SEASONED GREETINGS

A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF ROANOKE MONTHLY MEETING

Summer Edition 2016

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ~ Matthew 29, 30 JUNE 18th: Peace Vigil: Roanoke City Market 19th: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship 12 noon: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business 20th: Solstice Gathering 22nd: 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm: Chanting 26th: 10:30 am: Meeting for worship

JULY

3rd: 10:30 am meeting for worship 12 noon Potluck Lunch 10th: 10:30 am Meeting for Worship 12 noon: Quaker Speak Video followed by discussion 16th: Peace Vigil: Roanoke City Market 17th: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship Be- 12 noon: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business hold the 24th: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship 26th: 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm: chanting birds of the heaven, that they sow not, AUGUST neither do they reap, nor gather 1ST: 10:30 am: Meeting for worship into barns; and 12 noon: Potluck Lunch your heavenly 8th: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship 12 noon: Religious Ed: Quakerspeak video followed by discussion Father 21ST: Peace Vigil: Roanoke City Market feedeth them. 15th: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship 12 noon: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business Are not ye of 22nd: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship much more 23rd: 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm: chanting value than 29th: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship they?

SEPTEMBER

5th: 10:30 am: Meeting for worship 12 noon: Potluck Lunch 12th: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship 12 noon: Religious Ed: Quakerspeak video followed by discussion 18th: Peace Vigil: Roanoke City Market 19th: 10:30 am: Meeting for Worship 12 noon: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business 26th: 10:30 am: Meeting for worship 27th: 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm: chanting QUERIES FOR SUMMER

Am I ready to offer assistance as part of my religious community serving its members? Am I equally willing to accept graciously the help of others?

Do I recognize and face disagreements and other situations that put me in conflict with others? Do I manifest a spirit ready to give or receive forgiveness?

Do I treat adults and children alike with respect and without condescension? Is my manner with visitors and attenders to my Meeting one of welcome?

How can we make the meeting a community in which each person is accepted and nurtured, and strangers are welcome? Seek to know one another in the things which are eternal, bear the burden of each other’s failings and pray for one another. As we enter with tender sym- pathy into the joys and sorrows of each other’s lives, ready to give help and to receive it, our meeting can be a channel for God’s love and forgiveness. Quaker Faith and Practice, Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends in Britain

We Know Ourselves “We know ourselves as individuals but only because we live in community. Love, trust, fel- lowship, self- lessness are all mediated to us through our interde- pendence. Just as we could not live physically without each other, we cannot live spiritually in isolation. We are individ- ually free but also communally bound. We cannot act without affecting others and others can- not act without affecting us. We know ourselves as we are reflected in the faces, action and attitudes of each other.” ~ Janet Scott, 1980

...But if God doth so clothe the grass in the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 Yet seek ye his kingdom, and these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. UPCOMING ADULT RE OFFERINGS FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COMMITTEE Submitted by Elise Hansard

Programming for adults is offered by the Religious Education Committee every 2nd Sunday for about an hour, beginning at noon. We have so enjoyed viewing and talking about a variety of QuakerSpeak videos that we want to continue these through the summer. These videos are usually no longer than five minutes and have sparked interest and deep sharing among those who have participated. Our tentative schedule follows:

June 12 – Katrina will facilitate discussion following the QuakerSpeak video: Why do Quakers Care about Politics?

July 10 – Katrina will facilitate discussion following the QuakerSpeak video What are the Most Quaker Bible Verses?

August 14 – Katrina will facilitate discussion following these two QuakerSpeak videos: The Difference between Quaker Meeting and other Christian Services, and The Difference between Programmed and Unprogrammed Meetings.

September 11 – Katrina and Mac will facilitate discussion following the QuakerSpeak video Can There Be a Nonviolent Response to Terrorism?

October 9 – Elise and Katrina will facilitate discussion following these two QuakerSpeak videos: Clerking a Quaker Meet- ing for Worship, and Why Quakers Value Process over Outcome.

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“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” ~ Pericles

NOW Available at the Meeting House oR [email protected] T-shirts: $20 each Totes: $20 each Postcards: $10/12 cards SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

Monday, June 20th 6:00 PM 2046 Knollwood Rd SW Roanoke, Va

Nature lovers have a double treat to celebrate! Monday, June 20th is the summer solstice and a full moon. All are invited to the home of Cecily and Herb for a pot-luck and program starting at 6:00 p.m. Following our meal, we will gather to share a time of silence, reading, reflections, and the beauty of Mother Earth.

Family and friends are welcome. Park on the median strip if you don`t want to be blocked in. Any questions, e-mail or 989-6875. Herb

FROM NOMINATING COMMITTEE: IT’S NOT TOO LATE! COMMITTEE POSITIONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE Do you seek a deeper relationship with the Meeting community? Would you like to participate with other friends to further the goals of the Meeting? Consider volunteering on a committee! Committees are vital to the life of every Meeting, and Roanoke Friends meeting is no exception. There are a variety of committees suited to many talents and interests. Everyone is welcome - and encouraged to participate. Let the Nominating Committe know where your interests lie. Please contact the clerk of the Nominating Committee, Patsy Martin either in person at Meeting or by email: [email protected] SPRING PLANTING DAY

On a lovely Saturday morning in May, several Roanoke Friends came together to weed, trim and plant new additions to the Meeting’s landscape. The Meeting’s Building and Grounds committee purchased the plants ahead of time.

Holes were dug, plants were placed and snacks were shared - of course, snacks - we always have snacks! It was a productive day of labor, fun and fellowship. We enjoyed the morning, working together toward a common goal - the beautification of our Meetinghouse’s grounds.

Following are photos of Friends at work- and previews of the plants and what we may expect to see when they bloom (actual results may vary, of course...).

A seed is small but rich with possibility, like love, which is as humble as it is powerful. Pir Zia Inayat-Khan

towards greener living: Helping summer songbirds In a discussion led by the Peace and Social Justice Committee, Roanoke Friends have suggested a number of ways we might respond as a Meeting to Climate Change and pressing environmental concerns. One action suggested was to publish tips for greener lifestyles in our newsletter. This issue’s topic addresses songbirds. Song bird numbers are declining, due to factors such as pesticide use, habitat loss and predation by cats. This month we look at ways to help our wild birds.

Know who to call if you find an injured bird (or wild animal). We are fortunate to have an excellent resource in our area: Southwest Virginia Wildlife center of Roanoke, located at 5985 Coleman Road, which is just off Rte 221, south of Cave Spring Corners. This is a state and feder- ally licensed facility that has existed since 2000, caring for wildlife, with an emphasis on birds. Call first!: 540-798-9836.

Put up nesting boxes and birdhouses.

Provide fresh water - birdbaths help the birds but their bathing and splashing will entertain you as well.

Birdfeeders are welcomed by the birds year-round. However, be aware that these can attract bears, raccoons and other critters. If this is a problem, you will need to take them in at night. You may wish to feeed only during winter months but the extra food in summer months provides a boost to nesting birds. Keep them clean! If you use birdfeeders be sure to keep them clean in order to prevent spread of diseases.

Avoid harmful pesticides Use natural herbicides and pesticides. There are many on the market or you can even make your own Plant native species These often provide seeds that attract wild birds.

Keep your cat indoors. Cats are skilled hunters and have a serious impact on the songbird population. Also, injuries form cats are difficult to treat.

A POEM IN CELEBRATION OF INCREASING DAYLIGHT:

I hope you love Walkers With The Dawn birds too. Being walkers with the dawn and morning, It is economical. Walkers with the sun and morning, It saves going to We are not afraid of night, heaven. Nor days of gloom, Nor darkness-- Being walkers with the sun and morning. Emily Dickinson ~ Langston Hughes

Our Oak and Our Willow

A willow tree stands by a stream. Her yellowing branches thrill wintered hearts, buds then bursting into slender green ribbons that sway with the motion of each breeze. How calming just to see her fronds bending gently toward mothering Earth. What blessing to have known the comforting of such a willow. Teaching suppleness and trust with her very being, she inspires kindness and wide welcome.

An oak tree stands in the forest, so strong because so rooted. His sturdy branches, twisted by life’s storms, give sustenance to all manner of nesting creatures that dwell in and under his sheltering arms. How stirring to see the strength of these arms outstretched like a Druid at prayer. What blessing to have known the generosity of such an oak. Teaching courage and endurance with his very being, he inspires steadfastness through every season.

We know well such a willow; we know well such an oak. It cannot be denied, our sorrow. These two fortifying presences prepare to bid us farewell, for it is now time for them to move on A POEM IN CELEBRATION OF INCREASING DAYLIGHT: toward the wider stream, toward the deeper forest. But neither can our great joy be denied. Walkers With The Dawn Not only have we had them in our midst for the space and grace of bountiful years, we will continue to have them in our midst, after the manner of Friends. Being walkers with the dawn and morning, So rooted have these two become in our hearts, Walkers with the sun and morning, so pure the example of their leaning toward the Light, that all we need do, when we sink into the silence, We are not afraid of night, is to feel it still, the comfort and the strength of the presence Nor days of gloom, of our oak and our willow. Nor darkness-- Being walkers with the sun and morning. by Charlie Finn on behalf of all Roanoke Friends bidding John and June Clark a bursting with love farewell. ~ Langston Hughes friends committee on national legislation

One of the organizations our Meeting supports is The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). It is a lobbying organization in the public interest founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends. FCNL works for social and economic justice, peace, stewardship of the environment, and good government in the United States, as expressed in the mission statement above.

FCNL has a General Committee of about 220 Quakers from across the United States. FCNL advocates on several issues that are extensions of the Quaker testimonies of peace, equality, simplicity, and integrity.

FCNL is a member of Win Without War and Alliance for Peacebuilding, among other working groups and coalitions. FCNL is a much respected resource for our legislators who rely on information that FCNL provides. Last year, FCNL was one of the leaders of the various peace organizations that supported the Iran Nuclear Agreement. Crucial to this work was the network of lobbyists across the country who lobbied their senators, as did members of Roa- noke Meeting did.

The Peace and Social Justice Committee names our liaison to FCNL. Our current liaison is Herb Beskar.

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.” ~ Helen Keller PATH TO WAR

Norman Morrison burned himself to death at the Pentagon on November 2, 1965, in protest of the Vietnam War. He was a member of Stony Run (BYM) Meeting. Path to War (2002), an HBO film, recounts the story of President Lyndon Johnson’s escalation of the Vietnam War. Scenes depicting the debates between the hawks and doves of his administration, set in the White House and elsewhere, form the core of the movie.

The cast includes Michael Gambon as Johnson; Alec Baldwin as Secretary of Defense McNamara; Donald Sutherland as presidential advisor Clark Clifford; and Victor Slezak as Morrison. Daniel Giat wrote the script, and John Frankenheimer directed. Morrison is a thread in the movie, appearing in four scenes, placed several months apart. He is shown, horrifically, setting himself on fire across from McNamara’s office as McNamara watches. At a White House meeting, blow-ups of the North Vietnamese stamp commemorating Morrison are passed around, and Johnson sneers at Morrison’s act. In his office McNamara gazes out the window at the spot where Morrison died and murmurs “Incredible….” The Committee for Non-Violent Action holds a silent vigil at the site on the anniversary of the burning.

Path to War repeats the lie that President Johnson didn’t want to become involved in the Vietnam War. (This is the so- called “quagmire myth”). In truth, he reversed President Kennedy’s intention to withdraw from the war and widened it catastrophically. As well, Norman Morrison’s act seems to have been portrayed inaccurately. He is shown holding Emily, his baby, as he prepares to burn himself, though it appears that he had actually set her down some distance away. Mc- Namara is shown watching Morrison from his office, though it seems he did not. The cast is remarkable, however, espe- cially Gambon as Johnson. The production values –the budget was $17 million –are superior

We still live with the legacy of the Vietnam War. The permanent war in the Middle East, lately rebranded as the war against ISIS, is based on the lessons learned by the Pentagon about how to fight a war that Americans will tolerate. (These are use of a volunteer army, air bombing, and drones; shaping the reports of the media; keeping American losses down; etc.) Like Johnson, McNamara, Clifford and the rest, we have become insulated from the horror we inflict. Morri- son’s act was wrong –we must live and struggle –but he was not insulated. (Stamp honoring Norman Morrison issued by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam above). ~ Submitted by Gary Sandman ______THINKING ABOUT RACE: June 2016: White Fragility

“White people in the U.S. live in the context of white supremacy. This context provides an insular, racially privileged social en- vironment that builds our expectations for racial comfort while at the same time lowering our tolerance for racial stress. I term this lack of racial stamina ‘White Fragility.” White Fragility is a state in which even a minimal challenge to white entitlement and the white worldview becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves including argumentation, invalidation, silence, withdrawal and claims of being ‘attacked’ and not feeling ‘safe.’ These moves function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and maintain white supremacy. In so doing, our freedom is limited and the movement we need to create racial equity and justice is blocked. This workshop will provide an overview of white fragility and the perspectives and skills needed for white people to build their racial stamina and re-imagine more equitable and just norms and practices.”

Description of a workshop offered at the White Privilege Conference (WPC17) by Robin DiAngelo. She holds a PhD in Multicultural Education, is Director of Equity for Sound Generations in King County/Seattle, Washington, and is a consultant and trainer. See more at: http://www.overcomingracism.org/resources/White-Fragility.pdf. The WPC17 took place in Philadelphia, April 14-17, 2016. Eleven Quaker organizations were part of the 14-member Host Team, and five others were sponsors at various levels, including Baltimore Yearly Meeting. Friends General Conference had invited the WPC to Philadelphia. About a dozen people from BYM attended the con- ference, which had an attendance of 2500 people, 500 of whom were Quakers and 260 of whom were high school students. EVERYDAY HUMANITY Sue Williams

I’ve begun writing down some of the stories from my years of working in conflicts in many countries. The point of view I’m taking, the lens I’m using, is not drama and heroics, but stories of people who restore humanity to inhuman situations. This is one of the brief stories.

INTRODUCING THE HUMAN FACE

In Northern Ireland in the 1980s and early ‘90s, one of the colleagues who had the greatest impact on me was Joyce Mc- Cartan. Our lives could hardly have been more different. She was the only daughter of a hard-pressed family. When she was still in primary school, her mother died, and she became responsible for the household tasks for her father and three brothers, so she never went to school after that. By the time I knew her, she had seven children of her own. Her own was a “mixed” marriage, in Northern Ireland terms: she had been raised Protestant, and her husband Catholic. They lived in the mixed neighborhood where I did. Over the years, members of her extended family were killed by all the sides to the conflict, 13 of them in all, including her youngest son.

Everyone I met said that Joyce was a key person to meet. She was blunt, roughly-spoken, very funny and insightful, and delightfully unpredictable. Over the years, she had seen several things that disturbed her, above and beyond the socio-po- litical conflict. She noticed that poor people on both sides were the ones fighting each other, that women had no say at all, and that the political agenda was all about borders and flags. In such a polarized situation, it’s easy to focus on differences between the sides, and to leave everything else off the agenda. Joyce had encouraged the growth of women’s groups in all sorts of neighborhoods, and brought them together once a month to see what they had in common.

There are many remarkable things about Joyce, including the fact that she ended up with an honorary degree from Queens University (of which she was enormously proud.) One of the archetypical things she did revealed her groundedness, as well as her humor. Joyce always contended that Northern Ireland politicians were only worried about borders and votes, but not human needs like education or employment. When the government decided to stop paying for milk for school children, Joyce persuaded a number of farmers to join the women’s groups in marching around the city hall, and to bring their cows with them. This was such an illustration of the deafness of politicians to real human needs, and the ability of women like Joyce to put human needs back on the agenda, if only temporarily.

MORAL OF THE STORY: It is vital to keep placing humanity, the human face, back in the middle where it belongs ---- even when the human face is a cow.