November 2024 Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) News
Albany Friends Meeting Calendar
*****************
Here is the link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship starting on July 28, 2024 at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Join by phone dial:
646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 817 6909 0087
Passcode: 730051
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, November 6, 2024 12:15-1pm, Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
2nd Sunday, November 10, 2024 after in person worship, Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business
2nd Sunday, November 10, 2024, 4:00pm to 6:00pm , Upper Hudson Peace Action Annual Gathering at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 10 N. Main Ave., Albany, (See News)
2nd Monday, November 11, 2024 10:30am at Partridge and Central Avenue, Albany, Veterans for Peace invite us to join them in the Veteran’s Day Parade – bring signs and banners calling for Peace, contact Dan Wilcox 518-366-3715 if you have any questions.
2nd Tues., Nov. 12, 2024, 6 pm, Yards, Gardens and Common Ground. (See “What’s Up” article)
.
3rd Saturday, November 16, 2024, 9:00am – 2:00 pm Called Meeting/Retreat (see News)
3rd Sunday, November 17, 2024, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
3rd Tues., Nov. 19, 2024 6 pm, Open Mic.( See “What’s Up” article).
News:
Sunday November 10, 2024, 4:00pm –6:00pm –UHPA Annual Meeting, featuring a panel presentation on the topic “Which way forward for the peace movement in the aftermath of the US Elections?” Also presentation of the first ever Pat Beetle Peace Award to Maureen Aumand. Desserts, coffee and tea will be provided, suggested donation $20.00.
Dear Friends:
There has been much discussion among us about the increasing challenges of doing the work of the meeting. There is concern that without increased participation and involvement there will soon be a time where we are unable to sustain ourselves as we are. To begin the process of discernment we will be having a called meeting/retreat on Saturday November 16 from 9am-2pm at the meetinghouse. Please consider coming to this important gathering which will be a first step in defining what it takes to maintain our meeting community and meeting house so we can determine next steps. The focus will be on identifying the responsibilities involved in our meeting’s functioning and who is filling these roles. We will share a pot luck lunch.
Please join us. Your contribution is important.
Chris
“What’s up” with AFM FUN (Friends in Unity with Nature) and its sister, Earth Regeneration Committee of CRICCC?
Kudos to Albany Friends Meeting and gardener Judith Fetterley for the abundant flowers in front of the meetinghouse. And to AFM for its planting of a second service berry in the backyard. It is native to our area, and provides food for wildlife. Kudos also to AFM for the plan to plant clover as part of our front yard. Pollinators will be delighted, it requires minimal mowing, and it pulls carbon and nitrogen into the soil.
Gardens, Yards, and Common Ground:
We gathered with F/friends for a bonfire in the woods, a comet gazing, and a potluck by the woodstove at Bonehead Farm, October 15. November’s gathering and potluck is slated for 6:00pm, Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Bonehead Farm, 137 Hidley Road, Wynantskill. Park on Woodland Hill Road, in front of a house-less lot. For info and coordinating carpooling: sheree4614@gmail.com
Open Mic was a songfest around a bonfire with F/friends at Al Brophy’s. He’s hosting the next Open Mic, probably inside. Bring finger food if you like; this is not a dinner event. It’s set for Tuesday, November 19, 2024 6:00 pm. All acts are welcome: comedy, poetry, etc. For info: Barbara Sinacore: 518-423-5453.
Two timely regeneration movies were screened in October. Perhaps we could show them in our area, to promote many local regeneration activities and lay groundwork for further lobbying for federal and state legislation, such as the US Farm Bill.
“Regenerating Life” explains how restoring ecosystems brings back normal rainfall and cools the planet. Filmmaker John Feldman explains the film on the WOOC radio podcast: https://www.mediasanctuary.org/stories/2024/regenerating-life-oct-19-stuyvesant-town-hall/ More at HummingbirdFilms.org.
“Common Ground” addresses the carbon and water in healthy soil as a solution to climate change. More at RegenerateAmerica.com.
Siena College’s newly formed Center for Integral Ecology presented Earth’s Cry, Humanity’s Call in October. The global and the local took center stage, along with high school and college students. The Center is reaching out to collaborate on climate solutions; likely one of the partners will be CRICCC (CapitalCreationCare.org). Siena College embodies the values of Saint Francis: humans in kinship, rather than stewardship, of Nature. Sounds like FUN (Friends in Unity with Nature).
Capital District ReUse continues to seek systemic solutions to diverting useable materials from landfills and decrease consumer demand for ecosystem-destroying mining and drilling necessary to make items that we too quickly discard. The first public meeting was this October. The next is Wednesday., December 11, 2024 6:30pm, meeting in person and zoom.
More:https://www.zerowastecd.org/capital-district-reuse
CRICCC welcomes all people of faith with a concern for Earth. Action areas include Energy, Zero Waste, Advocacy, and Earth Regeneration We’re local, at CapitalCreationCare.org.
For Quaker Earthcare Witness November events: QuakerEarthcare.org
If any of the above interests you, feel free to contact me: Sheree4614@gmail.com
By Sheree Cammer and Barbara Sinacore
Minutes Albany Friends Business Meeting October 13, 2024
Present: Chris Koster (clerk), David Easter (recorder), Maud Easter, Judith Fetterley, David Barnard, Maggy Wiard, Carol Barclay, Anne Liske, Levi Yoder.
The meeting approved with gratitude having Tori Abdelmagid as our new treasurer.
Trustees: There will be a workday at the meetinghouse October 26th from 9-1pm. The meetinghouse bat removal is almost finished. The bill for the painting and repair of the upper story came in as more than we had expected. The memorial committee will pay this bill.
We need to find a technical person to manage our website.
We will have a retreat to discuss how we can address the work and resources to carry on our meeting. Longer term questions are: How do we rebuild our committees? Can we continue to afford our meetinghouse? We will hold this gathering November 16 from 9am – 2pm at the meetinghouse. The retreat will include a potluck lunch.
Young Peacemakers Week recap
Another summer has come and gone, and Young Peacemakers Week 2024 has enjoyed another successful run in August. We got off to a rough start, as bats made their presence known in the meetinghouse, and we were forced to look elsewhere for a place to hold camp. The Unitarian-Universalist Church was kind enough to offer their space, and we were able to use several of their rooms for our activities. Outdoor activities were held at Washington Park. We had a second challenge, when some of the staff were diagnosed with COVID, but the campers themselves stayed healthy. Our director was stranded in Georgia due to storms in the area, and missed two days of camp, but everyone stepped up to the plate to substitute for her, and camp activities went well. Our young peacemakers enjoyed a trip to the Albany Pinebush, as well as building their peaceful communities out of clay and cardboard. They also put together their “superhero” identities, including characteristics such as kindness, empathy, and peacemaking skills. YPW 2024 ended with a dinner for all the families, as well as our usual showcase of drama, music, and artistic endeavors to show what the children had learned. We are grateful for the individual financial contributions of our Meeting members and attenders, the large donation from the Memorial Fund, and the volunteer efforts from people in Albany Friends Meeting. Despite the unique challenges of 2024, the children made a solid start on becoming the peacemakers we hope they will turn out to be.
By Anita Stanley
From one of Pat Beetle’s last notebooks, which was on the meeting house piano room window sill.
Transcribed verbatim by Sheree Cammer
“Hurt can paralyze a meeting
if it causes the inability to
confront a real problem.
There are different “casts” of hurt people.
Black, women, white male -easy to overreact – some (more ?).”
“Hurt can be just a misunderstood interpretation.
Who is responsible for mistaken meaning or intent?
Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW)
From Sheree Cammer, QEW liaison to AFM
(Info: Sheree4614@gmail.com)
To read and subscribe to the newsletter, BeFriending Creation: https://quakerearthcare.org/befriending-creation/
For ongoing free workshops, videos, minigrants, and printable pamphlets: https://quakerearthcare.org/resources/
To register for the events below: https://quakerearthcare.org/events/
QEW Fellowship Hour
Join us weekly on Friday, 7 pm Eastern. Most Monthly Meetings have a fellowship hour for dialog and discussions – the QEW Fellowship Hour is designed to mimic this informal environment! Come to discuss earthcare, spirituality, Quakerism, and catch up with other dear persons in our community.
QEW Worship Sharing
We typically hold worship sharing on the fourth Tuesday of every month to explore our Earthcare callings, nourish our sense of community and explore queries to draw us into a shared sacred space. All are welcome to join us to encounter “that which is eternal.”
Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers)
727 Madison Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
and on Facebook www.facebook.com/albanyfriendsmeeting/
To start or stop newsletter: maggywiard@gmail.com or 518-233-4146.
Advices and Queries
On Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business
As Friends, we seek to hold Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business in a spirit of worship and seeking for truth. We are called to be present to speak our own, individual truth, and to listen empathically to others. We do not seek a majority decision nor even consensus but rather that unity that comes from expectant waiting on the guidance of spirit. Do we come prepared in mind and spirit and open to a meeting rooted in spiritual understandings? Do we consider difficult questions with an informed mind and a generous loving spirit? Are we open to the truth that is given to others? Do we support the decisions of the Meeting? If we cannot attend, do we uphold the Meeting prayerfully?
Enriching Vocal Ministry
The most satisfactory vocal ministry arises out of a leading that is felt in the silence so strongly that it cannot be ignored. It should be delivered with as few words as possible, yet as many as necessary. Vocal prayer offered on behalf of the gathered meeting can also bring us into closer harmony with God.
From Baltimore Monthly Meeting’s “Advices: The Life of the Spirit”
Who to contact
Clerk: Chris Koster Recording Clerk: David Easter, Treasurer: Tori Abdelmagid
Trustees: Maud Easter
Building Caretakers: caretaker@albanyquakers.org Anne Liske and John Cutro: 518-436-8812. AFM and
outside groups: schedule new events 2-4 weeks ahead. Outside groups need Trustees’ OK first.
Ministry & Nurture Committee: Maggy Wiard, maggywiard@gmail.com, 518-233-4146
Website, Facebook contact David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Newsletter: Maggy Wiard maggywiard@gmail.com, David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Young Peacemakers Week: Anita Stanley 518-441-7722 meridiancomm@earthlink.net
Stay in touch between newsletters! Join the listserv by emailing oehl.david@gmail.com
AFM liaison to NYYM Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer 518-951-5953 Sheree4614@gmail.com.
Dave Oehl (He/ Him)
860-262-3813
August –September 2024 Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) News
Albany Friends Meeting Calendar
*****************
Here is the link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship starting on July 28, 2024 at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Join by phone dial:
646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 817 6909 0087
Passcode: 730051
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, August 7, 2024 12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
2nd Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 6:30 pm, Gardens, Yards, and Common Ground, @ AFM meetinghouse. All welcome. Details: sheree4614@gmail.com
3rd Sunday. August 18, 2024, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
August 19-August 23, 1:30 pm – 6:30.pm, Young Peacemaker’s Week
4th Tuesday, August. 27, 2024,6:30 pm, Open Mic @ AFM meetinghouse. All welcome. Details: sheree4614@gmail.com
1st Wednesday, September 4, 2024,12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
September 13, 2024, 5:30pm and Saturday, September 14, 2024 The 26th Kateri Peace Conference See News
2nd Saturday, September 14, 2024, 4pm, Memorial Service for Pat Beetle, Unitarian Universalist Society, 405 Washington Ave., Albany
2nd Sunday, September 8, 2024, 10:30 am, Easton Day, See NEWS
3rd Sunday, September 15, 2024, after Meeting for Worship and Potluck Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business
News
Easton Day Schedule provided by Easton Meeting
September 8, 2024 at Easton Meeting South Meetinghouse, 277 Meetinghouse Road, Easton, NY
10:30 registration
11-12 Meeting for Worship
12-1 Potluck lunch, bring a dish, your chair and silverware, cup, plate
1-2:30, singing, visitation by indigenous people story, Nadine Hoover’s talk
2:30-3 NERM meeting
Nadine Hoover
Connecting with the Eternal: In the Global Work of Friends Peace Teams Today
Nadine Hoover works for justice and peace at home and in her neighborhood by practicing nonviolence herself and with others and nature. As an AVP facilitator, she practices facing the realities of violence without being surprised or afraid. With people around the world, they play with children and with adults who attend to the development of young children. They listen to each others’ stories of difficulties and joys, share their own experiences, practice healing from trauma, and creating enduring communities of justice and peace. Join Friends Peace Teams and/or the Quaker Religious Education Collaborative.
Kateri Peace Conference
What’s Love Got to Do With It? Our Survival Depends on It!
Over the years the Kateri Peace Conference in Fonda, NY has worked to confront the waste and destruction of militarism and war, the suffering and injustice wrought by systemic racism; the devastation and desolation our embrace of unbridled materialism has wreaked on the planet. The hope has been to sow the healing seeds of light and love, seeds germinated from the core belief that we journey on this vulnerable planet as sisters and brothers understanding fully our need to care for each other with patience and kindness.
This year is sadly no different. In fact the imperative to confront feels even greater: the climate is in serious decline and very close to collapse; the threat of nuclear war is ever present and pressing; US foreign policy is supportive of and promoting multiple conflicts across the planet including the genocide in Palestine, the war in Ukraine, multiple conflicts in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East. The nation is divided and electoral politics promise to bring us one of two presidential candidates who are both pro-war. Militarism is exacerbating climate destruction both home and abroad and devouring needed resources for climate restoration.
The imperatives feel greater than ever. If the privilege of political apathy is not abandoned now by all of us and peaceful and life affirming solutions are not adopted and integrated systemically, the consequences of our choices will exceed our expectations in the worst possible way. Time is not on our side.
To help define and illuminate some of the moment’s imperatives , we have assembled an exceptional group of presenters all of whom are dedicated to non-violence and the quest for a sustainable, life affirming planetary future.
The roster is still being developed but currently includes: Brad Wolf, Martha Hennessy, Brian Terrell, Vera Anderson and Ann Wright. Bar Crawl Radio will again be covering the conference.
Albany Friends Meeting
Meeting For Worship With a Concern for Business
July 13, 2024
Present were Christine Koster, David Green, Lawrence Eger, Matthew Ciske, Maggy Wiard, Sheree Cammer, Judith Fetterley, Heather Barclay Davis, Preston Waters, Tori Abdelmagid, Barbara Smith, Carol Barclay.
Our new clerk, Chris Koster, opened the meeting with silence and two short readings about Meetings for Worship with a concern for Business.
Treasurer’s report showed that cash on hand as of July 12 was $4,137.67.
We thank Matthew Ciske for his diligent work as our treasurer and wish him well in his work-related move. As we search for a new treasurer Maggy Wiard agreed to take on interim duties of the treasurer.
We also are needing a third person on Nominating Committee and new people to fill the vacant library committee. David Green volunteered to shelve books that people return to the library.
Trustees report:
- The damage from the fallen tree has now been fully restored.
- The third floor repair work is almost finished. We appreciate the quality work that Francis Lindop and his crew have done.
- We were fortunate to have the architect Marilyn Kaplan willing to provide us free advice about what repair is needed to the damaged bricks on the meetinghouse’s two sides. She did recommend replacing some of the bricks and strengthening the mortar where deteriorated to avoid increased damage to the envelope that helps protect the building from the weather. She likes the work quality and approach of the contractor PCC, which gave us a mid-priced bid for this work 3 years ago when we first started worrying about this. We will ask PCC for an updated bid.
- Marilyn also suggested that we do two things to reduce the moisture in the basement.
- Install a gutter around all three sides of the porch roof building, draining away from the building into a trench with crushed stone along the east hedge. This could be done more cheaply using the lift currently at the building, so we have asked Francis for a bid for adding this work.
- Adding a second dehumidifier to the very damp basement, which we are exploring.
- On July 27th in the morning, there will be special workday to prepare for Young Peacemakers Week. Because of rain, trimming bushes and vines in the back yard was not possible on the recent workday, but help with these is very much needed before Peace Week.
- We are also making arrangements to restore the damaged areas of the front lawn when the weather is appropriate.
When asked who could come on the July 27th work day and bring clippers, David Green, Lawrence Eger and Tori Abdelmagid volunteered.
Ministry and Nurture announced that on July 21, at next Sunday’s third Sunday potluck we will welcome new member Abby Kinchy and youth member Aldo Meltz. They will receive a book of their choice.
We do not have an August business meeting. Because the 2nd Sunday in September is Easton Day our September business meeting will be on the 3rd Sunday 9/15/24 (same as potluck).
The meeting ended with silence.
Carol Barclay, acting recording clerk
Friends invite us.
Al Brophy welcomes people to attend events with him, or to come make music or help with yard work. Call him at 518-209-5859 to arrange.
Cinda Putman, an avid reader and Scrabble player, welcomes visits or phone calls. The best time is between 10 and 11:30 am. The second best time is between 1:30 and 4pm. She is at 518-326-3742. She reads large print books.
If you or others would like to be included in Friends invite us, email sheree4614@gmail.com.
—
Sheree Cammer
Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers)
727 Madison Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
and on Facebook www.facebook.com/albanyfriendsmeeting/
To start or stop newsletter: maggywiard@gmail.com or 518-233-4146.
Advices and Queries
On Patterns August
How do our lives speak to these words of George Fox: “Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come, that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.” What helps us to “…walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone”?
On Children and Youth September
We are called to rejoice in the presence of children and young people in our Meeting and to recognize the gifts they bring. Let us nurture in them the same fullness of being that we seek for ourselves. The Meeting as a whole shares a responsibility for the children and young people in our care. Do we seek to share our deepest beliefs with our children and young people, while still leaving them free to develop as spirit leads them? Do we invite them to share their insights with us? Do we find ways to include them our Meeting for Worship and in the spiritual life of our community? Are we ready to learn from them?
Enriching Vocal Ministry
August: Ministry is what is on one’s soul, and it can be in direct contradiction to what is on one’s mind. It’s what the Inner Light gently pushes you toward or suddenly dumps in your lap. It is rooted in the eternity, divinity, and selflessness of the Inner Light; not in the worldly, egoistic functions of the conscious mind.
Marrianne McMullen, 1987
September: It is understood in…a Meeting that any messages that are spoken strive to be God’s word for these people at this time; that is, no one will speak unless he [or she] has prayerfully considered two questions: whether the message is God’s or [one’s] own, and whether it should be given to these people now, or is for the individual alone.
from “On the Vocal Ministry” by Ruth Pitman
Who to contact
Clerk: Chris Koster Recording Clerk: David Easter
Interim Treasurer: Maggy Wiard, Trustees: Maud Easter
Building Caretakers: caretaker@albanyquakers.org Anne Liske and John Cutro: 518-436-8812. AFM and
outside groups: schedule new events 2-4 weeks ahead. Outside groups need Trustees’ OK first.
Ministry & Nurture Committee: Maggy Wiard, maggywiard@gmail.com, 518-233-4146
Website, Facebook contact David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Newsletter: Maggy Wiard maggywiard@gmail.com, David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Young Peacemakers Week: Anita Stanley 518-441-7722 meridiancomm@earthlink.net
Stay in touch between newsletters! Join the listserv by emailing oehl.david@gmail.com
AFM liaison to NYYM Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer 518-951-5953 Sheree4614@gmail.com.
Dave Oehl (He/ Him)
860-262-3813
Albany Friends Meeting Calendar
*****************
Here is the link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Join by phone dial:
646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 895 8399 3745
Passcode: 289718
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, July 3, 2024 12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
2nd Sunday, July 14, 2024, after Meeting for Worship(in person) Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business
2nd Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 6:30 p.m., Gardens, Yards & Common Ground meetup @ AFM meetinghouse
3rd Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 6:30 p.m., Open Mic @ AFM Meetinghouse
3rd Sunday. July 21, 2024, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
2024 NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT to ALBANY MONTHLY MEETING
The Nominating Committee (Abby Kinchy and Ingrid Werge) prepared the following document for review at the Business Meeting of May 28, 2024.
We suggest that the following information be included in the annual directory and on the AFM website. We ask that each committee provide suggestions about how best to describe their roles, so that other Friends may find their way to serve on those committees in the future.
COMMITTEES AND OFFICES
Meeting members and attenders take on the work of the Meeting, volunteering for various roles and preparing items to be discussed at monthly Business Meetings. Everyone is welcome to participate in the work of the Meeting.
Key
* Open Term
+ Membership required
++ Membership required for a majority of members of committee
+CLERK (2 consecutive terms, the 1st to be 2 years; the 2nd to be 1 year)
Chris Koster (June 2024-May 2026, 1st term)
The Clerk’s role is to serve as the center of communication within the meeting, guide the conduct of business meetings, be the contact person with regional Quaker bodies, and to speak on behalf of the meeting when a spokesperson is required.
RECORDING CLERK (1 year term, renewable)
David Easter (June 2024-May 2025, 1st term)
The Recording Clerk’s role is to write minutes during business meetings, seeking acceptance from all present that the sense of the meeting is accurately captured.
++TRUSTEES (3-year term, renewable for total of 6 years)
Maud Easter (June 2022-May 2025, 1st term)
Katja Rehm (June 2022-May 2025, 1st term)
Carol Barclay (June 2022-May 2025, 1st term)
Matthew Ciske (June 2022-2025, 1st term)
Pierre Douyon (June 2022-May 2025, 1st term)
Lawrence Eger (June 2024-May 2027, 1st term)
The role of the Trustees is to serve the Quaker community by looking after the property, money, legal compliance and other practical matters that enable the whole group to witness and worship. Trustees arrange for necessary repairs of the Meetinghouse, work with the Treasurer to raise donations and oversee the Meeting’s finances, oversee the work of the residents, and establish policies for use of the Meetinghouse by community groups and approve new groups’ use.
+TREASURER
Matthew Ciske
The role of the Treasurer is to ensure that money is used well to sustain the Quaker meeting. This includes preparing the annual budget for consideration by the Meeting, paying bills, liaising with relevant financial institutions, and maintaining financial records.
++MINISTRY AND NURTURE (3-year term, renewable for a total of 6 years)
Maggy Wiard (June 2024-May 2027, 2nd term)
Anita Stanley (June 2022-May 2025, 1st term)
Judith Fetterley (June 2023-May 2025, 2nd term)
Morgan Adcock (June 2024-May 2027, 2nd term)
Dave Green (June 2022-May 2025, 2nd term)
Barbara Sinacore (June 2024-May 2027, 1st term)
The role of Ministry and Nurture is to nurture the religious life of the meeting. Its purposes are to exercise general care of meetings for worship and support of the spiritual ministry, and to coordinate pastoral care of the membership (including membership, marriage, and memorials).
*NEWSLETTER
Maggy Wiard
David Oehl
The Newsletter Committee produces a monthly electronic newsletter containing a calendar, news (submitted by members and attenders of the meeting), the business meeting minute, and other notices relevant to the Quaker community.
*AFM ANNUAL DIRECTORY
Julia Richards
The meeting publishes a booklet of the current contact information of all members, attenders, and non-resident members, as well as committee composition. The editor of the directory updates it annually by requesting additions, deletions, and corrections.
*WEBMASTER
David Oehl
Judith Fetterley
The Webmasters are responsible for maintaining the AFM website, Facebook page, and email list.
*FIRST DAY SCHOOL
Chris Koster
Abby Kinchy
Ingrid Werge
Pierre Douyon
Aldo Meltz
The role of the First Day School Committee is to organize and lead the spiritual education of young Friends, as well as to coordinate child care for those too young to participate in First Day School.
*LIBRARY
Vacant
The Library Committee is responsible for the organization and upkeep of the library collection on the first floor of the meetinghouse.
*HOSPITALITY
Maggy Wiard
Dave Green
Amy Wenger
Chris Koster
The Hospitality Committee’s role is to organize the provision of light refreshments at the end of Sunday worship and to arrange tables and tableware for the monthly potlucks.
+* MEMORIAL FUND
Judith Fetterley
David Easter
The Memorial Fund Committee manages the Meeting’s Memorial Fund, which holds money left to the Meeting by members in their wills. The committee makes decisions on how monies from the fund shall be used, based on policies determined by the Meeting. The Committee provides the Meeting with an annual report on the Fund’s value, income, and expenditures, and periodically reviews the Fund’s investments to ensure that they are in line with Quaker values.
+NOMINATING COMMITTEE (overlapping 3-year terms)
Abby Kinchy (June 2022-May 2025)
Ingrid Werge (June 2023-May 2026)
Clerk to nominate a third member
The role of the Nominating Committee is to encourage committee participation by meeting attenders and members, and to identify appropriate members and attenders to serve in various roles and committees of the Meeting.
*YOUNG PEACEMAKERS WEEK STEERING COMMITTEE
Anita Stanley
Mary Baker
Young Peacemakers Week is an annual summer day camp for young people that takes place at the meetinghouse. The Steering Committee contributes to the organization of the camp, including fundraising, curriculum, staff hiring, outreach, and other activities.
WORKING GROUPS
Friends participate in many activities that express the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. All Friends are invited to participate in meetings and events convened by these working groups, as well as to form new working groups to meet interests and needs that arise.
BECOMING AN ANTIRACIST COMMUNITY
Anne Liske, Convener
Purpose: anti-racism work among AFM Friends and in our local communities
MONTHLY PEACE VIGIL
Purpose: Monthly peace vigil in front of Capitol (first Wednesday, 12:15-1)
FRIENDS IN UNITY WITH NATURE (FUN)/REGENERATION
Sheree Cammer, Convener
Purpose: Ecospirituality/promote regeneration
REPRESENTATIVES TO EXTERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
Friends are involved in a wide variety of Quaker and interfaith organizations that are relevant to the AFM community.
FRIENDS COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL LEGISLATION
Anne Liske
CAPITAL AREA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Maggy Wiard
CAPITAL REGION INTERFAITH CREATION CARE COALITION
Sheree Cammer
QUAKER EARTHCARE WITNESS
Sheree Cammer
Lawrence Eger
NEW YORK YEARLY MEETING COMMITTEES
Meetings for Discernment: Carol Barclay
Committee on Conflict Transformation: Pierre Douyon
European American Quakers Working to End Racism: Anne Liske
Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer
National Religious Campaign Against Torture: Paul Rehm
Members of NYYM Recorded in the Ministry: Sunday Blackmon
Note_ The Nominating Committee Report was approved at Business Meeting on May 28, 2024
Friends invite us.
Al Brophy welcomes people to attend events with him, or to come make music or help with yard work. Call him at 518-209-5859 to arrange.
Cinda Putman, an avid reader and Scrabble player, welcomes visits or phone calls. The best time is between 10 and 11:30 am. The second best time is between 1:30 and 4pm. She is at 518-326-3742. She reads large print books.
Dot Richards: her situation is very changeable right now. Email updates will be sent out as we learn the details.
If you or others would like to be included in Friends invite us, email sheree4614@gmail.com.
—
Sheree Cammer
Happenings of AFM Friends in Unity with Nature (FUN)/ Regeneration and affilated organizations
Our monthly sharing on Gardens, Yards, and Common Ground continues. See the newsletter calendar.
The annual picnic for CRICCC (Capital Region Interfaith Creation Care Coalition) is Sun., July 14, 5:30 PM. It will be at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 1150 Maple Hill Rd., Castleton. It will be carry-in and carry-out with no fires or alcohol. Please bring an appetizer, main or side dish, or dessert to share, and bring your own beverage, plates, and utensils. At 6:30 PM we will have a meeting. For more on CRICCC: CapitalCreationCare.org.
New York Yearly Meeting (NYYM) Summer Sessions in Poughkeepsie will include walking worship sharing on a nature trail. More on Summer Sessions:
Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW)
offers many on line opportunities for engagement in evolving keen insights and effective spirit-led witness. See
A UN High-Level Political Forum Virtual Side Event, Thurs., July 11, 1:30 p.m. will be convened by the QEW United Nations Working Group. It is in recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015 – 2024) and the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development (2018-2028).
Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers)
727 Madison Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
and on Facebook www.facebook.com/albanyfriendsmeeting/
To start or stop newsletter: maggywiard@gmail.com or 518-233-4146.
Advices and Queries
On the Integrity Testimony
We are called to a genuineness of life and speech that leaves no room for deceit or artificiality. Devotion to truth requires openness and honesty in all our relationships. Fulfilling what we deem to be our moral responsibility may involve us in taking unpopular stands. Are we honest and truthful in all we say and do? Do we maintain strict integrity in our dealings with individuals and organizations? Do we resist letting the desire to be agreeable or accepted determine our decisions? Are we prepared to advance the cause of truth by simple affirmation rather than swearing an oath? If we are pressured to lower our standard of integrity, are we prepared to resist it?
Enriching Vocal Ministry
July: Vocal ministry should arise out of a sense of being inwardly moved to share a message aloud. Sometimes a message is not ripe yet, or comes clearly but is meant only for the person receiving it, not for the group. Some Friends are led to speak frequently, and others only rarely; yet the timid or brief message of one who seldom speaks may be as moving and helpful as that of a more practiced speaker. The experienced speaker should be watchful not to speak too often or at undue length. No Friend should come to meeting for worship with an intention to speak or not to speak.
From Baltimore Monthly Meeting’s “Advices: The Life of the Spirit”
Who to contact
Clerk: Chris Koster Recording Clerk: David Easter
Treasurer: Matthew Ciske Trustees: Maud Easter
Building Caretakers: caretaker@albanyquakers.org Anne Liske and John Cutro: 518-436-8812. AFM and
outside groups: schedule new events 2-4 weeks ahead. Outside groups need Trustees’ OK first.
Ministry & Nurture Committee: Maggy Wiard, maggywiard@gmail.com, 518-233-4146
Website, Facebook contact David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Newsletter: Maggy Wiard maggywiard@gmail.com, David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Young Peacemakers Week: Anita Stanley 518-441-7722 meridiancomm@earthlink.net
Stay in touch between newsletters! Join the listserv by emailing oehl.david@gmail.com
AFM liaison to NYYM Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer 518-951-5953 Sheree4614@gmail.com.
Dave Oehl (He/ Him)
860-262-3813
May 2024 Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) News
Albany Friends Meeting Calendar
*****************
Here is the link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Join by phone dial:
646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 895 8399 3745
Passcode: 289718
The same link will be used for Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, May 1, 2024 12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
First Sunday, May 5, 2024 12:30 p.m, Crop Walk at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (see: News)
2nd Tuesday, May 14, 2024 6:30 p.m, Gardens, Yards & Common Ground meetup AFM meetinghouse (see: News)
3rd Sunday, May 19, 2024, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
3rd Monday, May 20, 2024, 7:00 p.m, CRICCC meeting, St. Vincent de Paul’s Parish, 900 Madison Ave, Albany (see: News)
3rd Tuesday, May 21, 2024 6:30 p.m, Open Mic Night AFM Meetinghouse (see: News)
4th Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 5:30 pm, Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business by Zoom. (see link above)
News:
CROP Walk
The John U. Miller Memorial Crop Walk will be held on May 5, 2024! Our Meeting has a long tradition with the Albany Crop Walk, with many Friends walking and contributing.Anne Liske, Maggy Wiard, Judy Fetterley, Julia Richards, David Barnett, Sheree Cammer and Barbara Sinacore (so far) are registered to collect donations and to walk in Albany on May 5, 2024. Please consider joining us. There will be a one mile and a two mile walk starting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 21 Hackett Blvd. with registration at 12:30. To register to walk or to donate online, go to https:/www/events.crophungerwalk.org/cropwalks/event/albanyny Or if you prefer, mail a check to the meetinghouse at 727 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12208. Please make your check payable to CWS/CROP and note “crop walk” on the envelope. Contact Maggy or Anne if you have any questions.
Gardens, Yards and Common Grounds Meetup on May 14, 2024: Albany Quakers and their friends are invited to share what they know or want to know about gardening and ecolandscaping (ex. planting pollinator-friendly and native plants). People are invited to share information on local urban gardens and farms (ex. Albany Victory Gardens, Collard City Growers) and CSA’s they belong to. The regenerative agriculture documentary Common Ground has provided us with national momentum to follow through in supporting regenerative agriculture in our communities. Together, we are positive energy.
CRICCC (Capital Region Interfaith Creation Care Coalition) invites all people of faith to its next general meeting, Monday., May 20, 2024 at St. Vincent de Paul’s Parish, 900 Madison Ave, Albany. What does regeneration look like locally? Several examples will be featured, along with concrete, simple actions to promote a food system based on healthy soils, our common ground. See CapitalCreationCare.org
Our Earthcare Network:
Organizations affiliated with AFM Friends in Unity with Nature (FUN) and Regeneration Committee
New York Yearly Meeting Earthcare Working Group continues to offer grants to projects with which Quakers are working. https://nyym.org/content/nyym-financial-resources-individuals-and-meetings#earthcare
Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW) just concluded an online session on Finding Our Prophetic Voice. Open to all, it has members in North America. See QuakerEarthcare.org for resources for our meeting, including workshops, minigrants, First Day School curriculum, and the newsletter, BeFriending Creation.
Sheree Cammer (sheree4614@gmail.com)
Friends in Unity with Nature (FUN) and Regeneration
Open Mic Night on May 21, 2024 Last month’s open mic was so much fun that we’re doing it again. People played instruments and sang. Folklore and a rap were read. It was a Mic-Less Open Mic, and a good homespun time was had by all. Friends and friends of friends are welcome. Bring finger food if you wish.
Albany Friends Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business 4/23/2024
Present via Zoom: David Easter, Maud Easter, Anne Liske, Matthew Ciske, Carol Barclay, Maggy Wiard, Anita Stanley, Sheree Cammer, Denise Hart, David Barnard, Pierre Douyon
The Meeting opened with a period of Silent Worship.
Treasurer’s Report: Matthew reported a current account balance of $4,182.84. The $11,000 insurance reimbursement to cover the expenses of the downed tree removal in the backyard will be deposited shortly. Income to date this year is $8,954; with expenses to date totaling $9095.28 reflecting a negative balance for the current year of $450.69. One thousand dollars from the Clark Fund (original donation of $5,000 last year, to be released $1,000 annually over five years) has already been deposited into the Meeting’s bank account for 2024.
2024 Budget Review
The Clerk reminded Friends that the current budget (attached) is based on lower income received in the past year and additional operating expenses going forward. Due to these factors, Matthew described the “assumptions list” used to create the proposed 2024 Budget of $32,646. The Meeting was not able to make the usual contributions last year to outside local and national groups providing peace and justice advocacy and community services. Going forward the amount committed to New York Yearly Meeting for 2024 has been reduced; contributions to other groups may be revisited later in the year. We have some additional building maintenance expenses to consider as well. After some discussion, Friends approved the 2024 budget as presented.
Ministry and Nurture
Maggy Wiard reported on a request by Janet Anderson’s family for Albany Friends to host a Zoom Memorial Meeting for her. The Hamilton, Ontario Meeting where she most recently worshiped is not able to do so. Friends approved. Maggy will consult with the family about possible dates and details. Maggy also reported the successful Membership welcome celebration for Matthew Ciske – pies galore!
Nominating Committee
The Clerk presented the First Reading of the Nominating Committee proposed slate for Trustees on behalf of the Committee. Lawrence Eger has agreed to serve on Trustees, (first term); Matthew Ciske will remain as Treasurer (second term) though not able to attend all committee meetings due to his schedule. Chris Koster will be stepping off the committee to serve as Clerk of the Meeting.
The Nominating Committee indicates there are still some vacancies on committees, including Ministry and Nurture, Friends in Unity with Nature and the Library Committee. Friends are encouraged to contact Abby Kinchy if interested in serving on any of these committees. The Meeting will continue to keep our hospitality/social hour practices as one way to engage and educate newer members and attenders about ways to share their interests and become involved in Meeting committee service. Friends heard the first reading of the proposed slate of Nominations to date for 2024: Chris Koster to serve First Term as Clerk of the Meeting; Recording Clerk First Term David Easter and Matthew Ciske, Second Term, Treasurer.
Trustees
Maud Easter, Clerk of Trustees, reported that Peter Howard who grew up in the Meeting will be doing the fallen tree removal work in the backyard, followed by the play equipment and sidewalk repairs caused by the tree damage.
A second planned project for property involves necessary repair to the front of the building on the third floor level surrounding the windows, as recommended when a small roof leak was repaired in the Fall of 2023 (source of the internal wall damage which was re-painted at the time.) Francis Lindop now works with Roche Brothers a qualified contractor for external structural wood repairs and painting, and they have submitted a successful bid to do the work. The Memorial Fund committee approved provision of $20,000 from the Fund for this critical structural work to maintain the building. Friends approved this project.
Friends Invite Us.
Al Brophy welcomes people to attend events with him, or to come make music or help with yard work. Call him at 518-209-5859 to arrange.
Cinda Putman, an avid reader and Scrabble player, welcomes visits or phone calls. The best time is between 10 and 11:30 am. The second best time is between 1:30 and 4pm. She is at 518-326-3742. She reads large print books.
Dot Richards enjoys meeting Friends for outings or visits: 518-280-2434 or wrichard@nycap.rr.com
Pat Beetle welcomes visitors. Please call her 518–833–2069 11am-2pm Mon.-Sat. to arrange visits for those same times. Her caregiver will put the visit on the calendar. Questions? Reach out to Karen Beetle at 518-424–7516 (text preferred), or kabeetle@aol.com
If you or others would like to be included in Friends Invite Us, email sheree4614@gmail.com.
—
Sheree Cammer
—
Cinda Invites Us
Cinda invites us to come and do fun things with her. She loves conversation, but if you would like other ideas, here they are. She suggests asking her about watching a movie together on your electronic device (cell phone, tablet etc.).
She would enjoy listening on visitors’ devices to some of her favorite artists, including Billy Joel, Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, Reggie Harris, and other 60s political folk music, and funny, interesting stories about them. She would enjoy large-print mystery books. She likes playing Scrabble, so bring a set along!
Since the facility serves watered down coffee, she appreciates visitors bringing a small hot cup of black coffee.
Cinda says, “Please come only if you want to. I don’t want people to want to think they have to show up.”
Others visitors have noticed that mornings after 10 seem to work out better, finishing up by 11:45 at the latest. She’s not embarrassed to be asked to clarify because she knows her speech is difficult. If she happens to be out of her room, staff will assist in finding her.
She is always at the facility. If you want to talk with her: 518-326-3742.
By Cinda Putman with Barbara Sinacore
Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers)
727 Madison Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
and on Facebook www.facebook.com/albanyfriendsmeeting/
To start or stop newsletter: maggywiard@gmail.com or 518-233-4146.
Advices and Queries
On the Peace Testimony
We are called to live “in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars.” Do we maintain Friends’ testimony that war and the preparation for war are inconsistent with this calling? Do we search our own behavior for the ways in which our lives may contain the seeds of war? Do we exert our influence to bring about the non-violent resolution of conflict? Do we seek to share the peace testimony with everyone we meet?
Enriching Vocal Ministry
May: Ministry is what is on one’s soul, and it can be in direct contradiction to what is on one’s mind. It’s what the Inner Light gently pushes you toward or suddenly dumps in your lap. It is rooted in the eternity, divinity, and selflessness of the Inner Light; not in the worldly, egoistic functions of the conscious mind.
Marrianne McMullen, 1987
Who to contact
Clerk: David Easter Recording Clerk: Stacie Faraone
Treasurer: Matthew Ciske Trustees: Maud Easter
Building Caretakers: caretaker@albanyquakers.org Anne Liske and John Cutro: 518-436-8812. AFM and
outside groups: schedule new events 2-4 weeks ahead. Outside groups need Trustees’ OK first.
Ministry & Nurture Committee: Maggy Wiard, maggywiard@gmail.com, 518-233-4146
Website, Facebook contact David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Newsletter: Maggy Wiard maggywiard@gmail.com, David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Young Peacemakers Week: Anita Stanley 518-441-7722 meridiancomm@earthlink.net
Stay in touch between newsletters! Join the listserv by emailing oehl.david@gmail.com
AFM liaison to NYYM Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer 518-951-5953 Sheree4614@gmail.com.
Dave Oehl (He/ Him)
860-262-3813
April 2024 Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) News
Albany Friends Meeting Calendar
*****************
Here is the link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89583993745?pwd=N3dpT0R5VEQ2dldONDlXbmkrL3NEZz09 Join by phone dial:
646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 895 8399 3745
Passcode: 289718
The same link will be used for Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, April 3, 2024 12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
3rd Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6:30 pm, Open Mic Night at Albany Friends Meetinghouse (see news) Third Friday, April 19, 2024 7:00 pm, Common Ground regeneration movie, Williamstown. (See news).
3rd Sunday, April 21, 2024, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
4th Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 5:30 pm, Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business by Zoom. (see link above) News:
Open Mike Tuesday, April 16 FUN/Regeneration Committee Let’s have FUN at the meetinghouse sharing our songs, raps, dance, poetry, etc. Songbooks are in the closet by the back door if needed. Bring finger food to share, if you like. Invite friends! It’s rumored that a brook with waterfalls may be dancing with a forest. Experience it! Work by local photographers and artists will likely be on display, including perhaps raindrops, a waterfall, and a bubbling brook, and perhaps a small sculptural installation or two. It’s invitational! Come regenerate our spirits in communal fun! Questions? Sheree4614@gmail.com 518-951-5953
Common Ground Documentary Friday April 19 and Monday April 22
The film Common Ground, the sequel to Kiss the Ground, highlights regenerative agriculture as a solution to climate change.It is showing in Williamstown, MA at the Images Cinema, 50 Spring St., on Friday, April. 19, 7:00 pm and Monday., April. 22, 4:30 pm.
Healthy soil is our common ground. A tipping point will occur when 10% of US agriculture is regenerative, according to RegenerateAmerica.com. “The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy — before it’s too late.” -RottenTomatoes.com Do carpool! Tickets at https://www.imagescinema.org/whats-on For other locations: https://commongroundfilm.org/#purchase_tickets
CROP Walk
The John U. Miller Memorial Crop Walk will be held on May 5, 2024! Our Meeting has a long tradition with the Albany Crop Walk, with many Friends walking and contributing. Anne Liske and Maggy Wiard (so far) are registered to collect donations and to walk in Albany on May 5, 2024. Please consider joining us. There will be a one mile and a two mile walk starting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 21 Hackett Blvd. with registration at 12:30. The Opening Ceremony begins at 1:15 and the walk sets off at 1:30. Walkers who do not feel comfortable in a group are encouraged to walk anyplace and at any time before the end of May. To register to walk or to donate online, go to https:/www/events.crophungerwalk.org/cropwalks/event/albanyny Or if you prefer, mail a check to the meetinghouse. Please make your check payable to CWS/CROP and note “crop walk” on the envelope. Contact Maggy or Anne if you have any questions.
Minutes of Meeting for Business of Albany Friends Meeting March 26, 2024 by Zoom
Present: David Easter, clerk; Carol Barclay, Katja Rehm, Paul Rehm, Matthew Ciske, Sheree Cammer, Anne Liske, Lily Naha, Abby Kinchy, Barbabra Sinacore, Denise Hart, David Barnard, Dot Richards, Maggy Wiard, Pierre Douyon, Judith Fetterley; Maud Easter, recording.
The meeting opened with a period of silence.
The Treasurer reported that as of March 24, 2024 the Meeting had $2,271 unrestricted cash on hand. Since January 1, the Meeting’s income totaled $3,381 and expenses totaled $5,642.56, including a initial 2024 payment to New York Yearly Meeting of $3,000 and threshing session stipends of $1,156.60. The 2023 end of year contributions totaled $32,300.85, and expenses totaled $33,306.08. Hopefully, more responses to the March appeal will be coming. In light of the fact that this income was substantially less than what we had thought in January, the Meeting decided not to make the organizational donations that had been in the 2023 budget.
Trustees reported that the tree that came down in the Meetinghouse backyard during the recent snowstorm caused considerable damage – to the electrical and internet wiring, some of the play equipment and the patio. And the tree will need to be removed. Hopefully our insurance will cover the costs, but the work will be expensive.
Ministry and Nurture reported that separate clearness committees have met with Abby Kinchy and Aldo Meltz and recommend each for membership. The Meeting enthusiastically approved their membership. Ministry and Nurture will be organizing welcoming committees for Abby and Aldo and also for Matthew Ciske who became a member earlier.
The Nominating Committee proposed that Lawrence Eger be added to the Trustees for the coming year, to replace Chris Koster who will be proposed at the April meeting for the role of Clerk. The Meeting approved the addition of Lawrence. Nominating Committee hopes to have a full committee slate ready by the April Meeting.
The Israel Gaza Ad Hoc Committee reviewed the Ceasefire Minute that the Meeting had approved as well as resources available from the Friends Committee on National Legislation. It was clarified that copies of our minute had been distributed widely to Quaker organizations, legislators and the media. Since our minute was still not listed on the FCNL site, the Meeting agreed to the Committee’s request that it be sent there. The Meeting welcomed that an extensive list of resources on the issue, suggested by committee members at their meetings, had been prepared and asked that a Palestinian Trade Union statement be added, as well as information on the AFSC weekly Action Hour for a Ceasefire Now, when it is shared on the Meeting listserv. Members also hoped that upcoming presentations on the issue would also be shared on the listserv. Information on providing survival resources to Gazans was requested as well. Because the different perspectives on the issue within the Meeting have also impacted the committee, the Meeting approved the committee’s request to be laid down and thanked committee members Denise Hart, Paul Rehm, Judith Fetterley and Abby Kinchy for their work. Abby Kinchy offered to make a Google Doc that anyone in the meeting could add resources to and will share information on how to use this. Friends were reminded that we can be a resource for people who feel strongly about the issue by listening.
Friends in Unity with Nature is exploring the possibility of screening a film about regenerative agriculture. The committee will also be holding gardening parties with several members of the meeting to provide help with their gardens.
The Meeting closed with a period of silence.
Friends invite us.
Al Brophy welcomes people to attend events with him, or to come make music or help with yard work. Call him at 518-209-5859 to arrange.
Cinda Putman, an avid reader and Scrabble player, welcomes visits or phone calls. The best time is between 10 and 11:30 am. The second best time is between 1:30 and 4pm. She is at 518-326-3742. She reads large print books.
Dot Richards enjoys meeting Friends for outings or visits: 518-280-2434 or wrichard@nycap.rr.com
Pat Beetle welcomes visitors. Please call her 518–833–2069 11am-2pm Mon.-Sat. to arrange visits for those same times. Her caregiver will put the visit on the calendar. Questions? Reach out to Karen Beetle at 518-424–7516 (text preferred), or kabeetle@aol.com
If you or others would like to be included in Friends invite us, email sheree4614@gmail.com.
—
Sheree Cammer
—
Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) 727 Madison Ave. Albany, NY 12208 www.albanyfriendsmeeting.org and on Facebook www.facebook.com/albanyfriendsmeeting/ To start or stop newsletter: maggywiard@gmail.com or 518-233-4146.
Advices and Queries
On Stewardship
We are called to be stewards of the earth and all its inhabitants and to approach all living beings and the earth itself with compassion and respect. In a time of global environmental crisis, it is our individual and collective responsibility to preserve the earth’s resources and to maintain the beauty and variety of the world. Do we consider the effects of our actions on the earth’s sustainability at this moment and on future generations? Do we work to establish policies that support the right use of natural resources? Do we promote a compassionate and respectful approach to all living things?
Enriching Vocal Ministry
April: The end of words is to bring us to the knowledge of things beyond what words can utter.
Isaac Penington, 1670
Who to contact
| Clerk: David Easter Recording Clerk: Stacie Faraone Treasurer: Matthew Ciske Trustees Maud Easter Building Caretakers: caretaker@albanyquakers.org Anne Liske and John Cutro: 518-436-8812. AFM and outside groups: schedule new events 2-4 weeks ahead. Outside groups need Trustees’ OK first. Ministry & Nurture Committee: Maggy Wiard, maggywiard@gmail.com, 518-233-4146 Website, Facebook contact David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au Newsletter: Maggy Wiard maggywiard@gmail.com, David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au Young Peacemakers Week: Anita Stanley 518-441-7722 meridiancomm@earthlink.net Stay in touch between newsletters! Join the listserv by emailing oehl.david@gmail.com AFM liaison to NYYM Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer 518-951-5953 Sheree4614@gmail.com. |
March 2024 Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) NewsAlbany Friends Meeting
Calendar*****************
Here is the link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89583993745?pwd=N3dpT0R5VEQ2dldONDlXbmkrL3NEZz09Join by phone dial:646 558 8656Meeting ID: 895 8399 3745Passcode: 289718
The same link will be used for Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, March 6, 2024 12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
3rd Sunday, March 17, 2024, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
4th Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 5:30pm, Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business by Zoom. (see link above)
Sheree’s calendar entries:2nd Saturday, March 9, 2024 1:30pm, Seed swap @Troy Farmers Market near Placid Baker**3rd Monday, March 18, 2024, 7 pm Capital Region Interfaith Creation Care Coalition general meeting: all welcome. @ Albany Friends Meetinghouse . Details: sheree4614@gmail.com–
3rd Monday and Tuesday,March 18-19, 2024 NY State Council of Churches’ Ecumenical and Interfaith Advocacy Day*
3rd Wednesday, March 20, 2024, NY Renews Advocacy Day*
Friday through Sunday, March 22-24 EcoLandscaping Exhibit at the Capital Region Flower and Garden Show**Details on Capital Region Interfaith Creation Care Coalition website:https://sites.google.com/view/criccc/events**Details: AFM Friends in Unity with Nature: Sheree4614@gmail.com–
AFM Friends in Unity with Nature/ RegenerationAt the February Regeneration potluck at the meetinghouse, most are focusing on improving their gardening. Some are working on legislation funding regenerative agriculture and food sovereignty. A seed swap is planned where people can talk gardens. (See calendar)Help is welcome to install a Regenerative Practices for Landscapes exhibit within the EcoLandscaping Exhibit. (See calendar). A similar exhibit is planned at April 5-7 NYYM Spring Sessions. Info: sheree4614@gmail.comQuaker Earthcare Witness zooms open to all: https://quakerearthcare.org/events/ People are encouraged to donate a CSA share for those who suffer from food insecurity.Sheree CammerAlbany
Friends Meeting Business Meeting February 27, 2024
Present: Dave Green, Matthew Ciske, Judith Fetterley, Maggy Wiard, Carol Barclay, Sheree Cammer, Anita Stanley, Denise Hart, David Barnard, Paul Rehm, David Easter, Maud Easter.
1. The meeting opened with a period of silence.
2. The Treasurer reported available unrestricted cash on hand, as of February 27, was $2,580.99. SinceJanuary 1st, income was $2381.00 and expenditures were $1485.96, including $230 for the directoryprinting. Restricted funds are $4000 of which $1000 can be disbursed this year to the general fund.
3. The Memorial Fund reported that the Fund currently has assets of $414,777.64. Income last year was$17,627.25 and expenditures were $3,345, $2500 for Young Peacemakers Week and $845 for a newdishwasher.
4. Trustees reported that, for safety in the snow and ice, new metal grippers strips were being installed onthe front, back and side steps.
5. Ministry and Nurture presented a draft of the State of the Meeting Report which was approved forsubmission to New York Yearly Meeting.
6. Ministry and Nurture reported the recent deaths of two Meeting members, Claudia Anderson and JanetAnderson. It was decided to have a period after Meeting for Worship to remember each of them, onMarch 3rd for Claudia and March 10th for Janet, at both the in-person and Zoom meetings.
7. Two letters for membership were read and welcomed by all: from Abby Kinchy and from Aldo Meltz.Ministry and Nurture is arranging clearness committees to meet with each of them.
8. Ministry and Nurture reported that the new directories are available at the Meetinghouse. If anyonecannot pick one up, contact Maggy Wiard to be mailed a copy.
9. Changing the time of Business Meeting was discussed, to accommodate the schedule of the NominatingCommittee’s choice for a new Meeting Clerk. It was agreed that, starting in June, Business Meeting willbe on Sunday after Meeting for Worship.
10. The Meeting’s Israel/Palestine Ad Hoc Committee has met twice and is focusing on identifying programsand resources which would provide opportunities for learning. They have sent a list of resources to theMeeting’s email list. Other learning options will be in the March newsletter, and the committee isconsidering the possibility of bringing a series of resource people to offer programs at theMeetinghouse, although there are many valuable programs already available in the community.
11. Young Peacemakers asked permission to use the Meetinghouse and grounds during the week of August19-23. The program will be similar to last year’s, from 1:30-6:30 PM each day that week. The use of theMeetinghouse was approved.
12. Friends discussed the request from the Friends Committee for National Legislation for Meeting input ontheir priorities. It was agreed just to let this opportunity pass this year.
13. The Meeting closed with a period of silence.
Albany Friends Meeting State of the Meeting Report for 2023The query for 2023 is “What is shaping your spirituality and how are you being led to respond?”
This is two questions in one and there are as many answers as there are Friends in our Meeting. Albany Meeting currently has two meetings for worship each week, one in person and one on Zoom. On February 4, 2024, we talked about our individual responses to the query after each Meeting. The conversation itself has been a rich spiritual experience.
Members and attenders of Albany Friends Meeting offered a wide variety of responses to the query. Thefollowing are responses to the first part of this question.
Several persons stated that some form of music gave shape to their spirituality, including communal chants, services at other churches, and music in combination with dancing.A number described the power of nature, such as experiencing Meeting for Worship outdoors in the backyard, connecting with nature through regeneration, and experiencing the resonance of earth.A frequent response was the profound effect on one’s spiritual life of two ongoing wars, as well as the possibility of a Trump presidency after the next election.The need to help people all around us was a common answer and some people felt that engagement with the community was shaping their spirituality.One person mentioned that a Bible-centered group had influenced him, and some that grounding themselves in Jesus and his teachings was important. This included the possibility that Jesus traveled to Far Eastern countries, such as those surrounding the Himalayas. Being a Christian was important to them.Another said that even though science and traditional religion may seem incompatible, he is inspired by a deeper common truth.Grounding, and “stepping into the living stream” was important to one person.One person said that Albany Friends Meeting itself was an influencer, as well as a sojourn at Pendle Hill. They mentioned that the workshop by Christopher Sammond, in which we learned how to “listen”, had shaped their spiritual life.A member talked about the experiences we have when we least expect them, sometimes in a space that has “sacred” meaning for us. An example of this was a group of butterflies that swooped down at a retreat center.
Here are responses to the second half of the query:
Some people were led to seek structure and specifics for their spirituality. Others were led to show up in places where spirituality is “flowing”, possibly in extrasensory realms.One person felt that getting more rest will open up a spiritual dimension for them.Another was led to generate purposeful events, such as AFSC fundraisers.One person was led to experiment with other churches.Another felt that agriculture gives them a sense of spirituality, especially regeneration.Some people were led to ask God for help, i.e., to pray.One felt led to address structural racism.Several people wanted to reach out to heal themselves and others.One person wanted to learn how to say, “This is not okay”, without being harmful.Another wanted to affirm their sense of community in the one-to-one setting.Some people were led to emphasize social action, with one example being writing postcards encouraging people to vote. Some wanted to provide a counterbalance to war, especially to witness for peace and increase their commitment to pacifism.One felt led to think more about the goodness of life and love, and another tried to live a life of kindness and compassion.One person has donated blood.Another was committed to reading informative articles, with another reading books about the history of the Middle East.In these many ways the members and attenders of Albany Friends Meeting are led to respond to the things that shape their spirituality.
Friends invite us.I dedicate this new corner of the newsletter to Barbara Spring, who used this corner to share news of Friends who wanted to be more connected to the meeting. If you know of others who would like to be included in this corner, email sheree4614@gmail.com.
Al Brophy welcomes people to attend events with him, or to come to his home and make music or help with yard work. Call him at 518-209-5859 to arrange.
Cinda Putman, an avid reader and Scrabble player, welcomes visits or phone calls. Between 10 and 11:30am is best. The second best time is between 1:30 and 4pm. She is at 518-326-3742. If you bring books for her, they must be large print
Dot Richards enjoys meeting Friends for outings or visits. She is at 518-280-2434 or wrichard@nycap.rr.com .
Pat Beetle welcomes visitors at her home. Please call Pat at 518–833–2069 11am-2pm weekdays or Saturdays to make arrangements. Pat’s caregiver will be there and make sure the visit gets on the calendar. Visits will take place between 11 am and 2 pm weekdays and Saturdays. If you have questions – reach out to Karen Beetle at kabeetle@aol.com or 518-424–7516 (text preferred).–
Sheree CammerCRICCC Interfaith Prayer Feb. 25Capital Region Interfaith Creation Care Coalition (CRICCC) hosted Interfaith Prayers for Peace on Earth/Peace with Earth Feb. 25 at the College of St. Rose Interfaith Chapel. The very warm and welcoming area leading to the sanctuary included a meditation pool with a running stream and live plants. The glorious altar in back of the people offering prayers had candles, a large silver word PEACE, and Tibetan prayer flags. Participants seemed excited by the prayer service and they would like to see it happen again.This kind of interfaith gathering can help to promote understanding across religious lines. Individuals can meet others with very different ideas and spiritual practices face to face in a safe environment.I hope the Chapel can continue to be used for prayer after St. Rose closes in June.By Barbara SinacoreA Model for Peace: RojavaBrooklyn Quaker Nicole Fite has been living with the people of Rojava, the area known as the Autonomous Administration of North & East Syria. Rojava is a coalition of all ethnic groups with a strong partnership of women and men equally overseeing the resistance to militant radical groups dominating their lives again. Nicole is returning shortly to Rojava to aid in their building a strong coalition.Nicole was preparing to visit our Meeting on Feb. 25, but plans fell through at the last moment. She hopes to visit soon.Here are a few quotes from Nicole’s article, “Revolution in Syria and Quakerism.”“Perhaps surprisingly to some, within the chaos of the Syrian civil war, the northern third of Syria has operated autonomously since 2011. The people there have built a decentralized, grassroots, and multi-ethnic democratic experiment based on a pillar of gender equality.”“This revolution has only been possible on the bedrock of a deep faith in the possibility of change. My relationship with Quakerism primed me to experience the deep spiritualism at the heart of the revolution over my two years there. It also primed me to appreciate the political and social project being built, as there are many parallels with Quaker structure and philosophy.”“I advised on the writing of a document called “Of Kurds and Quakers,” which can be found online.”Nicole is writing a book about the women’s restorative justice movement there. When she is able to visit our meeting, she will paint a much more vibrant picture. In the meantime, here is a little background Sheree offered to the people who had come to hear her Feb. 25.Most disputes are settled by community members negotiating until both sides are satisfied, a restorative process. For example, former Islamic State group prisoners of war are learning skills like barbering.Some Rojava villages comprised of only women are models of living sustainably. They build houses with straw and mud, recycle household water, and plant many different crops, including fruit and nut trees, for local use.Resources:Nicole’s Spark article:https://nyym.org/content/revolution-syria-and-quakerismhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syriawww.DefendRojava.org“Of Kurds and Quakers”, KurdistanSolidarity.net– by Barbara Sinacore and Sheree Cammer
February 2024
Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers)
News
Albany Friends Meeting Calendar*****************
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Sunday, February 4, 2024 11:30am, Sharing Session on Meeting Gaza/Israel Communication Distress , see News
1st Tuesday, February 6, 2024 6:30pm to 8:30pm All are invited to a Regeneration Team potluck and meeting at the meetinghouse. RSVP helpful for planning purposes: sheree4614@gmail.com or 518-951-5953. The agenda will include planning for a visit with NYS Senate Agriculture Committee, hopefully including chair Honorable NYS Senator Michelle Hinchey.
1st Wednesday, February 7, 2024 12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle3rd Sunday, February 18, 2024, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
4th Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 5:30pm, Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business by Zoom.
News
We will have a called business meeting Sunday, February 4 at 11:30am, after meeting for worship at the meetinghouse, as part of our on-going effort to heal hurts and poor communication during our email and in-person discussions last fall about how to respond as a meeting to the Israel Gaza war.We will have a sharing circle in which, out of worship, each person will have a chance to share how they were affected personally. We will listen to each other but not debate each other during this session. The context forthis sharing session is that the meeting is committed to finding on-going ways to work for peace and justice in Israel-Palestine and we need to come together in order to do so.
Meeting for Business of Albany Friends Meeting January 23, 2024 by Zoom
Clerk: David Easter
Recording Clerk: Stacie Faraone
Present: Judy Fetterley, Maud Easter, Carol Barclay, Barbara Sinacore, Dot Richards, Anne Liske, David Barnard,Sheree Cammer, Paul Rehm, Katja Rehm, Maggy Wiard, Denise Hart, Abby Kinchy, John Amidon
Treasurer: The end of the year Treasurer’s report: We have $10,906.58 in unrestricted funds. As this was more than was anticipated, Friends were in consensus to pay the organizational donations planned for 2023.
Trustees: The Meetinghouse needs some painting as well as some brickwork repair, although this is not urgent. The squirrels seem to have vacated the attic, Trustees is still working with the electrician and contractor to get the openings in the attic sealed. All of the electricity the Meetinghouse uses is now from solar sources.
Ministry and Nurture: Friends agreed that the January 13, 2024 threshing session was positive and strengthened the sense of community. They also felt it did not address the specific hurts it was intended to. We agreed to a Called Business Meeting with worship sharing specific to the problem at hand on Sunday, February 4th at 11:30 AM at the Meetinghouse. This meeting will consist of a sharing circle in which Friends speak from their own experience about the Meeting’s response to the war in Gaza. Each of us will listen deeply and not debate.
The Yearly Meeting State of Society report is being prepared. This year’s query, What is shaping your spiritual life and how are you being led to respond ? will be discussed after both in person and Zoom Meetings for Worship.
A request for support for an elder Quaker was made. Ministry and Nurture will arrange some small potlucks.
First Day School: The students decided to organize a fund raiser to provide relief for the people living with the destruction in Gaza.
Proposal to join the Apartheid Free Communities Coalition: A Friend spoke passionately of his direct experience of the abrogation of human rights he witnessed in the West Bank. Friends are not in consensus at this time to join the AFCC. Friends agreed that we all need more education and information about the complexities of the Israel/Gaza war. Denise Hart and Paul Rehm will explore different avenues for presenting informational programs.
Donation request for MLK Scholarship fund: Friends agreed to donate $200 to the Council of Churches for this scholarship.
Friends United in Nature/Regeneration: Along with other groups, FUN is part of the Regeneration Team of the Capital Region, working toward soil and ecological health. Friends interested in this work may contact Sheree Cammer at Sheree4614@gmail.com or 518-951-5953. The committee will work with the Home Earth Alliance in creating an educational Ecological Landscapes Exhibit at the Flower & Garden Expo this spring. They are also planning a visit with the NYS Senate Agriculture Committee staff to address the US Farm Bill and the NYS Agriculture Budget.
Next Business Meeting: Tuesday, February 27th at 5:30.
From Sheree:AFM Friends in Unity with Nature (FUN)/Regeneration Committee Report
Home Earth Alliance (HEA):HEA is planning an Ecological Landscapes Exhibit at the Capital Region Flower & Garden Expo. It’s March 22- 24 at Hudson Valley Community College. Composting, native plants, and resilient communities are some of the topics planned for this year. To get tickets or volunteer, sign up on the website: HomeEarthAlliance.org.
The Regeneration Team of the Capital Region:The Team includes members of the AFM FUN/Regeneration Committee and the CRICCC Earth Regeneration Committee, and others. We see healthy soil as our common ground, a nonpartisan approach that includes all. The Team is seeking to network with urban farmers/gardeners/foresters and regenerative farmers and landscapers on how the US Farm Bill and our state agriculture budget can help them thrive.We met with US Representative Tonko in December concerning the US Farm Bill and our prioritized 15 marker bills in the US Farm Bill. He was keenly interested and invited ongoing communication on the Farm Bill.We plan a visit with the NYS Senate Agriculture Committee staff, and hopefully Chair Sen. Michelle Hinchey, to address the US Farm Bill and the NYS Agriculture Budget.To join us in our work, contact the Regeneration Team convener at Sheree4614@gmail.com or 518-951-5953.Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers)727 Madison Ave.Albany, NY 12208www.albanyfriendsmeeting.organd on Facebook www.facebook.com/albanyfriendsmeeting/
To start or stop newsletter: maggywiard@gmail.com or 518-233-4146.
Advices and Queries
On Diversity:As Friends, we respect the wide diversity among us in our backgrounds, circumstances, and conditions. We seek to refrain from making prejudicial judgments about the choices of others. Let us seek points of connection and convergence, rather than points of conflict and opposition. Let us also cherish those differences that enrich us. Our commitment to diversity invites us to speak to what we know to be uniquely true in our own lives as well as to learn from others. Do we welcome diversity of culture, race, language and self-expression in our Meeting? Do we nurture a spirit of mutual understanding? Do we acknowledge the value of sharing our differences as well as our similarities? Do we welcome people of different immigration status?
Enriching Vocal Ministry for February: The intent of all speaking is to bring into the life, and to walk in, and to possess the same, and to live in and enjoy it, and to feel God’s presence.George Fox, 1657
Who to contact
Clerk: David Easter
Recording Clerk: Stacie Faraone
Treasurer: Matthew Ciske
Trustees Maud Easter
Building Caretakers: caretaker@albanyquakers.org Anne Liske and John Cutro: 518-436-8812. AFM andoutside groups: schedule new events 2-4 weeks ahead. Outside groups need Trustees’ OK first.
Ministry & Nurture Committee: Maggy Wiard, maggywiard@gmail.com, 518-233-4146
Website, Facebook contact David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Newsletter: Maggy Wiard maggywiard@gmail.com, David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Young Peacemakers Week: Anita Stanley 518-441-7722 meridiancomm@earthlink.net
Stay in touch between newsletters! Join the listserv by emailing oehl.david@gmail.com
AFM liaison to NYYM Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer 518-951-5953 Sheree4614@gmail.com
January 2024 Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) NewsAlbany Friends Meeting Calendar*****************
Here is the NEW link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89583993745?pwd=N3dpT0R5VEQ2dldONDlXbmkrL3NEZz09Join by phone dial:646 558 8656Meeting ID: 895 8399 3745Passcode: 289718
The same link will be used for Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, January 3, 2024 12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
2nd Saturday, January 13, 2024 10:00am – 4:30pm, Threshing Session facilitated by Christopher Sammond, see News
3rd Sunday, January 21, 2024, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
3rd Tuesday, January 23, 2023, 5:30pm, Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business by Zoom. (see link above)
News
A threshing session for healing the divisions in our Meeting regarding the Israel/Palestine war has been scheduled for January 13, 2024 from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at the meetinghouse. It will be facilitated by Christopher Sammond with assistance from JT Dorr-Bremme. Please bring your lunch; beverages and desserts will be provided. Contact Maggy Wiard at maggywiard@gmail.com if you have questions.
The purpose of the session is not to determine what is the right and just response to the current chapter in the cycle of violence in Israel/Palestine. We hope that our work on that day will bring us to a place where we can later discern that together with openness of hearts and spirits. During the threshing session we will be tending to the hurts in our Meeting in hopes of regaining the sense of community necessary to discern together.
Meeting for Business of Albany Friends Meeting December 19, 2023 by ZoomClerk: David EasterRecording Clerk: Stacie FaraonePresent: Judy Fetterley, Maud Easter, Carol Barclay, Barbara Sinacore, Maggy Wiard, Dot Richards, Anne Liske, David Barnard, Sheree Cammer, Pierre Douyon, Paul Rehm, Katja Rehm,
November Business Meeting Minutes: At the request of a friend, we will add the following sentence to the ceasefire section of our November minutes: Because of strongly felt urgency of the ongoing bombing in Gaza, we decided to make an exception to set aside, for this meeting only, our previous decision to take at least two business meetings of discussion before approving a statement on social issues
.Treasurer: There was no treasurer’s report. The end of the year Treasurer’s report will be presented at the January 2024 Business Meeting.
Trustees: We finished the painting and plastering that was needed in the meetinghouse. The work ended up being more extensive than it appeared initially. Trustees have contracted with an animal removal service for the squirrels making their home in the Meetinghouse. Electrical work needs to be done first to protect the workers. As there has been little interest in renting the second story room, and the committee realized the practice of renting would increase the work load of our residents, we are setting aside this idea until circumstances change. Friends agreed.
Ministry and Nurture: A threshing session for healing the divisions in our Meeting regarding the Israel/Palestine war has been scheduled for January 13, 2024 from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. It will be facilitated by Christopher Sammond with assistance from JT Dorr-Bremme. The committee is paying the facilitators an honorarium of $500 and will reimburse travel expenses. The purpose of the session is not to determine what is the right and just response to the current chapter in the cycle of violence in Israel/Palestine. We hope that our work on that day will bring us to a place where we can later discern that together with openness of hearts and spirits. During the threshing session we will be tending to the hurts in our community in hopes of regaining the sense of community necessary to discern together. Friends thanked Ministry and Nurture for the effort put forth in arranging this meeting so promptly.
Apartheid Free Coalition: We decided to wait until our January business meeting, which will take place after our January 13 threshing session for healing, to decide how to move forward with consideration of joining the Apartheid Free Coalition
Unity in Nature: The committee went to the Capitol to speak to Representative Paul Tonko about Regenerative Agriculture. He seemed very supportive.
Next Business Meeting: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 5:30.Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers)727 Madison Ave.Albany, NY 12208www.albanyfriendsmeeting.organd on Facebook www.facebook.com/albanyfriendsmeeting/ To start or stop newsletter: maggywiard@gmail.com or 518-233-4146.
Advices and Queries
On Meeting for Worship
From the beginnings of our Society, we have considered it important to assemble frequently for the purpose of corporate worship held in expectant waiting for guidance. In worship we enter with reverence into communion with Spirit and respond to its promptings. Meeting for Worship is fundamental for us and we should be diligent and punctual in our attendance. Do we come regularly to Meeting for Worship even when we are angry, depressed, tired or spiritually cold? Do we receive the vocal ministry of others in a tender and creative spirit? Do we remember that we all share responsibility for the Meeting for Worship whether our ministry is in silence or through the spoken word?
Who to contact
Clerk: David Easter
Recording Clerk: Stacie Faraone
Treasurer: Matthew Ciske T
rustees Maud Easter
Building Caretakers: caretaker@albanyquakers.org Anne Liske and John Cutro: 518-436-8812. AFM andoutside groups: schedule new events 2-4 weeks ahead. Outside groups need Trustees’ OK first.
Ministry & Nurture Committee: Maggy Wiard, maggywiard@gmail.com, 518-233-4146
Website, Facebook contact David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Newsletter: Maggy Wiard maggywiard@gmail.com, David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.auYoung
Peacemakers Week: Anita Stanley 518-441-7722 meridiancomm@earthlink.net
Stay in touch between newsletters! Join the listserv by emailing oehl.david@gmail.com
AFM liaison to NYYM Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer 518-951-5953 Sheree4614@gmail.com
December 2023 Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) News
Albany Friends Meeting Calendar*****************
Here is the NEW link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89583993745?pwd=N3dpT0R5VEQ2dldONDlXbmkrL3NEZz09Join by phone dial:646 558 8656Meeting ID: 895 8399 3745Passcode: 289718
The same link will be used for Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, December 6, 2023 12:15-1 pm., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle3rd
Sunday, December 17, 2023, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
4th Sunday, December 24, 2023, 4:00pm, Christmas Eve Worship and Potluck
3rd Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 5:30pm, Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business by Zoom. (see link above)
Please join First Day School for Christmas Eve at Albany Friends Meeting! We will gather at 4PM for a telling of the Christmas story with readings, songs, and a live nativity! We will follow that with a festive pot luck for the first time since COVID!!
Meeting for Business of Albany Friends Meeting November 28, 2023 by Zoom
Clerk: David Easter
Recording Clerk: Stacie Faraone
Present: Maud Easter, Carol Barclay, Barbara Sinacore, Maggy Wiard, Dot Richards, Anne Liske, David Barnard, ShereeCammer, Lawrence Eger, Denise Hart, Pierre Douyon, Paul Rehm, Katja Rehm, John Amidon
Ministry and Nurture: Christmas eve celebration will start at 4 pm at the Meetinghouse. It will include the live nativity and a potluck, the first since the pandemic started. Friends approved.
December’s Advices and Queries were read by the clerk of the committee:
On Tenderness toward Each Other
As we enter with tender sympathy into the joys and sorrows of each other’s lives, ready to give help and receive it, our Meeting can be a channel for love and forgiveness. All are reminded to speak truth with love. Even a seeming harshness may discourage a person from change, and a lack of sympathy may cause harm where only good was intended. How can we make our Meeting a community in which each person is accepted and nurtured? How are love and unity fostered among us? If differences arise, do we endeavor to reconcile them in a spirit of love and truth? Do we make ourselves available in a tender and caring way when we sense a need for assistance in time of trouble? Do we trust each other enough to make our needs known to someone in our Meeting?
Community. We look after each other, we matter to each other.
One member says “Being part of our Meeting community, caring for others and feeling cared for myself, is very important to me.”
Most of us would agree.
Gaza Israel War:Email Exchanges: Our Meeting’s recent email exchanges disturbed many meeting members. The Clerk read an email from two Friends stating that while they do not disagree that Israel is participating in an apartheid system, they felt unheard and wish that Quaker process was followed in the discussion. At this time, they choose to stand aside from AFM’s Proposed Ceasefire Minute.
Threshing Session: Responding to requests from several members, the Ministry and Nurture committee was asked to organize a threshing or discernment session, facilitated by an experienced facilitator, to help restore the relational damage our meeting has experienced from our email exchanges about responses to the Israel-Gaza war.
Ceasefire Minute: The meeting approved the following minute with one Friend standing aside:We Must Take the Side of Peace“Resistance to the war system is vital.” These words from our (NYYM) book of Faith and Practice testify to AFM’s steadfast belief in nonviolence growing from the life and teachings of Jesus and given voice by George Fox and others in their 1660 Declaration of Friends written to King Charles II, in which the founding Quakers stated:
We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretense whatsoever; and this is our testimony to the whole world. The spirit of Christ, by which we are guided, is not changeable, so as once to command us from a thing as evil and again to move unto it; and we do certainly know, and so testify to the world, that the spirit of Christ, which leads us into all Truth, will never move us to fight and war against any man with outward weapons, neither for the kingdom of Christ, nor for the kingdoms of this world.”
Dedicated to and supporting our core principles of affirming life, love and the non-violent gospel of Jesus, we are called upon to resist the death and destruction of war.
Albany Friends Meeting calls on New York Yearly Meeting and all Quakers to strongly advocate for our Quaker Peace Testimony. We call upon our elected officials to embrace diplomacy and negotiations and to call for an enduring ceasefire leading to a peaceful settlement in Gaza. Rather than supplying weapons of death and destruction — which assure the shedding of more blood, the loss of more lives and the suffering of countless innocent victims — we ask those officials to provide the energy and resources to bring the Israeli and Palestinian governments together and to enable the flow of desperately needed aid into Gaza.As the American Friends Service Committee, the Friends Committee on National Legislation and the Quaker UN Office wrote, “This is a time for strong moral resolve, spiritual fortitude and immediate action.” (Minute approved by Albany Friends Meeting November 28, 2023)
Proposal to join the Apartheid Free Communities Coalition: Due to the length of the current meeting, this proposal was set aside until the December 2023 meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Unrestricted cash on hand is $11,775.17. The Meeting approved the report.
Trustees: We discussed a possible year end gap between the meetings income and expenses. We decided the end of the year funding priorities are that bills will be paid first and then the percentage of the $6000 remaining out of our pledge to Yearly Meeting that it is possible to pay after December donations come in. We will then make donations to the other outside organizations, if we have sufficient funds. The memorial fund is asked to consider paying some of this year’s meetinghouse upkeep expenses, including the cost of removing the squirrels in the meetinghouse attic. Payment of year end Meeting expenses will be made after consultation among the treasurer, the clerk and the memorial fund members.
Spark Article: Sheree Cammer described her article in Spark, The Urgent Call: Finding Common Ground. It discusses revising language to align more closely with the Quaker Peace Testimony to be more welcoming to all people.
Next Business Meeting: Tuesday, December 19th at 5:30.
Albany Friends Annual Support for New York Yearly Meeting
As we turn to the end of 2023, several Albany Friends offer reflections about their New York Yearly Meeting experiences, and the importance of AFM’s financial annual commitment to help fund the work of “our” Yearly Meeting. :
Chris Koster…. It is easy for us to forget that we are part of a wider Quaker community. NYYM provides the link to Quakerism as a whole. It is where our book of Faith and Practice is produced and amended, where small meetings find support, and where individual friends can be grounded in their spiritual community. My spiritual journey has been heavily influenced by my interactions with Quakers both within and beyond Albany Friends. For example, the Powell House youth program was a transformative experience for me. ARCH has been a valuable resource for Albany Friends. The possibility for increased connection to NYYM is exciting and brings many possibilities.
Carol Barclay….Experiences from taking part in NYYM offerings have expanded my understanding of Quakerism with the opportunity to interact with so many more Quakers than only those of our one local monthly meeting. Since the 1990s it has been my privilege to attend Powell House workshops, several years to be a member of the NYYM Priorities Working Group (project that visited in pairs nearly all monthly Meetings to encourage communication and understanding between NYYM and monthly meetings) and for many years ‘til now, to attend Nightingales (a cappella singing weekends) and participate in twice yearly Meetings for Discernment (an inspiring day of extended worship focused on queries).Connecting with NYYM, our larger Quaker body, is like benefitting from the nourishing trunk of the tree of which our monthly meeting is a branch. It seems as though our contribution to Yearly Meeting is an important way to support Quaker life.
Anne Liske…..I appreciate, being engaged, sustained, challenged and enriched by connections to NYYM Friends and resources such as Powell House, Spring, Summer, and Fall Sessions, opportunities to serve on committees… During a career sojourn in Vermont, I likewise experienced the importance of shared support for a resilient and active New England Yearly Meeting. NYYM is a resource for both individual Friends and local and Regional Meetings to model/live our Testimonies. I look forward to what ideas and opportunities NY Friends can co-create in 2024.Please consider our shared support funding for New York Yearly Meeting in your year- end contributions to Albany Friends Meeting.
Friends in Unity with Nature (FUN)/Regeneration Committee By Sheree Cammer and Barbara SinacoreT
he local Regeneration Team includes some of our committee members, and the Capital Region Interfaith Creation Care Coalition (CRICCC) Earth Regeneration Committee and other regeneration enthusiasts. We are lobbying US Representative Tonko on specific bills related to regenerative agriculture to include in the US Farm Bill. We have requested visits with US Senators Schumer and Gillibrand. Per the suggestion of Earth Regeneration Committee member Michael McGlynn, we plan to also request visits with NYS legislators Michelle Hinchey, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Assemblymember Jake Ashby concerning how regenerative agriculture in the US Farm Bill could affect NYS farmers and consumers. The bills we are lobbying for include some of those at RegenerateAmerica.com (a nonpartisan group that seeks common ground in healthy soil), Northeastern Organic Farming Association (NOFA), and Sierra Club.
Sheree asked, ”What if the various coalitions promoting regenerative agriculture in the federal farm bill could agree on a few crucial aspects of the federal farm bill?”
The CRICCC Earth Regeneration Committee and Albany Friends Meeting FUN/Regeneration Committee members Barbara Sinacore and I attended the world premiere of Regenerating Life, a film by John Feldman. This was a fabulous, practical movie which suggested both large and small doable steps for landowners and others, along with clear science-based explanations of soil regeneration, the water cycle and other things that very much impact both soil productivity and how the earth has the ability to cool itself. The film ties many loose ends together and gives hope that all is not lost yet with our environment and food cycle.
Sheree suggested that the Regeneration Team work with others to show this film, perhaps at the Madison or Spectrum Theater in Albany, with a discussion afterwards where audience members could share what’s going on locally in regenerative agriculture and how to network.
Hosts Bill and Jayne of the Berkshire Community Radio (WBCR 97.7 FM) Farm and Garden Show later interviewed John Feldman. They interviewed me regarding regenerative agriculture in the Farm Bill. I shared the context of Regenerate America: finding common ground in building healthy soils. This nonpartisan coalition seeks to include everyone in allowing nature to regenerate and feed the world, without emphasizing the hot button term “climate change.” Also interviewed were a regenerative farm to table entrepreneur and a regenerative farm worker. The show aired every Monday in November, and is available at https://www.berkshireradio.org/a-farm-and-garden-show.html .
The Home Earth Alliance is for a second year planning an Ecolandscaping Exhibit at the Hudson Valley Community College Flower and Garden Show, which CRICCC members and AFM FUN members helped to design, set up, and staff. CRICCC was listed as an ally, and could have a banner this year at the event for a fee. This year, regeneration and resilience are prominently featured. Volunteers are welcome. More at https://homeearthalliance.org/ .
Jean Howard and I had presented to the September CRICCC meeting “Life Is Good: Regenerative Practices for Yards.” Each practice was very doable both in terms of effort and finances, for both individuals and groups. The presentation was quite hopeful by its emphasis on doing very small things that can have impact if enough people do them. The PowerPoint can be viewed on the CRICCC website
November 2023
Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) News
Here is the NEW link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89583993745?pwd=N3dpT0R5VEQ2dldONDlXbmkrL3NEZz09Join by phone dial:646 558 8656Meeting ID: 895 8399 3745Passcode: 289718
The same link will be used for Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, November 1, 2023 12:15-1 p.m., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
2nd Wednesday, November 8, 2023 6:30pm, midweek Meeting for Worship
3rd Sunday, November 19, 2023, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
4th Wednesday, November 22, 2023, 6:30p.m., Midweek Meeting for Worship
4thTuesday, November 28, 2023, 5:30pm _ Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business by Zoom. (see link above)
Meeting for Business of Albany Friends Meeting October 24, 2023 by Zoom
Present: David Easter, clerk; Carol Barclay, Anita Stanley, Patricia McCormack, Sheree Cammer, Katja Rehm, Paul Rehm, Lawrence Eger, Matthew Ciske, Anne Liske, John Amidon, Judith Fetterley, Maggy Wiard, David Barnard, Pierre Douyon; Maud Easter, recorder.
The meeting opened with a period of silence.The clerk read a letter from Patricia McCormack requesting to be considered for membership. The letter was referred to Ministry and Nurture.
The treasurer reported income since January1st of $26,116.85 and expenses since January 1st of $18,755.17. He pointed out that there are upcoming building expenses estimated at $3500 and that $8400 of our payment to New York Yearly Meeting and our $4200 contributions to other organizations have also not been paid. There will be a discussion at the November business meeting about how to prioritize payments.
Trustees reported that an appeal for additional contributions will go out in December, with a request that friends consider making a pledge for their 2024 contributions to help the Meeting’s financial planning. Trustees is pleased that repairs to the walkway have been finished, that the front porch pillars are being repaired and the plaster and painting work in the Meeting Room and Room 2 has begun.
The clerk presented a proposed minute on the Meeting’s process for considering social concern statements and action, based on discussion of this at the September business meeting.
After discussion the following minute was approved:
When the Meeting considers adopting, endorsing or issuing a statement or taking action as a meeting on a societal or public policy concern that arises from our Quaker beliefs, we will discuss the statement or action during at least two business meetings and when practical have the topic or draft statement sent out to our email list after it is added to a business meeting’s agenda. The minutes of the first business meeting will include the proposed statement or topic.
The minute on legislation affecting trans people, sent to us by New York Quarterly Meeting, which had been discussed at our October business meeting, was discussed again. Insights were shared from a Quaker discussion of trans issues. Concern was expressed about a phrase describing legislation as “demonizing trans people” which was removed when the meeting approved the following minute which the clerk will send to New York Quarterly Meeting and which will be posted on our website:
As Friends we embrace that of God and the Light in every person and respond with dismay to the currentwave of legislation that deprives trans people of life-giving treatment and their basic human rights. We urge our representatives and politicians to support legislation protecting the rights, safety, and human dignity of trans people.
The clerk of the Peace Committee proposed that the meeting join a campaign organized by the American Friends Service Committee and a number of other Quaker, religious and other organizations: forming a network of apartheid-free communities, to end support for Israel’s apartheid regime and military occupation.
It was agreed to consider this further at the November business meeting and also to share on the meeting’s email list a recent mailing from the American Friends Service Committee about the current situation in Israel/Gaza providing opportunities for individual action.
The clerk of the Friends in Unity with Nature Committee reported that environmental organizations are advocating for people to contact Governor Hochul urging support for legislation banning neonicotinoids harmful to animal and birds. She also called the meeting’s attention to the Urgent Call for Regenerative Life:Soil is our Common Ground.
Regardless of politics or cultures, we can come together to build healthy soils that hold water and make our communities more resilient to any extreme weather events we have experienced locally. Disaster preparedness makes sense. Regenerative agriculture enables farmers and ranchers to rebuild healthy soils, increasing productivity and resilience while lowering the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Some key principles of regenerative agriculture: no bare soil, minimal tilling, live roots in the soil, animals whose nitrogen-rich manures teeming with beneficial microbes fertilize the soil, and increasing biodiversity. All while cooling the planet, removing carbon dioxide from the air, decreased carbon dioxide emissions from bare soil, and restoring the water cycle. Deserts and barren land can become lush grasslands again. Each year, we are losing 4.6 tons of American agricultural soil per acre, at a rate 10 times faster than its being replenished. Regenerative agriculture is the solution. The next farm bill includes many proposed regenerative agriculture bills.
The meeting closed with a period of silence to reflect on the issues discussed.
Next business meeting is on November 28, 2023 at 5:30pm by zoom.
October 2023 Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers) News
Albany Friends Meeting Calendar
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Here is the NEW link for Albany Meeting’s Zoom worship at 10:00am every Sunday. This link will continue to be sent each week by Dave Oehl to our meeting email list.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Join by phone dial:
646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 895 8399 3745
Passcode: 289718
The same link will be used for Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm.
First Day School: First Day School meets when families are available. For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
1st Wednesday, October 4, 2023 12:15-1 p.m., Peace Vigil, in front of Capitol, State and Eagle
2nd Wednesday, October 11, 2023 6:30pm, midweek Meeting for Worship
3rd Sunday, October 15, 2023, after Meeting for Worship, Potluck!
3rd Saturday, October 21, 2023 9:00am – 1:00pm Workday (see News)
4thTuesday, October 24, 2023, 5:30pm _ Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business by Zoom. (see link above)
4th Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6:30p.m., Midweek Meeting for Worship
5th Sunday, October 29, 2023, 4:00pm – Halloween Celebration at the Meetinghouse For information, contact Chris Koster 518-527-4019.
NEWS
Save the date for AFM Fall Workday!
Friends – please join us for all or part of our AFM fall workday, Saturday October 21 from 9-1. There are indoor and outdoor tasks to get the building and property ready for the colder months ahead. Please bring your own work gloves as needed for outdoor work (leaf raking, vine-clipping) we have rakes and clippers here. We’ll have coffee and snacks available.
If it works better for you schedule-wise to identify a different day to come and take on a particular task, email or call the caretakers to arrange what works for you – aliske@twc.com or 519-256-8230.
Minutes of September 26, 2023 Meeting for Business of Albany Friends Meeting
Clerk: David Easter
Recording Clerk: Stacie Faraone
Present: Maud Easter, Carol Barclay, Judith Fetterley, Barbara Sinacore, Maggy Wiard, Dot Richards, Anne Liske, Matthew Ciske, Sheree Cammer
Treasurer’s Report: Unrestricted cash on hand is $7304.56. The Meeting approved the report.
Trustees: We are exploring the possibility of moving to a system of pledging donations at the beginning of the year. This would help the Meeting to anticipate cash flow to better plan for future endeavors. Our Fall work day is Saturday, October 21st. If this date doesn’t work for people, members may contribute work to the Meetinghouse/yard at a time of their convenience.
Ministry and Nurture: On October 8th after Meeting for Worship, Friends will gather to share memories of our dear attender and friend Archie (Shirey Archie). Albany Friends Meeting joyfully welcomes our new member, Matthew Ciske.
Process for Social Concerns Minutes: We discussed the meeting’s process for approving statements or minutes on societal and public policy issues. Some members would like to have fuller advance notice and more time to consider such statements. At our October business meeting we will discuss this again. We will consider a proposal to have such statements discussed at at least two business meetings and to have the topic or actual draft of a statement sent out as soon as possible after they are added to a business meeting’s agenda.
Quarterly Meeting Minute: New York Quarterly Meeting approved a minute on legislation affecting the human rights of transgendered people and sent it out for other New York regions and meetings to consider. We discussed the options to either support the minute as written or to change the language in the minute and pass it on. The Meeting agreed to hold this over until next month so more Friends might have time to read and process this minute.
Next Business Meeting: Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 5:30.
Albany Friends Meeting (Quakers)
727 Madison Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
and on Facebook www.facebook.com/albanyfriendsmeeting/
To start or stop newsletter: maggywiard@gmail.com or 518-233-4146.
Advices and Queries
On Vocal Ministry
We all share responsibility for Meeting for Worship whether our ministry is in silence or through the spoken word. Faithfulness and sincerity in speaking, even very briefly, may open the way for others to come into a fuller ministry. When prompted to speak, Friends wait patiently to know that the leading and the time are right, but do not let a sense of our own unworthiness hold us back. Do we trust that words will be given to us? Do we avoid assuming that vocal ministry is never to be our part? Are we open to the possibility that Spirit may speak through us? Do we listen to the spoken messages of others with the inner as well as the outer ear?
Enriching Vocal Ministry
In Friends’ meetings also, from the fact that everyone is free to speak, one hears harmonies and correspondences between very various utterances such as are scarcely to be met elsewhere. It is sometimes as part-singing compared with unison. The free admission of the ministry of women, of course, greatly enriches this harmony. I have often wondered whether some of the motherly counsels I have listened to in our meeting would not reach some hearts that might be closed to the masculine preacher.
Caroline E Stephen, 1890
Who to contact
Clerk: David Easter Recording Clerk: Stacie Faraone
Treasurer: Matthew Ciske Trustees:Maud Easter
Building Caretakers: caretaker@albanyquakers.org Anne Liske and John Cutro: 518-436-8812. AFM and
outside groups: schedule new events 2-4 weeks ahead. Outside groups need Trustees’ OK first.
Ministry & Nurture Committee: Maggy Wiard, maggywiard@gmail.com, 518-233-4146
Website, Facebook contact David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Newsletter: Maggy Wiard maggywiard@gmail.com, David Oehl oehlda2000@yahoo.com.au
Young Peacemakers Week: Anita Stanley 518-441-7722
Stay in touch between newsletters! Join the listserv by emailing oehl.david@gmail.com
AFM liaison to NYYM Earthcare Working Group: Sheree Cammer 518-951-5953 Sheree4614@gmail.com.
Dave Oehl (He/ Him)
860-262-3813
September 2023
Easton Day on Sept 10, beginning with registration 10:30am, Meeting at 11 am, potluck, singing and talk in the afternoon from 1:30-2:30. David Herendeen will talk about his trip in July 2023 to attend the Friends United Meeting Triennial Gathering in Nakura, Kenya. David will tell us about his experiences at this Gathering, relating it to how the native Americans responded to the Quaker settlers’ invitation to share bread and cheese during the Revolutionary War. A Northeastern Regional Meeting discussion has been scheduled for 2:30.
Precious Life – Precious Peace – Precious Planet
Finding Our Way Past War!
The 25th Kateri Peace Conference
Friday, September 8 & Saturday, September 9, 2023
Hosted By: The Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site
3636 State Hwy 5, Fonda, NY 12068
More than anything, this year’s conference is about cultivating hope through life-affirming action. It is grounded in the belief that by linking our collective efforts. Together, we will amplify our voices and intensify our work to create the very much needed dynamics for life-affirming change.
Perversely and sadly, our government and weapons industry (aka the Merchants of Death) enshrine war as the necessary promoter and preserver of peace, ensuring a condition of endless global conflict. This homage to the arms merchants blinds both our decision makers and much of our citizenry to the nonviolent solutions and peaceful alternatives to violent conflict. This obscene reality takes with it our creative will and commitment to social uplift and the capacity to address creatively and comprehensively so many of the urgent and critical issues of the day. Climate collapse, famine, disease, economic inequality, racism, and the existence of endless wars to a large degree remain unaddressed and unchecked.
In direct defiance of and confrontation to this death spiral, we have assembled a group of presenters and teachers with a deeply-rooted belief in the preciousness of all life and the knowledge and ability to present needed solutions and inspiration. The purpose is to discard the hypnotic and controlling illusion that war is normal, necessary, and inevitable, that “war is peace,” an illusion which disables our capacity to bring solution to seemingly intractable global challenges.
Our speakers include Kathy Kelly, David Swanson, Martha Hennessy, Debra Sweet, and Gloria Caballero-Roca. All are veteran peace activists with outstanding knowledge and experiences to share and inspire.
Join us in Fonda, NY on Sept 8 and 9 to speak, listen, reflect. Find inspiration and solutions along with the ability and will to act, to confront and reverse the current downward death spiral, to convert swords into plowshares and find our way past war and all to which it blinds us.
Complete Information at:
Or call John @ 518.312.6442
Capital Region Interfaith Creation Care Coalition
All are welcome to the next CRICCC meeting Sept. 18, 7 PM by Zoom. Our speakers will be Jean Howard from Home Earth Alliance and Sheree Cammer and the topic is “Life is good! Regenerative practices and EcoLandscaping.”
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8905115630?pwd=dHptblhhZ1MrbGs3c09OczZPaVppUT09
There’s power in numbers. If a lot of people do a little bit, much happens. And there’s power in community, working together for the common good.
Regeneration includes many aspects and is inclusive of all, regardless of their politics or their views on climate. People can protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity in land under their control. This includes reducing lawns, and increasing native plants, pollinator and rain gardens. Carbon from the atmosphere can be stored indefinitely in soils by using regenerative practices in growing food, including grazing animals. Current negotiations on the next US Farm Bill include shifting the food system to regeneration.
Regeneration could include preserving or restoring ecosystems to hold stormwater. This can help communities prepare for whatever extreme weather events they may have experienced recently, such as flooding, droughts, wildfires, heatwaves, heat spells, or air pollution. Deserts can become grasslands with streams. Mass migrations of impoverished people might cease.
The inclusive nature of Regeneration could invite anyone on the political spectrum, regardless of their views on climate, to practice regeneration.
An added benefit: doing this work raises our spirits and helps us reconnect to each other and the natural world.
By Sheree Cammer
Minutes of July 25, 2023 Meeting for Business of Albany Friends Meeting
Present: David Easter, Clerk; Matthew Ciske, Maggy Wiard, Carol Barclay, Katja Rehm, Paul Rehm, Dot Richards, Anne Liske; Maud Easter, recording clerk.
The meeting opened with a period of silence.
The Treasurer reported that, as of July 24, 2023, the Meeting’s available cash on hand was $5,787.40. Since January 1, 2023, expenditures were $12,562.45, and unrestricted income was $13,349.85. Anticipated expenses include replacing the broken dishwasher and walkway repair. There has been no payment yet of our annual contribution to New York Yearly Meeting. It was agreed that the Treasurer should send part of our NYYM contribution now with the amount based on our cash flow situation. The Treasurer’s report was approved.
Trustees reported that our resident, John Cutro, had repaired, leveled and made much more accessible most of the sidewalk on the east side of the Meetinghouse, with a final portion to be done soon. Trustees hope to be reimbursed for the $320 expense by the contractor who damaged the sidewalk. Trustees are looking at replacements for the dishwasher and hope to have a new one installed before Young Peacemakers Week. Trustees are also trying to schedule the painter who repainted the inside of the meetinghouse several years ago to repair the damaged paint in the meeting room and in Room 2 upstairs. Trustees are also sending out to campus contacts a concise promotional notice developed by Anne Liske about the rental availability of Room 1. Friends were encouraged to suggest other useful contacts to Anne or Maud.
Ministry and Nurture proposed reading a Minute from Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Concerns at both the in-person and Zoom meetings for worship, with discussion following, probably on September 10th, or on a rescheduled date. Friends welcomed the plan. Ministry and Nurture has scheduled a clearness committee for Matthew Ciske’s membership application.
The Peace Committee proposed that the Meeting adopt a minute on the War in Ukraine. The minute was approved, and the Peace Committee was encouraged to share it with New York Yearly Meeting’s current and incoming clerks and with SPARK, hoping to encourage other meetings to consider their own minutes. The Peace Committee was also asked to share it with the Capital District Council of Churches. The minute adopted was:
“Resistance to the war system is vital.” These words from our (NYYM) book of Faith and Practice testify to Albany Friends Meeting’s steadfast belief in nonviolence formed from the life and teachings of Jesus and given voice by George Fox and other Quakers in their 1660 Declaration of Friends written to King Charles II, in which the founding Quakers stated:
“We utterly deny all wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretence whatsoever; and this is our testimony to the whole world.”
Affirming our core principles of supporting life, love and the nonviolent gospel of Jesus, we strive to resist the death and destruction of all war. Therefore, Albany Friends Meeting calls on our government to stop providing weapons of murder and destruction to the Ukrainian government…weapons that only assure the shedding of more blood and the loss of more innocent lives. Furthermore, we call on our elected officials to demand an immediate cease fire in Ukraine and to provide the energy and resources needed for bringing the Russian and Ukrainian governments to the negotiating table.
The Peace Committee also reported that the potluck for the visit of The Golden Rule was very well attended, and thought to be the largest potluck ever at the meetinghouse. The crew of The Golden Rule made a presentation on the peace mission of the boat, especially the importance of advocacy for nuclear disarmament.
The meeting closed with a period of silence.
Young Peacemakers Week finished up another successful annual week of learning about peace and peacemaking, during the week of August 14-18. We had a week of good weather to work with, and the rain even held off until our Friday celebration with families was over. We had an interesting trip to the Radix Composting Center, learning about chickens and bees, among other things. Making a peace garden was a hit with all the campers, and everyone enjoyed learning about the different types of families. All of our teenage interns were youth that had attended YPW in previous years, and several campers expressed an interest in becoming interns in next year’s program. The tradition continues! Everyone appreciated the good cooking of Janet Poole and her kitchen crew, and our collaboration with USCRI (US Committee on Refugees and Immigrants) was extremely successful. We are grateful for the financial, service, and emotional support of Albany Friends Meeting, and look forward to another exciting Young Peacemakers Week in August of 2024.
