applicable to members of probably more suited to fall or winter, yet time most young adults probably know Philadelphia Yearly Meeting only.) none of these activities have any mention of little or nothing about. That alone might For information, write their seasonality. The directions are very be reason enough to recommend it. But in DORIS CLINKSCALE general, probably in an effort to avoid using 414 Foulkeways addition to seamlessly weaving in details Gwynedd, PA 19436 measurements that differ from country to of daily life and culture from a time and country. So it would be wise to plan ahead place that could at first seem almost alien to and maybe do a trial run before bringing the reader, the authors have created a fast an activity to meeting or classroom. The Please let us know 8 weeks in advance. paced, emotional story that deals with is stories and activities are appropriate for sues such as peer pressure, personal integ Send us your address label ifpossible. ages 4-10. Otherwise, include your name and rity, and how we face the consequences of old zip code as well as your address. Tom and Sandy Farley the choices we are sometimes forced to make. The authors tell their story in chapters that FRIENDS JouRNAL, 1216 Arch Str. 2A, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2835. Tom and Sandy Farley are members of Palo alternate the perspective between Evan and Alto (Calif) Meeting Blessing, a technique that not only serves to December 2 009 FRIENDS j OURNAL Looking for a Secure AND Convenient Lifestyle? Discover Us Today Located on 28 park-like acres in Bridgewater, N.j. Arbor Glen provides an ideal setting for a fulfilling and rewarding retirement lifestyle. • Independent Living Community • Assisted Living Residence • Skilled Care and Rehabilitation Center • Villas Call 908-595-6531 or 908-595-6600 to schedule a visit. It's a perfect time to discover Arbor Glen.... I00 Monroe Street Bridgewater, NJ 08807 www.arborglen.org [email protected] perfecting the art ofliving lOV.Al HOlfSINO O~ltO III tV IUT Y Quaker Related Arbor Glen welcomes residents without regard to race, Not for Profit sexual orientation, color, religion, sex, or national origin. FRIENDS ] OURNAL December 2009 29 flesh out the characters more fully, but conscienceless profit. The readers are intro ism. It may even prompt social action. which also helps build dramatic tension. duced to Song Kosal of Cambodia, the first Warning: If you read Nobel's Women of Friends will appreciate this novel be person to sign the Mine Ban Treaty in Ot Peace, it may inspire you. cause of the unflinching pacifism of both tawa in 1997 and Kimmie Weeks of Libe Meagan Healy Blessing and his father, both of whom see ria, the founder of Voices of the Future, the Meagan Healy attends Patapsco (Md.) Meeting. nonviolence as the path of first (and only) first child rights advocacy group in Liberia. resort, during a period in their country's A poem, "Now I Lay Down the Arms," by history when are spinning violently out of Rashid Peters, a former child soldier, tells control. In addition, the overarching theme concisely and poignantly of his ordeal. And of reconciliation-an idea sorely lacking in so it goes. much of today's young adult fiction, espe If you've ever wondered, as a child or an cially in stories directed at a young male au adult, where to start "picking up the piec dience-is one I found refreshing. This es," begin with Janet Wilson's One Peace: highly recommended novel includes a sec an illuminating artist's journal, meditation tion of notes on the historical context of the and handbook for the day, for the journey. story and a glossary of important terms. James Foritano David Austin james Foritano attends Friends Meeting at David Austin is a member of Haddonfield Cambridge (Mass.} Meeting. (NJ Meeting. . GENERATION GREEN n..\JftJI:'MMl T-.nGt,.detol.fottngW'£c:o.~lh • d1Ttfl11' n~5ft!ll~l,t.fjfi)1MS:'rfl tUI • Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life By Linda and Tosh Sivertsen. Simon Pulse, 2008. 272 pages. $10.99/paperback. One Peace: True Stories Imagine living "off the grid." Living of Young Activists simply in the northern woods of New Mex ico where chopping wood for fuel and walk By janet Wilson. Orca Book Publishers, Nobel's Women of Peace ing a quarter mile to draw water from a 2008. 32 pages. $19.95/hardcover. well were part of the daily routine for moth Snowflakes, their individual fragility, By Michelle Benjamin and Maggie Mooney. er and son Linda and Tosh Sivertsen. They and their collective endurance are invoked Second Story Press, 2008. 146pages. describe these experiences and their sub by illustrator/author Janet Wilson on the $1 0.95/paperback. sequent return to city life in this book. endpapers and title page of her book. As we Nobel's Women of Peace contains short They offer many practical suggestions (and turn the page to the fi rst "true story," the and engaging biographies of the 12 women at least a couple not-so-practical sugges blue and white colors of a snowflake fade to who have received the Nobel Prize for tions such as drying used paper towels for the sable night pinpointed with stars, and Peace. The reader learns what these women pooper scoopers) for ways we as individuals the geometry of a melding of human and felt was so important to change, and how can reduce our consumption of Earth's re animal in the limbs, roots, and trunk of a they overcame many obstacles to achieve sources as well as tend to our own health. It towering tree. their goals. Peace activism is seldom easy. is written to be engaging and accessible to This image is a powerful attempt to vi Like the other Nobel Peace Prize win young adults. sualize the dream of unity that impelled a ners, these women encounter many strug Generation Green covers a lot of ground. Native American boy to announce to his gles, personal and professional, national Some major environmental issues are brief mother and grandmother that the Creator and social. However, they also often had ly covered, such as global warming, world had spoken to him in a dream, telling him to overcome sexism. Frequently they did wide water shortages, deforestation, declin "to stop wars and killing among nations." not have an easy time making their voices ing fish populations, limited reserves of fos This boy wove a legend among different, heard in cultures that are primarily patri sil fuel, and desertification. Interviews are often warring nations, as the Peacemaker. archal or in countries where men are interspersed throughout the book telling One Peace strives to achieve a dynamic bal traditionally in charge. Yet their voices about individuals, including some celebri ance between the lyrical celebration ofch ild were heard. ties, who have found ways to make positive activists and the unflinching statements of This book may encourage young adults environmental choices. the facts and figures of war, famine, and to read more extensively about peace activ- Several chapters address "green" ways to 30 December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL • Value-centered, college directed • Coeducational 9th-12th boarding and day sch • Challenging interactive science and hu • Q!Jaker Heritage Scholarships availabTe • We invite you to visit! Call or email: [email protected] FRIENDS j oURNAL December 2 009 31 live. There is discussion of some thorny is sues that affect health, like the dangers of antiperspirants and some types of cosmet /~\ ics. There is also discussion of organic foods. There is an emphasis upon the recy 1780 cle and reuse concept as well as some green Pre-k through 6th Grade ways to have fun. The authors encourage making changes at a comfortable clip: from small incremental ones-eating vegetarian 2150 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 one day a week or riding your bike to (6 10) 828-2288 • www.pmfs /780.org school-to big ones-you could select an environmental or green career. Many teens would enjoy Generation Green, and it would certainly resonate with Quaker teens. Vickie LeCroy Vickie LeCroy is a member of Cincinnati (Ohio) Meeting. Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin By Marguerite Henry. Beautiful Feet Books, (609) 714-0100 2008. 147 pages. $13.95/paperback. [email protected] These Quaker classics have recently been • MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES e reprinted. The World of William Penn not • INSCRIPTIONS • SCROLLS • only recounts the life of this famous Quak er, but informs the reader about what was 673 Medford Leas, Medford, NJ 08055 happening in other countries, including France, Russia, India, and China, during Penn's lifetime. The second book is a charm ing tale about the famous painter as a child and his beloved pet. It might interest to NEWTOWN day's children to learn how art was per ceived as frivolous by his family and meet FRIENDS SCHOOL ing and how Benjamin West overcame those obstacles. Both of these books belong in every meeting library. So if your meeting does not own them or over the years your copies have been mislaid or are tattered and torn, this is the time to get or replace them. The World ofWilliam Eileen Redden Penn Eileen Redden is assistant book review editor By Genevieve Foster. Beautiful Feet Books, for FRIENDS j OURNAL. She attends Lewes ''An education full ofacademic 2008. 192 pages. $14.95/paperback. (DeL.) Worship Group. challenge... where respect is taught in principle and exemplifiedin practice." Friends read this magazine each month ... Mission Statement PRE-K-GRADE 8 1:-'):-;{~re you reaching them? 1450 Newtown-Langhorne Rd., Newtown, PA 18940 215-968- 2225 www.newtownfriends.org 32 December 2009 FRIENDS Jo u RNAL • NEWS Due to political changes in Zimbabwe in 2009, Bulawayo {Zimbabwe) Monthly Meet ing has been able to resume its distribu tion of maize meal to the hungry in south ern Zimbabwe. Six years ago, Schenectady (N.Y.) Meeting began to collect money from Friends and meetings in North Amer ica, joining individual Friends and monthly and yearly meetings in Britain, Ireland, Bo tswana, and South Africa who had already been aiding the maize-meal distribution. To date, $85,000 has been collected by Schenectady Meeting, and the funds are wired either to Botswana Monthly Meeting for transfer or directly to purveyors of the maize meal. Both options have proven to be reliable and effective. The maize meal is distributed in southern Zimbabwe by mem bers of Bulawayo Monthly Meeting. For more information email Schenectady Meet ing at [email protected]. Manhasset (N.Y.) Meeting was added to the National Register of Historic Places by FRIENDS SELECT the United States Department of the Inte A Quaker, pre-k - 12, dive-rse, coed, college preparatory school rior on September 9. Built in 1762, the located at the center of Center Cicy Philadelphia meetinghouse is in the process of renova tion. "This is very important for the meet 17th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway • Philadelphia • 215.561.5900 x 104 • friends-select.org ing for several reasons," reported Danny Maietta, the meeting's clerk. "Most impor tantly, it recognizes and protects the prop erty as a national place of historic impor Display Ad Deadlines February issue: Reserve space by November 30. tance. It also allows us to apply for state Ads must be received by December 3. and federal preservation grants." Mark A. Reservations are Hewitt of Chatham-Summit (N.Y.) Meet required for display ads March issue: Reserve space by January 4. ing is the architect on the project. A history in FRIENDS J OURNAL. Ads must be received by January 7. of the meetinghouse can be found at FRIENDS jOURNAL encourages Mile stones submissions of births, mar riages, and unions in narrative de tail. Send submissions, including full names of the people in ques tion, date, meeting or other Quaker affiliation, location, parents names, and narrative detail to Rebecca Howe at [email protected]. FRIENDS ] OURNAL D ecember 2009 33 Farm & Wilderness A La Chureca Christmas Summer Camps in Vermont continuedfrom page 11 www.farmandwilderness.org Quaker House Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg NC 40 Years of Front-l.ine Peace Witness ...... And Just Getting Started! Read Our New Book: YES To The Troops. NO To The Wars. Quaker House 223 Hillside Avenue Fayetteville NC 28301 kids to the circus, and in www.quakerhouse.ary case that isn't enough, you Chuck Fager, Director don't speak Spanish?" Shak ing his head, he handed a fist full of tickets to me, and I could have sworn I heard him say, "May God's love go with you." I thought it would be real grandfatherly to be the one to show these kids their first ac robats, magicians, and white tigers- and it was. What I hadn't counted on witnessing were the things that will stay with me forever. would take a quick look outside, and The first thing that hit me was that then run back to their seats. We could for perhaps the first time in their lives only guess that being inside was such a they were in a large crowd of people. new experience for them that they con Not only was it a large crowd, but in this stantly had to reorient themselves. They crowd everyone was well dressed and weren't just experiencing a circus; in wearing shoes that fit. These are chil credibly, they were sitting in their own dren who live their lives either outside or seats legitimately. They hadn't conned in small shacks with no windows. Now anybody to get there; they hadn't 8ewr~ they found themselves inside the largest sneaked in; they hadn't stolen the tick indoor space they had ever seen. A tent! ets. No one was going to throw them r.ertif~ To them it was magical! One little girl out and they were free to enjoy the show kept looking around at the roof and the just like anyone else. They weren't sure ~ J\{ar_y~cfU_nan stage and the lights and the seats, repeat it wasn't a dream. Car~t~~ ing to herself, "Big top, big top." Pam and I constantly held back tears Pam and I were trying to understand while the kids showered us with a con www.mtcalligraphy.com why, regardless of what was happening stant stream of questions about what 306 Pleasant Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 529·9212 E-mail: [email protected] on stage, they kept running to the door we have long since ceased to appreciate. in what seemed to be a panic. They (Did you ever try to explain cotton 34 December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL "Lee has authored a very candy to a kid who relies on dogs to important book that examines sniff out a snack in the garbage?): many important subjects 'Why are people clapping their hands?" relevant to successfully "Where does the poop go when you flush a toilet ?" managing a business "What is a concession stand?" enterprise in today 's complex, You have never been humbled until you have watched children, who should difficult environment." be old enough to know better, follow the -Daniel Bauer DBA popcorn vender, pick up whatever falls Dean, W. Fielding Rubel School of Business to the floor, and eat it as naturally as oth Bellarmine University. Louisville, Kentucky er kids eat French fries at McDonalds. This book is about ethical principles in I realized that I was watching chil dren who had honed the skills they business, and translating those principles needed to survive inside Gehenna; but into ethical behavior in the workplace. once outside, they were nearly helpless. It's about how people need to form It was breaking my heart but Pam and I peaceful partnerships so that everyone comes out a winner. were witnessing the process of impover Lee B. Thomas, ishment. It was no longer a theory to Jr. is a longtime Hardcover, 152 pages, $16.95 m e. All I could think was, "Thank you, businessman and Lord, for the blessings you have given founding member of m e today." Louisville Friends Order online at Meeting, which When the show was over, we moved celebrated its 50th www.butlerbooks.com cautiously among the throng and made year in 2004. it back to the prison bus. The Christ or call 502-897-9393 m as party now seemed complete. One little girl of about three fell asleep in my arms on the way home, and as she did, I came to sympathize with Angelina Jolie and Madonna. In her sleep she would Simulating the Imagination - cough every few minutes; it was tough Challenging the Intellect to give her up and I will always pray that she got well, and lived a good life. • Co-educational elementary school The bus stopped outside the dump • Preschool (3's) to grade 6 by waiting parents. There were 30 HAVERFORD • Quaker values adioses and 30 graciases, and then it • Exceptional teachers was over. It was starkly sudden. I want ed to hug them one more time and tell them things like, "It will be okay if you work hard and do well in school; I will always love you." But all too suddenly, it was over. Now, as I sit tapping away at my computer, it is late, I am alone, and I no longer need to push back those tears. Tomorrow I will be back in St. Peters burg wondering if all of this really hap pened. But for now, Merry C hristmas, muchachas and muchachos; rest in peace, Andrew; thank you, Michael; and God bless us every one. 0 FRIENDS Jo u RNAL December 2009 35 • MILESTONES Birth Mateo Martin Vera-born on January 25, 2009, to Melinda Glines and Arturo Vera. Me linda Glines is a member of Strawberry Creek (Calif.) Meeting. Marriages/Unions Colin-Shea-on October 17, 2009, Alexandra (Coco) Shea and Aaron Colin exchanged mar riage vows in a meeting for worship held under the care of Lake Forest (Ill.) Meeting, of which Alexandra is a member. Overseers were Bertram Frey who clerked the meeting for worship for marriage, and Linda Sizemore who signed the marriage license for the State of Illinois. Alexan dra, daughter of Sallyann Garner and John Shea, is an environmental attorney with a Chi cago law firm. Aaron is an environmental con sultant for a Chicago engineering company. The couple resides in Chicago. Crownfield-Edrninster-On June 27, 2009, Oakwood Friends School, guided by Quaker Elizabeth Crownfield and john Edminster, both of Fifteenth Street Meeting, New York City, principles, educates and strengthens young wed under the care of that Meeting. people for lives of conscience, compassion OAKWOOD Fong-Kennedy-on June 13, 2009, Erin Hwei and accomplishment. Discover Oakwood... ' FRIENDS SCHOOL Hannah Pong, of Singapore, N.Y., and Nathan and find your own voice. 22 Spackenkill Road. Poughkeepsie, NY T. Kennedy, of Owego, were married in Warren www.oakwoodfriends.org Center, Pa., at the Warren Township Municipal and Community Building, under the care of COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM • QUAKER VALUES • GRADES 6-12 • BOARDING & DAY. COEDUCATIONAL Binghamton Community Meeting. Nathan is a FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE member of that meeting. MacDermott-Norlin-on May 23- 25, 2009, Laura Norlin and Hannah MacDermott married each other under the care of the Atlanta (Ga.) Meeting. The event had been prepared for in the manner of Friends. Months of preparations were finished. On a beautifu lly rainy morning, Give the children a building's worth of friends arrived and waited. The spirit moved in silence. Laura and Hannah of La Chureca. Nicara~ua. spoke vows, promising love and faith. Our of the silence, hands were held, verbal messages arose, the Christmas you would eyes were wet, laughter was heard. The meeting was gathered. When it rose, a long, slow line formed to sign the wedding certificate and begin for your children. to sort through what we had witnessed. And then the gathering continued, with a potluck. A glance around the full meetinghouse might pick out the organizers, slightly cockeyed from detail-overload, or the families, faces shining, or the friends, grinning with the pleasure of reunion after long travel. A pause for cleanup and a quick drive to www. pronica.org Indian Springs State Park, and the gathering continued for another two days of rain (includ ing magnificent body-surfing in a rain-soaked field), dancing, fine food, singing, swimming, PRONi~27) 821-2428 a bonfire, porch-sitting, worship, and 200 hands helping with everything. Throughout, the glow ing couple at the center of our circles was creat ing those very circles. Laura and Hannah live their lives as if we are all members of a deep commu Quakers Empowering Nicaraguans nion, and their wedding was an affirmation of their intimate link with each other and equally • Community Cohesiveness • Community Outreach • Edueatlon • Heallh • Eeonomie Development • of our larger wedded ness. We all felt joined. • Conffiet Resolution Tralnln~ • Clothe and feed Children • Life Skills Tralnln~ • Le~al Aid • • Job Retralnlo~ • Self-Esteem Growth • Al!rieultural Sustalnablllty • Women's Empowerment • Deaths • Grass-Roots Growth • Self-Help Assistance • Emer~ney Relief • Cullurall::lehan~ • Barnebey-Merrill Hallowell Barnebey, 90, on December 28, 2007, in Medford, Oreg. Born on • Student Work Study Delel!atlons • Adult Witness Tours • Volunteers • Mana~ua Quaker House • June 25, 1917, into a Methodist family in Madi son, Wis., he became a conscientious objector 36 December 2009 FRIENDS J ouRNAL by rhe time he entered college. Ohio State Uni versity expelled him for not completing compul sory ROTC, and he went to Ohio University, graduating in Mathematics, and served with Ci vilian Public Service during World War II in Philadelphia and in Coshockton, Ohio, where he became acquainted with Friends. He eventu ally earned master's degrees in Botany, Mathe matics, and Health Education. Merrill, who al ways enjoyed punning, quipped that he needed these three degrees because "no one can serve rwo masters." After college, he married Mary Louise Hartman, and they had three sons, one of whom died in a canoe accident at age 37. Merrill taught mathematics at Wesleyan Col lege in Macon, Ga.; at Tougaloo College in North Dakota; and at University ofWisconsin Lacrosse. His first Friends meeting was Eau Claire-Menomonie Meeting in Wisconsin. Mary Louise died in 1983, and Merrill married June Worden Smith in 1987. They moved to Ashland, Oreg., in about 1990, and became members of Rogue Valley Meeting, now called South Moun tain Meeting. Merrill served the meeting as treasurer and as a member of several commit tees, including Ministry and Oversight, Nomi Your gift is needed nating, and Peace & Social Concerns. Merrill was a war tax resister, and he represented the meeting ro rhe Ashland Interfaith Ministry SO FRIENDS jOURNAL will be there and served as a member of the board of Peace House in Ashland. He had many interests, in cluding science, chess, and running, which he when he is ready to read it. took up at age 50 and continued into his 80s. Merrill was preceded in death by one son, Warren Merrill; his wife, Mary Louise Hart man, in 1983; and his wife, June Worden Smith, in 2004. He is survived by two sons, Donald A gift of any• size is helpful. Barnebey and Frank Barnebey (Cindy); and one sister, Beverly Dall. You can visit our website (www.friendsjournal.org) Largman-Ros~lynd (Roz) Largman, 93, on April 1, 2008, in Walnut Creek, Cali£, in the to set up a monthly recurring donation, presence of her son. Roz, as she was known most of her life, was born on November 5, 1914, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Sarah Raubfogel and Mor or, for information about how to transfer stock ris Golden. Roz began playi ng piano at an early age and studied at Curtis Institute of Music, or make a bequest or other planned gift earning a master's in Music Education from University of Pennsylvania in 1935, and later such as a charitable gift annuity, reaching music at Temple University. She mar ried Franklin Largman in 1938, and they had call Larry Jalowiec at (215) 563-8629 two children, Corey, born in 1944, and Ken neth, born in 1949. Roz and Franklin attended Providence Meeting in Media, Pa., Media Meet or email [email protected]. ing, and Swarthmore (Pa.) Meeting for several years before joining Providence Meeting in 1949. When they moved to Palo Alto, Calif., in 1958, they transferred their membership to Palo Alto Meeting. Roz taught music at San Jose State University for several years. Franklin died FRIENDS in 1972, and Roz moved to Berkeley, Cali£, where her son Corey had settled. In 1974, she transferred her membership to Berkeley Meet ing, where she became known for her piano and JOURNAL improvisational ability. She served on many committees, including Peace, Library, Ministry and Oversight, Adult Education, First-day School, and Hospitality. She also served as rhe meeting's 1216 Arch Street, 2A, Philadelphia, PA 19107 representative to Pacific Yearly Meeting and as liaison to AFSC, although she was not able to [email protected] attend meeting for rhe last few years of her life. She lived in Orinda, Calif., for several years, and FRIENDS JouRNAL December 2009 37 then moved to Rossmoor in Walnut Creek in 1995. Roz is survived by two sons, Corey Larg man and Kenneth Largman; three gtandchildten, by more than }ezra More, Jenna Lewis, and Jeremy Largman ; Trusted and four great-grandchildren, Reuben Lewis, Myer Lewis, Addy More, and Evan More. Nybro-Stevens-Caro/ Nybro-Stevem, 62, on 43 000 May 20, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. Carol was • churches. born on March 24, 1946, in Carmel, Calif., to Eileen Sjoberg and Paul Nybro, and grew up in Pacific Grove, Calif. The Nybros moved to San At GuideOne Insurance, we are committed to helping you safeguard and protect Jose, Calif. , in 1948, where they attended a Lu the people, meetings, schools, colleges and senior living communities that are theran church. She graduated from Lincoln important to you. For more than 30 years GuideOne has been High School in San Jose in 1964 and from San Jose State University in 1970 with a BA in Psy the Friends Insurance Group property and casualty insurer of chology and a Teaching C redential. At San Jose choice. Superior coverages, customer service and the opportunity State Carol met her future husband, Fred Ste to earn a Friends Group Dividend makes GuideOne the under vens, and in 1972 they married and moved to Oakland, Ca., where she worked as an instruc writer of preference for Quakers. In fact, we are proud to insure tional assistant at Peralta Elementary School. In nearly 300 Friends meetings and facilities. 1975, Carol took classes in Library Science at Chabot Community College and UC Extension and worked for several months for the Alameda County Library System. She experienced her first Quaker meeting for worship at a Fellow Contact GuideOne today ship of Reconciliation retreat at Ben Lomond, at 1-877-448-4331, ext 5429 and began attending the Berkeley (Calif.) Meet Insurance and see what we can do for ing in about 1978. Carol served as clerk of the PLACe YDUN F"-"TH IN THE EXH:RT Kitchen Committee, served on the Peace and your congregation. www.guideone.com Social O rder Committee and Nominating Committee, and organized monthly vigils to end the death penalty. She also helped out with First-day School and was an active participant in a Berkeley Meeting women's group. After working in 1979 as a library technician for the U.S. Geological Service (USGS) in Menlo Park, Calif., in 1980 Carol began work as a library technician for the U.S. Department of Agricul ture, which awarded her certificates for excel lent service and for the many classes she taught there. Carol and Fred started the process for pri vate adoption in 1984, bringing their son, Eric, home in 1985 when he was two days old. Carol and Fred moved to El Cerrito, Calif., in 1993. She was active with Eric's school activities, sup porting and encouraging him with his goal of Friends' becoming a geologist. At the USDA, Carol ar ranged afternoon refreshments for staff from C E N T R A L various departments and actively collected and circulated scientific articles. After becoming a member of Berkeley Meeting in 2000 Carol served as clerk of the Nominating committee and as a member of Ministry and O versight Committee, Accessibility and Inclusiveness Subcommittee, and clearness committees for membership. She seemed to have unlimited en ergy. A person who remembered the trials of others, she was always willing to listen and to do whatever needed doing. Even in her last days she listened intently to her visitors, disregarding her own suffering and telling Fred to make sure the ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE library books at work were returned. Hidden and unadvertised beneath her cheerful counte WITH A CONSCIENCE nance was a serious commitment to peace, jus Since 1845 tice, and racial equality. Her outward cheerful ness rested on an inward determination to fol Lower School • 228 Old Gulph Road • Wynnewood, PA • 610-642-7575 low her leadings no matter what the cost. Carol Middle/Upper School • 1101 Ctty Avenue • Wynnewood, PA • 610-645-5032 is survived by her husband, Fred Stevens; one www.friendscentral.org son, Eric Stevens; and one sister, Deborah Ny bro-Cooney. 38 December 2 009 FRIENDS JouRNAL Forum continued from page 7 I have a couple of comments to add. Quaker social justice work, particularly but seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:22). Some Mennonite historians have proposed work on Middle East issues, but I became But he also talked of repentence before a term for the phenomenon Newton a Quaker because of our testimonies, forgiveness. "If your brother sins, rebuke Garver has named Christianity. Their especially that of Equality. This is what him, and if he repents forgive him. If he term is Constantinianism. Like Newton guides my thinking about a solution to the sins against you seven times in one day, Garver, George Fox and William Penn tragedy of Palestine and Israel. I am and each time he comes to you saying 'I rejected Constantinianism. I do, too! This grateful that Palestinian civil society has repent' you must forgive him" (Luke is why William Penn called Quakerism increasingly adopted the language of 17:3-4). "primitive Christianity restored." seeking equal rights with Israelis. This is a If we forgive those who do not Insistence on creeds is an essential positive, hopeful development, reminiscent recognize the wrong they have done, aspect of Constantinianism-but not of of the long struggles for civil rights in the repent, and ask forgiveness, then what is to original Christianity or Quaker Christianity. United States and South Africa. The old keep them from continuing their wrong/ When the emperor Constantine made language used by Palestinians and their violent ways? If your child beats up the Christianity the official religion of the supporters focused on victimhood and neighbor's child you judge his/her Roman Empire, he saw that religion as the oppression, and while spoken in truth and behavior, give consequences and only then glue that would hold the empire together, concern, did not express the aspirations of forgive. Or, since Paul Wolfowitz is an just as previous emperors saw the religion the Palestinian people and created an "us" adult, perhaps a better analogy would be if of emperor-worship as the empire's glue. and "them" dichotomy. The language of you catch your spouse having an affair, When he found theologians arguing equal rights puts Palestinians on a par with you judge as wrong the act and then if heatedly about doctrine, he feared it would Israelis and ceases to inadvertently your spouse asks forgiveness, you forgive. destroy the unity of the empire, and so he dehumanize Israelis. The (excess) deaths of about one million fo rced the bishops to meet in a council at Have Quaker supporters of Palestinian Iraqis is not a minor sin, and Paul Nicaea, where he made them settle on a set justice examined our feel ings about Israelis? Wolfowitz needs to be judged and repent. of beliefs that all Christians would have to Do we fall into the trap of siding with the Similarly, it is appropriate and important subscribe to-i.e. a creed. good or right side and effectively labeling that George W. Bush and Richard Cheney The creed was a political necessity in the other side the bad or wrong side? We be brought ro trial for war crimes for Constantinianism- not an essential are called to find language and actions violating the Geneva Conventions and our ingredient of the Christian movement. that represent our beliefs and make us own laws (e.g., authorizing torture, pro-equality, rather than pro-Palestinian. imprisoning children, unlawful wiretaps) T Vail Palmer Jr. I absolutely welcome Quaker solidarity and then after sentencing, President Albany, O reg. with the Palestinian cause, but what efforts Obama (and we) can pardon (forgive) are we making in our solidarity work to them. Gandhi's nonviolence was not reach out to progressive, peace-seeking passive in the face of evil but active, and he Was this in jest? Jewish Israelis who many times are also did judge evil/oppression and confront it I found Chuck Fager's article, "The Top victims of the militaristic Israeli state? Are lovingly (e.g., his negotiations with the Ten Reasons (Plus Three) W hy Bottled we falling into the trap of separation that is viceroy before the salt march). Water Is a Blessing" (F] July) offensive. imposed by the occupation? We need to be Friend Churchman and others W hat spiritual value has such an article in anticipating a collapse of the occupation presumably support the judgement of law a world where most now recognize and the bridge-building that will need to that sends criminals to trial and prison. humanity's failure to respect creation, even occur to rebuild Israel and Palestine into a And there is nothing wrong with righteous if Chuck Fager was writing such an article just, democratic society. My hope is that anger as long as we recognize that we with tongue in cheek. Surely he could not Quakers can be a part of that bridge deserve to be on the other end of it be serious! building. However, without laying the sometimes roo. Thus, to me it would be Rose Mae Harkness foundations now, we may miss an appropriate to say, after greeting Paul Ottawa, Ont. opportunity to be trusted and called upon Wolfowitz: "I am glad you are here. But I by potential allies in Israeli society. need to tell you that I am terribly saddened by the deaths of over 600,000 Iraqis and Seeking balance in the Sandra Samaan Tamari about 4,000 Americans that are in no small Palestinian-Israeli conflict Glen Carbon, Ill. part due to your pushing for a war with Iraq whose justification was based on lies Thank you for publishing Lindsey about Saddam Hussein possessing weapons Fielder Cook's excellent essay "Concerned Judging and forgiving Paul of mass destruction and having links with about Israel and/or Palestine? Perhaps We Wolfowitz al-Qaida." And depending on his reaction, Are Part of the Problem" (F] Sept.). I might add, something like: "Do you not Lindsey articulates many of my own Friend Debby Churchman shared with feel remorse for what you recommended?" feelings on this issue as a "concerned readers her spiritual struggle to forgive In summary, nonviolence does not insider." I am a Palestinian American Paul Wolfowitz in "Learning to Love Paul mean passivity in the face of violence or Quaker with deep ties to my ancestral Wolfowitz and Other Impossible Tasks" vis-a-vis those who have done violence. Nor homeland and have dedicated much of (F]Sept.). However, one crucial aspect does Friendly confrontation (speaking Truth my adult life to studying about and seemed missing-there is no hint that Paul ro power) regarding evil deeds imply a lack working in the region. Wolfowitz has asked for forgiveness. Jesus of love for one who has done those deeds. I was drawn to Q uakerism because of exhorted us to forgive-"not seven times And as a Baltimore Friend reminds me, FruENDSJouRNAL December 2009 39 Keep your copies for reading, reflection, Share the ideas our calling as Friends is to "speak to that of God" in Paul Wolfowitz in the moment. and referral. FRIENDS JouRNAL is a major forum for Quaker thought and Stan Becker Keep the copy Baltimore, Md. Quaker life in the 21st Century. It's a helpful reference for conversation and Subscribe now The inherent good contemplation. Don't wait. Subscribe T hanks to Debby Churchman for her article, "Learning to Love Paul Wolfowitz today to the journal that tells you what and O ther Impossible Tasks" (Fj Sept.). Quakers are thinking and saying. Just the day before I read it I had run into one of those people in whom I have difficulty seeing that piece of God. 0 I'll take 12 monthly issues for $39.99, please. 0 Lock in my rate for 2 Many years ago a friend taught me a Q)years-24 issues-for just $77.50. Overseas subscribers please add $12 tool that I have found helpful in these per year for postage. situations. I regress the person back in age until I can see that piece of God in them. I ,....,.., 0 Check enclosed 0 Please bill me 0 Charge my MasterCard or Visa This particular person I had to take back all the way to two or three, but then I ...... , Card Number Expiration date ____ could love her and stop fighting myself so that I could give her my full attention. ,,...... t Name: ------ I hope others fi nd this helpful. • Polly Coe ~ Address: Clarksville, Tenn. Ci~~~te!Zp ______A different response to For fastest service, log on to 40 December 2009 F RJENDS JouRNAL Religion in H igh School," Fj Sept., Young Friends) with great interest, as I was also reading at that time the essays of four scholars who had led a major meeting on religion in public education back in the 1990s. T hose attending contributed to the development of guidelines for public schools to teach about religions at all grade levels, not just high school. If Jeff Baird is interested in the topic of teaching religion in public schools, he will find much useful information in Religion in American Public Life: Living with Our Deepest Differences, published by the American Assembly of Columbia "Westtown has given me the ability to discover OPEN HOUSE DATES University in 2001. While this book in no my beliefs for myself" Nate, 12th grade way negates Jeff Baird's positive Since 1799 Westtown has prepared students Pre-K through 12th Grade experience, it will, I think, broaden his to excel in the classroom and in the understanding of the issue of teaching community. Located on 600 acres near Saturday, December 12 10:00 am religion in public schools. West Chester, our education from pre-K Saturday, January 9 10:00am through 12th grade is life changing. Carol Kitchen Monday, February 15 9:00am Rochester, N.Y. Come discover Westtown. Religious education in WESTTOWN SCHOOL public schools Pre-K to 12th Grade • 610-399-7900 • www.westtown.edu Jeff Baird's article about teaching religion makes good points about the value of religious understanding for high school students, but the core premise of the article is false. He asks, "Why is religion banned from public schools?" It is Section of the Americas not. Public schools can teach about religion, but they cannot teach religion. FW Comparative religion courses are Annual Meeting permissible, for example. Public schools • can teach students how people of different March 18-21, 2010 • Reisterstown, MD faith traditions pray, what sacred texts they read, and what they believe. Public cc Save the date. All Friends welcome! schools cannot teach students how the students should pray, what sacred texts the students should read, and what the students should believe. I do want students equipped to live in a religiously diverse world, and public schools are an appropriate setting for that. I think students are better prepared for the world if they understand what Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Quakers, atheists, and others believe. But I do not want Muslim public school students to be taught by their teacher that they should be baptized and accept Christ. I do not want Christian students taught that they should accept the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. And I do not even want atheist students taught that Friends World Co mmittee for Consultation they should believe that there is that of Section of the Americas God within them and all people. 1506 Race Street, Philadelphia PA 19102, USA The courts and the framers of the U.S. 215. 241. 7250, [email protected] www. fwccamericas.org Constitution were wise here to allow FRIENDS JouRNAL December 2009 41 public schools to teach about religion but to prevent them from teaching religion. C:huck Ular,Pehoski Ann Arbor, Mich. *All graduates accepted to college *Self-directed, lifelong learning What is the purpose of the *3: 1 st dent-to-teacher ratio economy? I disagree with Pamela Haines' review, in the September issue, of Right Relationship, Building a Whole Earth *Laptop computer program Economy. I found the book devoid of any clear understanding of how a real economy *Daily Collection, weekly works and flush with typical Quaker Meeting for Worship stereotypes regarding U.S. living standards and the production of consumer goods. If you reflexively think that a market economy is a ruse for making the rich wealthier while at the same time blindly destroying our environment, then this is the book for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a reasoned description of how markets can effectively handle the environmental challenges that face us, perhaps with tax policies or regulations or consumer demand that will establish effective pricing on air, water, and land use, please look elsewhere. Peter Brown and Geoffrey Garver ask us to throw out the baby with the bath water, extolling us to work for the establishment ofsup ranational organizations that will right our broken world, administered by representatives Freedom ofExpression. who will be free from the financially based lobbying that taints our current Each new season at Foxdale Village brings form of governance. Having based their whole thesis on the assumption that the creative opportunities to do the things you billions of people who participate in our enjoy the most. Here, you'll feel a genuine current world economy do so for greed and growth, I fear it will be easy for them sense of welcome, support, and freedom to carry along many Friends towards goals as you savor your independence, knowing that will have Quakers spinning wheels for that health care is always close at hand. years to come. Had the authors started out with the Continue to live life to the fullest and assumption that an economy is a system to explore all that Foxdale Village has to offer. bring together those people who have needs with those people who manufacture goods and services to meet those needs in Cal/800-253-4951 for current availability. the most efficient way possible, their book could have ended up in a more practical and helpful place. A ()}taker-Directed Continuing Care Retirement Community Rich Ailes Swarthmore, Pa. Foxdale VillaPe §~a~eE~~;rt168o~ 0 814-238-3322 www.foxdalevillage.org Another experience It is the poli cy: of Foxdale Village to be fully inclusive and not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, familial status, ancestry, gender, @ with integrity sexual orientation, rdigion, handicap, or disability. :=::.= I read with great interest Shelley E. Cochran's article, "Witnessing to Integrity in an Untruthful World" (F]Oct.). December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL I found myself in the same position a year ago. I have been a volunteer Boy Scout leader for ten years. In early summer 2008, I received a letter from the BSA national office informing me chat BSA was doing criminal background checks on all BSA volunteers, and requesting my permission for such, and furthermore, I would need to supply my Social Security number. This request was of great concern to me, for the same integrity issues that Shelley explains in her article. For several months, I pondered what my response should be. At first, I decided not to respond at ail, and prepared myself Moses Brown is an independent, college-preparatory, Quaker school for girls for the end of my Boy Scout career. I and boys nursery through twelfth grade. Learn more about our school and informed my Troop Committee of my ask about our scholarship program at the next Open House. decision. They understood and supported my position. But Scouting is very important to me, OPEN HOUSE and I decided to write a letter to the chief January Scout executive expressing my concerns. I see www.mosesbrown.org for details gave permission "under protest" for the criminal background check. The gist of my protest was essentially the promotion Moses Brown, a Friends school, exists to inspire the inner promise of of an environment of distrust. I also each student and instill the utmost core for teaming. people, and place. explained that I was refusing to give my Social Security number, based on issues of ID theft, and the original purpose of Social Security numbers. I felt that by writing this letter explaining my position, I was making my point, and making my choice to "cave in," although I was still uncomfortable. I thought that was the end of it. In January 2009, I was invited to SINCE 1981, THE Peace Development Fund serve as a staff member for an advanced has planted the seeds of justice through small Boy Scout leader training program. I eagerly accepted, therefore obliging myself grants to grassroots organizations working on co be available. Well, big surprise! As our Troop's community-based issues such as affordable charter came up for renewal in the spring, health ca re and housing, honorable employment, my name was not on it because they did not have my Social Security number! I felt sustainable environments, containment of that I was caught between a rock and a violence and a principled and comprehensive hard place. On the one hand, I didn't feel that it was appropriate for BSA to have my immigration policy. Be part of the harvest of Social Security number, and understood that I would not be allowed to continue to peace; invest in the meaningful local control of serve as a volunteer without providing it. resources with your gift to the grassroots groups On the other hand, I had obligated myself to serve as a Wood Badge staff member supported by the Peace Development Fund. not to mention continuing to serve my local Troop! 1 PO Box 1280 In the end, our district executive called peace ~ ~· Amherst. MA 01004 me to request that information. I caved in, development I 800·424-3557 and gave it to him, along with my lengthy 1 explanation of the gist of the letter I had fund 111•I www.peacedevelopmentfund.org written to the BSA national office. I asked that he pass the message along to the national office that local folks were protesting chis issue. FruENDS j OURNAL December 2009 43 My posicion was uncomfortable in that I already had rhe job when I was asked for the informacion. I truly feel char God supports me in my work with rhe Boy Scours, and it is very important ro me. I hope char I ultimately handled the whole situation in rhe best way possible. Amy G. White Cobleskill, N.Y. The power of direct contact Some years ago, I watched a PBS program char featured a 25-year reunion of what had been a sociology class caught at a Deep Sourh college. The reunion was of class members whose major project consisted of living with a white family if they were black srudents, and a black family if rhey were white. I can't recall with certainty rhe duration of rhe exchange bur ir was a least a week and perhaps considerably longer. The film was absolutely thrilling, as these one 5511 GR.EENE STR.EET. PHILADELPHIA. PA 19144 · 215-438-7545 rime participants shared rhe nature of G R.EEN ESTR.E ETFR.l EN DS.OR.G their personal growth and the removal of blinders that had occurred during their unique learning experiences. For many, if nor for all, theirs was a life changing experience. In our own case, quire a few years ago, Quaker Cards & f asters my wife and I ran perhaps a dozen three-day Alternatives ro Violence Project workshops in medium security prisons in Note cards and posters New York Scare. The program is designed that give voice to ro build communication skills, self esteem, Friends' beliefs trust, and openness, while sharing techniques for solving tense problems without resort to violence. To our extreme Cards - 12 per box delight, in all but one workshop, we came home imagining that most, if not all, of 3 of each image the roughly 20 ro 25 men we had been $15.00 +shipping* working with would make great neighbors and friends because when the workshop Posters - 20 x 14 goes well, ir brings out rhe best in its $10.00 each+ shipping* participants. For another personal example, we have been to Japan nine rimes ro recruit Order from volunteers ro come ro our country to share a bit of their culture and, more www.temahoa.com importantly, to share the peace message of [email protected] rhe aromic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As a result, a great number of our very best friends in the world are *5% of each sale to go to Japanese, whose country was once our Sacred Trust Computer Literacy morral enemy. Program,l(amataka, India What I mean by these examples is www.sacredtrust.in simply that, under favorable conditions, strangers, often the product of very different life experiences, can easily move 44 December 2009 FRJENDS J ouRNAL beyond mere tolerance to acceptance and ~uaker t FRIENDS JouRNAL December 2 009 45 ..,_,.,_..,~Vf.., ...... liVfiUI~U.,.,.~~ IV/OII UVI\CJ~. IU/0 Ill)::~ III U. IIVII- ...IIAIVU ... IIIQIIIIVI• discount for three consecutive insertions, 25% for 1 iii;;t~9~·e;;k;,· ra·; ..H~y;;~~ · R';.;;~~si. ·H-;;;;iJni;~·."MA: 1 E A R L H A M The Pastoral Care graduate em- six. Appearance of any advertisement does not 01748. Email: December 2009 FRIENDS JouRNAL Friends House By-phone counseling with shamanic, Rentals & Retreats A Quaker-Inspired Elder Community Indigenous, Earth-based orientation. Want to Rent: A condo on Florida Gulf coast (Fort Myers Friends House is a nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Thirty-seven years experience. Licensed Sanibel-Naples area) tor two weeks mid-March 2010. Two Community located in Santa Rosa, in the Wine Country and traditionally trained as well. Individual of us and possibly an elderly Labrador Retriever. F RIENDS JouRNAL December 2009 47 "What's my motivation for giving?" asked Mary Anna Feitler. "Wanting to be part of a larger whole is some of my motivation for giving. I feel better when I share." When Fred and Mary Anna Feitler established their Family Trust, they knew they wanted to include Friends General Conference among the charitable beneficiaries. "FGC is a dynamic organization, fostering beliefs that we share, educating and encouraging young and old Quakers, and being a light in the world-how could we not want to support an organization that will help maintain a practical, spiritual presence in a difficult world?" Read more about the Feitlers at www.fgcquaker. org I development