Semi-Programmed Meeting for Worship / December 26, 2021

First Day, Worship

11:00 a.m. / In-Person outdoors (weather permitting) on the grounds of our meeting house. As the weather grows colder the Meeting is working on coming up with creative ways for Friends to be together safely indoors. While we work on a more permanent solution, Friends are welcome to bring a laptop computer to New Garden Friends Meeting on Sundays and sit inside the Meetinghouse while participating in Zoom worship. If Friends want to they can…

Unprogrammed Meeting for Worship / December 26, 2021

First Day, Worship

9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. / Those attending unprogrammed meetings for worship on Sundays are welcome to use Friendship Hall. Please follow the guidance below; Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness. Meet outdoors, if feasible, regardless of group size; please bring your own chairs. Reserve meeting room(s) in advance by calling the NGFM office at (336) 292-5487 or emailing [email protected] ; note the capacity of room(s) you will be using and do not exceed maximum…

Covid Advisory Update / December 21, 2021

Community, Covid-19, News, Social Concerns

The COVID Advisory Group last met 12/6/21, and recommended that protocols for New Garden Friends Meeting continue mostly the same through the Holiday season. Therefore, semi-programmed Meeting for Worship (MFW) will be outdoors, including the Christmas Eve Service, but otherwise now by Zoom and Facebook Live at 11 am. Friends will be notified if weather does not permit in-person outdoor worship. Unprogrammed MFW may take place outdoors or indoors, in accordance with current masking and distancing protocols.  Other small group meetings indoors at the Meeting…

From the Anti-Racism Group / December 20, 2021

Community, News, Social Concerns

We have been meeting every other work as we try to discern how to move New Garden toward an Anti-Racist faith community. Some things have already been undertaken (hiring black-owned and run companies), and we have several things in the pipeline, including discussion in upcoming Forums. If anyone would like to join this small group, we could use a few more ideas and thoughts. BTW, we are meeting virtually. Interested? Contact Tim Lindeman.

Challenging Racism / December 20, 2021

News, Social Concerns

As we approach our celebration of Christmas, and perhaps engage in the time honored tradition of cookie making and decorating, here is something worth knowing and appreciating: “Late in the nineteenth century, J. W. Reed invented the rolling pin with handles connected to a center rod; this is similar to the tool we know today, and it prevents cooks from putting their hands on the rolling surface while shaping pastry. Reed invented new versions of…

Plans for Christmas / December 2021

Holiday, News, Worship

Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24 / We will have an in-person Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 24. The service will be candle-lit and outside around our firepit and Christmas tree. Due to the chilly weather, the service will be a bit shorter this year but will include our traditional scripture reading and carol singing and other beloved traditions. Help Needed for 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship – Christmas Eve worship…

Holiday Covid News / December 20, 2021

Covid-19, News

Infectious disease experts are still  reevaluating Holiday advice given the discovery of  the  highly contagious COVID  Omicron variant.  This variant has now been isolated in dozens of countries and now accounting for three quarters of new positive tests in the US according to the CDC. It has prompted governments, including the U.S., to stop some international travel. The impact of this variant still can’t be properly estimated though we are starting to have some reports from South Africa and…