Ann Macmaster, Author at New Garden Friends Meeting

Upcoming Adult Forums for May 2021

First Day, News, Religious EducationBy Ann Macmaster May 5, 2021

May 9: After some conversation about the Quaker perspective on economic systems, Friends felt led to continue our discussion with specific attention to action items. Friends are encouraged to join us with ideas and action items that will support working towards less oppressive local, state, national, and global economic systems. May 16: Discussing Nuclear Power May 23: Barbara Leutke/author of The Kendal Sparrow will do a book sharing with Friends. We are very excited to…

Quaker Survey Results & Next Steps / May 4, 2021

Community, NewsBy Ann Macmaster May 5, 2021

Thank you to the participants in our NGFM Quaker Relations survey. We had just over 50 people share thoughts on how NGFM has been engaged with outside Quaker organizations and how those organizations have made an impact on NGFM. The top two most frequently referenced organizations were NCFF and PFYM/ PFF followed by FGC and AFSC. The respondents felt strongly that NGFM was a better community because of our association with these organizations.

It’s Scholarship Time Again / Applications Due by May 31, 2021

News, Social Concerns, YouthBy Ann Macmaster May 5, 2021

Scholarship applications are available and can be obtained by email from the New Garden Friends Meeting office. Completed applications must be returned by May 31.

Covid Medical Advisory Group Update / May 4, 2021

Covid-19, First Day, News, Religious Education, WorshipBy Ann Macmaster May 5, 2021

Given Governor Cooper’s easing of restrictions in the state, the COVID Medical Advisory Group has made the decision to recommend a gradual resumption of in-person activities. We caution that this does not mark an end to our concerns about the potential for transmission of the coronavirus during New Garden activities; however, we are recommending steps that will allow all New Gardeners to participate safely, according to their circumstances and preferences. Programmed meeting for worship: Zoom…

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

FCNL, NewsBy Ann Macmaster May 4, 2021

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 ConcernsBy Ann Macmaster May 4, 2021

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, NewsBy Ann Macmaster May 4, 2021

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 ConcernsBy Ann Macmaster May 4, 2021

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, NewsBy Ann Macmaster May 4, 2021

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, NewsBy Ann Macmaster May 4, 2021

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…

Author Archives: Ann Macmaster