Documents in Advance
Intermountain Yearly Meeting
For June 2014
Part I. State of the Meeting Reports in alphabetical order (as received by 05/20/14)
These State of Meeting Reports have been received by the IMYM Clerk as of the date given above.
Albuquerque Monthly Meeting
Boulder Monthly Meeting
Colorado Springs Monthly Meeting
Durango Monthly Meeting
El Paso Monthly Meeting
Flagstaff Monthly Meeting
Fort Collins Monthly Meeting
Gila Monthly Meeting
Las Cruces Friends Meeting
Moab Monthly Meeting
Mountain View Monthly Meeting
Pima Monthly Meeting
Santa Fe Monthly Meeting
Tempe Monthly Meeting
2014 Albuquerque Monthly Meeting
State of the Meeting Report
In 2013, Albuquerque Monthly Meeting of Friends undertook a heartfelt journey toward deepening our spiritual community.
We continued to struggle in response to the arrest in late 2012, for a new related offense, of a known pedophile attending our Meeting. Throughout the year the Meeting wrestled with the challenges of internal disagreement and dissent. We invited Friend John Calvi to our Meeting to facilitate several days of individual and meeting wide discernment. As a result of Calvi's visit several actions were taken to strengthen and renew relations within our Meeting. A tremendous amount of energy at all levels, interpersonal, committee, meeting for business, called meetings and meeting for worship went into searching for a way forward. By fall we were experiencing a broken-heartedness and increased tenderness with each other.
The spring Caili, intergenerational potlucks and gatherings, Building and Grounds luncheon and workday, our service project with Sunday breakfast at St. Martins Hospitality Center, a well-organized and large participation with the Friend’s Garden and a baby shower for a new mother all helped to rebuild fellowship and joy within the Meeting.
Another project, undertaken with the Junior Young Friends focused on making quilts for the children and babies within the Meeting. Children's committee did a stellar job with programming (“Sparkling Still”). Young friends painted their room and offered a Christmas play that focused on simple gifts.
Adult Education Committee started a new “Readings in Quakerism” series that was very popular. Books by Doug Gwyn, Gulley and Mulholland, Steve Chase and Deborah Cadbury’s The Chocolate Wars were read and discussed.An “Invitation to Quakerism” course was well attended and many people bought books from the browsing table of FGC/QuakerBooks.
Besides the serving at St. Martins our outreach to the larger community included $6035 to local, regional, national and international organizations and a Minute of support for Albuquerque UnOccupy. (Albuquerque Unoccupy focuses on continuing colonization and the injustice of white supremacy and inequality.) The UnOccupy Minute continues to direct the course of our meeting. There was record-breaking attendance at The Gathering in Greeley, CO and a large presence at Intermountain Yearly Meeting. We had one youth attend Mountain Friend’s Camp. Several of our attenders received partial scholarships from our meeting. For six weeks Albuquerque Monthly Meeting housed several National Civilian Community Corp interns working at Rio Grande Community Farms.
We began the work of updating our membership rolls. Our current census reflects 123 members. We miss the presence of attender Dave Davis who died this year. While updating our rolls we learned of the passing of three members; Fred Raje and John and Laura Atkinson. Young families gladdened our circle with over a dozen children most Sundays.
This year one of our young adult attenders, Issa Abraham Merrill passed away after a long illness. His love of music and sense of humor will remain with those who visited him. During Intermountain Yearly Meeting (IMYM) we planted a tree in his memory.
In tasks focused on our meeting we updated and catalogued our library and gave several boxes of books away at IMYM. Visits were made to home bound and distant friends. We continued with lively third Sunday pot lucks and we hosted the fall New Mexico Regional, with the topic "On Growing in Spirit: How Do We Come Alive?"
Friends continued to take delight in our worship space and worked faithfully to maintain the Meetinghouse. Following a severe rainstorm in July repairs were made because of water damage in three basement rooms and an upstairs closet. For a decade the meeting has been seasoning the idea of a new building. In 2013 we had listening sessions to hear from people in regards to the newest proposal. We clarified the Al Hoge Memorial Fund, which was established in 2012, to state that it is specifically for the possibility of new additional space, should that space be approved by Albuquerque Monthly Meeting. We are aware of the problems associated with building new space and want to move carefully and thoughtfully in seeking unity. The process of discernment continues.
The treasurer and the Finance Committee reorganized the record-keeping structures of the Meeting’s finances, focusing on simplicity, transparency and advice from Philadelphia Yearly finance management manual.Capital-related funds were established, particularly to assure timely replacements and improvements.This work and problem-solving was enjoyed in an atmosphere of worshipful respect and collaboration.
The core of our Meeting is our Sunday morning worship. Vocal ministry has been a rich offering through the year which has clarified our care for each other. We learn to wait in the silence, listening for that of God.
2014StateoftheMeetingReport
BoulderMeetingoftheReligiousSocietyofFriends
TheBoulderFriendsMeeting,bothindividuallyandcorporately,hasexperiencedjoysand challengesduringthepastyear.OverallwearegratifiedbythestateofMeeting,andfeel joyandwonderatthewayQuakerprocesshasallowedustogrowasaMeeting,and individually.Thisisevidencedbythestrengthofourworshipandthevarietyofwaysin whichmembersandattendersusetheirdailylives,witnessingtoourtestimonies.
QualityofWorshipandSpiritualMinistry
OnFirstDays,wehavetwomeetingsforworship,at8:30and10:00.The8:30meetingis oftensmall(815Friendsinattendance);our10:00meetingislarger,generallyattendedby 80100Friends.OurFriendsattheDoor(whichincluded31Friendslastyear)greetthose whocometothelatermeeting;thisprovidesbothafellowshipandspiritualroleinMeeting.SomeyoungFriendsattendthefirst15minutesofMeetingbeforejoiningtheirpeersfor childcareand/orFirstDaySchool.Afterthefirsthourofmeeting,wedeepenour experienceofworshipandcommunitybyprovidinganopportunityforpersonaljoysand sorrows.Duringthistime,thosewhoareexperiencingdifficulttimesareheldinthelight,andwecelebratejoyouseventsasacommunity.Followingthisandannouncements,we haveatleast30minutesoffellowship.
Wehaveasmall,butactiveadulteducationprogram,whichprovidesprogramhourstwoor threetimesamonthaftertheriseofmeetingandfellowship;programsarenotscheduledin thesummerandonBusinessMeetingSundays.Programsvary,fromindividuals’spiritual journeystodiscussionsaboutthelifeofMeeting,andpresentationsbymembersandguestpresenters,includingsuchtopicssuchasaspiritualchantingprogrampresentedrecently byamember.
Ournewsletter,TheMiscellany,isassembledbyasmallcommitteethathasbeenstable formanyyears,creatingverystrongbondsbetweenthevolunteers.Wehaveastrong libraryavailable,coveringavarietyofsubjects.ThelibraryalsohasDVDsandCDs available,coveringvariousprogramhoursandspiritualjourneys.
Althoughoftensmall,wehaveavitalFirstDaySchool.K5islearningaboutQuakervalues throughstories,games,andbusyhandsmakingart.JYFandSYFareengagedin discussionsofwhatitmeanstobeaQuaker,andhowthatrelatestocontemporary,moral,andethicalissues.Weareworkingtointegrateouryoungpeoplemorecloselyintothelife oftheMeeting.Ourannual“secretfriends”eventwasagreatsuccess,pairinganumberofchildrenwithadultFriendsandculminatedinajointlovebrunchenjoyedbyall.
OursmallFellowshipCommitteeprovidesrefreshmentsaftertheriseofMeeting,andhas hosted3memorialservicesinthelastyear.Fellowshipalsohostedseveralannualpotlucks andhelpedwith2potluckssponsoredbyothercommitteesThreenewextendedfamilies havebeenestablished(joiningsomefamiliesthathavebeenactivefordecades).
Thisspringwehadoneofourseriesofdiscussionpotlucksinprivatehomes,sponsored byourMinistryandWorshipcommittee.Wegatheredingroupsof8to10forfellowship andtocontemplateanddiscussthequeries“HowdoQuakertraditionandwritingnurture yourlifeandworship?HowdoesimmediateconnectionwiththeDivinenurtureyourlife andworship?Howdoyouintegratethesetwo?”
WitnesstoFriends’Testimonies
HereisasamplingofthemanyeffortsourMeetinghastakenthisyearinwitnessto Friends’testimonies.
InNovember2013,severalcommitteemembersparticipatedineventsinDenveronthe finaldayoftheSandCreekMassacreSpiritualHealingRun.Wearecollaboratingwith otherBoulderCountychurchesandorganizationstocreatesupportivecommemorative activitiesin2014,the150yearanniversaryofthemassacre.
OurmeetingismovingforwardinseekingwaystoliveourQuakertestimoniesinregardto NativePeoples,includingtheworkofoneofourmemberswhohascreatedapowerful workshopthathasbeenpresentedinanumberofQuakerMonthlyandYearlyMeetings,as wellasinotherfaithgroupsandeducationalsettings.
TheMeetingprovidestimeandmoneytolocalaidgroupsthatfocusonhomelessnessand hunger.Inadditiontofinancialcontributions,somemembershaveprovidedweeklymeals andotherassistance;wehaveopenedtheMeetingHouseonceaweektoseveral homelesswomenduringperiodswhentheshelterisnotopen.Ouronceamonthmeal servicesatthehomelessshelter,andatalocalfoodbank,provideopportunitiestoextend persontopersonhelp.Wealsoprovidepracticalhelp(rides,meals,visits,etc.)tothe membersandattendersofourQuakercommunity.
Beyondourlocalarea,wehaveforseveralyearsprovidedscholarshipsforhigher educationtoqualifiedstudentsfromthepoorestcommunitiesinElSalvadorandcontinued supporttothewomensponsoredintheSudanproject.Inaddition,weprovidean administrativehomeforTogoSupport,anorganizationthatprovidesaidtoavillagein Africa,andprovidefundingtohelpwiththerefugeesfromSudanthatwehave“adopted”.
MattersofConcern
Weended2012withasurplusofover$13,000.In2013,inspiteofincreasingourbudget,weendedtheyearwithanothersurplus.Afterreplenishingourprudentreserve,wehave morethan$22,000available,andarenowintheprocessofdiscerningappropriateuses forthesefunds.
OurreformedBuildingandGroundsCommitteehasclarifieditsgoalsandprocesses,improvedcommunicationbothwithinandbeyondthecommittee,anddevelopedalistofinternalandexternalresourcesformaintenanceandrepairs.Keyfocioftheyearhave beencreatingascheduleforongoingmaintenanceandimplementingsuch,doingresearch foranewbuildingsign,cleaningupaftertheSeptemberflood,installingnewhearing devices,anddoingresearchfornewcarpetthatmeetstheaesthetic,sound,and environmentalcriterianeedsofmembers.
Participationinthelifeofthemeeting
Wecurrentlyhave133members,about124ofwhomliveinthearea;andapproximately45 regularattenders.
Throughaseriesofworkshopsandmailings,theIndigenousPeoplesConcerns
CommitteeinformedIMYMmonthlymeetingsabouttheDoctrineofDiscoveryandtheU.N.DeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples.BoulderMeetinghasapproved forwardingtoIMYMaminuteontheseissuestobeconsideredatthe2014gathering.In thelastyear,wehostedeventscelebratingGeraldOneFeather’sawardofanhonorary doctoratefromtheUniversityofColorado,andbeganaprocessoflearningandreflection abouttherolesFriendsplayedintheeraofIndianBoardingSchools.
Wecontinuedtoprovidetheserviceofhelpingfamiliesplanandconductmemorial servicesinthemannerofFriends.Thisyear’sserviceswerethoseforJackKraushaar,
JohnAveryandRebeccaAcquisto.Wecontinuetoprovideeducationondeathanddying toourQuakercommunity,andsupportandcompanionshiptothosefacingtheirowndeath.WealsoreceivedarequestfromthefamilytohaveaQuakerpresenceatalocalwoman’s hospitalbedside.Friendslistenedtothestoryofherinvolvementasayoungwomaninthe formationofaQuakerChurch;shepassedthefollowingday.
OurOversightandMembershipcommitteearrangedfourclearnesscommitteesfor membership,andwejoyfullywelcomedthosefournewmembersaswellasoneFriend whotransferredhermembershipsfromanothermeeting.Thecommitteeisworkingonour proceduresforwelcomingthechildrenofourMeetingintoourcommunityandwillbe contactingparentsinthenearfuture.
Weprovidedfinancialassistancetoyoungermembersandattendersforhighereducation,andtothosewhorequestedhelptoattendQuakeractivities(primarilyIntermountainYearly Meetingandlastyear’sFGCgatheringinGreeley).Wealsoprovideassistancetoour youngpeoplewhowanttoattendtheMountainFriendsCamp,whichprovidesan
additionalQuakergatheringandexperienceforyoungpeople.ThisyearMFCmovedto theSantaFearea;alargenumberofthecampershavebeenfromBoulderMeeting.
Insummary,ourcommunitycontinuestostrengthen,asdoesthequalityofourworship andwitnesstoFriends’testimonies.AsindividualsandasaMeeting,ourgoalisto
balanceourcommitmentswiththegiftsandstrengthswehavebeengiven,andtounifyour livesintheSpirit.
SubmittedbyBillMoninger,Clerk,andGaleTokoRoss,AssociateClerk
STATE OF THE MEETING
Colorado Springs Monthly Meeting
The Colorado Springs Religious Society of Friends continues to prosper in the search for the Truth. After more than 50 years as a Meeting, we moved into our Meeting House in May, 2012. We remain of modest size but continue to slowly grow and contribute to the greater Quaker and Peace communities.
Presently we have 19 Members, about 8 Attenders and 2 junior members and/or attenders. We have had 23 visitors sign our guest book during 2013. We have had one death of an Attender.
Except for two Junior Young Friends who live in Pueblo, we seldom have children at meeting. However, we do have a well stocked First Day School room and teachers ready to teach. We look forward to the time when we have a more vigorous First Day School program. Our adult Religious Education program studied the Quaker Testaments.
Our Friend who was incarcerated was released in August and will finish his parole on May 1. We look forward to his return to Meeting.
In the past year we have installed ceiling fans and a new furnace.
Last April we hosted Colorado Regional and an Interfaith meeting, “Historical Peace Churches” that focused on Quaker, Mennonite and Brethren traditions. We carried on with having another “Show and Tell.” Learning about individual Friend’s professions or hobbies builds a stronger Quaker community. In addition to writing many articles and books, Bill Durland has several plays to his credit. Several play rehearsals were held at our Meeting House. In November, a Memorial Service was given for Kathy Ide, a long time Attender of our Meeting. On Christmas Eve we had Meeting for Worship after which we enjoyed singing Carols together. Friends regularly support our monthly “work days.” We have begun landscaping our little corner in the neighborhood. Several of our Members and Attenders participate on committees that serve the greater Quaker community. We support the social justice callings of our members
Though we have challenges, the Colorado Springs Quakers benefit from the many talents and contributions of Friends. We look forward to continued growth and Spiritual Light in the coming year.
Durango Monthly Meeting
State of the Meeting
March 2014
A continuing theme this year has been “Our Meeting, Its Future and You” with an emphasis on how the Meeting is relating to Friends’ needs and to our developing spirituality. A threshing session was held in September to address this theme and was well attended with additional input delivered by email and phone calls from those unable to be there. Our goal was to bring distant and/or uninvolved Friends closer to our Meeting. One of the most rewarding responses came from our adult Young Friends attending colleges elsewhere. They commented on the love and respect they enjoyed in our Meeting and commented on how much they felt a part of our community. Although we received much encouragement from all involved, we still strive to deepen our worship and improve our ministry to each other and the community around us.
Durango Friends continue to support and nourish each other with potlucks, birthday celebrations, poetry, summer picnics, and visitations. Our attendance rises and falls with the comings and goings of Friends/friends. We lost one valuable couple who moved on to the Midwest. That sadness was balanced with our joy at welcoming 8 or 9 new attenders. Some of them are young adults and some come with knowledge of Quaker history and process which is much appreciated.
One of our beloved members is attending Earlham School of Religion with our support and encouragement. Although we miss her ministry to us in Meeting, we are pleased to see her developing her spiritual gifts and know she is a welcomed contributor in her new setting.
Many of our members and attenders are active in the wider Quaker world. Friends serve in positions in Regional Meeting, and IMYM, as well as our own Monthly Meeting. As with many Meetings, some find themselves spread thin and wanting more hands doing some of the work. In an attempt to involve more people, we have been experimenting with moving Adult Education from before to after Meeting. We are carefully monitoring this schedule change to see if it better meets our needs. Our goal is to increase participation in business meeting, committees and activities.
Durango Friends continue to have a presence in the community and larger world. One Friend has been a major force behind a sustainable movement named “Solarize LaPlata”. Another continues raising money and offering his service to the Mitrata Childrens Home in Nepal. Many more support local efforts and individual needs right here at home. While some leadings gain official support from the Meeting, others receive thoughtful, sustaining encouragement from us. All are spreading the Light and following their leadings.
The Meeting hosted the Western Friend Board last May and the Roots of Injustice; Seeds of Change Workshop this winter along with three other sessions involving Native American matters. We continue a close connection with the Torreon (NM) Community Alliance and provided personal support to a Ugandan intern studying community land rights. Among other forms of outreach, several first-generation and GED students received direct financial assistance.
As we look ahead, we are focusing on more visibility and increased outreach. To that end, we are laying the groundwork for a web presence with a web site devoted to our Meeting and its activities. We are also attempting to partner with other religious organizations to present speakers and workshops. All this with the goal of making ourselves more open and inviting to seekers who need and want to find us.
So we move forward with patience toward one another and generosity of spirit. Our work may sometimes be challenging, but it is noted that, when we are together, there is always kindness and laughter and heartfelt love.
El Paso Monthly Meeting – Religious Society of Friends – State of the Meeting – March 2014
Our small community continues to be energized by the move to the Tolbert House at 2701 Frankfort. The welcoming atmosphere, flexibility for fellowship activities, and relief from the financial pressure of rent payment, among other benefits, all contribute to bring out the regulars and entice the occasional visitor.
Our Facebook page gives a rounded picture of our meeting and of Quakerism as a whole. Our emailed newsletter, Friendly Persuasions, keeps Friends up to date on local and regional activities and provides links to the wider Quaker world. We continue our listings in the El Paso Times, Friends Journal, Quaker Life, and Quaker Finder.
The meeting now has its own email address, . We have discontinued our subscription voicemail service and our listing in the Yellow Pages in the interest of more effective and economical methods of contact.
An orientation to the Alternatives to Violence Project led by two Las Cruces Friends led to a weekend workshop in March, which was attended by participants from a wide area. Our meeting provided a hearty lunch for the group. We also assisted with the advanced publicity and networking for the event.
We enjoyed a visit from two of our members now living in California, James Christopher Rawley and Phyllis Caves Rawley, who asked for our care as they contemplate the next chapter in their lives.
Dee Cameron attended the FGC Gathering in Greeley and participated in George Lakey’s workshop, “Class Matters.”
We have been exploring possible locations for the 2015 Regional gathering, and we look forward to seeing many Friends here in El Paso at that time.
FLAGSTAFF MONTHLY MEETING
STATE OF THE MEETING REPORT FOR 2013
Flagstaff Monthly Meeting (FMM) is strong and healthy, both spiritually and financially. Meeting for Worship is well attended. Except for a brief, planned reading, it is typically quiet but has beenenriched by deep sharing and vocal ministry that arises as we go around the circle during introductions. Numerous younger attenders are participating, with some considering membership. Hospitality after meeting for worship, potlucks, and Wednesday night fellowship are all well attended and joyful occasions. We have made a concerted effort to meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of our aging members as well.
Early in 2013, declining participation in the ongoing tasks of meeting became a cause for concern. As is often the case in smaller meetings, a few folks were doing most of the work. We talked of possibly shrinking the size and scope of meeting. However, after some worshipful sessions to address this problem, several folks stepped forward to take on more responsibility. Currently, the meeting’s work is shared more equitably. In addition, several of our members have taken major positions in AHYM and the structural reorganization of IMYM.
Financially, our meeting has come through hard times. Since the Great Recession of 2009, budget constraints have forced us to stop donating to wider Quaker organizations. However, in 2013 we were able to support Mountain Friends Camp, and we maintained ongoing support to St. Mary’s Food Bank and Flagstaff Food Center, where Friends serve one evening a month. Despite expense cuts, by July the meeting was still spending more than we were bringing in. In September, our treasurer spearheaded a stewardship campaign. The response from current and past members and attenders was heartening. Many people gave generously, and by November our meeting finances were back in the black. In spring 2014, we will meet to consider funding wider Quaker organizations once again.
Not surprisingly, a controversial topic emerged in 2013. It had to do with honoring traditional Quaker practices and customs while also participating in the fast-changing world of the Internet, websites and social media. Some anxiety and much discussion arose over the issues of individual privacy vs. having a corporate presence in the electronic universe. Through the website committee, our meeting continues to address these valid concerns, and we hope for unity in 2014. Meanwhile, FMM’s website lets others know of our presence. Our E-mail listserve keeps us informed of meeting doings, and by E-mailing most of our semi-monthly newsletters we save money and paper.