A Note from the Internet Tech Crew / December 28, 2022

News

Our lightly-programed Meeting for worship on 12/26 had some technical problems. We had trouble providing consistent audio to both in-person and online worshipers, leading to delays, missed communication, and a lack of interconnection between folks online and folks on the lawn. There was a lesson from this week that we on the tech crew take very seriously: Our electronic setup is complicated. When we change it, there can be unforeseen results. While we haven’t traced…

Challenging Racism / December 28, 2021

Community, News, Social Concerns

In the new year Friends will be coming back to the meetinghouse for worship. Perhaps then, after being away for so long, we can see with new eyes what was once so familiar. I invite us all to observe carefully the walls and bulletin boards for signs that Black Lives Matter. Note: If you haven’t been in the nursery for awhile, you may have missed the Black Jesus painting. Thank you to the Friend(s) who…

Refugee Support Update / January 28, 2021

Community, News, Social Concerns, Volunteer

New Garden’s donation collection and distribution area for the Afghan resettlement effort located in Norvell Hall is in full swing. Thanks to all who have donated; we have supported many families and individuals in establishing their new homes. We have two special notices regarding this outreach endeavor: If you are considering donating furnishings, we are overloaded with children’s clothing and supplies, as well as bed linens. So, we are not accepting those items at this…

Covid Advisory Update / December 28, 2021

Community, Covid-19, News, Social Concerns

The COVID Advisory Group last met 12/6/21, and recommended that protocols for New Garden Friends Meeting continue mostly the same through the Holiday season. Therefore, semi-programmed Meeting for Worship (MFW) will be outdoors, for the present  but otherwise now by Zoom and Facebook Live at 11 am. Friends will be notified if weather does not permit in-person outdoor worship. Unprogrammed MFW may take place outdoors or indoors, in accordance with current masking and distancing protocols.  Other small group meetings indoors at the Meeting House…

Holiday Covid News / December 28, 2021

Covid-19, News

Infectious disease experts are still  reevaluating Holiday advice given the discovery of  the  highly contagious COVID  Omicron variant.  This variant has now been isolated in dozens of countries and now accounting for the  vast majority of new positive tests in the US according to the CDC. It has prompted governments, including the U.S., to stop some international travel. The impact of this variant still can’t be properly estimated though we are starting to have some reports from South Africa…

Covid Advisory Update / December 21, 2021

Community, Covid-19, News, Social Concerns

The COVID Advisory Group last met 12/6/21, and recommended that protocols for New Garden Friends Meeting continue mostly the same through the Holiday season. Therefore, semi-programmed Meeting for Worship (MFW) will be outdoors, including the Christmas Eve Service, but otherwise now by Zoom and Facebook Live at 11 am. Friends will be notified if weather does not permit in-person outdoor worship. Unprogrammed MFW may take place outdoors or indoors, in accordance with current masking and distancing protocols.  Other small group meetings indoors at the Meeting…

From the Anti-Racism Group / December 20, 2021

Community, News, Social Concerns

We have been meeting every other work as we try to discern how to move New Garden toward an Anti-Racist faith community. Some things have already been undertaken (hiring black-owned and run companies), and we have several things in the pipeline, including discussion in upcoming Forums. If anyone would like to join this small group, we could use a few more ideas and thoughts. BTW, we are meeting virtually. Interested? Contact Tim Lindeman.

Challenging Racism / December 20, 2021

News, Social Concerns

As we approach our celebration of Christmas, and perhaps engage in the time honored tradition of cookie making and decorating, here is something worth knowing and appreciating: “Late in the nineteenth century, J. W. Reed invented the rolling pin with handles connected to a center rod; this is similar to the tool we know today, and it prevents cooks from putting their hands on the rolling surface while shaping pastry. Reed invented new versions of…

Plans for Christmas / December 2021

Holiday, News, Worship

Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24 / We will have an in-person Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 24. The service will be candle-lit and outside around our firepit and Christmas tree. Due to the chilly weather, the service will be a bit shorter this year but will include our traditional scripture reading and carol singing and other beloved traditions. Help Needed for 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship – Christmas Eve worship…

Holiday Covid News / December 20, 2021

Covid-19, News

Infectious disease experts are still  reevaluating Holiday advice given the discovery of  the  highly contagious COVID  Omicron variant.  This variant has now been isolated in dozens of countries and now accounting for three quarters of new positive tests in the US according to the CDC. It has prompted governments, including the U.S., to stop some international travel. The impact of this variant still can’t be properly estimated though we are starting to have some reports from South Africa and…