Kudos for Friends Committee on National Legislation / May 5, 2021

FCNL, News

The awards season has been often in the news, but you may have missed one event. You can hold off on the sparkling formal attire, although celebration is certainly warranted. Two weeks ago, it was announced that FCNL had won 11 DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards for its work in 2020, exceeding the six that it received in 2019. Through these awards, given annually since 1967, the Religion Communicators Council recognizes excellence in religious communications public relations. Awards…

Invitation to Join the Anti-Racism Working Group for New Garden Friends Meeting / May 4, 2021

Community, Fellowship, News, Social Concerns

You are invited to consider participating in the New Garden Friends Meeting Anti-racism working group to guide the Meeting in addressing systems of racism within our community. But, you may think, we’re Quakers, we have the Equality testimony. New Garden Friends Meeting has many nice white people, who don’t see themselves as racist. And you would be right in thinking that, as a faith community, we’re not intentionally harming to Black, Indigenous and People of…

Covid- 19 Vaccine Information / May 4, 2021

Community, Covid-19, News

Cases of COVID and hospitalizations in NC have stayed stable again this week. Vaccinations are ongoing but with lower numbers of vaccines being given than previously. The use of the J & J vaccine (1 dose vaccine) was resumed last week at the Four Seasons Mall mass vaccination site. Last week Governor Cooper allowed the increase of sizes of both outdoor and indoor groups gathered together. The CDC also clarified guidance for mask use out…

New Ideas Gathering Update / April 25, 2021

Community, News, Social Concerns

Notes from our April 25th Meeting / Have a forum to discuss and consider clean energy options. – To Peace and Social Concerns. Is there interest and support at NGFM for a community garden in coordination with Friends Homes? – To Peace and Social Concerns. Expression of continuing interest for a picnic shelter at the Meetinghouse. – To House committee. What is the status on holding Meeting for Worship in person; explanation of the dynamics…

Covid-19 Vaccine Information / April 28, 2021

Covid-19, News

The numbers of COVID cases are stable this week in NC, though not going down as had been hoped with increasing vaccination. Almost 48% of all NC adults have now received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine, with about 38% of all NC adults fully vaccinated. The administration of J&J vaccines can now be resumed, though this vaccine was not available at the Four Seasons Center site when I checked this morning. More…

Covid-19 Medical Advisory Group Update / April 28, 2021

Covid-19, News

The Covid-19 Medical Advisory Group for New Garden Friends Meeting (composed of all the Meeting’s doctors) has been working on a graduated plan for resuming in-person activities. We have had multiple discussions about use of the meeting house and grounds and are now eagerly awaiting new CDC guidance for outdoor activities. We anticipate sharing our recommendations with all New Gardeners by Zoom on May 16 at the rise of Meeting For Worship. Thank you all…

Religious Education Updates / May 4, 2021

News, Religious Education, Social Concerns, Youth

Thanks to all who joined our May 2nd Zoom Forum for “A Conversation with Kathy Manning.” Last week during our Adult Forum time, Friends discussed the Quaker perspective on economic systems. Below, please find resources that were shared during our discussion. Queries: How is our current economic system blocking the Kingdom of God? What are some of the cultural assumptions that we have about who and what our roles and connections are with one another…