Challenging Racism / February 8, 2023
How deep is the mud? Depends on who you ask. We all go through the same stuff differently.
The Work of the Transition Team / February 2023
The Transition Team is a group of trusted individuals the meeting chooses that is spiritually grounded and representative of the meeting as a whole. This team provides a framework for the meeting to systematically assess its pastoral needs and congregational goals before beginning the search for a new pastor. The role of the interim minister is as pastor to the people and consultant to the Transition Team. The pastor works with the Transition Team to…
Update Your Address / February 2023
Do you have a new address or phone number? What about a new email address? If so, please email the office so that we may update our files. We have received some returned mail and need updated information for those of you that have moved. Thank you so much! –– Valerie
Religious Education / February 8, 2023
Dear Friends, Doesn’t winter start to get a bit tiresome come February? It’s still cold. It’s still dark. But there aren’t any gatherings, celebrations, or baked goods. Fear not! We’ve got just the event to cure any winter blues. Join us Friday, February 17th, 5-7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for a cookie bake and game night. Childcare will be available, but must be pre-arranged. I’ll include more information in the newsletter next week. In the…
First Day at New Garden Friends Meeting / February 12, 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: • Reading: Matthew Exodus 15:1–11, 20–21 • Special Music: • Message: The Song of Miriam • Silent Worship • Holding in the Light *Meeting for Worship livestream: Facebook Live: http://www.facebook.com/NewGardenFriendsMeeting 12:00 p.m. Open…
Faith Leaders Lobby Day / February 7 & 28, 2023
Training – February 7th, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. ON ZOOM Lobby Day – February 28th, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. / 16 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC Dear faith and religious community leaders, Thank you for your interest in and partnership on organizing around issues of abortion and reproductive justice in NC. We all know that this legislative session has the potential to usher in new harsher restrictions for reproductive healthcare in our state AND that…
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…
Carry-In Meal & Monthly Meeting for Business / February 5, 2023
At the rise of Meeting on Sunday there will be a carry-in meal followed by our regular Monthly Meeting for Business. Clinton D. Corcoran Clerk, New Garden Friends Meeting
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,…