DECEMBER QUERIES DECEMBER 2020

How do our social and economic choices help or harm our vulnerable neighbors? The Multnomah Friends Meeting Do we consider whether the seeds of war and the displacement of peoples Monthly have nourishment in our lifestyles and possessions? Newsletter How does the Spirit guide us in our relationship to money? 4312 SE STARK STREET, PORTLAND, 97215 (503) 232-2822 WWW.MULTNOMAHFRIENDS.ORG

FRIENDLY FACES: Sisters Alegría and Confianza of Las Amigas Del Señor Monastery

“People will lie to their doctor about three things: smoking, drinking, and sex,” said Sister Alegría of the two-person Las Amigas del Señor Methodist-Quaker Monastery in Limón, Colón, . Sister Alegría is an MD herself, and she shared this wry comment during a post- Meeting Zoom discussion on November 8, when MFM celebrated the renewal of our ties with Las Amigas del Señor at the 10:00 Meeting for Worship. Sister Alegría was referring to gaining the trust of the women who come to see her at the pub- lic health clinic where she is a physician and Sister Confianza takes care of the pharmacy. Health education is as important as treating the patients’ illnesses, she explained and providing birth con- Sisters Confianza trol is part of the education for the women in the community. She added that the Catholic priest and Alegría “looks the other way,” pretending not to be aware of the birth control their clinic provides. for Caring Between MFM & Las Amigas del Señor Celebrated at Meeting for Worship on Sunday, November 8 December Newsletter Contents Earlier that morning, near the end of the 10:00 Meeting for Wor- 1 December Queries ship, Ron Marson and Sisters Alegría and Confianza read aloud in turn our shared covenants, which were made in 2009. The Sisters 1 Friendly Faces: Sisters Alegría & Confianza 2 How Beautiful is the Green Earth then sang for us the song, “How Beautiful is the Green Earth.” (The (Lyrics to the Sisters’ Song) song lyrics and an article by Ron Marson with a message from the 2 A Mayan Health Tip, by Sister Alegría Sisters can be found on the next page.) 2 The Sisters’ Message, by Ron Marson Daily Life at Las Amigas del Señor 3 December Virtual Meeting Events (list) After the Rise of Meeting, about a dozen Friends joined Sisters 3 Letters to the Editor Alegría and Confianza in a breakout room for an hour of animated 4 How to Schedule a Zoom Meeting discussion about their life. 4 How to Host Virtual Meetings “Our daily life,” they recount, “is structured around three prayer/ 4 Zoom Number for People Who Pay worship times that include psalms, scripture readings, silence and for Long Distance songs. We use El Aposento Alto (The Upper Room daily devotional) 4 Virtual Meeting Events each morning. Days include a time of Spiritual Formation (study/ 6 Friendly Readers reflection/prayer), shared readings, and journaling. We sing a lot, in 7 Announcements worship and while working. At night we keep silence. 12 Friend to Friend “Sundays are our day of rest and include Unprogrammed (Quaker 12 Book Review: Marge & Carl Abbott’s silent) Worship, as well as programmed (more typical Protestant) Quakerism, The Basics worship. On Tuesdays we walk and hitch rides the four miles to 13 Report from , by Becca Limón [where we] volunteer at the Centro de Salud (Public Health Mohally Renk Center). During our visits to Limón we also buy groceries, get our 13 Central American Hurricane Relief mail, and use the Internet as time permits. 14 Multnomah DA’s Office Seeks Partners “Physically, our life is that of campesinos, or rural folks. We live in 14 The Social Gospel, by Millie Priebe a rustic one-room house on a small plot of steep land.… We use a 15 How Do Quakers Celebrate Christmas? dry-compost toilet. We cut and haul firewood, scrub our laundry by 15 A Few Favorite Aspects of Quaker Faith hand (in the creek during drier months), and raise pineapples, chick- and Practice ens, and a few other things in an agroforestry setting. We grind 16 Photos: Halloween Parade corn for tortillas and cook on a fogón, a clay wood-fired stove. 17 December Calendar (continued on next page)

Euclid Bautista, Clerk of Multnomah Friends Meeting, can be reached at [email protected]. Euclid is available by appointment during the week and at the rise of meeting on Sundays. Please send items for the Newsletter to Susan Jones, editor, [email protected]. Contact Communications Committee Clerk, [email protected], with concerns about Newsletter content. Visit us at our website, www.multnomahfriends.org, and on Facebook, facebook.com/MultnomahFriendsMeeting. FRIENDLY FACES: Sisters Alegría and Confianza A MAYAN HEALTH TIP (continued from page 1) by Sister Alegría, Amigas del Señor Monastery

“As a contemplative monastery, we are fairly tradi- If you have an illness or injury that doesn't heal up or re- tional: we live in voluntary material poverty, celibacy, solve in the normal period of time, it is clear you have been and mutual obedience. However, we are non-hierarchical cursed. Why would someone curse you? and are governed using Quaker process, discerning God's Envy. direction together in worshipful silence and sharing.” So the health tip is to live in such a way that no one envies During the pandemic they share a “bubble” in isolation. you. We know a guy with a degenerative muscle disease who Neither has COVID, but Sister Alegría has a heart problem. is certain that the cause is that he was cursed. He had been young, healthy, wealthy, carried a gun, and was quite the womanizer. So he got cursed – no need for further diagnosis. I received this teaching about 25 years ago. I let it season for a long time. People in the US told me that they envied my life. Something to think about. When Sister Confianza and I founded Amigas del Señor Monastery in 2006, we were de- termined to have the ministry of accompaniment. We were not going to be an aid organization. We did not want to be Ugly Americans. We have seen missionaries who take their turn being Ugly Americans, often with the best of intentions. But we are Protestants (both from the United Methodist background). Since 1995 I have also been a Quaker, an attender at Multnomah Friends Meeting. So, as Protestants, Las Amigas del Señor Monastery we cannot have prayer as our only service. We must also do During the Zoom breakout time, Sisters Alegría and direct help. We were determined to support Honduran organ- Confianza gave us a brief tour of their tropical green izations, that is, founded and run by Hondurans. We were not grounds (see photo above). They showed us the garden going to start our own clinic, orphanage, etc. We volunteered where they grow much of their food and the small solar once a week at the local public health center. When we panels that provide the electricity that charges the smart- caught a lift, we rode in the bed of the pick-up with our phone – a recent acquisition – connecting them to Zoom patients. and our Meeting for Worship. And, since that conver- We live at the level of Honduran poverty. The learning sation they’ve written that they bought a keyboard that curve was prodigiously steep. connects to the smartphone by Bluetooth, so writing In the Light, emails and articles – such as “A Mayan Health Tip” at the Sister Alegría right – should be much easier now.

Funds Needed to Extend Electricity to the Clinic The Sisters’ Message There is an urgent need to extend electricity to the health by Ron Marson clinic. Multnomah Meeting will undertake to raise funds to help with the project. In “The Sisters’ Message” at the Sisters Alegría and Confianza of Las Amigas del Señor right, continued on page 3, Ron Marson explains how Monastery renewed their ties with MFM in a Zoom Meeting individuals can donate – either online or by check. for Worship between Hurricanes Eta and Iota on November 8. Although the Sisters’ Internet access is erratic, you may The Sisters submitted the following Message which they email them at [email protected]. You may wish to share with us now as part of the reaffirmation of our also visit their website, amigasdelsenor.weebly.com, or Covenant of Caring: their Facebook page, facebook.com/amigashonduras, It is important for us to remember during these and view their hundreds – yes, hundreds! – of photos on polarized times, amidst all our activism and work to flickr.com/photos/amigasdelsenor. implement social justice and save the environment, that we are called to love EVERYONE. The oppressed and the oppressors. Those who HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THE GREEN EARTH need food and shelter and those who have more (Sisters Alegría and Confianza’s Song) than enough. Those on "our side," and also our "enemies." Those who care for us and those who How beautiful is the green earth, would do us harm. The powerful and the power- the stars in the heavens above. less. Democrats and Republicans. Let us sink into But what would the whole world be worth the ever-present Light and Love of the good Spirit If we did not fill it with love – with love! that is all around us. Let us be filled to overflowing If we did not fill it with love. with all the blessings of the universe. Let us have Que bellos los astros allá, courage to cross the lines of division and start con- la tierra en su verdor. versations that could be difficult. Let us see what Mas el mundo, ¿Cuánto valdrá? Love can do. Si no lo llenemos de amor – ¡amor! In our breakout session after the Rise of Meeting, the Si no lo llenemos de amor. Sisters spoke of serving the poor in Honduras; about their (continued on page 3)

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 2 The Sisters’ Message LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (continued from page 2) Last month Shannon Davis ([email protected]) daily life lived at the same level as the people they serve; wrote expressing concern about the lack of racial diver- about politics; about agriculture and climate chaos, spiri- sity among our 2020-21 QVS Fellows, and that the Meet- ing should recruit more youth of color for these types of tuality and philosophy, and many other interesting things. positions. Below are two responses to her letter. They also spoke of their work at the public clinic and the need to refrigerate vaccines and other supplies with – 24/7 solar-battery backup. They said they have $3,000 Not that this issue isn’t a deep concern within our Meet- on hand to begin this project (updated to $4,000 as of ing, but QVS is a national organization. I could be wrong, November 29 – ed.). To get the basic system up and but I don’t believe that our Meeting recruits anyone for running they need an additional $2,000. I believe indi- QVS. We’re just one of the four local Quaker organiza- vidually and corporately MFM can raise that amount. tions who sponsor the local branch. For more info you can contact the local QVS Coordinator, How to Donate Electronically or by Check Rachel Logan-Wood, [email protected], You can make an individual donation online as well or the Meeting’s QVS Support Committee Representative, as by check through the First United Methodist Church Anne Sharp, [email protected], or go to the QVS in Hermiston, Oregon (where Sister Confianza is a mem- website, quakervoluntaryservice.org. ber). – Eric Houghton, [email protected] To donate online, go to herfumc.com, pull down the – donate tab, click the donate button, check the designa- tion box, and select Amigas del Señor Monastery from I am writing in response to Shannon Davis’s Novem- the drop-down menu. ber letter that she would like to see more representation by people of color among the Quaker Voluntary Service To donate by check, make checks payable to HFUMC, fellows. I am an alum of QVS in 2012-2013 in Atlanta with “Amigas" on the memo line, and send to: HFUMC, and a current member of Multnomah Monthly Meeting. 191 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston, OR 97838. I absolutely agree with Shannon’s desire to see more Thanks for helping out! Updates will follow. diversity among the fellows. Most of the recruiting for – Ron Marson, [email protected] new participants in the program is focused on Quaker colleges. QVS could undoubtedly benefit from a wider range of recruitment and welcoming fellows from many backgrounds, along lines of race, class, and geography, an effort which would require more resources and more DECEMBER VIRTUAL MEETING EVENTS focused and coordinated support from meetings nation-

Details on pages 4–6 wide. Sunday, QPIN Mtg. My experience participating in the QVS service year ex- Dec 6 for Mult. posed me to a much wider range of multiracial perspectives 12 noon Friends ❖ and voices than ever before in my education or work. Al- Sundays Sun. Morning though my group of fellows was uniracial, we worked in 8:30 -9:45 am Discuss. Grp diverse communities for our nonprofits. The curriculum of ❖ Sundays Meeting the service program included robust anti- resources. 8:15 & 10 am for Worship My nearly ten years with QVS has shown it to be one of ❖ the rare organizations truly committed to the bold words Mondays Weekly 7:00 am Bible Study of its mission in supporting and fostering equity. ❖ I encourage you to engage with the fellows here in Port- Mondays ZOOM 10:30 - 11:30 am Qigong land or with the national staff or board members and to ❖ assist with recruitment or with programming. Surely you Tuesdays Friendly will witness the same commitment firsthand. I believe that 7:00 pm Readers ❖ only by working together faithfully can we create the di- Wednesdays Midweek verse, equitable community we wish to see. 12 noon ❖ Worship The last four years of growing racism in our country have

Saturdays, Quaker Kid been painful to witness, given that my placement in QVS 10:00 am Circle was specifically devoted to supporting a majority-refugee ❖ 2nd & 4th Central community. The continuing growth of the QVS program is Saturdays, Friends 10:15 - 11:15 am Meeting one of the brightest points of hope I can think of. ❖ QVS recently opened for applications for new fellows 1st, 3rd, & 5th Junior Sundays, Friends in the 2021-2022 year. I encourage you to follow your 11:00 - 11:45 am Meeting leading to see a more diverse group of fellows and share ❖ Sunday, Meeting for the opportunity to participate in the program as widely as Dec 20 Worship for you can among your connections and community. 12:15 pm Business ❖ – Justin Leverett, [email protected] Friday, Christmas Day QVS Local Support Committee Dec 25 Meeting for 11:00 - 12 noon Worship

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 3 VIRTUAL MEETING EVENTS, continued . WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY

via Zoom Every Monday, 7:00am Click on this link at 6:55am: TO SCHEDULE A ZOOM MEETING bit.ly/3kLhDRW FOR MULTNOMAH FRIENDS Meeting ID: 293 966 239, No password required Dial: 669-900-6833 US All are invited. Please send your request to [email protected] Contact: Joe Snyder, [email protected] and include the following information: . . . • Title of meeting and description, as appropriate. MIDWEEK WORSHIP

m via Zoom • Time, date, and anticipated length of meeting, and is it a one-time Every Wednesday, 12:00 noon meeting or recurring? Click on this link at 11:55am: bit.ly/3be2swi • Are you or someone in your meeting prepared to handle the tech hosting Meeting ID: 325 077 955, Password: 337283 needs, if any or do you need the Dial: 669-900-6833 US Meeting to supply a host? Contact: Nancy Stevens, [email protected] We will confirm that the time requested . . . doesn’t conflict with a previously scheduled meeting, add your meeting to the calendar, and then confirm to you with link, ID, and ZOOM NUMBER JUST FOR PORTLAND PEOPLE password information. WHO DIAL IN & HAVE TO PAY FOR LONG DISTANCE. It can be used for any Zoom meeting. If this is a last-minute request and you don’t hear back right away, please call Eric 971-247-1195 Houghton at 971-212-7889 to see if there’s If you dial in from outside the Portland area, still time to set it up. or if you don’t pay for LD, DO NOT use this number so it doesn’t get overloaded.

VIRTUAL MEETING EVENTS . . . MEETING FOR WORSHIP FOR BUSINESS via Zoom SUNDAY MORNING Sunday, December 20, 12:15pm ADULT DISCUSSION (SMAD) Click on this link at 12:10pm: via Zoom bit.ly/MMMWorship Sundays, 8:30-9:45am Meeting ID: 705 774 465, Password: 923550 Dial: 669-900-6833 US Click on this link at 8:25am: All are invited. bit.ly/33E2agS Contact: Euclid Bautista, [email protected] Meeting ID: 895 8793 7438, Password: 457499 . . . Dial: 669-900-6833 US Contact: Mendel Rivers, [email protected] CHRISTMAS DAY . . . MEETING FOR WORSHIP via Zoom WEEKLY MEETING FOR WORSHIP Friday, December 25 via Zoom 11:00am-12:00 noon Every Sunday, 8:15 & 10:00am Hosted by Worship & Ministry Click on this link at 8:10am or 9:55am: Click on this link at 10:55am: bit.ly/MMMWorship bit.ly/MMMWorship Meeting ID: 705 774 465, Password: 923550 Contact: Ellen Simmons, Dial: 669-900-6833 US [email protected] All are invited. Contact: Euclid Bautista, [email protected] (Virtual Meeting Events continued next page)

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 4 VIRTUAL MEETING EVENTS, continued . VIRTUAL MEETING EVENTS, continued

QUAKER KID CIRCLE HILLSDALE QUAKERS via Zoom MEETING FOR WORSHIP Saturdays, 10:00am via Zoom Quaker Kid Circle is Sundays, 10:00am an online gathering of The Hillsdale Quakers will hold 10:00am worship Friendly kids (elemen- meetings exclusively by Zoom for the indefinite future. tary school age) to say We may plan and announce future “in-person” but hello, sing a song, read masked and distanced events such as meditation walks a story or two, and par- during the week. ticipate in an activity. Zoom link: bit.ly/32VNPvp We hope you’ll connect Meeting ID: 257 229 5372, Password: 2021 with us and find out what Dial: 669-900-6833 US we can do together. For more information: Rick Seifert, 503-245-7821 or For information and the Zoom link, please contact Peter Ford at [email protected] or 971-263-7049. [email protected]...... CENTRAL FRIENDS MEETING MMM-QPIN via Zoom (QUAKER PALESTINE ISRAEL NETWORK) 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 10:15-11:15am via Zoom Click on this link at 10:10am: Sunday, December 6, 12:00 noon bit.ly/30Xqs3N (& First Sunday of Each Month) Meeting ID: 895 8793 7438, Password: 457499 MMM-QPIN meets on the first Sunday of each month Dial: 669-900-6833 US at noon. You are invited to join us in ourZoom session. Are you a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader? In Quaker-speak that The link to the meetings is bit.ly/3hMUKeV. makes you a Central Friend. We meet regularly to support our Brothers and Sisters Our time together typically includes breath awareness, currently suffering in Israel, West Bank and Gaza (Pales- short meditative films, check-ins, lessons on topics you tine), commonly known as The Holy Land, and to stay care about, and fun activities like drawing, guessing informed and educate others about the situation in games, and other super wonderful Zoom ideas we'll soon Palestine-Israel. We contact politicians, hold car rallies, invent with your help. and offer speakers in an attempt to make life better for Palestinians under Israeli occupation. Our goal is happy peaceful minds and open hearts all – Cynthia Gilliam around. We are a work in progress and would love to have . . . you check us out and tell us what you like to learn and do. Contact: Ron Marson, [email protected], 503-992-8473. VIRTUAL QIGONG via Zoom . . . Mondays, 10:30-11:30am JUNIOR FRIENDS MEETING Qigong – "energy work" employing meditative move- via Zoom ment combined with the guided imagery of nature and 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays, 11:00-11:45am connection – strengthens immunity, health, and resolve, and balances emotions. A separate Zoom link will be provided prior to each meeting. Are you in 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade? If so we'd love to have you join us every first, third, and – when they happen – fifth Sunday. Our space is a safe space both to share the goings-on in our lives and to sit in silence together. We sometimes come with a query in mind, a game, a video, or a song. Other times all we bring is an eagerness To receive an invitation to Virtual Qigong, please email to see one another. This is a space that you, the teenagers [email protected]. of Multnomah Monthly Meeting, shape. Come have a Sliding scale, $10-$15 per class: PayPal, paypal.me/ hand in it! marianwolfedixon, or send check to Marian Dixon, 6901 To be included, please contact Andrew Wardenaar at SE 65th Ave., Portland, OR 97206. [email protected] or 971-570-9273. (Virtual Meeting Events continued next page)

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 5

VIRTUAL MEETING EVENTS, continued have one of the books we are reading and can lend it, or if you want to participate in a book meeting but need

a copy of the book, please let Kepper know. MULTNOMAH MEETING Books: We discuss books over a two- to three-week FRIENDLY READERS BOOK CLUB period, which lets us go deeper. via Zoom Short Submissions: On the weeks we don’t dis- Tuesday Evenings, 7:00-8:30pm cuss books, we talk about short pieces people submit Friendly Readers meet every (paintings, photos, musical pieces, poems, short stories Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 pm, using or essays). Some our members create, others people Zoom. We use books as a launching find and find inspiring. We can send you the items. point to get to know each other and to discuss life from a Quaker per- Book Party: Periodically we have a “book party” spective. Everyone is welcome, even where we discuss what we are currently reading and/or if you did not read the material. You our favorite books. can drop in anytime – you don’t need Below is the schedule for December through March, to commit to every week. as well as three of the books for the following months; During the pandemic we have been struggling with ob- descriptions of the activities for each week; and the taining books. As I write this, Multnomah County Lib- names of the facilitators of the book discussions. rary has just closed physical book circulation again, but For more information please contact Kepper eBooks and streaming media are still available. If you Petzing, [email protected] or 503-284-2068.

Feb 9 - Short submissions from Friendly Readers. FRIENDLY READERS SCHEDULE Submit visual items that can be shared via email December 2020 – June 2021 (watch file size), short audio pieces (7 min. or less), and/or written pieces such as poems, short stories, Dec 1 - Short submissions from Nov. 24 (week 2 for essays, etc. (5 pgs. or less). Send submissions to this packet). Beppie Shapiro, facilitator. Beppie Shapiro, [email protected], no later than Dec 8 - The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature, Jan. 23. by David George Haskell (week 1 of 2). Jeanne-Marie Feb 16 - How to be an Anti-Racist, by Ibram Kendi Pierrelouis, facilitator. (week 1 of 2). Lowen Berman, facilitator. Dec 15 - The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature, Feb 23 - How to be an Anti-Racist, by Ibram Kendi by David George Haskell (week 2 of 2). Jeanne-Marie (week 2 of 2). Lowen Berman, facilitator. Pierrelouis, facilitator. Mar 2 - Choosing books for July-December. Need Dec 22 - Book Party! We’ll share what we’re currently compiler. Book suggestions due by Feb. 20. reading and/or a favorite item we have read. We will circle around the group – try to limit your talk to 3 Mar 9 - Breathe: A Letter to My Sons, by Imani minutes. Perry (week 1 of 2). Kepper Petzing, facilitator. Dec 29 - Short submissions from Friendly Readers. Mar 16 - Breathe: A Letter to My Sons, by Imani Submit visual items that can be shared via email Perry (week 2 of 2). Kepper Petzing, facilitator. (watch file size), short audio pieces (7 min. or less), and/or written pieces such as poems, short stories, Mar 23 - Short submissions from Friendly Readers. essays, etc. (5 pgs. or less). Send submissions to Submit visual items that can be shared via email Beppie Shapiro, [email protected], no later than (watch file size), short audio pieces (7 min. or less), Dec. 19. and/or written pieces such as poems, short stories, essays, etc. (5 pgs. or less). Send submissions to Jan 5 - Short submissions continued from December Beppie Shapiro, [email protected], no later than 29. Beppie Shapiro, facilitator. Send submissions to Mar. 13. Beppie Shapiro, [email protected], no later than Dec. 19. Mar 30 - Short submissions from Friendly Readers. Submit visual items that can be shared via email Jan 12 - Guests Laura and Hodge. Caroline Spear, (watch file size), short audio pieces (7 min. or less), facilitator. and/or written pieces such as poems, short stories, essays, etc. (5 pgs. or less). Send submissions to Jan 19 - The Night Watchman, by Louise Erdrich Beppie Shapiro, [email protected], no later than (week 1 of 2). Susan Garber, facilitator. Mar. 13. Jan 26 - The Night Watchman, by Louise Erdrich April - The Water Dancer: a novel, by Ta-Nehisi (week 2 of 2). Susan Garber, facilitator. Coates. Caroline Spear, facilitator. Feb 2 - Short submissions from Friendly Readers. May - See no Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Submit visual items that can be shared via email Revolutionary Love, by Valerie Kaur. Kay Elmore, (watch file size), short audio pieces (7 min. or less), facilitator. and/or written pieces such as poems, short stories, essays, etc. (5 pgs. or less). Send submissions to June - The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Beppie Shapiro, [email protected], no later than Power of Nature, by Valerie Kaur. Caroline Spear, Jan. 23. facilitator.

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 6 ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS, continued

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: OPPORTUNITIES TO HEARTHKEEPER, REFRESH YOUR MIND, MULTNOMAH FRIENDS MEETING BODY, AND SPIRIT Our wonderful Hearthkeeper, Holly Jarvis, is transi- From the FWCC Newsletter tioning out of the position, so the Meeting is in the pro- cess of hiring a new Hearthkeeper. Because we currently have no renters in the building, the Hearthkeeper works WHAT LOVE REQUIRES: Heart-Opening only 16 to 24 hours a month and usually goes to the Practices for Mindful Awareness, Meetinghouse only once a week. Things will ramp up, Peace, and Compassionate Action of course, as we are again able to open the building to December 28–30, 2020 renters. At that time it is anticipated that the hours will A New Year’s Retreat Online with Valerie Brown go back to 40-60 hours per month, with more frequent trips to the Meetinghouse required. Three 90-minute sessions, The goal is to hire someone who can stay in the posi- 3:00-4:30pm Pacific Time, each day tion through our transition back to a full rental schedule. Limit 20, Register Now for this Pendle Hill Retreat! Here is a short summary of the job duties, from the REGISTRATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 20 Hearthkeeper position description. The Hearthkeeper has Information and registration: administrative, outreach and property management bit.ly/35qWE1Z responsibilities for the Meeting, as follows: ______The Hearthkeeper • is familiar with the faith and practice of Quakers LIVING INTO THE CENTER: • is part of our Meeting community Integrity & Renewal • manages building use scheduling December 27, 2020–January 1, 2021 • participates in the care of Meeting facilities An Online Program • responds to phone inquiries about Friends with Ben Lomond Quaker Center Co-Directors • facilitates communication within the Quaker com- Susan Wilson and Bob Fisher munity, including putting out the Weekly Bulletin. Other Guest Facilitators TBA If you are interested in the position, please contact Join us as we gather as Friends for worship, Megge Van Valkenburg, [email protected]. worship sharing, music, mini-workshops, Bible study, . . . walks, and reflection, balanced with social time and activities for all ages and abilities. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANTI-RACISM WORK REGISTRATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 21 The Friends for Racial Justice Planning Committee will To register go to www.QuakerCenter.org periodically highlight opportunities for anti-racism work ______in Portland. If you know of any such opportunities, please let us know so we can share them in this space. Email: HEALING ANCESTRAL TRAUMA: [email protected]. What is Epigenetics Rethink Portland is Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty’s and Why Does it Matter? plan to engage with community members and move the December 7, 2020 city forward in a time when people are demanding A First Monday Lecture with Erva Baden changes to policing in Portland: “We are long overdue for 4:30- 6:00pm Pacific Time, via Zoom. a reimagining of what community safety looks like, led Free to the public; registration required. by and for the community. For too long, police have dominated the narrative of what public safety should look Register here for this Pendle Hill workshop: like, leaving us with the current system in place that dis- https://bit.ly/2K5gx6z proportionately targets, uses excessive force, and arrests – submitted by Marge Abbott people of color, houseless individuals, and people experi- . . . encing mental health crises.” Visit rethinkportland.com to find a list of events Commissioner Hardesty’s office is hosting, as well as QUAKERISM: THE BASICS other city- or community-hosted events relating to poli- Margery Post Abbott & Carl Abbott, Authors cing, the police budget, and community safety. Marge and Carl Abbott's new book, Quakerism: The On the site you will also find the Commissioner's full Basics, is coming out in mid-December and is available vision for community safety, ways to take action, offer for pre-order on the Routledge website: bit.ly/3lnaIzh. feedback on where to re-allocate money, and get updates. You can get a 20% discount over the list price, plus free – Megge Van Valkenburg shipping, using code LOYAL. (See review, page 12.) (Announcements continued next page)

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS, continued ANNOUNCEMENTS, continued

QUAKER REVOLUTIONARIES ON DVD OUR COMMON TABLE RECKONING WITH RACISM COHORT Quakers, The Quiet Revo- You can still join The Common Table’s “Reckoning lutionaries is a wonderful gift With Racism” cohort from Multnomah Meeting. A group and an excellent Quaker edu- of 200 people from 44 faith communities meets on Zoom cation tool. twice a month to explore the legacy of racism in Oregon. This documentary film This nine-month journey is a unique opportunity to from Gardner Productions discover how this history continues to systematically was aired at the virtual 2020 harm people of color, to explore white privilege, and to FGC Gathering and has been take action to face ourselves and dismantle racist policies shown on numerous PBS in our own communities. stations. In November our speaker, Ms Willie Richardson, high- It's now for sale as a DVD on the FGC Quakerbooks lighted the work of Oregon Black Pioneers, speaking from website at bit.ly/38OUOdu. her heart about her faith journey and her experience as an – Audrey Greenhall, FGC QuakerBooks African American woman. She shared books, videos, and history exhibits, including an Oregon Civil Rights exhibit . . . and a corrected historical marker. Check out the website oregonblackpioneers.org and the OPB documentary MY FATHER’S HOUSE “Oregon Black Pioneers” available to view there. FAMILY SHELTER After a break during the month of December, we will begin meeting again on January 12. For information In August a new family moved into the studio apart- please see commontableoregon.org/reckoning-with- ment we prepare in My Father's House Shelter. Thank racism-cohort, or contact Susan Garber, 503-232-1204, you all again for providing the household goods they or Melissa Nickerson, [email protected] or needed to begin this new chapter in their lives. 804-252-1770. Susan and Melissa will be glad to talk You may recall reading here last month the Assistant with you in December to orient you for the 2021 sessions. Director’s description of the family’s reaction to seeing their new space: "Ashunta stood in the middle of the room, – Susan Garber & Melissa Nickerson looked around, and cried! They were beside themselves . . . when they saw their room. They couldn't believe every- thing was there for them. What a blessing to witness a BOYCOTT PILLSBURY: family's joy when moving into their own space! Thank NO DOUGH FOR OCCUPATION you for adopting a room so we can help families like this QPIN (Quaker Palestine Israel Network) one!" and AFSC ask you to boycott all Pillsbury We can begin to get ready for the next family. If you’d products. We know! Pillsbury crescent rolls like to donate new items for them, please email Anne and biscuits, the pie crusts and cinnamon Sharp, [email protected], or text 503-281-8282, rolls, are yummy much-loved items in many for a list of needed items and to arrange pickup. of our homes. But there are other options for their products. – Anne Sharp Pillsbury, owned by General Mills, manufactures frozen . . . baked goods in Atarot, an illegal Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem – violating international law and contributing to FALL LEAF CLEANUP THANKTHANK YOUYOU gross human rights abuses. AFSC is calling on General & HELP NEEDED Mills to respect the rights of indigenous Palestinians and to Saturday, Dec. 5, 9:00am - 12:00 noon stop profiting from an illegal occupation. Join our No Dough for the Occupation campaign to hold General Mills A small but mighty group of Friends accountable. Tell General Mills’ CEO that this is unaccept- gathered on November 7 to rake up the able, and boycott Pillsbury products until they stop manu- first layer of leaves on the Meetinghouse facturing on stolen land. grounds. Thank you to Giovanna Carpen- The UN lists General Mills in its database of companies in- tieri, Ann Howell, Leslie Hickox, Gary volved in Israel’s illegal settlement activities (view list here). Monzon, Lew Scholl, and Kathe Mullen! Here are some actions you can take: There will be a second and final round Click here to send a letter to the CEO of General Mills. of cleanup on December 5, weather per- mitting. The City will sweep the street Don’t buy Pillsbury products until the company stops its on December 10, so we’ll do our best to get as many leaves production in an illegal settlement in the occupied Palestin- in the street as possible by December 9. ian territory. We need as many Friends as possible to participate. Please Get others involved. Ask institutions you are a member of let me know if you plan to attend so I can let you know if we to contact the company and boycott its products. need to reschedule: – Cynthia Gilliam, edited from the AFSC website [email protected] or 503-997-8050. (Announcements continued next page)

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LORI PATTERSON PUBLISHES ARTICLE GIVING TREE IN WESTERN FRIEND MAGAZINE For the HIV Day Center Look for “Get Out of the Way” If you are looking for a way to spread some holiday in the Nov/Dec Issue cheer this year, we would love for you to consider Multnomah Meeting’s Lori Pat- brightening the lives of the clients at the HIV Day Cen- terson has an article in the “Heal- ter in NE Portland, emoregon.org/hiv-services/. ing the World” section of the cur- The HIV Day Center serves low-income individuals rent issue of the Quaker magazine who are HIV positive by supplying a hot breakfast and Western Friend. lunch five days a week and providing many other vital The theme of the November/De- services. The Day Center fosters a community that cember, 2020, issue is “On Rules.” accepts all who enter through events like Giving Tree, Friends who know Lori’s commit- a holiday event where clients make gift requests and ment to racial justice won’t be sur- community members make these wishes come true. prised that her article is titled “Get To be part of this heartwarming tradition, please Out of the Way.” contact Celia Rayfiel, QVS Fellow, at 503-460-3822 It begins, “Multnomah Monthly Meeting in Portland, or [email protected]. Oregon, has a reputation of being one of the ‘more lib- . . . eral’ Quaker meetings. This is Portland, after all. There’s plenty of action and donations of money in the meeting BEN LOMOND QUAKER CENTER around climate change, immigrant rights, and many other invites you to worthy social justice causes. But when it comes to action the 11th Annual around supporting Black Lives, there seems to be a hesi- tancy. ‘Ugh! Why do we have to keep talking about racial MUSIC AND DANCE RETREAT justice?’ Much discernment was needed before the meeting could...” To read the rest of the article beyond this cliffhanger, you can subscribe to Western Friend on their website at bit.ly/36OmH2q – or, our representative Natalie Rams- land says the deadline for the Meeting group discount has been extended one week, until December 7. Let her know at [email protected] or 503-381-0722, or submit the online form at bit.ly/3mcOgsz. . . . SUBMIT EXPENSE REPORTS ONLINE While we are sheltering at home, the Treasurer has set An Online Program up a form to enable you to file an expense report online. December 4-6 There is a link on the website under "Resources," or just Join us online as we sing, dance, and make music click here: bit.ly/3iYaGMb. Feel free to email [email protected] Friday night Dec. 4 if you have any questions. Saturday afternoon & evening Dec. 5 Thank you and stay safe! & Sunday morning Dec. 6 worship with song – Theresa Deibele . . . Please register at www.QuakerCenter.org Registration deadline December 3 VIGIL FOR RACIAL JUSTICE PROGRAM LEADERS: Note the Earlier Time Jeff Richman, with many Beatles, Rise Up Sundays, 3:00-4:00pm Singing, & Latin American favorites Meet at the northeast Erik Hoffman, Fiddler/Caller & Clogger corner of SE 47th Ave. and Extraordinaire Stark St. We’ll center in Claire Takamori, family-friendly community worship, then walk to 47th barn dancing! and Burnside to vigil in front Dafunkus (Nate Secrest and Friends), of the Multnomah County live from Quaker Center Sheriff’s office. Masks Required. And our Special Guests: Gretta & Jacob Stone, Please contact Peter Ford, [email protected], for with Gretta on Guitar and Jacob on Banjo more information. (Announcements continued next page)

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ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR QVS seeks a part-time (20 hrs/week) Alumni Engagement Coordinator to begin formalizing and deepening QVS’s engagement with Alums. This is a grant-funded position intended to lay the ground- ANNIE & PETER work for QVS Alumni to become a vibrant, self-led commu- nity after a startup period of three years. RISE AGAIN! The Alumni Engagement Coordinator will also support A Ben Lomond Quaker Center ONLINE Concert national staff with some communications responsibilities. Annie Patterson & Peter Blood Excellent communication, interpersonal, and administrative December 12, 2020 4:00pm (PT) on ZOOM skills required. Preference given for applicants who live in Register at www.QuakerCenter.org one of the five program cities (Portland, Boston, Philadel- Come join the fun on Zoom! Put your microphone on mute phia, Minneapolis/St. Paul, or Atlanta), although applicants and sing your heart out with Annie and Peter. who live elsewhere will be considered. No one else will hear you but… so what! To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and It works better than you think, three references to [email protected]. especially if you can’t carry a tune. :) The Hiring Committee will be in touch with you. – Hilary Burgin, Quaker Voluntary Service ...... MONDAY DOCUMENTARY FILM NIGHTS COMING SOON! LETTER TO SUPPORT Every Monday night films, documentaries, etc., will be POLICE REVIEW BOARD available for viewing at Robert Cooper's place. IN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS Genre-specific to issues/conflict in The Holy Land and Friends, you may be aware that Portland recently passed US complicity, titles can be selected by viewer request. a measure to establish an Independent Police Review Board. Examples of titles (others are available): The Portland Police Association (PPA) has filed a grievance Occupation of the American Mind – Documentary against the measure, continuing a pattern in which efforts to • establish a civilian police review board have been "thwarted on hasbara, the public relations campaign to keep 1 America uninformed on human rights issues in The publicly and behind the scenes." Holy Land Negotiations for a new contract between the City and the PPA start in January. Andrew Riley of Unite Oregon has pre- • Killing Gaza – An inside look at the 2014 Gaza pared a letter to the City Council outlining improvements to Invasion the ineffective system of civilian oversight that are needed • Do Not Buy – Local efforts to have City of Portland due to brutal police attacks and lack of public trust (see public funds become ethically placed uniteoregon.org/ppa_contract_letter). • Al Jazeera’s The Lobby, an undercover look at abuses The current PPA contract makes it “extremely difficult to of lobby power in England and the US. discipline officers for excessive use of force, racial bias, or The films are offered to raise consciousness about human other forms of bias-based policing,” the letter states, asking rights issues and to better understand efforts being made by that contract negotiations be open to the public. It also de- MMM-QPIN (Quaker Palestine Israel Network). mands other changes: that an independent civilian agency Setting can accommodate up to three guests at a time due have jurisdiction over deadly force cases and be able to com- to COVID. Proper guidelines will be observed to ensure pel testimony from and recommend discipline of officers; that health and safety of the guests. RSVP required: Robert, officers investigated for misconduct not have special privi- [email protected] or 503-660-9055. leges that the public doesn’t have; that the public should be able to make complaints without the offending officer having . . . access to their name and information; and that there be man- datory drug testing after officers use force on the public. HILLSDALE QUAKERS Many community organizations have already signed Unite COMING EVENTS Oregon’s letter. We hope Multnomah Meeting will also sign IN PERSON on to show our awareness and support of the Independent Police Review Board and changes to the PPA contract. For the indefinite future the Hillsdale Quakers are meeting for worship on Sundays exclusively by Zoom Please read the letter and come to the December 20 Meet- (see announcement on page 5). BUT… we may plan and ing for Business ready to support this step toward ending announce future in-person masked and socially distanced police brutality and creating a communitysafe for all people. events such as meditation walks during the week. For more information, please contact Melissa Nickerson, For more information, watch the Weekly Bulletin or [email protected], or Peter Ford, [email protected]. contact Rick Seifert: [email protected] or 1 portlandcopwatch.org/oversight_analysis0720.html 503-245-7821. (Announcements continued next page)

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APPLICATIONS Apply to NPYM’s OPEN FOR 2021-22 Knitting Us Together We are excited to announce that applications for the Visitation Program 2021-22 fellowship year are now open! What is Quaker Voluntary Service? Share your gifts with QVS is a year-long (late August-late July) Fellowship Friends in our northwest program. Young adults age 21-30 build intentional commu- region. nity, work at social service and social change agencies, and explore spiritual and personal growth with local Quakers. Fellows are placed in one of five cities: Atlanta, Bos-ton, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, or Portland. What support do QVS Fellows receive? NPYM’s Outreach and Visitation Committee invites you to consider serving as visiting • Housing, utilities, & internet in a shared home Friend NPYM’S among Meetings OUTREACH and Worship Groups & VISITATION in the region during 2021.COMMITTEE Proposed itinerary would be throughout Montana Gathering of Friends (MGOF). Details of time • Shared grocery & food stipend andi methodnvites of travelyou to to be considerworked out as servingthe time approaches. as a visiting The work is Friend open to in Friends of any age or gender, and is financed by the Yearly Meeting. • Public transportation pass 2021 among Meetings and Worship Groups in the • Health insurance & mental healthcare, if needed region. Application form and information is on the NPYM website: • $125/month personal stipend The proposedhttps://npym.org/?q=content/outreach-and-visitation itinerary would be throughout the Mon- or just go to the home page and click on Outreach and • Student loan counseling & support tana GatheringVisitation of Friends Committee (MGOF). under Quick Links • Access to an equity fund Details of timeApplication and deadlinemethod is January of travel 15, 2021 will. be worked • Dedicated time for reflection & community building out as the time approaches. We are also soliciting those Friends who may feel called to accompany the visiting • Opportunity to benefit from exclusive scholarship The workFriend is as open an elder. to Information Friends available of any at the age same or site. gender and opportunities for graduate programs is financed by the Yearly Meeting. Application form andPlease informationalso feel free to notify are us ofon Friends the whoNPYM may be giftedwebsite: in doing this work whom QVS Fellows will address social and environmental the committee might approach with an invitation to consider it. issues including, but not limited to, economic justice, npym.org/?q=content/outreach-and-visitation NPYM Outreach and Visitation Committee: Necia Quast, Al Hendrix, Joe Snyder, racial equity, housing and homelessness, education, Margaretor just Coahran go to the home page and click on Outreach immigration, environmental sustainability, human rights and Visitation Committee under Quick Links.The issues, mental and physical disability, and youth justice. application deadline is January 15, 2021.We are also soliciting Friends who may feel called to accompany Apply by March 15, 2021, at the visiting Friend as an elder. quakervoluntaryservice.org/apply/ Information is available at the same site. Please feel free also to notify us of Friends who may . . . be gifted in doing this work whom the committee might invite to consider it. TOYS NEEDED – NPYM Outreach and Visitation Committee: FOR HOLIDAY DISTRIBUTION Necia Quast, Al Hendrix, Joe Snyder, & Margaret Coahran . . .

STOP THE CLIMATE CRISIS Friends of Seasonal and Service Workers (FSSW) is We’re building a people’s movement gearing up for their holiday distribution to benefit farm- fighting for climate justice. workers and their families in the Hillsboro area (Western Will you join us? Farmworkers Association). They seek donations of new toys for children and teens, including – but not limited to – soccer balls, foot- Gail Sanford, [email protected], writes, balls, Legos, cars & trucks, action figures, dolls, puzzles, “From 350pdx.org: Nicaragua’s carbon emissions books, jewelry and such things for girls, etc. are just 0.02% of the world total. That they are bear- Donations may be dropped off at FSSW, 2228 NE ing the brunt of the climate crisis right now is cruel Glisan St. Portland, 97232. Call first to make sure some- climate injustice.” one is there: 503-231-4826. Or you may send a check to Gail also sent that bit of information to Becca the address above, or order something online to be de- Mohally Renk, [email protected], our friend in livered there. Please donate by December 18. Nicaragua, and Becca shared it in her original Nica- Contact Ann Dudley with questions or for assistance ragua report on page 13. with delivery: 503-736-9331. Thank you!

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 11 BOOK REVIEW FRIEND TO FRIEND QUAKERISM: THE BASICS by Margery Post Abbott & Carl Abbott of Multnomah Monthly Meeting BABYSITTING I’m Maxine Deibele. You might remember me from Marge and Carl Abbott's new book, Quakerism: The working in the Nursery. I worked there for a year and a Basics, is an accessible and engaging introduction to the half, and have experience with children ages 6-10 from history and diverse approaches and ideas associated other jobs. with the Religious Society of Friends. This small I’m attending college online from home, and I’m religion incorporates a wide geographic spread and looking for some regular babysitting work with a single varied beliefs that range from evangelical Christians to family (or a pod of two families), close to the Meeting- non-theists. house if possible. I’m open on weekends, evenings, and Topics covered include: most afternoons. • Quaker values in action If you are interested in learning more, please contact • The first generations of me at [email protected] or 503-975-0090. Quakerism . . . • Quakerism in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries REMINDER: NEW PHONE NUMBER • Belief and activism Meeting member Emily Turnbow • Worship and practice reminds us that she has • Quakerism around the world a new phone number: • The future of Quakerism. 503-891-8301 With helpful features including suggested readings, Same address, just new phone. timelines, a glossary, and a guide to Quakers in fic- . . . tion, this book is an ideal starting point for students and scholars approaching Quakerism for the first time as well as those interested in deepening their under- ROOM FOR RENT standing. Room for rent $550 +utilities. Large basement space WHAT THE REVIEWERS ARE SAYING: with bedroom and bathroom. You’d be living with Elsbeth (Meeting member) and Pat. Very mellow and Chapter“…this concise 1. Lives introduction led by the may Spirit: be the action single groundedbest social home. Email [email protected] for more info. inpanorama faith of the Quaker world yet written. It’s destined to be a standard source in the field for both scholar and . . . Chapter 2. A danger to the nation: the first generationsgeneral reader.” of Quakerism in the seventeenth century— Carole Dale Spencer, Portland Seminary of George ROOM AVAILABLE Fox University, Author of Holiness: The Soul of Chapter Quakerism 3. A peculiar and contradictory people: the Anna Garwood and Jesse Hunter seek a renter for a 3- eighteenth and nineteenth. centuries bedroom house in SE Portland, for three months or until Chapter“…an important 4. A worldwide work for anyone faith wantingin the twentieth to under- schools reopen. Email [email protected] for stand the essentials of Quakerism. In clear accessible more info. centuryprose, the and Abbotts beyond guide readers through Quakerism’s . . . Chapterpast and present 5. A secret revealing power the amongincredible them: diversity worship with- andin the practice Religious Society of Friends. Strongly foreground- ing voices from the global south, this volume clearly OFFERING WELLNESS CHECKS Chapterintroduces 6. an Ministry, often misunderstood mission, and religious testimony group.” — Robynne Rogers Healey, Trinity Western University & ERRANDS Chapter 7. Convergence or purity: being a Quaker in the twenty-first century. Joel Barker continues to offer assistance to those in need. Please contact him at [email protected] or “…Marge and Carl Abbot offer a refreshing combi- 503-310-2662. nation of Quaker history, relevant aspects of faith and . . . practice, and a helpful representation of the diversity of the worldwide family of Friends. Especially welcome is the featuring of emerging Quaker expressions in develop- WORSHIP WALKS ing nations, illuminating how historic movements of the Friendly Walks every Wednesday at 1:00pm! Bring a Spirit continue to touch the world in renewing and re- demptive ways after the manner of Friends.” mask and meet Harriet Wentz in front of the Meeting- — Paul N. Anderson, George Fox University house for a walk in the neighborhood at a safe social distance of at least six feet. Quakerism: The Basics is coming out in mid-December If you would like to meet at a different time or place, and is available for pre-order on the Routledge website: please let Harriet know: [email protected] or bit.ly/3lnaIzh. There you can get a 20% discount over 610-659-6737. the list price, plus free shipping, using code LOYAL.

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 12 REPORT FROM NICARAGUA

BATTERED BY TWO HURRICANES IN TWO WEEKS by Becca Mohally Renk Nicaragua has been battered by two hurricanes in two weeks. On November 3 hit as a Cate- gory 4. Then on November 16, Hurricane Iota, the strongest storm ever to hit Nicaragua, made landfall as a Category 5. Eta moved across the country more slowly than Iota, dropping its rain over several days. Iota came much faster. Although it lasted less time, Iota caused much more damage. Its winds were stronger, more rain fell in less time, rivers flooded quickly, already-saturated ground caused deadly landslides, and trees fell in every community, including trees Our Road: Hurricane Damage in our own Center and Clinic. Just behind our office a large – Becca Mohally Renk tree damaged a big portion of our security fence. –––––– This tiny country has been dealt a catastrophic blow. Iota caused 18 deaths, many of them babies and children. Eta CENTRAL AMERICAN HURRICANE RELIEF damaged 10,000 homes, and we don’t yet have the count of In addition to Las Amigas del Señor Monastery in homes damaged by Iota. 81 health centers were damaged, Honduras (see pages 1-2) and the Center for Develop- three bridges destroyed, and hundreds of millions of dollars ment in in Nicaragua (see Becca’s story damage was done to infrastructure. Not only cash crops but at left), Multnomah Friends Meeting has a relationship with also food crops are lost, threatening Nicaragua’s hard-won two other programs serving people in Central America. Each food security. of these groups has put out a call for donations that will be There is good news too: The government responded directed to local assistance efforts in the wake of Hurricanes swiftly to save lives; 103,200 first responders evacuated Eta and Iota. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. people in vulnerable areas before the hurricanes made Amigas del Señor Monastery in Honduras. Sisters landfall and 160,000 people were taken to 3,700 emergency Alegría and Confianza work with the public health depart- shelters to be fed and given medical care. ment and will direct funds where most needed, including How are folks who work with the CDCA faring? mosquito control to prevent the spread of dengue and other Our staff and their families are fine. Nueva Vida Clinic diseases. Checks payable to FUMC (memo line: “Amigas operations continue as usual. Organic farming families with del Señor”); mail to: First United Methodist Church, 191 COPROEXNIC are fine. Some of the co-op’s 140 acres of E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston, OR 97838. Donate online: sesame are leaning over, but should recover just fine. Peanut herfumc.com/donations/ (Choose Amigas del Señor farmers are worried about their crop because rain can be bad from “designated fund” menu). for peanuts. The El Porvenir Coffee Cooperative reports that Center for Development in Central America in Ni- everyone is okay. Many houses lost their roofs, and the roof caragua. The staff of CDCA is directing donations to came off the coffee processing building. The bean crop for material support for the 160,000 people in emergency food has been lost, as has their small organic sesame cash shelters and ongoing needs as people return to their crop. Their organic coffee, partially damaged, so far still communities to rebuild. Checks payable to JHC-CDCA looks okay. For those with fond memories of the latrine (memo line: “Hurricane Relief”); mail to: JHC-CDCA, that our groups always use when we visit the Co-op – it c/o 4376 Pennington Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732-8159. was blown over. Donate online: bit.ly/3qbQIm2. What are we doing? In the immediate term, we are American Friends Service Committee, program in sending donated clothing to folks in emergency shelters – . Donations will help provide food, clean wa- we tied sacks of it on the roof of a bus going 18 hours over- ter, warm clothing, and safety kits to people currently land to Bilwi, crossing the River Wawa in dugout canoes. living in temporary shelters and will help these commu- Our Rotary Club is raising funds for farmers to replant beans nities rebuild. Checks payable to “AFSC” (memo line: where it’s still possible to harvest a 90-day crop. We’re work- “Hurricane Relief”); mail to: AFSC, 1501 Cherry St. ing with other folks to see what is urgently needed and what Philadelphia, PA 19102. Donate online: afsc.org. support will be needed in the coming months and years. Friends Peace Teams – Peacebuilding in Las Friends, please keep Nicaragua in your hearts. If you can Américas. “Please consider supporting our partners in give, please do so at donatenow.networkforgood.org/jhc- Central America through fervent prayers for their safety cdca. To support the El Porvenir Coffee Cooperative, pur- and a donation to Peacebuilding en las Américas. With chase their coffee at farmershares.com/. your help, the Peace Baskets project can continue to go to Thank you all for your ongoing love and support. For us those in greatest need.” Checks payable to Friends Peace all, Becca Teams (memo line: “PLA”); mail to: Friends Peace Teams, Becca Mohally Renk has been in Nicaragua for 20 years. 1001 Park Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104. Donate online: She and her husband Paul are part of the intentional Jubilee Friendspeaceteams.org. House Community and work in its sustainable development Questions or for more info about these organizations: project, the Center for Development in Central America. Ann Dudley, [email protected].

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 13 MULTNOMAH D.A.’S OFFICE SEEKS THE SOCIAL GOSPEL PARTNERS FOR RESTORATIVE JUSTICE by Millie Priebe BIAS CRIME DIVERSION PROGRAM I first heard the term “Social Gos- What if individuals who are convicted of hate or pel” in 1965 in a small Bible study bias crimes were offered opportunities to overcome group in Kamiah, Idaho. hate instead of going to prison? The Social Gospel was a movement This idea, tried successfully in other parts of the in Protestantism in the late 19th and country, is behind the restorative justice diversion early 20th century to address the social program created by the new Multnomah County problems of the time: economic in- District Attorney, Michael Schmidt, as part of his equality, poverty, alcoholism, crime, commitment to local criminal justice reform. The Millie Priebe racial tensions, slums, unhealthy en- program uses a restorative justice approach to bias/hate crimes as an alternative to incarceration. vironment, child labor, workers’ rights, poor education, DA Schmidt is asking for representatives from and the destruction of war. the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized Some of our Bible Study group in Kamiah were mem- communities in Portland to participate. bers of the local Presbyterian Church, and they disap- Additional details, including contact information proved of the minister, Reverend Moffett, because of for interested folks, are in the message below from his social justice work in the community. Kamiah was Randy Blazak, chair of the Coalition Against Hate adjacent to the Nez Perce Indian reservation, and a large Crimes. Please share this message widely among part of the small town were Nez Perce, as was Reverend people who might be interested. Moffett. The group thought that the church should not be ——— concerned with the material and social needs of the How do we find true justice for community. the victims of bias crimes? Here’s However, many others thought differently. where the community can help. The Social Gospel movement was the Christian ex- When someone is found guilty pression of the values of Social Justice, the concept of of a bias crime, generally they will fairness for individuals in relation to society, and oppor- be sent to prison for a longer per- tunities to fulfill their highest possibilities. It was mostly Randy Blazak iod of time than they would for the Christian ministers like our Reverend Moffett who took same crime without a bias motive. up those issues. That sends a strong message that hate crimes create Washington Gladden (1836-1918), a clergyman, was greater harm. It often makes problems worse by intro- a pioneer of the Social Gospel movement as he cam- ducing the offender to the world of organized hate paigned for workers to form unions. Another pastor inside prisons. and an important leader in the movement was Walter The Multnomah DA’s office is creating a restora- Rauschenbusch (1861-1918), who in 1907 published the tive justice-based diversion program for low-level bias book Christianity and the Social Crisis, influential in crime offenders that would seek community healing leading many pastors and others to join the movement. from their offense instead of incarceration. We are creating a list of community partners inter- ested in participating in victim-offender mediation to The Social Gospel movement was the help offenders understand the effects of their crimes. Christian expression of the values of Social Justice, the concept of fairness for indivi- For example, a past restorative justice effort involved duals in relation to society, and opportu- members of a Jewish temple helping a young skinhead nities to fulfill their highest possibilities. come to terms with the impact of his anti-Semitic attack. We sincerely hope members of the LGBTQ+ com- munities will participate in these efforts to focus more Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.,’s quote, “The arc on community healing than punitive reactions. If you of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward would like to be part of the DA’s community resource justice,” was a paraprase of words written in 1853 by network, please email me at [email protected]. the Unitarian minister, Theodore Parker. Thank you for your help in these crucial issues, The Quaker Renaissance movement from 1895-1920 Randy Blazak promoted the social meaning of Christ’s teaching by its Chair, Coalition Against Hate Crimes emphasis on performing good works. During WWI and (Criminologist, Professor of Sociology, PSU) WWII, many Friends became conscientious objectors, ——— and some formed the Friends Ambulance Unit, “coop- erating with others to build up a new world rather than The Coalition Against Hate Crimes is a statewide partnership between com- fighting to destroy the old.” munity groups and local, state, and fed- The Social Gospel movement became political during eral governmental agencies whose mem- the New Deal in the 1930s; and the concerns of African bers are representatives from a variety Americans were added to the movement when Reverend of community civil rights groups and government or- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the Poor People’s Cam- ganizations. They support nonviolent solutions to the paign in 1968. problem of hate and hate crimes in Oregon. (continued on page 15)

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 14 THE SOCIAL GOSPEL (continued from page 14) A FEW FAVORITE ASPECTS OF QUAKER FAITH AND PRACTICE Later President Lyndon Johnson sponsored The Great Society to address the social issues which he considered A Video, September 17, 2020 the moral issues of the Social Gospel. quakerspeak.com/video/fav-aspects/ One of today’s leaders in the Social Justice movement Below is an edited transcript of the QuakerSpeak is Bishop William J Barber II, co-chair of The New video discussion, “Do you have a favorite aspect People’s Campaign and president of Repairers of the of Quaker faith? If so, what is it?” This question Breach. Its journal, Forward Together – Not One Step was also explored by the Sunday Morning Dis- Back, stated, “We demand moral and political courage cussion Group (SMAD) on November 8. and will from both political parties.” Its list of demands included relief from poverty and inequality, medical care For some Friends, it’s the direct, personal connection with God. Others cherish the and housing, living wages, voting rights, environmental community coming together in discernment. responsibility, education, prison reform, and gender And some keep returning to the grounding equality. moment of silence. All people of faith can appeal to the Social Gospel of Jesus quoted in Matthew 25:34-36: “For I was hungry, Cara Pfeiffer: That during this time where we’re in and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you lockdown – COVID-19 – and we can’t be present with one gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you another, we have this strong tradition that tells us we are invited Me in; I was naked, and you gave Me clothing; I always present with one another and present with the was sick, and you cared for Me; I was in prison, and you Spirit. visited Me.” And again, in Luke 14:13: “When you give Marcelle Martin: The idea that each one of us has a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the a direct connection with God; that the presence of the blind.” divine, of the light, of the Spirit, and of the Spirit of The reforms inspired by the Social Gospel movement Christ is inside us and can guide and lead us if we pay have remained intact through the twentieth century and attention to it. That the Quaker community is designed continue today, evident in current social welfare programs to help us each listen for that, individually and together. and renewed activism toward racial justice, equality for Emily Provance: That this original concept that God all minorities, and political reform. speaks to directly to all people is alive every day, and it can guide our actions every day. That it isn’t enough to have one person who hears directly from God; we need the community as a whole to sit and to listen together and to discern together because we’re all imperfect. A Moment of Silence How Do Quakers Hayden Dawes: Having a moment to briefly hold Celebrate Christmas? silence and hold worship where you might be and who- ever you might be with. My partner, my husband, and I, before we eat dinner together we have a moment. When- ever I have friends come over I encourage us all to have that brief moment of silence before we start eating the In modern times, meal. It gives me more space to have that moment and most Quakers celebrate also kind of fills me up at the same time. a low-key Christmas, Derek Brown: My favorite aspect of Quaker faith is and sometimes Easter, silence, although I would admit it’s the hardest aspect as part of our larger culture. of my faith and even everyday life. That’s why it’s so important. It’s the antidote to a lot of the troubles in this However, traditionally, world. Silence strips away any pretension because even Quakers did not celebrate when we pray, in the back of our minds we have a habit any religious holidays of justifying our actions, of diminishing our responsi- bility while condemning others. Silence strips that away because all days are and it’s just us allowing God to say, “What is your role “holy days.” in what’s going on?” Standing in Thin Spaces Sara Gada: There’s an issue of Friends Journal fo- cused on the idea of “Thin Spaces” that speaks to me. A particular article about a donut brought me back to what is important for me to remember about my Quaker faith: these “thin spaces” in everyday life. Being able to – fgcquaker.org/discover/faqs-about-quakers center down or fall into worship at a moment’s notice at this time in my life is really important and life-affirming.

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 15

Luke McEmrys Kit Raphael Rosie Hebner Stuart Bundy

These photos, from the wonderful First Day School children’s HALLOWEENHALLOWEEN PARADEPARADE ININ LAURELHURSTLAURELHURST PARK,PARK. came in too late for last month’s newsletter – so we share them now for your pleasure. Special thanksthanks to the adult helpers, and to Harriet Wentz who took the pictures.

Zenco Raphael Ann Howell

Ann Dudley Peter Ford

Jill Khovy Sharon-Drew Morgen

Merry Jack O. Cullen Raphael Kit, Zenco, Leaf, Fin, & Quill Raphael

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 16 DECEMBER,DECEMBER 20202020 FIRST DAY SECOND DAY THIRD DAY FOURTH DAY FIFTH DAY SIXTH DAY SEVENTH DAY NOV 29 30 DEC 1 2 3 4 5 MTG FOR WORSHIP* BIBLE STUDY* MIDWEEK LEAF CLEANUP 8:15 & 10 AM 7-8 AM WORSHIP* MEETINGHOUSE JUNIOR FRIENDS* 12 NOON 9 AM-12 NOON (5TH SUN. IN NOV.) QIGONG* *VIA ZOOM 11-11:45 AM 10:30-11:30 AM FRIENDLY QUAKER KID READERS* WORSHIP WALK CIRCLE* *VIA ZOOM *VIA ZOOM MEETINGHOUSE 10 AM VIGIL FOR RACIAL 7-8:30 PM 1 PM JUSTICE *VIA ZOOM *VIA ZOOM 3-4 PM 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 MTG FOR WORSHIP* BIBLE STUDY* MIDWEEK QUAKER KID 8:15 & 10 AM 7-8 AM WORSHIP* CIRCLE* JUNIOR FRIENDS* 12 NOON 10 AM 11-11:45 AM QIGONG* *VIA ZOOM CENTRAL QPIN* 10:30-11:30 AM FRIENDLY WORSHIP WALK FRIENDS* 12 NOON VIA OOM READERS* MEETINGHOUSE *VIA ZOOM * Z 10:15-11:15 AM 7-8:30 PM 1 PM VIGIL FOR RACIAL *VIA ZOOM JUSTICE *VIA ZOOM 3-4 PM 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 MTG FOR WORSHIP* BIBLE STUDY* MIDWEEK QUAKER KID 8:15 & 10 AM 7-8 AM WORSHIP* CIRCLE* *VIA ZOOM 12 NOON 10 AM IGONG VIGIL FOR RACIAL Q * *VIA ZOOM *VIA ZOOM JUSTICE 10:30-11:30 AM FRIENDLY 3-4 PM WORSHIP WALK *VIA ZOOM READERS* MEETINGHOUSE 7-8:30 PM 1 PM *VIA ZOOM

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 MTG FOR WORSHIP* BIBLE STUDY* MIDWEEK CHRISTMAS DAY QUAKER KID 8:15 & 10 AM 7-8 AM WORSHIP* MTG FOR WORSHIP* CIRCLE* JUNIOR FRIENDS* 12 NOON 11 AM-12 NOON 10 AM 11-11:45 AM QIGONG* *VIA ZOOM HOSTED BY CENTRAL MTG FOR BUSINESS* 10:30-11:30 AM FRIENDLY WORSHIP & 12:15 PM WORSHIP WALK MINISTRY FRIENDS* READERS* MEETINGHOUSE *VIA ZOOM *VIA ZOOM *VIA ZOOM 10:15-11:15 AM 7-8:30 PM 1 PM VIGIL FOR RACIAL *VIA ZOOM JUSTICE *VIA ZOOM DEADLINE FOR JAN. 3-4 PM NEWSLETTER ITEMS 27 28 29 30 31 JAN 1 JAN 2 MTG FOR WORSHIP* BIBLE STUDY* MIDWEEK QUAKER KID 8:15 & 10 AM CIRCLE* 7-8 AM WORSHIP* *VIA ZOOM 12 NOON 10 AM VIGIL FOR RACIAL QIGONG* *VIA ZOOM *VIA ZOOM JUSTICE AM FRIENDLY 10:30-11:30 WORSHIP WALK 3-4 PM READERS* *VIA ZOOM MEETINGHOUSE 7-8:30 PM 1 PM *VIA ZOOM

Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 17 Multnomah Friends Meeting 4312 SE Stark Street Portland, Oregon 97215

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Multnomah Meeting Monthly Newsletter, December 2020 Page 17