The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center / Mediation Skills Training / August 3 – 7

Community, News, Social Concerns

The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center has trained thousands of church leaders in conflict resolution skills. They can also train groups in their own locations. Conflict is an inevitable part of life. Having the skills to function effectively in emotionally intense, conflicted situations is important for all of us, especially those of us who are leaders. Through lectures, discussion and role-plays, the sessions emphasize hands-on skills training and are practical in focus. For more information on…

Upcoming Zoom Adult Forums / June 28 – July 26

Fellowship, First Day, News, Social Concerns

Friends, starting June 28, the Peace and Social Concerns Committee will facilitate a five-week long book discussion of Parker Palmer’s, Healing the Heart of Democracy during Adult Forum. If you would like to participate, you can purchase the book most places online. Zoom links will be sent out via email with the Religious Education Updates and Information. If you would like to receive these updates and are not currently receiving RE information by email from…

Freinds Committee on North Carolina Legislation Action Alert

Community, News, Social Concerns

Freinds Committee on North Carolina Legislation is committed to Anti-Racism and has issued a new Action Alert to address police violence. We stand in solidarity with the North Carolina Council of Churches, the Poor People’s Campaign, and others committed to addressing systemic racism. We ask you to contact your municipal and state officials to: 1. Stop Militarization of Police. Redirect funding away from military equipment and military training for police and increase funding towards meeting…

Solar+ Project Update / Why Solar Now?

Community, Finance & Stewardship, News, Social Concerns

I’m excited about New Garden’s Solar+ Project! Soon, we’ll be able to generate enough electricity to cover 3/4 of the Meeting’s power – using the clean power of the sun and panels warranted for 30 years. This is one small contribution to using nonpolluting renewal energy – a critical part of reducing the impact of climate change. The finances are important to me too. Our investment of $52,825 for 121 panels will reduce payments for…

Covid-19 Safety

Community, News, Social Concerns

If you have been out shopping in the past days, you have seen a variety of folks who are wearing mask correctly or who aren’t wearing a mask, or wearing one incorrectly. You can share thoughts/requests with Governor Cooper and other public officials regarding making masks in stores mandatory and that the state educates the public to explain why this policy is urgently needed. Making face masks mandatory for everyone even one hour weekly will…

Solar+ Project Update

Community, News, Social Concerns

New Garden’s Energy Team is excited to report that monthly meeting approved the Solar Energy + Outreach Project. This is a great opportunity to reduce our impact on Earth’s resources and save operating costs for the Meetinghouse at the same time. (We anticipate that this solar power will provide about three-quarters of our electricity use.) As Quakers, our testimony of Stewardship calls upon us to care for the Earth, its environment and changing climate as…

Essential Training in Family Systems and Conflict Transformation / The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center

Community, Fellowship, News, Social Concerns

North Carolina Fellowship of Friends is forwarding information to Meetings on the 2020 Mediation Skills Training Institute programming, offered via the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center has trained thousands of church leaders in conflict resolution skills. They can also train groups in their own locations. Conflict is an inevitable part of life. Having the skills to function effectively in emotionally intense, conflicted situations is important for all of us, especially those…