SPARKNew York The Religious Society of Friends ()

Volume 49, Number 1 15 Rutherford Place, New York, NY 10003 January 2019

Summer Learning from Sessions registration is Quaker History OPEN! See page 6! and Recent NYYM His Journal History: Atheists, Wilbur Edwin Henry Agnostics, and Chatham Summit Meeting Non-theists Detail from a mural in the Pennsylvania State Capitol House, Violet Oakley, 1906. The text on the The Journal of George Fox reveals painting reads “PENN’S VISION — ‘BEHOLD MY SERVANT WHOM I UPHOLD TO OPEN THE BLIND George to be a Christian Puritan, a Tim Connolly EYES — TO BRING OUT THE PRISONERS FROM THE PRISON AND THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS OUT OF THE PRISON HOUSE — SING UNTO THE LORD A NEW SONG —­ YE THAT GO DOWN TO biblical literalist whose beliefs easily Attender, Purchase THE SEA’” (image found at marybakereddylibrary.org/research/women-of-history-violet-oakley/) align with modern Fundamentalist Meeting literalism. He believes in witchcraft and faith healing and he was a Are there lessons from the past Lessons from What Light Doth conduit for that healing. He expelled that may help us move into the “witches” from meetings. He is future? Based on my observation the Past Thee Shine? skeptical of science and bloodletting of the NYYM brand of Quakerism medicine. He describes visions. He over the past ten years: Yes, with Linda Clarke Roy Allen writes frequently of divine retribu- respect to business practices and Brooklyn Meeting Rochester Meeting tion exacted here on earth. social witness. No, for a minority of From the Midlands of England, members with respect to Spirit and “We believe that the Spirit calls History is an interesting space in he had no university training. A the Divine. A minority of what I will us to answer that of God in every which to learn how to live our lives weaver’s son and apprentice of refer to as Spirit and Divine deniers person; as we do so, it unites us today. A life without historical tradesmen, as a youth and later in have been accepted into member- in a community of God.” reflection is full of chance, gamble, life he reports deriving income from ship by numerous monthly meetings As you approach the entrance to and experimentation. Of course, all cattle and sheep trading. over the past 20-30 years, and this our meetinghouse, you will see three are prone to failure, despair, Young George (he preferred may be at odds with our Faith and these words just beneath those and lost dreams. Charles Dickens George) was a prodigy of scripture. Practice as currently written. that identify us and state that “All wrote in 1859, “It was the best of He became disenchanted with the Before continuing, a personal Are Welcome.” When I first began times, it was the worst of times, it worldliness of the “priests,” as he statement. I am a fan of the Divine to attend meeting, I was awed by was the age of wisdom, it was the calls paid clergy and “professors,” and Spirit. Whether these are real these words and I remain awed by age of foolishness, it was the epoch continued on page 4 or fictitious makes no difference to them twenty years later. So when a of belief, it was the epoch of incre- me. My bias is that they are neces- newcomer to Quaker meeting asked dulity, it was the season of Light, it sary and need to remain as deep and me about the meaning of this quote, was the season of Darkness, it was More Inside: central parts of our faith. And I am I felt overwhelmed at the prospect the spring of hope, it was the winter Quaker open to other points of view and for of sharing my view. So much is of despair, we had everything before their incorporation into our Faith conveyed by these few words which us, we had nothing before us.” History and Practice following discernment refer back to our very beginning America, in 2019, is no different page 3-5 by our corporate body. with George Fox. than Europe in Dickens’ time—full Should the relatively recent Historians generally agree that of challenges and opportunity, Summer Sessions evolving presence of Spirit and the beginning of our community depending on which light is cast and Registration Info! Divine deniers as members of the was with George Fox and other from whom. Many people believe there are two Americas, one for the pages 6-8 Religious Society of Friends be Seekers. It was so long ago, yet these continued on page 5 continued on page 5 continued on page 4 Editor’s Note Around Our Yearly Meeting Welcome to the January Spark. Notices This issue is overflowing with to white privilege, white suprem- New Members to advance our legislative priories articles on and inspired by acy, and oppression. FGC will be for the 116th Congress and move Quaker history. And although Mira Ellen Haines—Mohawk providing discounts and sponsoring closer to the world we seek this it’s winter, please take a Valley a Quaker hospitality room for both year. Join us this March and make moment to imagine the lush Elisabeth Ellen Prenot — conferences. We are also working your voice heard. Registration is green leaves and long bright Mohawk Valley on ways to support Friends with less open now and financial aid is avail- days of July, because Summer Derek Schleef — Buffalo expensive overnight housing. able. Visit www.fcnl.org/updates/ Sessions registration is now For more information on the spring-lobby-weekend-2019-739 open! All the information you conference, visit whiteprivilege- need starts on page 6. Summer MEETING NEWS conference.com. Registration OPPORTUNITIES Sessions is “Pay as Led” for Faith and Practice Now Available as opens Jan. 21. To learn more about Quaker Student Voices in Friends the first time this year, which a Talking Book! attending with FGC, visit www. Journal means Friends can choose the The Committee to Revise Faith and fgcquaker.org/deepen/enrichment/ Friends Journal invites Quaker level of payment most appro- Practice announces the release help-your-meeting-challenge-racism middle and high school students to priate to them. We hope this will make Summer Sessions of the 2018 edition of Faith and /fgc-white-privilege-conference share their voices through writing. accessible to more people. As Practice in two new formats through Winter Meetings for Discernment This year’s theme is “Friendly the NYYM office will now be the Talking Books program of the Feb. 23, 2019 (snow date: March 2) Competition?” Students are invited handling all aspects of regis- National Library Service for the Poughkeepsie Meeting to write about the role of compe- tration and payment, and Blind and Physically Handicapped. This is NYYM’s ongoing experiment tition in their life and how Quaker as Friends will need time to For participants in the Talking Books with extended, waiting worship values influence their approach to discern how much they can program, there is both a download- designed to discern leadings and it. The deadline to participate is spend, we will need the extra able version and a cartridge version strengthen connections in our Feb. 11, 2019. Find more informa- time gained by starting the that’s played on a machine. The yearly meeting. Registration is at tion, including a list of six queries to registration process extra early. Talking Books program is a free 8:30am, and meetings will take get students started on writing, at Are you Friend-ly? Do you service for people with low vision, place 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm friendsjournal.org/studentvoices. have thoughts about things? blindness, or a physical disability with lunch in between. Simple meal QUNO Job Opening in Geneva Then you are invited to write that prevents them from reading or on Fri., 6-8pm, available for elders The Quaker United Nations Office an article for Spark. Articles are holding a book. Certification by a & those interested. Please register (QUNO) in Geneva is seeking a a form of ministry. Please limit in advance at [email protected] or physician, healthcare professional, Representative for Sustainable and yourself to 400-600 words. or librarian is required. 212-673-5750. Just Economic Systems policy work. Upcoming Spark themes: Applications can be obtained Young Adult Spiritual Nurture Applications due Feb. 7. See more at March: Resolving Conflict. through local libraries or online Series: What is Discernment? quno.org/opportunities. Quakers tend to shy away from at: www.loc.gov/programs/ Quaker Decision-Making in the conflict. How can we deal with national-library-service-for-the- 21st Century SPARK (ISSN 00240591) it better? Guest edited by the blind-and-physically-handicapped/ A one-day mini retreat for young New York Yearly Meeting News Committee on Conflict Trans- Quaker Classics Translated into adults on Sunday, February 24, 2019 Published five times a year: formation! Submissions due January, March, May, September, Spanish (following Meeting for Discernment November by February 6. Friends United Press is pleased to on Saturday) at 10:00am at Pough- New York Yearly Meeting May: Quaker Commonality. announce the publication of two keepsie . Religious Society of Friends What binds Quakers together in new Spanish-language versions of For info and registration please visit 15 Rutherford Place a common faith? What threatens New York, NY 10003 Quaker classics: The Diary of John youngadultfriends.weebly.com 212-673-5750 to keep us apart? What makes us Woolman and Wilmer Cooper’s Powell House is for you! [email protected] a religious society of Friends? www.nyym.org A Living Faith. You can purchase Everyone is invited to visit Powell Please send article submis- El Diario de and Editorial Board: sions and meeting news to House for an upcoming conference. Communications Committee Una Fe Viviente through the FUM [email protected] by Powell House is the conference and Editor: Sarah Way Bookstore at friends-united- the 1st week of the month prior retreat center for NYYM and holds Spark deadlines are the first week of meeting.myshopify.com. We offer adult, youth, and intergenerational the month preceding the publica- to the month of publication. these with gratitude to Raices events. For a schedule and more tion month. Permission is granted to In between issues of Spark Cuaqueras for the work of transla- reprint any article, provided Spark is we distribute InfoShare, NYYM’s information visit powellhouse.org acknowledged as the source. tion into Spanish, and encourage or call 518-794-8811. e-newsletter. Please, share your Friends to check out their full list of Periodicals Postage Paid meeting’s news and events by FCNL Spring Lobby Weekend 2019 at New York, New York translated texts. Postmaster: Send address changes to: sending them to: Sat., March 23–Tues., March 26 in SPARK [email protected]. UPCOMING EVENTS Washington, DC 15 Rutherford Place You can also keep up with Join young leaders (ages 18-30) at New York, NY 10003 Attend the 2019 White Privilege NYYM through social media: the Friends Committee on National Sarah Way • Facebook.com/NewYork Conference with FGC! [email protected] Legislation (FCNL)’s Spring Lobby YearlyMeeting/ March 20th-23rd, 2019 in Cedar Weekend. Hundreds of students, Chad Gilmartin [email protected] • Twitter.com/NYYMTweets Rapids, Iowa. recent grads, Quakers, and young The White Privilege Conference Walter Naegle • Instagram.com/newyork adults will come to Washington, [email protected] yearlymeeting (WPC20) strives to equip individuals DC, to lobby their representatives. to work for justice through self and Steve Mohlke Manage your NYYM email We will lobby for laws that protect [email protected] lists at www.tinyurl.com/ social transformation. The annual the rights and safety of immigrants, WPC is an opportunity to examine Helen Garay Toppins nyymconnect migrants, refugees, and their [email protected] Warmth to all! —Sarah Way and explore difficult issues related families. We have real opportunities

Page 2 • SPARK • January 2019 Learning from Quaker History Quaker History in The 1816 Board of Trustees, Spiritual Comfort which includes community Farmington Informs members as well as Friends from Food, Spiritual four meetings in NYYM, is working we married “outside the faith”. How We Can “Let Our under a provisional charter as a Nourishment Because we are gay or otherwise Lives Speak!” Today museum from the New York State Jeffrey Aaron different from previously acceptable standards. Because of non-stan- Lyle Jenks Education Department. With grants New Brunswick Meeting from Humanities New York, we have of NYYM dard theology. Because we sing and Old Chatham Meeting provided speakers and programs for dance in ways that were considered Clerk, 1816 Board of Trustees the last several years, lifting up the Guidance from the past is comfort- scandalous. You smile? Friends ing. It lets us feel at ease about can smile, because Quakers, unlike In recent weeks, the characteris- issues and challenges of equal rights. ourselves in a world that includes many others, are flexible enough to tically quiet Quaker Crossroads One highlight in 2018 was hosting other very different ways. Spiritual make big changes and yet remain Historic District has been an inter- the North Star Players in “No Strug- “comfort food” includes buying into Quakers. That fact provides many section of vision and activity as the gle, No Progress” which included “group think,” including rules and of us with a love for, and a commit- post and beam frame of the 1816 riveting renditions of the speeches assumptions. Once we make our ment to our Quakerism. Farmington Quaker Meetinghouse of Frederick Douglass and Sojourner commitment, we feel the need to But our smiles should not mean is restored to its original dimen- Truth. Historian Ann Gordon spoke cling to it, even when we may sense disdain of ways which may have sions. Guided by John G. Waite on Susan B. Anthony and the role that we may need to change. Chang- been appropriate to the times; Architects of Albany, and carefully of African-American women in the ing ways can be wrenching. Most they should be smiles of appreci- following the research compiled in fight for women’s suffrage, and, at denominations have rules, which ation that our faith includes the our Historic Structure Report by Fall Sessions, Michelle Schenandoah make changes even more difficult. ability to change. That Friends both professional historians and (Wolf Clan, Oneida Nation) and But even in a denomination that could say, no, we will no longer local enthusiasts, crews are carry- Mattie Schmitt and Mike Farrell of only has guidelines and testimonies, require go-to-meeting clothes and ing out a 21st century version of an Rochester Meeting shared perspec- change is still difficult, because our strange speech. The fact that most old-fashioned “barn raising.” tives on how Quakers might be allies ways reflect our culture. American Friends can proclaim Why all this attention to and of Native peoples in ongoing witness How does this relate to Friends that gay Friends are as worthy of expense for what still looks like for respect and justice. learning from our history? We must love, respect, and acceptance as an old barn? For decades in our Full restoration of the building acknowledge that this comfort anyone else is a blessing. That we Quaker past, Farmington Friends will require additional historic with current ways is our issue as struggle to rid ourselves of racism welcomed, witnessed, and often led preservation grants and contri- much as is an issue for others. But and implicit bias is vital. But what important reform movements that butions from many individuals we believe in continuing revelation does this mean about our current helped shape American democracy. who share the vision of the 1816 and of discerning by sense of the beliefs and understandings and The 1816 Meetinghouse served Meetinghouse as a center of history gathered body. Those are radical what new ways we may be facing? as the gathering place for annual and interpretation of the Quaker ideas that make changes easier for Are we still flexible, or do we need sessions of Genesee Yearly Meeting, values which point to a society of Quakers than for others, yet we the “comfort food” of commitment which drew Friends from our equality, peace, and justice. After are still subject to the same don’t to current ways? Will we be able to current Farmington-Scipio Regional having been moved twice in its first change! mindset from the world at make necessary changes? This year Meeting area as well as Quakers two centuries, the building now sits large, where most of us spend most we have a lot on our plate which from Ontario Province and eastern (almost!) squarely on a new founda- of our lives. we cannot ignore: a proposed new Michigan. Farmington served as tion on land donated by Farmington Why is change critical for us concept of membership, the need to the crossroads for those working Friends Church across the road, now? Because we have to face create a new yearly meeting struc- for equal rights for all people, most and is poised to stand as an active change or our yearly and local ture, a difficult financial situation especially women, African-Amer- and interactive witness that will meetings will keep getting smaller that requires creative discernment. icans, and Native Americans. challenge visitors from around the and older. We face problems of We must discern carefully together , Frederick Douglass, world to consider how best to let declining and aging membership, of how to proceed if we are to fulfill William Lloyd Garrison, and their lives speak for justice. More structural complexity, of financial our hopes and needs. Susan B. Anthony are among those information on our programs and stress, of reduced volunteerism, What we need to overcome documented to have spoken in restoration efforts is on our web site: of dramatically changing culture. these trials is the same commit- Farmington on the issues of their www.farmingtonmeetinghouse.org. Will Friends be able to change yet ment that past generations made: to time—and our time. remain intact and vital? I believe labor together lovingly and openly, we will, although some bodies and being ready to lay aside assump- meetings may not survive. tions in the face of new ways of What we see when we look thinking. If any group can do it, we to the wisdom of past Friends is can. Our wise Friends of the past more encouraging for us than it is provided us the ability to succeed for most groups because the great by relying on the Spirit that we find lessons include those two radical alive in each other when we sit Quaker ideas: continuing revelation quietly with trust and love. Is there and change by sense of the meeting. a better way? I know of none. Many of us would not have been considered acceptable Quakers a The renovation of the 1816 Farmington Meetinghouse, 2018. hundred years ago. Why? Because Join NYYM’s mailing lists at Photos by Ann Morton we do not wear the right clothing or NYYM Connect! www.tinyurl. speak the way we were expected to com/nyymconnect speak: thee speaks wrong. Because

November 2018 • SPARK • Page 3 Learning from Quaker History

saved him from execution and the What Light Doth movement grew and spread world- wide under both Parliamentarian Thee Shine? George Fox and and Royalist regimes when life was Roy Allen His Journal very cheap. Rochester Meeting George ministered against paid Wilbur Edwin Henry clergy. George cites Matthew 10:8, continued from page 1 Chatham Summit Meeting “…freely ye have received, freely rich and another for the poor— continued from page 1 give.” Churches he calls “steeple houses,” and he does not accept the one rule of law for politicians and i.e. lay ministers. He finds many sanctity of buildings. He entered another for the average citizen. Our money-obsessed and subject to vice. “steeple houses” at first day services, own Civil War clearly illustrates His epiphany was that each and waited for the priests to finish their what happens when radical polar- every person is infused with the sermons, then rose to deliver his ization divides us. Yes, we need to living Jesus Christ equally. Scrip- epiphanies to the congregations act upon our faith, but how do we tures reinforce his conviction and and priests. He explained the Truth: Lucretia Mott, by William Henry Furness, 1858. discern right action? How might we Friend Lucretia (1793-1880) was a powerful embrace Dicken’s sense of a “season he wields them with uncommon that the true Teacher comes from speaker against slavery and a leader of the familiarity. He believes the Truth within, not from the pulpit. He was women’s rights movement. Said she, “... my of Light” as Quaker outreach, an was always known in him and so is beaten frequently and savagely, convictions led me to adhere to the sufficiency important goal of the Society of of the light within us, resting on truth as author- Friends? known in every person, Christian or arrested and imprisoned. ity, rather than ‘taking authority for truth.’” not, man or woman. The Holy Spirit Through this dangerous time —from Eminent Women of the Age by James Recently, I heard Denzel Parton, p. 375, 1868. (image found at swarthmore. Washington speak to a group of makes us all equals in the eyes of George managed to earn the respect edu/library/friends/Mott/timeline/) God. All must be truly loved. He of both soldiers and constables. students that the reason few people realize their dreams is because they rejects his contemporaries’ hierar- Hostile magistrates issued warrants or “thee” (objective). It may be the don’t correlate dreams with goal chical and exclusionary religions. for his arrest with intentions of reason “thou” is no longer part of making, action, and hard work. He In this, we recognize the faith we killing him, but when the consta- the English language. It was simply said, “You pray for rain, you gotta Friends strive to practice today. bles had conveyed him to the too appalling to be addressed deal with the mud too. That’s a part It is important to understand issuing authorities, sometimes after informally by those considered of it.” How often, in our Quaker the world of George’s ministry. days of walking, they, the consta- lesser beings but was marginally space, do we wish, pray or listen for Christians and Muslims were still bles, often compellingly advocated tolerable to address underlings with change, but shy away from the rain in ferocious, crusading wars on for George’s safety. Jailers, initially the formal and respectful “you.” Nor and the mud? the European continent. Muslim cruel, often turned loving. On one would Friends doff their hats, nor I became a “registered” Quaker domination of Western Europe occasion, Cromwellian authorities engage in obsequious banter, e.g. just a year ago. Like many, I’ve was not a remote prospect. The sought to press his fellow prisoners “your servant…” etc., all considered probably been a Quaker all my life, Ottoman siege of Vienna was into military service. The prison- extraordinarily rude by English I just didn’t know it. My father’s broken only as late as 1683, one ers, surely some veterans, agreed society at that time. family has roots to George Allen year after the founding of Philadel- to serve as soldiers if George was Philadelphia is the birthplace of who sailed from Weymouth, phia by our Friend, . made their commander. He refused. our nation. After many hard fought England in 1635 and settled in Muslim pirates from North Africa That refusal later served as evidence arguments, some ongoing, and a Sandwich, Massachusetts. George were a powerful maritime menace. in his favor when he was accused ferocious civil war, the equality of was an Anabaptist, but his daughter George reports being chased unsuc- by officials of the returned King. all souls is a basic tenet of today’s Rose married John Holloway, creat- cessfully by a Muslim pirate when Perhaps no example of his appeal United States Constitution. The ing one of the strongest Quaker he journeyed to North America in to men of arms is more impressive self-evident rights of all people are families in Massachusetts. 1672. Slave trading and the African than his meeting with the militarily in direct accordance with George So, the seed was planted for Diaspora were accelerating. War talented Oliver Cromwell. George, Fox’s ministry. The freedom from my Quaker experience by George, and atrocity were widespread, and incarcerated, was accused of declar- religious oppression, codified in the Rose, and John, yet left for me to precious few enjoyed freedom from ing against Cromwell when “Oliver First Amendment, that no person be harvest these 383 years later. What them. Protector” agreed to meet him. forced to celebrate a faith opposed might I learn from George? To Bitter and bloody civil war After a long conversation, Cromwell to one’s conscience, was drawn begin with, he must have been very divided England. George’s “profes- released him, pronounced him a directly from Charter of Privileges, brave to cross the Atlantic and join sors” were usually loyal to militant true Christian, and cleared him of written by Our Friend, and George’s his sons in a new land at the ripe Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell. all charges. devoted follower, William Penn. old age of 67. I will be 65 in March “Common prayer men” were Our early Friends were not The Liberty Bell was cast in and have recently relocated to be devoted to the Church of England. passive in spreading the egalitarian commemoration of the Charter’s part of my grandchildren’s life, so I There were a smaller but signif- ideal. They did so with evangelical fiftieth anniversary and bears the can empathize. George also had a icant number of Roman Catho- zeal. The Quaker insistence on equal inscription from Leviticus 25:10: strong sense of civic duty, becoming lics, reviled by Puritans and the treatment for all went so far as to “…proclaim liberty throughout all a Juryman, elected to solve commu- Church of England alike. These use the informal “thou” rather than the land unto all the inhabitants nity problems. I, too, work within wars were horrific, genocidal the formal “you” when addressing thereof.” Our primary Law, today’s the community introducing school affairs, and perceived enemies were those who perceived themselves Constitution, mandates equality for children to the wonders of nature. easily convicted and executed by as superiors. This became a very each person. That makes all Ameri- Serving others is a good way to gruesome hangings, burnings, and serious matter in hierarchical cans who abide by our law and learn how to best serve self. quarterings. Though charged and mid-17th Century England. It was believe in this equality, Quakers. I believe that America, today, facing death many times, George’s intensely disrespectful to refer to Please read The Journal of George resolve to remain non-political one’s betters as “thou” (subjective) Fox. continued on next page

Page 4 • SPARK • November 2018 Learning from Quaker History mine and yours, our children and within silently, and wait expectantly Is the silent treatment the friendly grandchildren’s, remains the same for the truth. thing to do? Should an absence of one George experienced in 1635, a The foregoing are valid points. confusion and creation of false or light” made it possible for all to place of hope and freedom, a place There may indeed be a sense in disguised unity among members be experience Spirit individually and to live, breathe, and act with Chris- which the letter killeth but the a goal of the NYYM? independently, and to discover tian love, and yes, a place of signifi- Spirit giveth life, as the Elders of One lesson I have learned from ourselves as equals. In claiming cant challenges and opportunity, all Balby suggested in 1656. But please! our distant Quaker history is that equality for ourselves we must dependent on which light we shine. Don’t we need to throw around a our discipline as set forth in our necessarily grant it to all. This is at wrote, “Let us few letters to at least address, not Faith and Practice, particularly as the very core of the call to “answer beware of separating or looking necessarily incorporate in our Faith it relates to committee worship, that of God in every person.” upon ourselves to be more holy, and Practice, the views of those structures, and process, is a great In Fox’s life (1624-1691), social than in deed and in truth we are.” in our membership who deny the way to engage with and seek truth. equality was clearly connected to a Lucretia Mott reminds us that being existence of the Divine? These Provided there is diversity present Spiritual equality. Some examples a pacifist is not the same as living a people are members. They are not throughout the process, it works of social equality were seen in the passive life. Quaker and American accidental tourists. We have invited well. acceptance of all classes of people, history have taught me to create them into our midst. Some have For a number of reasons, NYYM in Quaker preachers who were and be the man I seek. What light held leadership positions within our has elected not to address as a uneducated, and in women preach- doth thee shine on these? yearly meeting. Isn’t it time to leave body the faith of a minority of its ing. Early Quakers were notorious a way open for them to come out of members and incorporate that into for asserting their own equality the theological closet? its Faith and Practice. Personally, by exercising their consciences Recent NYYM Here’s a stab at our status: We this has been most discouraging. against authority, even though it so are seekers coming from many All is not lost. There are Quakers frequently brought great sufferings. History: Atheists, traditions. We vary in our under- who care about this and stand ready When Fox speaks of his “condi- Agnostics, and standing of the Divine and in our to engage as a body. Britain Yearly tion” most of us today can identify related confidence of that under- Meeting has elected to pursue the at least with that part that relates Non-theists standing. Some of us doubt or matter as a body. Check out God, to politically and socially produced Tim Connolly deny the existence of Spirit or the Words, and Us, edited by Helen angst. Our lives are much more Divine or theistic constructs. Some Rowlands and published in 2018 complicated but maybe we still Attender, Purchase Meeting redefine our language to redefine by . This is a have some things in common. continued from page 1 Spirit so as not to offend divergent compilation of ‘threshings’ having Our testimony, which contains positions. Whatever our insight, we to do with whether and how to the essence of our spiritual convic- addressed? If yes, how? To know share a desire to seek truth together incorporate into their Faith and tion (or faith), is often taught or where we need to go, we probably based on our experiences. And we Practice the views of members of described through a mnemonic ought to consider where we are. share our insights and revelations British monthly meetings who do device which lists some compo- What exactly is our current theolog- with our community. not admit of the possibility of the nents: SPICES (Simplicity, Peace, ical status in 100 words or less? So far so good? The statement Divine or Spirit in their lives, or in Integrity, Community, Equality, Some say it’s inexact or too hard may facilitate unity and accep- meeting for worship, or in meeting Stewardship). I believe our greatest to explain or too divisive so don’t tance of many points of view. But for worship with a concern for challenges today in living up to our even try. Others say that in a world it falls short and contradicts when business. Spiritual conviction are around of many constraints there are more compared to the language of our And so in Great Britain the integrity and equality. The most important things to focus on. Ignore current Faith and Practice. And lessons of the distant past, particu- common use for the word “integ- it and move on. To others, theology there are many examples of this larly with respect to Quaker process rity” refers to being honest and is irrelevant. They say experience contradiction. (To name a few: and integrity, appear to be helping having strong moral principles. The and how lives are lived, doing good, queries 1-3; advices 1 & 4; the them move into the future. secondary usage, referring to the is our “Spirit.” For some, words just expectations outlined in General state of being whole and undivided, can’t capture it so hush up, look Business Practices: “In the trans- is the definition that I have in mind action of business the Lessons from in this discussion. While this sense same reverent waiting of integrity is always important, it upon the Lord should the Past often can be keenly felt when we prevail as in meetings Linda Clarke venture into the concept of “equal- for worship.”) Brooklyn Meeting ity.” How can we feel whole if we The contradiction of are so divided among and within continued from page 1 the non-theist, agnostic, ourselves over the meaning and ancestors had much in common and atheist positions position of equality in our lives with us today. We are not in the of some members with and in our very beings? How can midst of outright civil war as they the theistic historical we answer to “that of God in every were, but our times often seem just language of our Faith person” if we cannot really see them as tumultuous, just as uncertain. and Practice creates as equals? Fox’s Journal is filled with anguish confusion for newcom- Early Quakers discovered a new over, and a passion to relieve, ers and conflict among and radical way of being in the human suffering. His quest begins Quaker Meeting, Unidentified artist, British, 18th or first quarter members. Many world while remaining connected with a search for relief of his own 19th century, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. I discovered this members choose not to to Spirit, leaving us with a rich painting online but found no information on its subject or “condition,” and once he finds it, he meaning. It seems to depict a man having just thrown his hat in engage on the matter, heritage to draw upon in our own is certain that it will help others. the air during a meeting for worship. (Perhaps he has “quaked” it to look the other way turbulent time. off?) What message he is giving that led him to this action? —SW Early teachings about “inward (image found at mfa.org/collections/object/quaker-meeting-33823) and keep it all friendly.

November 2018 • SPARK • Page 5 Friends Come in All Ages, Sizes, and Colors: NYYM Summer Sessions • July 21–27, 2019 Y Our Path Toward Being Inclusive Welcome! You are invited to join New York Yearly Meeting Friends at Summer Sessions! When is the last time you spent a whole week in a beautiful place among worship sharing every morning after breakfast with a small group, if hundreds of people who all share your Quaker values? A place with that is your inclination. Take part in Bible study. Join or listen to singing beautiful lakeside beaches, smiling faces of all ages who meet to share in the wooden rocking chairs on the long front porch of the Inn. Take stories about their Quaker leadings and good works—and the opportu- part in interest groups that speak to you. Come to business meetings nity to do business, using best Quaker practices, that supports your spiri- that provide our way forward for our community for the next year. Play tual community? frisbee with happy children on the front lawn. Participate in intergenera- George Fox envisioned “a great people waiting to be gathered.” With tional events. Or just bask in the fullness of Spirit all around you. Pay as Led, we need wait no longer! At Silver Bay, on beautiful Lake This year’s theme is Friends Come in All Ages, Sizes and Colors: George, even our YMCA campus hosts share the best of Christian values. Our Path toward Being Inclusive. We will be celebrating the joys of our The feeling of the Light shining forth from a great people is everywhere diversity and learning how to become even more expansive. For many and is a great uplift for the Spirit. Come to learn or to share or just for Friends­—especially for children and young adults—the week at Silver the respite from the muck of angry political discourse. Meet wonderful Bay is a needed re-charge for the rest of the year. Come celebrate what it Friends and hear about the remarkable good works they do. Sit in deep means to be a Friend in a challenging time. Welcome all Friends!

NYYM Summer Sessions is a week-long Plenary Speakers STEPS TO SUMMER SESSIONS gathering at Silver Bay YMCA, a conference Chris DeRoller and Mike Clark • Decide on your arrival and departure and family retreat center on the shores of Lake Co-directors of the dates. The full week is July 21–27. You George within New York State’s Adirondack Powell House Youth Program can also attend for a half week or single Park. Silver Bay has a variety of buildings for day(s). meetings and accommodations scattered “For almost two decades we have had the joy of across a beautiful campus. Staying at Silver Bay being with young people and older folks as we • Determine who you will be rooming with, includes access to swimming, boating, a craft co-create an inclusive, accepting, yet challenging if possible. shop, a gymnasium, archery, and shuffleboard, space where Friends’ testimonies and experien- • Choose your housing preferences. See the among other amenities. Friends often take tial spirituality come alive. When we started, the Room Information section below. Please advantage of these activities during their free kids had piles of CDs for their music. Homework note that children under 18 must room time. Visit silverbay.org for more information. was done on paper. with a parent or in an adjoining room. On Sunday July 21, arrival day, check-in starts Cell phones, if you had • Parents of children ages 3-18: Read the at 4:00 p.m. Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM) regis- one, would not work Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM) section on tration is also at that time. After dinner, there is in the Powell House page 8. Opening Worship with a roll call and introduc- area. Those things tions, including JYM groups and leaders. have changed, but the • Parents of children ages 0-2: Read For Every day at Summer Sessions, Monday moving of Spirit has children under 3 years old within the JYM not. We’ll share insights section on page 8. through Friday, follows roughly the same schedule: we’ve gained, mistakes 7:30-8:30 a.m.: Breakfast • Read the Participant Expectations we’ve made, and the and Agreements on the nyym.org/ 8:45-9:15 a.m.: Community Worship vision and practical sessions-committee page, as registering 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: JYM Programming steps we have for indicates that you have agreed to follow 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Worship Sharing keeping Friends relevant.”—Mike and Chris them. 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Meeting for Business Worship at Summer Sessions • Register online at www.nyym.org/ (Tuesday: Discernment) NYYM Summer Sessions provides many oppor- summer-sessions-registration. If you tunities to worship and share with the Peace- 12:15-1:30 p.m.: Lunch cannot register online, or need assis- able Community. Everyone is invited to attend tance, please email [email protected] and 1:30-5:30 p.m.: Committee Meetings, Free Opening Worship on Sunday evening, Commu- provide your phone number and times Time, Special Events... nity Worship each morning, Meeting for that we can call you. If you don’t have 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner Discernment on Tuesday, and Closing Worship email, please mail in the form on page 8. on Saturday. Worship Sharing Groups will meet 6:45-7:30 p.m.: Bible Study (Mon-Thurs) • You will receive a confirmation email after every morning after Community Worship. Need you’ve registered. 7:30-10:00 p.m.: Plenary, Interest Groups, time for quiet reflection during the course of Contra Dance, Café Night... • A few days later, once you’ve been your day? Waiting Worship is available all day, assigned to a room, you will receive an all week, (in a location to be announced in July.) email with the Pay As Led rate options. If In addition, your worship and your discernment you plan on receiving financial aid from are needed at Meetings for Worship with a your local meeting, regional meeting, or Concern for Business. Join us! committee, you should request that now, Interest Groups and factor in that amount when determin- Interest Groups are a good way to introduce ing which rate you will pay. yourself to a topic or dive deeper, to learn and • Parents will receive a follow-up email to share, and can consist of a presentation, slide that will include any additional forms show, film, discussion group, or other activity. For they may have to fill out for their children. an example of interest groups offered last year, Parents and children will also receive visit www.nyym.org/InterestGroups. information from their JYM group. Volunteers are needed to lead interest groups.

Page 6 • SPARK • January 2019 Friends Come in All Ages, Sizes, and Colors: Our Path Toward Being Inclusive Y July 21–27, 2019 • NYYM Summer Sessions Interest groups should relate to our theme and/ or the NYYM Leadings and Priorities in general. If you feel led to run an interest group, contact Martha Gurvich ([email protected]) or Helen Garay Toppins ([email protected]). Special Events On Wednesday afternoon, the Junior Yearly Meeting presents the Fun(d) Fair, a fundraising fair that includes games, crafts, and refresh- On-Campus Resources ments. At the same time, there is the Tagless Food Service Tag Sale, at which you can “pay what you wish” Meals are included in your room fee if you stay on for items donated by Friends. Please consider campus. Off-campus and campers can buy meals bringing used items in good condition to All photos on pages 6-8 by Sarah Way separately. You will be asked if you are vegetarian, Summer Sessions so they may be sold at the vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free when you regis- Tag Sale. On Thursday evening, the senior high If you will be staying with a roommate or in ter. If you have other questions about Silver Bay’s group produces Café Night, an all-ages talent a family group, please make sure you name each food service and accommodation of special diets, show during which hats are passed to collect other on your registration forms. If you need ask Martha Gurvich, [email protected]. donations. Bring your instruments and props and a roommate, NYYM will make every effort to 12-Step Meetings join the fun! All of these events raise money for assign one to you. 12-Step Meetings will be held every day during the NYYM Sharing Fund and Powell House. For your reference, the full table of room rates Summer Sessions. 12-Step Meetings are under Room Information is available at nyym.org/session/summer- the care of Sessions Committee, which has Silver Bay YMCA is a campus of buildings with sessions-2019/room-rates and includes the Pay named Roseann Press as coordinator. Roseann different levels of accommodations, with a range as Led rate options for each type of housing. needs people who would be willing to facilitate of prices to match. All rooms lack air condition- Camping and Staying Off Campus one or more of the meetings. To volunteer, please contact Roseann at [email protected] or ing, phones, and television. Note that room fees Do you camp? Silver Bay YMCA offers lean-tos Susan Bingham at [email protected]. include NYYM’s program, all meals, and access to and tent platforms on their campus for NYYM Silver Bay’s facilities, including swimming areas, use. Experienced woodland campers may Healing Work boathouse, gym, and craft center. consider the Silver Bay YMCA Adirondack-style Friends create and maintain a Healing Center When you register, you will choose your room lean-tos on Ryan’s Ridge. Closer to campus are during the week. Modalities offered may include preference. Room rates vary. If you are a single two raised wooden tent platforms near the gym. energy work (healing touch, Reiki, therapeu- person sharing a double room in a dormitory- Rental is $28 per night, per person, and includes tic touch), massage, craniosacral therapy, and type building (the most common room type), the daily off-campus day membership which spiritual counseling. The type of services offered the Pay as Led standard rate, which is the actual allows campers to use all of the Silver Bay facil- depends on the skills of those who volunteer. If amount NYYM owes to Silver Bay, is around ities. Meals are an additional cost and must be you are skilled in a healing art and you’d like to $650 per person. The most affordable building, purchased separately. volunteer, please indicate that on your registra- Overlook, is around $400 per person in a double, Off-campus camping options include Rogers tion form and someone will contact you. but the building is small and fills up quickly. If Rock State Park, north on Route 9, near Ticond- Disability Concerns you’d like your first choice of room, register as eroga; find it on www.reserveamerica.com or call Friends who indicate special needs on their early as possible. Rooms that are larger, more 800-456-2267. The nearby Brookwood RV Resort registration form will be contacted by the NYYM central, or have a private bath cost around has tent platforms: www.brookwoodrvresort. office to gather specific disability information. $850-950 per person in a double. com. Friends staying off campus must pay the Five mobility-accessible sleeping rooms, with Rates are discounted for children and for Silver Bay day membership fee. bathrooms, are reserved in the Inn for those more than one roommate. Children ages 0-5 using wheelchairs (and their roommates). are free, and there are reduced rates for older Other more accessible rooms in the Inn may be children. Rates per person go down if more than Pay as Led reserved by people who, for any reason, find it two people are sharing a room. For example, the After you register, you physically difficult to room elsewhere. Friends standard rate for a spot in a double room with a will receive a follow-up who require special assistance with personal shared bath in the Inn would be around $830, but email with your Pay needs must arrange this assistance on their a spot in a triple (with two roommates) would as Led rate options. own, and the person assisting them must stay in be $700, and in a quad (with three roommates) The three options are: the standard rate, their room with them. Please indicate on your would be $650. A half-week stay costs around half which covers the cost of room and board; registration form if you require help with hearing the weekly rate, and a single night costs around the full rate, which helps others attend; and or movement. Note takers can be provided or 1/6. Remember, room rates include meals! the Pay as Led minimum rate, which is the accessible locations allocated for worship-shar- lowest suggested amount. Please factor in any ing groups and committee meetings. financial assistance that you will request and Golf Carts expect to receive from your local or regional Silver Bay is a beautiful place, but it can be meetings or yearly meeting committee. challenging to walk up and down its hills and Friends should carefully consider how from one meeting place to another. As in previous much they can afford to pay. The Pay as Led years, we will have golf carts to help Friends get plan is designed to encourage new people around. We need volunteers to drive the carts, to attend Summer Sessions, and it relies on and you can indicate your interest in driving on generosity from those who can afford to pay the registration form. Driving is easy, fun, and a more. great way to get to know Friends of all ages.

January 2019 • SPARK • Page 7 Friends Come in All Ages, Sizes, and Colors: NYYM Summer Sessions • July 21–27, 2019 Y Our Path Toward Being Inclusive Volunteer Opportunities Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM) There are many opportunities to help create the TRAVEL Junior Yearly Meeting is the program for blessed community during our week at Summer The address for Silver Bay YMCA: children ages 3-18 during Summer Sessions. Sessions. Please consider supporting our 87 Silver Bay Rd., Silver Bay, NY 12874 Groups are arranged according to grade, and community by volunteering in one of these ways: Driving times: approximately 90 minutes meet every morning, Mon.-Fri., from the rise • Special Needs volunteers: Help someone by north of Albany; 4-5 hours north of New York of Community Worship to lunchtime at 12:15 carrying a tray for them at mealtime, among City; 6-7 hours north east of Buffalo. NYYM p.m. JYM volunteers plan a community- other ways. Sign up to help on your registra- will share a link to a web page where people building week of activities for the children, tion form. can arrange carpools. Public transit: take an including games, discussions, art projects, Amtrak train to Ticonderoga, or an Adiron- Golf cart drivers: and more. We see JYM as a time for young • Want to drive a golf cart dack Trailways bus to Lake George Village. people to experience a community based all around campus—AND make it possible Friends interested in traveling together via on Friends’ testimonies and practices. Age for people with limited mobility to attend train or bus should contact Helen Garay appropriate and experiential Quaker content Sessions? Are you at least 21 years old with a Toppins at [email protected]. will be part of the program, and each group valid driver’s license? Indicate your interest on will spend some time in quiet worship or your registration form. worship sharing every day. • Healing Center volun- When you arrive at Summer Sessions, teers: Are you skilled in after checking in with NYYM, you must bring the healing arts? Help your child to JYM registration in the Inn’s staff the Healing Center Gullen Lounge. during the week. Check Cell phones are our primary way of the box on your registra- communicating within JYM at Summer tion form. Sessions. If you are a parent or guardian of a • Interest group leaders: JYM registrant, please provide a cell phone Do you have knowledge number at the time of registration. to share? Volunteer to REGISTRATION For children under 3 years old, Silver Bay lead an interest group. This year, we are making a special effort to offers childcare through their Silver Camp Contact Martha Gurvich encourage everyone to register online. Register- on Monday through Friday mornings from ([email protected]) or ing online makes the process more efficient for 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. Parents do not pay for this; Helen Garay Toppins staff. If you are unable to register online please Sessions Committee and donations cover the ([email protected]). ask someone to assist you. We will also have cost. We usually ask parents who are making volunteers ready, willing, and able to provide JYM leaders and use of this childcare service to sign up to take • online registration assistance. resource people: turns helping cover the time from 11:45 a.m. You can volunteer to help The online registration form is not for making and 12:15 p.m. so they can attend the last lead a Junior Yearly Meeting group or PM payments. It is for collecting your preferences so part of business meeting on the other days. childcare. Or, if you have a special talent or volunteers and staff can plan sessions. You will If you might use Silver Bay’s morning child- information to share, you can be a resource be contacted to discuss your Pay as Led options, care program, you will have to complete the person that visits the JYM groups. Please after which you can pay online or by mailing NYYM–Silver Bay camp form, which will be indicate your interest on your registration payment(s) to the NYYM office. emailed to you after you register. form and you will be contacted by a JYM Register online at www.nyym.org/ JYM provides afternoon and evening coordinator. Everyone who volunteers for JYM summer-sessions-registration. If you cannot (PM) childcare in Morse Hall for children up must complete the safety form at nyym.org/ register online, or need assistance, please email to 10 years old. This is available whenever content/nyym-child-protection-policy before [email protected] and provide your phone number plenaries or committee meetings are sched- July 1st. and times that someone can call you. If you don’t uled. Parents using this service are asked to • Other Options: You can also check a box on have email, please mail in the form below. volunteer some of their time when they are your registration form if you are interested The deadline for registrations is May 15. If not in meetings. in serving as a microphone carrier during you register after that date, we can’t guarantee Can my child go to Silver Bay without meetings for worship, including those with a that there will be a room available for you, and me? Yes! If your child is under 18, they may concern for business, or with welcoming and your Pay as Led options may be limited. So regis- attend Silver Bay with an adult chaperone. assisting Friends with luggage. ter as soon as you can! We can’t wait to see you. They must room with the chaperone if possi- Register by May 15 at www.nyym.org/summer-sessions-registration ble and appropriate; otherwise they should be in adjoining rooms. The chaperone should be designated by the parent or legal guardian If you are unable to register online or to email this information to [email protected], on their registration forms, and must be at please fill out and mail this form to: NYYM, 15 Rutherford Pl., New York, NY 10003 least 10 years older than the young Friend PLEASE PRINT they are chaperoning. The chaperone and the child should know each other reason- Name: Meeting: ably well. The parent or guardian must provide Day phone: Evening phone: a signed note giving the Best time for someone to call you (days of the week, times of day): chaperone the author-

ity to care for their child, to be presented at JYM registration.

Page 8 • SPARK • January 2019