267-285-0553/ ffice hours: 9:30–12:30Mon.–Fri. /website greenstreetfriendsmeeting.org
First Day Meeting for Worship10:30 am
First Day School 10:30–11:15 am
Wednesday morning Meeting for Worship 8:30–9:00 am with GSFS
First Sunday evening Meeting for Worship6:30–7:00 pm at Stapeley Hall
February 2014
Sunday, 2nd 9:30 am Breakfast with a Friend—Anne Bayless/Dan McDevitt
Rise of Meeting Coffee Hour—JoAnn Seaver/Bill Van Stone
12:00 noon Care & Counsel Committee Meeting
Sunday, 9th Rise of Meeting Coffee Hour— Bethann/Anthony DiGiovanni
Sunday, 16th 9:15 am Property Committee Meeting
Monthly Meeting Lunch—Volunteers needed
12:45pm Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
Sunday, 23rd 9:15 am Friendly Bible Study
9:15 am Nominating Comm. meeting
Rise of Meeting Coffee hour—Kenyatta James & Gabbreell James
Minutes of Monthly Meeting for Business Held First Month 19, 2014
At Green Street Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, held at 45 West School House Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on First Month 19, 2014:
We gathered at approximately 12:50pm for worship.
2014.01.01The Clerk read the 1stQuery from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice on Meeting for Worship.
Does worship deepen my relationship with God, increase my faithfulness, and refresh and renew my daily life, both inwardly and in my relationship with others?
Friends reflected on this query in worship.
2014.01.02The agenda was reviewed and approved.
2014.01.03FCNL Priorities – Sharon Mullally reported in the place of our representative William Van Stone. Friends Committee on National Legislation asks Friends through our Monthly Meetings for input on their legislative priorities. The Meeting’s input from last year are reflected in the current policy statement. Bill Van Stone has agreed to convene a session to thresh what might be our Meeting’s input on the legislative priorities and to bring recommendations back to the Meeting in March. Hollister Knowlton, Anthony DiGiovanni, and Traci Hjelt Sullivan expressed interest in participating in this informal group. An invitation to attend will go out on the Meeting Google group once a date for the meeting has been determined.
2014.01.04School Committee - Sharon Mullally reported on the work of the Meeting School Facilities Communication Group in keeping lines of communication open regarding property issues that affect the school and the Meeting. During a relatively quiet time, the group has been reflecting on the membership of the group and in conversation with the Nominating Committee about who might be the people who are aware of property issues and care about the Meeting/School relationship who would best serve the Meeting and the School. One Friend observed the decreased level of tension between the School and the Meeting since the establishment of this group. The Meeting expressed appreciation for this good work.
Sharon reported on plans to install a gate on the walkway that runs to the north side of the main school building from Greene Street through the campus to the Meetinghouse. This gate may have some impact upon those members who walk to Meeting by way of Greene Street.
Friends wondered what the long range plans for other gates might be. Sharon reported that the School is trying to find a balance between openness and security for the children. Some members expressed understanding that this particular walkway is more hidden and might be harder for the staff to monitor for safety. Sharon affirmed that the general understanding that was articulated when the last set of new gates were installed remains as a guide for school practice. Friends reported that the school grounds continue to be actively used for recreation by community members, particularly during weekends.
Some Friends wondered whether the gate could be locked during school times and left unlocked during weekends. In general, Friends did not feel that the level of inconvenience would be too great and did not feel the need to ask the School to go through the challenge of locking and unlocking the gate.
2014.01.05Budget Committee – David La Fontaine reported.
In 2013, Friends exceeded the budgeted amount for annual giving by $1,000. Trustee Investment Income came in over budget as well, though about $9K of the figure on the report should actually have been credited to the 2012 budget. Expenditures stayed within budget. Because the budget actually came in better than expected, the committee increased payments to the capitol reserve in 2013 to 15K, which is the same that was budgeted in 2012 and earlier years. Actual net figures came in with a surplus of $18K, about $9K of which could be attributed to income and expenses from this year.
David reviewed the revised proposal for the 2014 budget. The budget includes $15K for contribution to capital reserves. The committee recommends that we pay for contributions from others out of the Necessitous Cases funds again at $4K. The committee has budgeted a small deficit. The expectation is that program committees will come in under budget next year as is the usual practice, but the Budget Committee did not want to restrict particular line items in advance. The committee added a new line item in the program section of $1K, designated as “Other” for new activities that are not yet identified.
Friends suggested that the line item “Other” could be changed to “Contingency.”
A Friend suggested that the $4K from Necessitous Cases be shown as income and that the expenditure for “Contributions to Others” also appear in the annual budget. Friends approved this recommendation with some sadness that so few members were present to make the decision. Friends approved the budget as presented with the other recommended changes listed.
Friends explored ways that the Meeting might be able to provide support to Meeting members laboring with a ministry. Interest in pursuing this possibility was significant but no clarity was found on a particular way to proceed.
Friends turned to the question of how excess funds from the 2013 surplus might be allocated to increased contribution to others. Meeting agreed to transfer $4K from accumulated reserves to income in the 2014 annual budget and to increase the line item for Contributions to Others to $8K. The Committee for Contributions to Others may bring a recommendation for the additional funds early in 2014. Regardless, the Meeting asks the committee to bring their final recommendations to business meeting no later than September 2014.
2014.01.06Chris Mohr, Clerk of the Support Committee for Susan Christian reported on their work and Susan’s work in the community. Susan meets regularly with her support committee and as able with her anchor committee. Friends were excited to hear of her many activities, including how she is being led to connect with people of other faiths in the 19144 area. The committee’s report is attached. Friends encouraged the support committee to be bold in exploring the kinds of support, including financial, that might be provided to enable Susan to continue this ministry.
2014.01.07 These minutes were approved.
Friends adjourned in worship around 3:25 pm agreeing to meet again at the appointed time on Second Month 16, 2014
Anthony DiGiovanni, Presiding Clerk
Walter Hjelt Sullivan, Recording Clerk
Members present: Doris Clinkscale, Elizabeth Cunningham, Anthony DiGiovanni, Robert Dockhorn, James Glackin, Gabbreell James, David La Fontaine, Chris Mohr, Sharon Mullally,Traci Hjelt Sullivan, Walter Hjelt Sullivan, Ethel Trefsger, Margaret Walters
Attenders: Kenyatta James,
Member of another Meeting: Hollister Knowlton.
Meeting Secretary:Gail Woodbury
About our F/friends
(News and announcements of concern to the Meeting)
Quaker Voluntary ServicePhiladelphia volunteers will hold a silent auction in the social room of Germantown Monthly Meeting on Sunday, February 2, from the end of meeting until 2:30pm.
QVS is an organization that provides recent college graduates with the opportunity to do work that supports marginalized groups and individuals as well as changing unjust systems. Volunteers also live in community and engage in Quaker faith and practice.
Ifyou are interested in supporting QVS and gettingtheir hands on some great homemade goods and services, as well as items from local businesses, you can join us on February 2 at Germantown MM. Please note that -while we are ableto takecash and process credit cards online, checks are preferable. For credit cards we will have to pay a processing fee.
Hope to see you there. Best wishes,Fairleigh, QVS Volunteer
A list of goods and services offered is posted on the bulletin board in the front hallway.
REMINDER; Green Street Monthly Meeting is hosting this one.
Friends, Andy Jickling sent out an email on the list serve on January 22.
All Friends and friendly folks are invited and heartily encouraged to come to Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley in Germantown on Sunday, February 2.The monthly Friendly First potluck evening meal, starting at 5pm in the Recreation Room, will be followed by a half hour Meeting for Worship in the Parlor.As always, anyone and everyone in the Philadelphia Quarter is welcome and wanted. Tricia Walmsley of Chestnut Hill MM is Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting’s coordinator-in-general for the Friendly Firsts ( or 215-248-1514).
Philadelphia Quarter Program Meeting, Sunday February 23, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
All members and attenders of Philadelphia Quarter are invited to attend the Quarter's Program Meeting at Central Philadelphia MM from 11:00 am, worship, program from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
The proposal is that we do our second annual ‘Cross Pollination’ Event.This means Friends fromvarious committees meeting across Meeting lines. For example, Friends concerned with W & M meet together, Finance, Outreach etc.The queries will be along the lines of “What do you have to give as collective wisdom to other Meetings” and” What are your challenges that other Meetings might help you with?”
Would you like to receive this newsletter electronically?
Friends, as of January 28, the rate for first class postage will be 49 cents for the first ounce. If you have ever thought about receiving the newsletter electronically, now would be good time to do it. I send it out in the Word 97 - 2004 format. Please send me an e-mail if you would like to switch.
West Philadelphia Worship Group intends to become a preparative meeting under the care of a PYM meeting.They would love to have Green Street members join them informally for worship on Sundays at 1:30 pm at 1018 S 48th St (around rear of the building to the right) in order to further discernment. Evan Draper,
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The Second Query on Meeting for Business
Is our meeting for business held in the spirit of a meeting for worship in which we seek divine guidance?
Are we careful to keep in the spirit of worship each of the concerns that emerge, whether of nurture, of Spirit, of social concerns, of property, or of finance?
Are Meeting decisions directed by prayerful consideration of all aspects of an issue and are difficult problems considered carefully with patient search for truth, unhurried by the pressures of time?
How do we respond if we notice the meeting has lost an understanding of the presence of God?
Do we recognize that we speak through our inaction as well as our action?
Do I regularly attend meeting for business and in a spirit of love and unity? If unable to attend, how do I attend to my responsibility?
Do I consider prayerfully the many concerns that are lifted up on any issue, acknowledging that the search for truth in unity involves what God requires, being open to personal transformation as the community arrives at the sense of the meeting?
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News and Announcements
Workshops and/or Short Courses at Pendle Hill
For more information about any of these weekends, call Pendle Hill at (610) 566-4507 or (800) 742-3150, ext. 3, or visit . Matching scholarships are available; please call.
(Please go to their website, pendlehill.org, or call them for more information.)
Feb. 7-9Clerking
Feb. 14-16Compassionate Listening: Healing the World from the Inside Out
Feb. 16-23The Refuge of Awakening
Feb. 21-23Program Planning: Doing My Best with the Resources I Have
Feb. 28 – Mar. 2Water Ecology (for middle-school teachers)
Mar. 7-9Yoga, Self-Care, and Personal Practice
Rustin & the March, February 1, 8 pm at Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting. 20 E. Mermaid Lane, Philadelphia.
Bayard Rustin was among sixteen citizens recently awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Obama: “Bayard Rustin was an unyielding advocate for civil rights, dignity, and equality for all. An adviser to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he promoted nonviolent resistance, participated in one of the first Freedom Rides, organized the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and fought tirelessly for marginalized communities at home and abroad. As an openly gay African American, Mr. Rustin stood at the intersection of several of the fights for equal rights.”
On Saturday, February 1, at 8pm, Chestnut Hill FM will host playwright (and CHFM attender) William di Canzio and director Benjamin Lloyd, who will present a professional reading of scenes from the new play, Rustin & the March, and will guide a discussion. Refreshments will follow. There is no admission charge but donations are welcome as the evening is a fundraiser to benefit the premiere production planned for next fall.Snow date tentatively set for Sunday, February 2, at 4:00.
Arch Street Lunch & Lecture Series: Quilting and the Sense of Community. February 6, from 11:45 to 1 pm.Arch Street Meeting House, 4th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia. The guides of Arch Street Meeting House are hosting lunch time lectures throughout the year. The February talk will feature Linda Vizi. She is an outstanding quilter and will share her knowledge of quilts, quilt designs, and history. This will be followed by a brown bag lunch and informal discussion. Bring a brown bag lunch, drinks provided. For more information, or or 215-241-7238.
Young Friends Winter Gathering, February 7-9, Haddonfield Friends Meeting
Come join Young Friends for a weekend of fun and community with other Quaker-affiliated high schoolers. We'll explore the theme of Identity through workshops and worship sharing, leaving plenty of time for creative & spontaneous fun.For more information, or Hannah Mayer, , 215-241-7222 .
Communications Thread Gathering, Saturday, February 15, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, at Abington Meeting. An opportunity for grounding and skills development for Friends who are active in the ministry of communicating and connecting within our meetings. Thread Gatherings offer wisdom and experience sharing, workshops, and community around a thread of concern that runs through our meetings. For more information, or Christie Duncan-Tessmer, , 215-241-7008.
Pastoral Care Thread Gathering, Saturday, February 22, 9:30 am - 3:30 pmat Mullica Hill Meeting and School, 2 Woodstown Rd., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
The Pastoral Care Thread Gathering is an opportunity for grounding and skills development for those who are active in the ministry of caring for Friends in our meetings. Thread Gatherings offer wisdom and experience sharing, workshops and community around a thread of concern that runs through our meetings. For more information, or Christie Duncan-Tessmer, , 215-241-7008.
PYM Youth Program Internship, Apply now for winter/spring 2014
An opportunity for young adults.This program offers valuable experience to young adults by involving them in one of the youth programs of the yearly meeting. As an award for their service, interns receive $500 towards their participation in Quaker events or on experiences of professional development toward Quaker service. For more information, or contact Tricia Coscia, PYM Sessions and Volunteer Coordinator, , 215 241-7238.
Humor Corner:(One Liners)
When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.
Hymns for All Professions
Tailor's Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy
Golfer's Hymn: There's a Green Hill Far Away
IRS Agent's Hymn: I Surrender All
Quote Corner: Nelson Mandela’s life embodied the evolution of a warrior. Like many warriors, he gradually came to see the folly of violence and the benefit of nonviolence and even of forgiveness. He eventually sought not self-righteous conflict but peace, not domination but reconciliation, not triumph over a mortal enemy but harmony with all mortals.Sounds good but can it happen?
Mandela must have had his doubts during those 27 years of isolation and imprisonment and those decades of banging into a seemingly immovable object. “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” he said. His unbending will to make the impossible possible marked his life, both inside and outside prison.
We, too, may have our doubts when the battle seems hopelessly difficult. But let us remember Nelson Mandela’s dedication. Let us remember his unalterable conviction that working to move the immovable would pay off. It always seems impossible until it’s done.
(From an email from Heeding God’s Call.)
The submission deadline for the March newsletter is 9:30 am on Friday, February 14.