Dear Friends,

It may feel a little early, but we are already planning for Christmas at New Garden Friends Meeting! I am looking forward to our outdoor Christmas Eve service, and having unprogrammed worship on Christmas morning feels like a time to get away from all the bustle and listen deeply together.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with all of the Christmas plans! We need people to help with setting out the ornaments and creches, setting up for Simple Christmas, and more. If you want to help make Christmas special, please reach out to Karin Heller ([email protected]) and let her know you want to volunteer.

I also wanted to let you know that I am working with Caring Friends and Deborah Suess to meet the pastoral care needs of the NGFM community. Deborah has agreed to continue to provide pastoral care for 15-20 hours a month, especially for those in Friends Homes, so keep an eye out for her!

Finally, I am pleased to share that The Quaker World, a book edited by Wess Daniels and Rhiannon Grant, was published on November 4th. The contributors are from all over the world, describing the Religious Society of Friends as it is now. I contributed a chapter called “The Work of Equality: Supporting Quaker Women in Ministry.” I have a copy in my office if you would like to come take a look.

Blessings,
Ashley

Office Hours: 2-4pm on Mondays and by appointment