Notes from Pastor Ashley / February 2, 2023

Dear Friends, In lightly programmed worship this past week, I read a poem by Mary Oliver called “Whistling Swans.” I love Mary Oliver’s poetry, and some lines from this poem stood out for me. Lines like “don’t worry about what language you use, God no doubt understands them all.” I am grateful to be part of a community that uses different language for God and hears the voice of the Spirit in the whistling swans…

Welcome Afghan Family / February 2023

New Garden Friends Meeting is sponsoring a new refugee family. A Mom and Dad with 4 kids, ages 3-11. Both parents were professionals in Afghanistan and speak excellent English. They have very impressive resumes and the Dad is very anxious to go to work. Waseem (the Dad) was able to take the driver’s test and get his license and would love to have a car. If anyone has any leads on a used car or…

Anti-Racism Resources / February 2, 2023

Where to begin, or where to look for additional resources to aid in your quest to become antiracist? Here is a link published by the University of North Carolina and shared with me by Tina Fisher of the Peace and Social Concerns Committee. This could keep me busy for the rest of my life-long endeavor to become an antiracist: diversity.unc.edu/anti-racism-resources Thank you, Tina! If any of you have resources that have been helpful to you,…

Rosenwald Schools Film Premier / February 4, 2023

Dear Friends, Many of you know that I’ve been involved in a documentary film project about Rosenwald Schools for a (very) long time. Several of you have generously supported the non-profit that Jere Snyder and I started (Longleaf Productions) to do this work. Now, at long last, we have something to show for it. “Unlocking the Doors of Opportunity / The Rosenwald Schools of North Carolina” will be screened at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4,…

Religious Education / February 2, 2023

Hello Friends! There have been several changes at the meetinghouse. Have you noticed? We were fortunate to have Middle and Upper school students from New Garden Friends School spend their service days with us last week and do some major heavy lifting. So if you haven’t already, come check out my new office in Room 109 (right next door to the old Religious Education office). The old RE office is in transition as I continue…

First Day at New Garden Friends Meeting / February 5, 2023

9:45 a.m. Unprogrammed Meeting for Worship 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Adult Forum (Zoom) 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Spiritual Disciplines (Zoom) 11 a.m. Semi-Programmed Meeting for Worship* Worshipful Music: Andy Mock • Welcome: Ashley Wilcox • Announcements: Karen Garraputa • Congregational Hymn: #136 “This Still Room” • Reading: Matthew 18:15-20 • Special Music: Jeannie Sykes • Message: How Would Jesus Fight? • Silent Worship • Holding in the Light *Meeting for Worship livestream: Facebook Live: http://www.facebook.com/NewGardenFriendsMeeting…