Dear Friends, The weather is no indication, but Summer is *unofficially* here! We have lots of fun activities in store! First Day Forum / Over the years, the Religious Education Committee has tried several approaches to Summer First Day Forum. We’ve shared queries, done book discussions and watched QuakerSpeak videos together. This year, I am SUPER EXCITED to announce that we will spend our time during First Day Forum sharing about books we’ve read for…
Dear Friends, Have you registered for Summer Program? Join us June12-15, 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. June is fast approaching! This week long, cooperative program takes on a different theme each year. Participants engage in a number of activities that are centered around that theme. Some activities include short lessons, crafts, music, and outdoor games. This year, our theme is Telling Our Stories! We hope Friends of all ages will join us as participants and/or volunteers for this…
Dear Friends, Please join us next First Day, May 21st, during semi-programmed Meeting for Worship for Recognition Sunday! This is an opportunity for us to recognize some of our dedicated community volunteers, rising second graders, rising fourth graders, and graduating high school Seniors. If you know a child or young Friend who fits one of those descriptions, please email me by May 18th. And don’t forget to register for Summer Program in June! More information…
Dear Friends, Happy May! We have a few special events this month, including Mother’s Day on May 14th. It has been our tradition at New Garden Friends Meeting to dedicate children to our community on both Mother’s and Father’s day. If you are interested in having your child dedicated (at any point- it does not need to be Mother’s/Father’s Day), please email me so that we can make arrangements to do so. Recognition Sunday is…
Dear Friends, The Transition Committee has planned a wonderful Intergenerational First Day School event for all of you next First Day, 4-6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The work that they are doing is incredibly important for the future of our community. But they can’t do it without input from all of you. The announcement has been shared elsewhere in the newsletter and queries will be provided during our meeting time together. And don’t worry about…
Dear Friends, I hope you all had a lovely, albeit chilly, Easter. Ours was a bit of a mess in the Honeycutt/Heller household with a cold making its rounds. But we are grateful to be a part of a faith tradition that acknowledges the equal holiness of all of our days. That took some of the pressure off. Looking ahead, I am feeling excited for our upcoming story sharing series during. Beginning in May, we…
Dear Friends, It will likely come as no surprise to all of you that I spend quite a bit of time thinking about our community. Religious Education Ministry certainly comes with its share of tasks, events, and meetings. But it is also learning, connecting, spiritual exploration, growth and discernment. A substantial amount of that exploration and growth comes from being in community, and sharing stories with all of you. Story sharing is powerful. Knowing one…
Dear Friends, It’s hard to believe that Easter is right around the corner. But it is! I hope you will all join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt in the New Garden Friends Cemetery at the rise of Meeting for Worship (12 p.m.ish) on Easter Sunday (April 9th). Friends are invited to bring wrapped candy and small toys (think plastic egg size) to the Religious Education office next Sunday, April 2nd, for use as…
The April 2nd Forum will engage in discernment of an appropriate statement on Reproductive Health Care. This discussion will focus our response to the following request from Friends Committee on National Legislation. “From its inception, Friends Committee on National Legislation has relied on meetings and churches to ground our work in the concerns of Friends. We invite you to engage your meeting or church in worship and discernment about this issue. Your discernment will guide…
Dear Friends, Happy Spring! Spring is my favorite season, followed very closely by Fall. For me, these transitional seasons are full of beauty, hope, and excitement for what is to come (even as I continue to wake up to temps in the 20’s and wonder when I can really start to get things started in the garden). This season of transition at New Garden Friends Meeting is affecting me similarly. Some days I am simply…