Little did I know that Landrum was 94 years old. He is still very active and still really passionate about peace and finding peace in all situations It's a long read for his session but worth it.
Here are this morning's announcements:
-Early morning worship will meet at Hampton Inn on the 4th floor in the Jefferson Room at 6:30am. # 401 and 402
-Before your departure, please return your name tags to the box on the registration desk. In the School Lobby.
We appreciate your consideration!
-Shuttle buses will leave at 7am, 11am, 3pm and after the evening service for those in need of transportation to or from motels.
-Interest groups needing space or time to meet, contact the FUM offices on the 1st floor.
-Evening offerings will benefit the FUM General Fund and all field staff ministry accounts
-There is the line inside and a line OUTSIDE. You can get to it by walking to the Nurses Station and entering the gate to the Tent area to find the Food Tables.
-Please join us outside for this lovely North Carolina day.
-These items are in the office if you are missing any. Scarf, Jewelry, Glasses
-Some items have been left in the bookstore. Jewelry, sandals, etc. Please see the office for these items.
-Lost and found items can be turned in or picked up from the High Point Friends Meeting Office (Room-213).
-Registration was moved to the Friends School lobby after lunch yesterday. Please check there for registration concerns and NCYM info.
-A Silent Auction for a number of items is in progress in the Bookstore on the first floor. All proceeds will benefit the Ministry Accounts of field staff. Visit the Bookstore to see items and place a bid. All bids must be in by Saturday 10 am.
-Worship Sharing Groups meet every morning after Bible Study. Sign up for a group at the FUM office. Meeting places are listed on the sign-up sheet.
-Nursery is in the Meeting Nursery.
-FRIDAY TOURS: Sign up at the registration desk (NCYM at School) Loading at 1:45. Tours to Quaker Lake, Guilford College/ Mendenhall Plantation, Quaker Museums/ Cemetaries, NC ZOO
-For departing attendees needing transportation from the hotels or High Point Friends Meeting to the airport or train station, there is a sign-up sheet on the registration desk at the NCYM Office in the School. Please be sure to complete all the information by TODAY.
-The FUM Triennial Blog web address is:triennials2008.blogspot.comIt is updated after every session.
-Friday Interest Groups:Intervisitation Program of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 1:30-3 in the Music Room. FCNL—The pastoral and the Prophetic: Dealing with Congress on the Middle East, 1pm in the Chapel. Pawnee Indian Baptist Church—Kenyan Dancing, 3pm in the School Amphitheatre.
-BOOK SIGNING: SATURDAY 3pm
outside of the bookstore featureing these authors: Mary Glenn Hadley, David Goff, Howard Macy, John Punshon, Billy Britt and Ben Richmond.
-Ask any FUM staff member how you can get a complete set of FUM Staff prayer cards.
-Items for Saturday’s Daily Minute must be in by 5pm TODAY. They can be left in the NCYM office, FUM office or given to Sara Beth Terrell
-John Punshon book sales at special time:
Friday Evening following the Johnson lecture outside the meeting room. Books will be autographed Saturday at 3 pm.
-Western Yearly Meeting History: For information or to order see Peggy Hollingsworth, Kay Carter or Leanna Roberts during FUM. Cost is $25 plus $5 Shipping; make checks payable to Western Yearly Meeting.
-Pendle Hill: Opportunities for study and service available. See Display in room 3.
-USFWI 2010 Triennial Fundraiser: Visit display in bookstore for a variety of items including luggage tags, canvas bags and Jamaican Blue Coffee. Help raise funds for 2010 Triennial in Kenya!
-COPIES: Landrum Bollings Peace Lecture and Sylvia Graves Keynote address will be available on or after 20 July 2008 on the FUM website. www.fum.org
-BOOKSTORE: Friends United Press online shopping center can be accessed at www.fum.org/shop or at 1-800-537-8839
Friday, July 11, 2008
Evening Worship - Landrum Boiling - Peace Lecture
10 July 2008 - Thursday Evening 7pm
Live captioning services are provided by CSDHH – Communication Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Greensboro, NC. Your captionist today is Vicki Pinson.
Friends! Could we settle in the spirit of worship.
(music playing)
Friends good evening. We appreciate the beautiful music. We enjoy their music every year at our general meeting. You’ll hear more from them later in the program. One short story…Dustin I have to tell this on you, rising junior at western Carolina. 3 years ago senior in high school. He came to my office looking for a project. Where he could give service. After we talked a little some areas I knew… we decided Turkana would be a good place. One glitch. Project wasn’t supposed to be fundraiser. Once we cleared that hurdle Dustin put the story together. Photos and so forth and began to set up meetings among friends meeting. He made his tour and collections began to come in. this young man raised over $14,000 I remember that so well. Thank you Dustin.
(applause)
This has been just a wonderful day. This evening we sit back and relax and enjoy the moment. This is time we are creating history. This day will go down as being a good day among friends. And tomorrow will be another one as we continue to create history among ourselves. Our God moves in such a wonderful way. His presence this day we have felt in our midst. All have come and gathered here. Let us continue to enjoy this evening as we worship and continue to fellowship. We look forward to the time and days ahead. This will be memorial program. We will begin with a word of prayer and… will lead us.
Father we come to you with praises … worship, welcome we pray Jesus will touch each one of us. I pray that God’s holy spirit will come to show us, … we I believe that Jesus … we pray that this day I pray that Jesus will let our hearts feel that the … fill our cups. Our hearts … because you are God. … in the name of Jesus Christ we pray amen.
Let us continue this time of worship by joining together and sing hymn number 630 what a friend we have in Jesus. Think about Kenyans who shared with us this morning. They didn’t say they were not prepared. They just came with joy overflowing shared their message and smiled while they sang. If we look and see frowns we don’t have joy of Jesus in our hearts. I want to see that joy shared with us about the friend we have in Jesus. Stand and sing 630.
(music playing)
What a friend we have in Jesus
What a … what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
Oh what … oh what
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
… trials and temptations … trouble he shall never… take it to the Lord in prayer. Find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrow share. Jesus … take it to the Lord in prayer.
… take it to the Lord in prayer.
…. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
… I will find a solace there.
I understand we may have visitors this evening do w e have delegation from NC conservative friends. Please stand.
Thank you friends and welcome to our evening worship service. I have a couple of announcements. Anne Shaperie has misplaced conference bag. Her name is not in it but her bible has husband’s name James … and also we would like to retrieve that before evening is gone. Look inside if you have bible with James S. name give that back Ann would appreciate it. Evening offerings will be evenly divided between missionary budgets field accounts and general fund. Last evening total $926 plus we had $150 souls present. Thank you friends.
At this time we would like to take offering. If ushers will please come forward.
Heavenly father you cover us with bounty of blessings. Lord when we open our eyes we look and see just how blessed we are. Now open our hearts that we may share our blessings with others that they might receive blessings also. Ask in the name of your son Jesus.
(music playing)
I think I can understands sign language hand motions and I think the God we worship is God of lost bags and it’s down here. Prayers are already answered. Let’s sing 705 it is well with my soul. Let’s stand.
(music playing)
When peace like a river attendeth my way when sorrows like sea billows roll whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well.
It is well.
With my soul.
With my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet though trials should come let this blest assurance control that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well
It is well
With my soul
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin o the bliss of this glorious thought my sin not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more praise the Lord praise the Lord O my soul.
It is well
It is well
With my soul
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
And Lord haste the day when the faith shall be sight the clouds be rolled back as a scroll the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend even so it is well with my soul.
It is well
It is well
With my soul
With my soul
It is well, It is well with my soul.
Friends following special music speaker will be introduced.
(music playing)
In these days of confused situations in these nights of restless remorse. When the lost soul of a nation … from the grave … comes a song bringing glory to the … cry has been heard and the ransom has been paid up in full. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Every debt that you ever had has been paid in full by the grace of the Lord be ye glad. Be ye glad.
From your … you have heard it again and again, ah but this time the … are turning and outside there are faces of friends. Though your body lay weary from wasting and your eyes show the sorrow they have had oh … has opened the gates be ye glad. Oh be ye glad oh be ye glad. Every debt that you ever had has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord be ye glad be ye glad be ye glad.
So be like lines on the rim of the water … be a refuge amidst the slaughter of the fugitives in their flight. For you are timeless and part of a puzzle you are winsome and young as a … and there is no disease or struggle that can pull you from God be ye glad. Oh be ye glad. Oh be ye glad. Every debt that you ever had has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad.
What a delight to have such wonderful congregational singing, special instrumental and vocal music. Truly a gift of God. As we share this wonderful music. Thank you.
About one year ago planning committee for Triennial session approached me about having betty Carter peace lecture. She died suddenly … seemed appropriate to use memorial contributions and some of our funds to establish peace lecture at our college. This is given each spring since 1986. As 1979 political science graduate of Earlham and reporter Betty Lynn wanted to make difference in community life in Richmond. As Quaker she was concerned about friends meeting needs across the world. Those who attended Friends United Meeting in 1981 and 1984 and I supposed there are several of you who attended. Remember betty Carter first thing she presented national and international news to gathered session. She was aware many of you were away from home and regular news sources. Being USA today of those days. That was gift from her to you. Even though lectureship was established at Earlham college president Doug Bennett approved extending support to Friends United Meeting session and providing Betty Carter peace lecture by Landrum Bolling this evening’s Betty Clark peace lecturer … then as president and chairman of board of Lilly Endowment and later president in 1982 he was research professor at institute for study of diplomacy. He has been awarded honorary degrees by more than 30 USA and foreign colleges. Because of years of nonofficial up close involvement in middle east affairs he is well acquainted with many leaders on all sides. From time to time served as informal messenger. Between leaders who had difficulty communicating directly with each other. He served as link for white house and state department under more than one administration. He maintained close relationship even now with many leaders. He recently returned from 2 week visit to that area. He keeps busy. He just returned from 2 weeks in Oregon and California. Following his 2 weeks in middle east. Landrum Bolling is currently director at large of Mercy Core international nonprofit volunteer organization to alleviate poverty suffering and oppression. Especially needy areas of world. He is senior advisor board member of conflict management group and senior fellow at center for international policy washing dc. Don’t know if it’s polite to tell person’s age but Landrum Bolling is well into 90s. I understand he is 93 but haven’t checked. Still working and traveling, speaking helping to unite people in peaceful relationships. Founded on respect and justice. Some couple of years ago CD was prepared about his peacemaking experiences in middle east. I believe that was sent to every friend’s meeting in Friends United Meeting. How many have seen that CD. Sylvia look at the hands. Many.
That means many of you have not.
Landrum Bolling tells me there are 10,000 copies circulating around the world and wanted me to tell you if you want copy of that CD to look at for yourself or meeting. Communicate with Landrum Bolling at email address which I will give you if you will write it down
lbolling@dc.mercycorps.org
if you didn’t get it written down see me later.
(reading screen) we are grateful to Vicki doing such wonderful work.
(applause)
Landrum Bolling is really widely recognized as most effective ambassador for peace. Landrum Bolling home remains in Richmond Indiana where he continues to be member clear creek meeting. He has office at Earlham college in addition to office in Washington dc. There will be copies of lecture on registration table for you to make use of. We are so pleased to present Landrum Bolling. As this evening’s Betty Carter peace lecturer.
(applause)
Landrum Bolling: Thank you Wayne for that very elegant introduction. When I hear something like that I think people will think what a schizophrenic guy that is can’t make up his mind what he will be when he grows up. I’m 94 though. Not 93.
You know the music part of program this evening was so moving so uplifting I didn’t want it to stop didn’t want to break spell with spoken word. I have never seen orchestra of saxophones. I loved it. I was running through the lyrics as they played. And for singing together. One song we sang. … the one last one. It is well with my soul. If you look at bottom of page you saw text there is a long story I won’t go into painful to me. When I saw it was there. I must tell you I began to tear up. Because a few weeks ago as I checked in to hotel in Jerusalem. I asked about the last remaining member of family. The widow of Horatio who was grandson of … I asked about her every time I go. I asked at the desk as I checked in. she doesn’t come to meals anymore up in apartment. She died in a few days. Very elegant obituary. One of the most remarkable families I ever knew. They were unusual. They are symbol of the best of farmers living in the holy land make friends of people on both sides and witness for peace. Forgive me if sentimental about this. He was wealthy Chicago lawyer in 1880s I think decided as many others devout Christians that end of world was at hand and he took family to Jerusalem to wait for the Lord. He sent ahead his wife and children. At sea the ship they were own went down. 3 members died 2 children lived. He wrote that song on ship as he went back to claim the remaining children and pick up his life again. He decided he will still go to Jerusalem. He gathered people around. He bought old palace and began to turn into … he also started clinic for children. Generous wonderful spiritually oriented family I was privileged to know the later generations in recent years. It touched me as we sang that hymn tonight.
Talking to group of Quakers like this is not only honor and joy but also hudspah. Without apologizing for this I chose to call this renewing Quaker testimony on peace. I think it’s important that each of us as individual reexamine who we are, what we really believe, where we are going in our lives, what we want to accomplish. Can’t just label gaze and be introspective. We need to answer these existential questions. Renew itself by answering some of these questions. In asking us to think together tonight I want us to think seriously about what this testimony of peace Quakers have talked about for year what it really means to us today. Means much as it first did. I’m sure George Fox and his followers had same insights that come to us in 21st century and yet I think it’s important to examine again and again what does it mean and do we really believe it try to live it out. Understand the consequences of such ideas. There are two or three warnings… confession that may not be agreeable. I’ve had discomfort about historic peace churches. Implied smugness how special we are we are peace churches. There are a lot of people in other denominations in peace churches. In recent years I’ve had close contacts with catholic churches. Father Tim and I became best friends when we were both fellow presidents kept in touch through the years. He’s past 90 but not quite as old as me. I’ve come to know great deal about Catholics. How liberal many are and how devoted to peace. In last 20 years he went around country again and again saying colleges and universities should get on issue of peace. Put in curriculum. He was evangelist for this idea. In San Diego a women from audience came up to him and asked about his idea. How much money would it take to get project started. He this was widow of man who invented McDonalds. And so he got up nerve and said with 8 million I could start she wrote him a check. Over the years she provided funds for him and later she developed similar program. I had opportunity to speak there only 2 weeks ago so I have out of my own experience I have seen how this idea commitment to peace is not just something peace churches have. So the term Quaker testimony of peace. I’m more comfortable with Christian testimony of peace. Or divine call to peace. Let me share a few stories about individual I know living … of commitment and hard work on behalf of divine call to peace.
One is a Jew now deceased. He was Israeli violinist member of Israeli symphony orchestra. He was also … in a county that requires all except for those who claim religious waivers men and women are required to do military service. He refused and went to jail. He had a hard time of it but persisted and one Quaker I don’t know if Tony is here tonight he got very well acquainted with him and wrote biography published on him. Here was a man who … fellow Quaker saw as a brother in faith. I also speak about one of dearest friend I have had in last 20 years Dutch Christian, Dutch conservative evangelical he went to become missionary and got sidetracked. Never served in Indonesia. Felt compelled to carry bibles behind iron curtain. Some may have heard him speak. Brother Andrew. He wrote book called God’s… something like 10 million copies of that book in circulation around book. This is brother Andrew. Let me tell you about him as peace witness person. 10 years ago or so defense minister of Israel decided to round up all Palestinian nationals … they shoved them across the border in no man’s land the Lebanese authorities met them Lebanese said no we won’t let them cross border. Israeli’s said they won’t take them back. They wouldn’t cooperate. Israeli’s left them on mountainside in winter. Red cross came in brought tents, food medicine. Brother Andrew heard about this. He went to see these radical Palestinians on the mountainside. All of them Muslims. He made friends with them got stories took pictures had them write messages. He took pictures and messages back to their families. He went to west bank Gaza and … you can imagine rejoicing from families and few months later they went back again. Camp better set up and they put feast on for brother Andrew. He was delighted with the experience. He said alright when you get out surely some day you will I will come to Gaza and put on feast for you. 11 months later Israeli’s let them go home. Brother Andrew stuck with promise he went to … he had 200 people he confessed to me when he saw the crowd he wasn’t sure what he would do but he had a feast. At end of celebration one said now … we want you to make a speech. He asked what to speak about. They said … whatever you want to speak about. He said I speak about Jesus. They said ok. He gave them a speech about Jesus and made it clear to them that he was doing in this gesture of forgiveness and peace was because he was trying to be follower of Jesus. When he finished speech one leader said could you give that speech in Islamic University and he did. Few students walked out but most stayed to hear the speech about Jesus in Islamic university. No other Christian on earth ever had that kind of opening. And he was able to rise to the occasion.
Brother Andrew is witness for peace. He is spokesman of divine call to peace. Just this past week I’ve been with old friend of mine Jerry CNN bureau chief for middle east. He was captured years ago in Beirut and shoved him in car and drove off. Kept him in isolation solitary confinement for 11 months. He said in beginning of his capture when he finally got to mountains he was able to talk to other captives. But after being in solitary confinement no chance to talk to anyone. And language barrier with guards. I said to myself I will go crazy. What can I do. I will talk to God. But you don’t believe in God. I’m atheist. Jerry’s grandfather was chief rabbi of Detroit. Father rebel again his father and became lawyer and atheist. And jerry was brought up in this home. In solitary confinement in Lebanon I began to ask myself could I really believe in God. I couldn’t talk to him if I don’t believe in him but I gotta talk to somebody. So he said for 24 hours I had nonstop argument if I could believe in God or not. In 24 hours God spoke to him in clear tones I began to ask him how universe came into being. Some mind some great spirit behind this couldn’t have just happened so finally at end of self examination I said there has to be a God I believe in God I’m gonna talk to him saved my sanity, saved my life. After some months talking to God every day but you don’t know anything about God. Never read bible nothing. I began to pester guards to bring me bible. They finally brought me a pocket size new testament with gospels and book of psalms and proverbs and I began to read and read it through again and again. He showed me the notes he wrote in margin.
First little note I was drawn into his life’s story by Gordon Cosby in Washington he had met Jerry’s wife who came to see him distraught about disappearance of her husband. Tried everything possible to find anything about what had happened to him. Came home. State department she constantly talked to … false tips came in scam operations. Finally she said she decided to go on crusade … Gordon Cosby … have you taken … Syrians I tell you what I will be in … Amaan Jordan if you will meet me there I will drive you to Damascus we will see what we can find out. Sure enough they met there and drove to Damascus and the American ambassador was helpful. And many others. I went to see some leaders of most extreme wings of PLO they said they couldn’t tell me anything but we began to attract attention. The message she wanted to get across my husband she was Christian. My husband is Jewish but is a man who does not harbor evil hate thoughts. I know him when he gets out he won’t be bent on revenge but promoting reconciliation. That is what happened here.
I was invited by state department to go with her and family to pick him up in Germany on way home she told me this story. As he talked I was touched by it. I said Jerry you have been on inward journey. In Washington the news cameras were there. He made statement I just made friend on trip back. He heard my story and told me something about myself. I have had inward journey and here in this strange setting he tells something of his experience. When he got back he talked about importance of reconciliation. Important to get dialogue with people who are enemies. He was a Jew recently atheist. This was too much for CNN. (laughter) it did not greatly please US state department either. And eventually CNN eased him out. What is he doing now he has joined Christian peace makers team in which there are Quaker and many others.
(applause)
He goes and stands on street corner just to watch to see what’s going on. If Israeli soldier is about to beat someone Jerry is there to observe. Over and over again soldiers ask for his passport. They look at passport. Lebanon, you are a Jew what are you doing here. He is witness for peace. He is witness for peace.
I just spoke to friend I’ve known since teens his father was general in Israeli army he was part of 6 day war. As logistics man who computerized military establishment. Organized carefully planes and tanks. Which came to be known as 6 day war which is embarrassing to Arabs. .because that was so carefully planned. Found Egyptian air force went to breakfast 7:30 every morning. They unleashed themselves at that time. Hit all Egyptian fields and air force mostly on ground. When war as over he decided not what he wanted to spend his life doing anymore. He came to America and got PhD became professor at Tel Aviv University he decided to go into politics. Not as part of a party but individual. Was elected to parliament. Arguing for peace and reconciliation. He went to speak to defense minister went to Rome to make contact with PLO. At a time when PLO could not be touched by anyone not even Americans. That is against the law they said. He said yes I know it’s against the law but I’m gonna do it. Yes. Well ok. Keep me informed. That opened the door. I was friend the Jewish … fascinating man widely knowledgeable about leaders of Israel and also leaders of PLO. He convened meeting in villa owned by his brother the island from which new Wimbledon champion comes from. … for second or third time leaders of PLO we sat for 2 days listening to general … and he talked about peace between Palestinians … they were waving arms I said these two guys could settle this, they are agreed on reasonable settlement… he was medical doctor he trained in Cleveland Clinic went back to be doctor for PLO and became fighter himself. Suddenly came to him he was saved as inspiration from God. We keep talking in PLO about military option. This is nonsense. This will get us nowhere. We have to sit down and talk with the other side. We have to find way to reconciliation. I have blood on my own hands but there is no hope in that direction. He became champion in side PLO for peace. I had pleasure of being involved with him on many occasions. Introduced him to many leaders. … he was a chain smoker. I asked him why as medical doctor he smoked like that. He said he knew. I will enjoy as long as I can they will kill me anyway. Within about one year it happened. Someone came up behind him and fired bullet into head. He was voice for peace. Muslim fighter doctor he was a voice for peace. Many voices for peace in the world. We need to claim them as our friends. I’m nervous about talking about Quaker peace testimony many are out there making testimonials. I come back to reformation not asking us to change testimony just look at major principles of testimony you know what they are.
Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Love neighbors as you love yourself. … pray for those who spitefully use you. Recompense no man evil for evil. As much as lies within you live peaceably with all men. If enemy hungers feed him if thirsts give drink blessed are peacemaker for they shall be called children of God. We know that. This is part of our childhood. In renewing peace testimony how do we define. These are basic principles. Let me shift gears a minute. There are consequences to ideas. Consequences to belief. Mistake to try to separate consequences from causes. I don’t believe you can really make a clear division between religious faith and practice and political action. There is a difference not in same world exactly. But there are political consequences of what we do or fail to do. This we must come to terms with. Today we face serious challenges in the world. Just I picked up New York times couple of days ago 3-4 stories caught my eye. Focus on this problem. We need to look at political consequences of our beliefs. Statement republicans Jim Baker and … saying that one crises America faces is crisis of presidential power. In recent years trend started before George bush came to office saying and acting on belief that president as chief has virtually unlimited power to decide what is to be done about peace. Mr. Bush under guidance of Cheney and others … has usurped power from field of foreign affairs Colin Powell had no chance to be secretary of state. They took that power from him. This team has pushed as hard as they can to expand powers of president to have unlimited decision making over issues of war and peace. Former secretaries of state saying this has to stop. In making witness for peace have we anything to say about this kind of thing. I think we should. Or think about what’s to be done about future of Iraq and Afghanistan. The end is nowhere near. What will we do about it. I don’t know. But this cannot go on. There are consequences of such beliefs in our government. There are consequences that something should be done towards peace. I could go on with other illustrations. Policies that have to be addressed we don’t have time tonight. We would probably have severe disagreements if we explored them fully. We are faced with responsibility unequal in history of western world. To find ways to deal with people different from us, religion, economics, beliefs etc. we have to face challenge that has been put before world American supremacy and military might. We have largest military establishment in world. We spend more on arms than all other countries put together. Now we talk about threat of Iran. All this military might bombs and everything else we think Iran is about to attack us. Politicians in Washington are pushing to start war with Iran. If not directly get Israel to do it. Big air force. They just put exercise on last week. Planes and tankers drove 900 mile course to show they could to 900 mile trip into Iran on demonstration. Where is this going. What will it lead to. To me as I look at political problems we face today #1 issue is preventing war against Iran. Enough of that. Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten into politics of this. I believe very strongly in kind of beliefs we have and Quaker peace testimony. I believe that is shared by many people of faith around the world. Urgent for people around the world to come to terms with this issue. As citizens try to use influence at grass roots in our community local news etc. somehow to get out the message of importance of working for peace. I’ve told you nothing you don’t already know. Where we are what hope is there. In recent trips to middle east I spent time in Gaza hard to get in there. Working with relief agency gave me way to go in. I went to gate and showed passport looked me up on computer stamped me and let me in. I was amazed at what I found. I used to think I spent 4 years in Jerusalem I used to take people into Gaza easy to go then. 25-30 years ago they called it hellhole of world. .since … took over and made life so miserable … not a chance in the world. But the people were having difficult time. Short of food not starving managing. World community is still able to get in basic food, medicine. What amazed me resilience of people. Extent to which these people in most terrible circumstances have not given up. And have not become hate filled. I went to see family in center of Gaza strip I have known for some time. One son was shot by Israeli don’t know if accident or not. Shot in back badly wounded he is now studying in Boston. I went to see his family. Father is principal of a school he left job and came to see me in his home. Unbelievable hospitality. He had a meal for us ready there. Chicken rice and other things, vegetables. I asked how things were he said fine. How is school fine. Head of only coeducational school K-12 in Gaza. I asked if he got hard time about this. Strict about separating sexes boys and girls in same school I asked do they let you. They give me full support they trust me. Believe I am doing good job. He talked about how important that … in reconciliation. Moral of all this is as I see it do not give up hope. The situation I don’t know how it will resolve. See no indication whatsoever that it will happen anytime soon. Peace initiative … I think well meaning I think president bush wanted something to happen too late. 7 years went by with nothing coming about peace issue. It won’t happen now. But important thing is not to give up hope. Some people say to me I am most naive person. People will keep killing there. I know so many find wonderful decent honorable Jews and Israelis who believe that peace is possible and are willing to live for it and die for it. And I know same of Palestinians who also believe peace is possible. They do not give up so I won’t give up either. And I pray that you will pray with me that we not give up. We keep reaffirming traditional Quaker testimony for peace. Link to it people of other faiths if you are able to do that. We have been given insight to reality into the truth of human relations. We belong to each other need each other. All children of God. There is bumper sticker I like says God bless everybody no exceptions.
Reconcile… make us love each other no exceptions.
(applause)
Thank you Landrum Bolling for challenging us with hope. Thank you for being here tonight. We rejoice in coming to close of beautiful God blessed day and we can rejoice together in that and message we heard.
Lord we are grateful for your presence for your gift of hope that you have birthed within us and encouraged tonight. Lord help us be peacemakers reconcilers bringers of the hope that lies in our Lord Jesus Christ in whose name we pray amen go in peace.
Live captioning services are provided by CSDHH – Communication Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Greensboro, NC. Your captionist today is Vicki Pinson.
Friends! Could we settle in the spirit of worship.
(music playing)
Friends good evening. We appreciate the beautiful music. We enjoy their music every year at our general meeting. You’ll hear more from them later in the program. One short story…Dustin I have to tell this on you, rising junior at western Carolina. 3 years ago senior in high school. He came to my office looking for a project. Where he could give service. After we talked a little some areas I knew… we decided Turkana would be a good place. One glitch. Project wasn’t supposed to be fundraiser. Once we cleared that hurdle Dustin put the story together. Photos and so forth and began to set up meetings among friends meeting. He made his tour and collections began to come in. this young man raised over $14,000 I remember that so well. Thank you Dustin.
(applause)
This has been just a wonderful day. This evening we sit back and relax and enjoy the moment. This is time we are creating history. This day will go down as being a good day among friends. And tomorrow will be another one as we continue to create history among ourselves. Our God moves in such a wonderful way. His presence this day we have felt in our midst. All have come and gathered here. Let us continue to enjoy this evening as we worship and continue to fellowship. We look forward to the time and days ahead. This will be memorial program. We will begin with a word of prayer and… will lead us.
Father we come to you with praises … worship, welcome we pray Jesus will touch each one of us. I pray that God’s holy spirit will come to show us, … we I believe that Jesus … we pray that this day I pray that Jesus will let our hearts feel that the … fill our cups. Our hearts … because you are God. … in the name of Jesus Christ we pray amen.
Let us continue this time of worship by joining together and sing hymn number 630 what a friend we have in Jesus. Think about Kenyans who shared with us this morning. They didn’t say they were not prepared. They just came with joy overflowing shared their message and smiled while they sang. If we look and see frowns we don’t have joy of Jesus in our hearts. I want to see that joy shared with us about the friend we have in Jesus. Stand and sing 630.
(music playing)
What a friend we have in Jesus
What a … what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
Oh what … oh what
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
… trials and temptations … trouble he shall never… take it to the Lord in prayer. Find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrow share. Jesus … take it to the Lord in prayer.
… take it to the Lord in prayer.
…. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
… I will find a solace there.
I understand we may have visitors this evening do w e have delegation from NC conservative friends. Please stand.
Thank you friends and welcome to our evening worship service. I have a couple of announcements. Anne Shaperie has misplaced conference bag. Her name is not in it but her bible has husband’s name James … and also we would like to retrieve that before evening is gone. Look inside if you have bible with James S. name give that back Ann would appreciate it. Evening offerings will be evenly divided between missionary budgets field accounts and general fund. Last evening total $926 plus we had $150 souls present. Thank you friends.
At this time we would like to take offering. If ushers will please come forward.
Heavenly father you cover us with bounty of blessings. Lord when we open our eyes we look and see just how blessed we are. Now open our hearts that we may share our blessings with others that they might receive blessings also. Ask in the name of your son Jesus.
(music playing)
I think I can understands sign language hand motions and I think the God we worship is God of lost bags and it’s down here. Prayers are already answered. Let’s sing 705 it is well with my soul. Let’s stand.
(music playing)
When peace like a river attendeth my way when sorrows like sea billows roll whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well.
It is well.
With my soul.
With my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet though trials should come let this blest assurance control that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well
It is well
With my soul
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin o the bliss of this glorious thought my sin not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more praise the Lord praise the Lord O my soul.
It is well
It is well
With my soul
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.
And Lord haste the day when the faith shall be sight the clouds be rolled back as a scroll the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend even so it is well with my soul.
It is well
It is well
With my soul
With my soul
It is well, It is well with my soul.
Friends following special music speaker will be introduced.
(music playing)
In these days of confused situations in these nights of restless remorse. When the lost soul of a nation … from the grave … comes a song bringing glory to the … cry has been heard and the ransom has been paid up in full. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Every debt that you ever had has been paid in full by the grace of the Lord be ye glad. Be ye glad.
From your … you have heard it again and again, ah but this time the … are turning and outside there are faces of friends. Though your body lay weary from wasting and your eyes show the sorrow they have had oh … has opened the gates be ye glad. Oh be ye glad oh be ye glad. Every debt that you ever had has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord be ye glad be ye glad be ye glad.
So be like lines on the rim of the water … be a refuge amidst the slaughter of the fugitives in their flight. For you are timeless and part of a puzzle you are winsome and young as a … and there is no disease or struggle that can pull you from God be ye glad. Oh be ye glad. Oh be ye glad. Every debt that you ever had has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad. Be ye glad.
What a delight to have such wonderful congregational singing, special instrumental and vocal music. Truly a gift of God. As we share this wonderful music. Thank you.
About one year ago planning committee for Triennial session approached me about having betty Carter peace lecture. She died suddenly … seemed appropriate to use memorial contributions and some of our funds to establish peace lecture at our college. This is given each spring since 1986. As 1979 political science graduate of Earlham and reporter Betty Lynn wanted to make difference in community life in Richmond. As Quaker she was concerned about friends meeting needs across the world. Those who attended Friends United Meeting in 1981 and 1984 and I supposed there are several of you who attended. Remember betty Carter first thing she presented national and international news to gathered session. She was aware many of you were away from home and regular news sources. Being USA today of those days. That was gift from her to you. Even though lectureship was established at Earlham college president Doug Bennett approved extending support to Friends United Meeting session and providing Betty Carter peace lecture by Landrum Bolling this evening’s Betty Clark peace lecturer … then as president and chairman of board of Lilly Endowment and later president in 1982 he was research professor at institute for study of diplomacy. He has been awarded honorary degrees by more than 30 USA and foreign colleges. Because of years of nonofficial up close involvement in middle east affairs he is well acquainted with many leaders on all sides. From time to time served as informal messenger. Between leaders who had difficulty communicating directly with each other. He served as link for white house and state department under more than one administration. He maintained close relationship even now with many leaders. He recently returned from 2 week visit to that area. He keeps busy. He just returned from 2 weeks in Oregon and California. Following his 2 weeks in middle east. Landrum Bolling is currently director at large of Mercy Core international nonprofit volunteer organization to alleviate poverty suffering and oppression. Especially needy areas of world. He is senior advisor board member of conflict management group and senior fellow at center for international policy washing dc. Don’t know if it’s polite to tell person’s age but Landrum Bolling is well into 90s. I understand he is 93 but haven’t checked. Still working and traveling, speaking helping to unite people in peaceful relationships. Founded on respect and justice. Some couple of years ago CD was prepared about his peacemaking experiences in middle east. I believe that was sent to every friend’s meeting in Friends United Meeting. How many have seen that CD. Sylvia look at the hands. Many.
That means many of you have not.
Landrum Bolling tells me there are 10,000 copies circulating around the world and wanted me to tell you if you want copy of that CD to look at for yourself or meeting. Communicate with Landrum Bolling at email address which I will give you if you will write it down
lbolling@dc.mercycorps.org
if you didn’t get it written down see me later.
(reading screen) we are grateful to Vicki doing such wonderful work.
(applause)
Landrum Bolling is really widely recognized as most effective ambassador for peace. Landrum Bolling home remains in Richmond Indiana where he continues to be member clear creek meeting. He has office at Earlham college in addition to office in Washington dc. There will be copies of lecture on registration table for you to make use of. We are so pleased to present Landrum Bolling. As this evening’s Betty Carter peace lecturer.
(applause)
Landrum Bolling: Thank you Wayne for that very elegant introduction. When I hear something like that I think people will think what a schizophrenic guy that is can’t make up his mind what he will be when he grows up. I’m 94 though. Not 93.
You know the music part of program this evening was so moving so uplifting I didn’t want it to stop didn’t want to break spell with spoken word. I have never seen orchestra of saxophones. I loved it. I was running through the lyrics as they played. And for singing together. One song we sang. … the one last one. It is well with my soul. If you look at bottom of page you saw text there is a long story I won’t go into painful to me. When I saw it was there. I must tell you I began to tear up. Because a few weeks ago as I checked in to hotel in Jerusalem. I asked about the last remaining member of family. The widow of Horatio who was grandson of … I asked about her every time I go. I asked at the desk as I checked in. she doesn’t come to meals anymore up in apartment. She died in a few days. Very elegant obituary. One of the most remarkable families I ever knew. They were unusual. They are symbol of the best of farmers living in the holy land make friends of people on both sides and witness for peace. Forgive me if sentimental about this. He was wealthy Chicago lawyer in 1880s I think decided as many others devout Christians that end of world was at hand and he took family to Jerusalem to wait for the Lord. He sent ahead his wife and children. At sea the ship they were own went down. 3 members died 2 children lived. He wrote that song on ship as he went back to claim the remaining children and pick up his life again. He decided he will still go to Jerusalem. He gathered people around. He bought old palace and began to turn into … he also started clinic for children. Generous wonderful spiritually oriented family I was privileged to know the later generations in recent years. It touched me as we sang that hymn tonight.
Talking to group of Quakers like this is not only honor and joy but also hudspah. Without apologizing for this I chose to call this renewing Quaker testimony on peace. I think it’s important that each of us as individual reexamine who we are, what we really believe, where we are going in our lives, what we want to accomplish. Can’t just label gaze and be introspective. We need to answer these existential questions. Renew itself by answering some of these questions. In asking us to think together tonight I want us to think seriously about what this testimony of peace Quakers have talked about for year what it really means to us today. Means much as it first did. I’m sure George Fox and his followers had same insights that come to us in 21st century and yet I think it’s important to examine again and again what does it mean and do we really believe it try to live it out. Understand the consequences of such ideas. There are two or three warnings… confession that may not be agreeable. I’ve had discomfort about historic peace churches. Implied smugness how special we are we are peace churches. There are a lot of people in other denominations in peace churches. In recent years I’ve had close contacts with catholic churches. Father Tim and I became best friends when we were both fellow presidents kept in touch through the years. He’s past 90 but not quite as old as me. I’ve come to know great deal about Catholics. How liberal many are and how devoted to peace. In last 20 years he went around country again and again saying colleges and universities should get on issue of peace. Put in curriculum. He was evangelist for this idea. In San Diego a women from audience came up to him and asked about his idea. How much money would it take to get project started. He this was widow of man who invented McDonalds. And so he got up nerve and said with 8 million I could start she wrote him a check. Over the years she provided funds for him and later she developed similar program. I had opportunity to speak there only 2 weeks ago so I have out of my own experience I have seen how this idea commitment to peace is not just something peace churches have. So the term Quaker testimony of peace. I’m more comfortable with Christian testimony of peace. Or divine call to peace. Let me share a few stories about individual I know living … of commitment and hard work on behalf of divine call to peace.
One is a Jew now deceased. He was Israeli violinist member of Israeli symphony orchestra. He was also … in a county that requires all except for those who claim religious waivers men and women are required to do military service. He refused and went to jail. He had a hard time of it but persisted and one Quaker I don’t know if Tony is here tonight he got very well acquainted with him and wrote biography published on him. Here was a man who … fellow Quaker saw as a brother in faith. I also speak about one of dearest friend I have had in last 20 years Dutch Christian, Dutch conservative evangelical he went to become missionary and got sidetracked. Never served in Indonesia. Felt compelled to carry bibles behind iron curtain. Some may have heard him speak. Brother Andrew. He wrote book called God’s… something like 10 million copies of that book in circulation around book. This is brother Andrew. Let me tell you about him as peace witness person. 10 years ago or so defense minister of Israel decided to round up all Palestinian nationals … they shoved them across the border in no man’s land the Lebanese authorities met them Lebanese said no we won’t let them cross border. Israeli’s said they won’t take them back. They wouldn’t cooperate. Israeli’s left them on mountainside in winter. Red cross came in brought tents, food medicine. Brother Andrew heard about this. He went to see these radical Palestinians on the mountainside. All of them Muslims. He made friends with them got stories took pictures had them write messages. He took pictures and messages back to their families. He went to west bank Gaza and … you can imagine rejoicing from families and few months later they went back again. Camp better set up and they put feast on for brother Andrew. He was delighted with the experience. He said alright when you get out surely some day you will I will come to Gaza and put on feast for you. 11 months later Israeli’s let them go home. Brother Andrew stuck with promise he went to … he had 200 people he confessed to me when he saw the crowd he wasn’t sure what he would do but he had a feast. At end of celebration one said now … we want you to make a speech. He asked what to speak about. They said … whatever you want to speak about. He said I speak about Jesus. They said ok. He gave them a speech about Jesus and made it clear to them that he was doing in this gesture of forgiveness and peace was because he was trying to be follower of Jesus. When he finished speech one leader said could you give that speech in Islamic University and he did. Few students walked out but most stayed to hear the speech about Jesus in Islamic university. No other Christian on earth ever had that kind of opening. And he was able to rise to the occasion.
Brother Andrew is witness for peace. He is spokesman of divine call to peace. Just this past week I’ve been with old friend of mine Jerry CNN bureau chief for middle east. He was captured years ago in Beirut and shoved him in car and drove off. Kept him in isolation solitary confinement for 11 months. He said in beginning of his capture when he finally got to mountains he was able to talk to other captives. But after being in solitary confinement no chance to talk to anyone. And language barrier with guards. I said to myself I will go crazy. What can I do. I will talk to God. But you don’t believe in God. I’m atheist. Jerry’s grandfather was chief rabbi of Detroit. Father rebel again his father and became lawyer and atheist. And jerry was brought up in this home. In solitary confinement in Lebanon I began to ask myself could I really believe in God. I couldn’t talk to him if I don’t believe in him but I gotta talk to somebody. So he said for 24 hours I had nonstop argument if I could believe in God or not. In 24 hours God spoke to him in clear tones I began to ask him how universe came into being. Some mind some great spirit behind this couldn’t have just happened so finally at end of self examination I said there has to be a God I believe in God I’m gonna talk to him saved my sanity, saved my life. After some months talking to God every day but you don’t know anything about God. Never read bible nothing. I began to pester guards to bring me bible. They finally brought me a pocket size new testament with gospels and book of psalms and proverbs and I began to read and read it through again and again. He showed me the notes he wrote in margin.
First little note I was drawn into his life’s story by Gordon Cosby in Washington he had met Jerry’s wife who came to see him distraught about disappearance of her husband. Tried everything possible to find anything about what had happened to him. Came home. State department she constantly talked to … false tips came in scam operations. Finally she said she decided to go on crusade … Gordon Cosby … have you taken … Syrians I tell you what I will be in … Amaan Jordan if you will meet me there I will drive you to Damascus we will see what we can find out. Sure enough they met there and drove to Damascus and the American ambassador was helpful. And many others. I went to see some leaders of most extreme wings of PLO they said they couldn’t tell me anything but we began to attract attention. The message she wanted to get across my husband she was Christian. My husband is Jewish but is a man who does not harbor evil hate thoughts. I know him when he gets out he won’t be bent on revenge but promoting reconciliation. That is what happened here.
I was invited by state department to go with her and family to pick him up in Germany on way home she told me this story. As he talked I was touched by it. I said Jerry you have been on inward journey. In Washington the news cameras were there. He made statement I just made friend on trip back. He heard my story and told me something about myself. I have had inward journey and here in this strange setting he tells something of his experience. When he got back he talked about importance of reconciliation. Important to get dialogue with people who are enemies. He was a Jew recently atheist. This was too much for CNN. (laughter) it did not greatly please US state department either. And eventually CNN eased him out. What is he doing now he has joined Christian peace makers team in which there are Quaker and many others.
(applause)
He goes and stands on street corner just to watch to see what’s going on. If Israeli soldier is about to beat someone Jerry is there to observe. Over and over again soldiers ask for his passport. They look at passport. Lebanon, you are a Jew what are you doing here. He is witness for peace. He is witness for peace.
I just spoke to friend I’ve known since teens his father was general in Israeli army he was part of 6 day war. As logistics man who computerized military establishment. Organized carefully planes and tanks. Which came to be known as 6 day war which is embarrassing to Arabs. .because that was so carefully planned. Found Egyptian air force went to breakfast 7:30 every morning. They unleashed themselves at that time. Hit all Egyptian fields and air force mostly on ground. When war as over he decided not what he wanted to spend his life doing anymore. He came to America and got PhD became professor at Tel Aviv University he decided to go into politics. Not as part of a party but individual. Was elected to parliament. Arguing for peace and reconciliation. He went to speak to defense minister went to Rome to make contact with PLO. At a time when PLO could not be touched by anyone not even Americans. That is against the law they said. He said yes I know it’s against the law but I’m gonna do it. Yes. Well ok. Keep me informed. That opened the door. I was friend the Jewish … fascinating man widely knowledgeable about leaders of Israel and also leaders of PLO. He convened meeting in villa owned by his brother the island from which new Wimbledon champion comes from. … for second or third time leaders of PLO we sat for 2 days listening to general … and he talked about peace between Palestinians … they were waving arms I said these two guys could settle this, they are agreed on reasonable settlement… he was medical doctor he trained in Cleveland Clinic went back to be doctor for PLO and became fighter himself. Suddenly came to him he was saved as inspiration from God. We keep talking in PLO about military option. This is nonsense. This will get us nowhere. We have to sit down and talk with the other side. We have to find way to reconciliation. I have blood on my own hands but there is no hope in that direction. He became champion in side PLO for peace. I had pleasure of being involved with him on many occasions. Introduced him to many leaders. … he was a chain smoker. I asked him why as medical doctor he smoked like that. He said he knew. I will enjoy as long as I can they will kill me anyway. Within about one year it happened. Someone came up behind him and fired bullet into head. He was voice for peace. Muslim fighter doctor he was a voice for peace. Many voices for peace in the world. We need to claim them as our friends. I’m nervous about talking about Quaker peace testimony many are out there making testimonials. I come back to reformation not asking us to change testimony just look at major principles of testimony you know what they are.
Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Love neighbors as you love yourself. … pray for those who spitefully use you. Recompense no man evil for evil. As much as lies within you live peaceably with all men. If enemy hungers feed him if thirsts give drink blessed are peacemaker for they shall be called children of God. We know that. This is part of our childhood. In renewing peace testimony how do we define. These are basic principles. Let me shift gears a minute. There are consequences to ideas. Consequences to belief. Mistake to try to separate consequences from causes. I don’t believe you can really make a clear division between religious faith and practice and political action. There is a difference not in same world exactly. But there are political consequences of what we do or fail to do. This we must come to terms with. Today we face serious challenges in the world. Just I picked up New York times couple of days ago 3-4 stories caught my eye. Focus on this problem. We need to look at political consequences of our beliefs. Statement republicans Jim Baker and … saying that one crises America faces is crisis of presidential power. In recent years trend started before George bush came to office saying and acting on belief that president as chief has virtually unlimited power to decide what is to be done about peace. Mr. Bush under guidance of Cheney and others … has usurped power from field of foreign affairs Colin Powell had no chance to be secretary of state. They took that power from him. This team has pushed as hard as they can to expand powers of president to have unlimited decision making over issues of war and peace. Former secretaries of state saying this has to stop. In making witness for peace have we anything to say about this kind of thing. I think we should. Or think about what’s to be done about future of Iraq and Afghanistan. The end is nowhere near. What will we do about it. I don’t know. But this cannot go on. There are consequences of such beliefs in our government. There are consequences that something should be done towards peace. I could go on with other illustrations. Policies that have to be addressed we don’t have time tonight. We would probably have severe disagreements if we explored them fully. We are faced with responsibility unequal in history of western world. To find ways to deal with people different from us, religion, economics, beliefs etc. we have to face challenge that has been put before world American supremacy and military might. We have largest military establishment in world. We spend more on arms than all other countries put together. Now we talk about threat of Iran. All this military might bombs and everything else we think Iran is about to attack us. Politicians in Washington are pushing to start war with Iran. If not directly get Israel to do it. Big air force. They just put exercise on last week. Planes and tankers drove 900 mile course to show they could to 900 mile trip into Iran on demonstration. Where is this going. What will it lead to. To me as I look at political problems we face today #1 issue is preventing war against Iran. Enough of that. Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten into politics of this. I believe very strongly in kind of beliefs we have and Quaker peace testimony. I believe that is shared by many people of faith around the world. Urgent for people around the world to come to terms with this issue. As citizens try to use influence at grass roots in our community local news etc. somehow to get out the message of importance of working for peace. I’ve told you nothing you don’t already know. Where we are what hope is there. In recent trips to middle east I spent time in Gaza hard to get in there. Working with relief agency gave me way to go in. I went to gate and showed passport looked me up on computer stamped me and let me in. I was amazed at what I found. I used to think I spent 4 years in Jerusalem I used to take people into Gaza easy to go then. 25-30 years ago they called it hellhole of world. .since … took over and made life so miserable … not a chance in the world. But the people were having difficult time. Short of food not starving managing. World community is still able to get in basic food, medicine. What amazed me resilience of people. Extent to which these people in most terrible circumstances have not given up. And have not become hate filled. I went to see family in center of Gaza strip I have known for some time. One son was shot by Israeli don’t know if accident or not. Shot in back badly wounded he is now studying in Boston. I went to see his family. Father is principal of a school he left job and came to see me in his home. Unbelievable hospitality. He had a meal for us ready there. Chicken rice and other things, vegetables. I asked how things were he said fine. How is school fine. Head of only coeducational school K-12 in Gaza. I asked if he got hard time about this. Strict about separating sexes boys and girls in same school I asked do they let you. They give me full support they trust me. Believe I am doing good job. He talked about how important that … in reconciliation. Moral of all this is as I see it do not give up hope. The situation I don’t know how it will resolve. See no indication whatsoever that it will happen anytime soon. Peace initiative … I think well meaning I think president bush wanted something to happen too late. 7 years went by with nothing coming about peace issue. It won’t happen now. But important thing is not to give up hope. Some people say to me I am most naive person. People will keep killing there. I know so many find wonderful decent honorable Jews and Israelis who believe that peace is possible and are willing to live for it and die for it. And I know same of Palestinians who also believe peace is possible. They do not give up so I won’t give up either. And I pray that you will pray with me that we not give up. We keep reaffirming traditional Quaker testimony for peace. Link to it people of other faiths if you are able to do that. We have been given insight to reality into the truth of human relations. We belong to each other need each other. All children of God. There is bumper sticker I like says God bless everybody no exceptions.
Reconcile… make us love each other no exceptions.
(applause)
Thank you Landrum Bolling for challenging us with hope. Thank you for being here tonight. We rejoice in coming to close of beautiful God blessed day and we can rejoice together in that and message we heard.
Lord we are grateful for your presence for your gift of hope that you have birthed within us and encouraged tonight. Lord help us be peacemakers reconcilers bringers of the hope that lies in our Lord Jesus Christ in whose name we pray amen go in peace.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Evening Workshops - At the school.
High Point Friends School has great facilities for us to be able to use for our workshops. We met at 3:45 pm. A few were stretched out longer for more questions and thought provoking additions were just too long for the short time allowed. Several of us came to supper after the 5 pm start but we all enjoyed a good meal and are looking forward to tonights speaker.
Announcments for today:
-The Meeting House will be open daily from 6:30am to 10:00pm
-The School will be open daily from 7:45am to 10:00pm
-Internet services are available. Please refer to the registration booklet for more details.
-Volunteers are needed to help distribute hand outs, carry microphones to Friends who wish to share during worship and business. If you are interested, please see Loren Pierce Coleman.
- Join a volunteer choir that will sing during the Friday evening worship service. Practices will be on Thursday & Friday from 6:00 to 6:30pm in the Music Room.All are welcome!
- Friday 6:00pm in the main Worship Room (MH-200)Friendly Quaker SongfestBluegrass, Celtic and Traditional musical selections
- Restroom facilities in the School are better equipped to handle large numbers of people than those in the Meetinghouse. If you are able to walk to the School, please use those facilities whenever possible. Thank you!
- Early morning worship will meet at Hampton Inn on the 4th floor in the Jefferson Room at 6:30am. # 401 and 402
-Before your departure, please return your name tags to the box on the registration desk. In the School Lobby. We appreciate your consideration!
- For departing attendees needing transportation from the hotels or High Point Friends Meeting to the airport or train station, there is a sign-up sheet on the registration desk. Please be sure to complete all the information by Friday.
-The FUM Triennial Blog web address is:triennials2008.blogspot.comIt is updated after every session.
- Lost and found items can be turned in or picked up from the High Point Friends Meeting Office (Room-213).
-Registration was moved to the Friends School lobby after lunch today. Please check there for registration concerns and NCYM info.
- Just a reminder that the FUM Office, bookstore and displays are on the lower level (downstairs) of the Meeting house.
-In so far as possible, please enter the meeting room quietly and in an attitude of waiting, quiet worship.
- These items are in the office if you are missing any. Scarf, Bracelet, Glasses
-A Toyota Camry (GRAY) has been left running outside in the handicapped Zone.
-Someone has mistakenly picked up the wrong Triennials bag. Please make sure you have the correct BAG! Some personal items as well as a hotel key are in the missing bag. Thank you
-Shuttle buses will leave at 7am, 11am, 3pm and after the evening service for those in need of transportation to or from motels.
-Interest groups needing space or time to meet, contact the FUM offices on the 1st floor.
-Young Adult Friends will meet in the music room outside Ragan Hall after the Bolling Lecture tonight.
-Evening offerings will benefit the FUM General Fund and all field staff ministry accounts.
-Items for Friday’s Daily Minute must be in by 6pm Thursday. They can be left in the FUM Office or given to Sara Beth Terrell.
- A Silent Auction for a number of items is in progress in the Bookstore on the first floor. All proceeds will benefit the Ministry Accounts of field staff.
-Worship Sharing Groups meet every morning after Bible Study. Sign up for a group at the FUM office. Meeting places are listed on the sign-up sheet.
- Some items have been left in the bookstore. Jewlery, sandals, etc. Please see the office for these items.
Announcments for today:
-The Meeting House will be open daily from 6:30am to 10:00pm
-The School will be open daily from 7:45am to 10:00pm
-Internet services are available. Please refer to the registration booklet for more details.
-Volunteers are needed to help distribute hand outs, carry microphones to Friends who wish to share during worship and business. If you are interested, please see Loren Pierce Coleman.
- Join a volunteer choir that will sing during the Friday evening worship service. Practices will be on Thursday & Friday from 6:00 to 6:30pm in the Music Room.All are welcome!
- Friday 6:00pm in the main Worship Room (MH-200)Friendly Quaker SongfestBluegrass, Celtic and Traditional musical selections
- Restroom facilities in the School are better equipped to handle large numbers of people than those in the Meetinghouse. If you are able to walk to the School, please use those facilities whenever possible. Thank you!
- Early morning worship will meet at Hampton Inn on the 4th floor in the Jefferson Room at 6:30am. # 401 and 402
-Before your departure, please return your name tags to the box on the registration desk. In the School Lobby. We appreciate your consideration!
- For departing attendees needing transportation from the hotels or High Point Friends Meeting to the airport or train station, there is a sign-up sheet on the registration desk. Please be sure to complete all the information by Friday.
-The FUM Triennial Blog web address is:triennials2008.blogspot.comIt is updated after every session.
- Lost and found items can be turned in or picked up from the High Point Friends Meeting Office (Room-213).
-Registration was moved to the Friends School lobby after lunch today. Please check there for registration concerns and NCYM info.
- Just a reminder that the FUM Office, bookstore and displays are on the lower level (downstairs) of the Meeting house.
-In so far as possible, please enter the meeting room quietly and in an attitude of waiting, quiet worship.
- These items are in the office if you are missing any. Scarf, Bracelet, Glasses
-A Toyota Camry (GRAY) has been left running outside in the handicapped Zone.
-Someone has mistakenly picked up the wrong Triennials bag. Please make sure you have the correct BAG! Some personal items as well as a hotel key are in the missing bag. Thank you
-Shuttle buses will leave at 7am, 11am, 3pm and after the evening service for those in need of transportation to or from motels.
-Interest groups needing space or time to meet, contact the FUM offices on the 1st floor.
-Young Adult Friends will meet in the music room outside Ragan Hall after the Bolling Lecture tonight.
-Evening offerings will benefit the FUM General Fund and all field staff ministry accounts.
-Items for Friday’s Daily Minute must be in by 6pm Thursday. They can be left in the FUM Office or given to Sara Beth Terrell.
- A Silent Auction for a number of items is in progress in the Bookstore on the first floor. All proceeds will benefit the Ministry Accounts of field staff.
-Worship Sharing Groups meet every morning after Bible Study. Sign up for a group at the FUM office. Meeting places are listed on the sign-up sheet.
- Some items have been left in the bookstore. Jewlery, sandals, etc. Please see the office for these items.
FUM - Afternoon Business Session
Live captioning services are provided by CSDHH – Communication Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Greensboro, NC. Your captionist today is Vicki Pinson.
(piano playing)
If you would please take a hymnal and turn to page 353. Sing victory in Jesus.
You don’t look excited yet. Stand up.
(piano playing)
I heard an old old story how a savior game from glory how he gave his life on Calvary to save a wretch like me I heard about his … of his precious blood’s atoning
Oh victory in Jesus my savior forever. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew him and all my love is due him he plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about his healing of his … revealing how he … to and caused the blind to see. And dear Jesus … and spirit and somehow Jesus … to me the victory
Oh victory in Jesus my savior forever. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew him. And all my love is due him.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about a mansion he has built for me in glory and heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea. About the angels singing and the …old redemption story and some sweet day I’ll sing up there a song of victory.
Oh victory in Jesus.
My savior forever.
He sought me and he bought me
With his redeeming blood.
He loved me ere I knew him.
And all my love is due him.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
Thank you.
Please be seated.
Heavenly father we thank you for the blessings of this beautiful day we thank you for your presence. Thank you for good time, good fellowship we enjoy this beautiful day. Father we ask you continue to cover us with your blessings. Continue to unveil your way to us to show us the way that we might do all to glorify you. All God’s people say amen.
For the next hour we will turn attention to reports coming to you from individual missionaries. They talked earlier about … but this afternoon and in morning you will hear from people on the front line. We will have time to interact and ask questions. At end of this session … we will have a few announcements then we will continue to enjoy the day. Turn to global ministries. I will ask … if he will lead us and welcome our missionaries.
Terri.
Terri: Good afternoon. I am so glad to be here. One thing really exciting for me is that it seems like every single time I turn around someone stands there I know. That is so amazing to me. I was talking to some friends at work today downstairs in worship this morning. Every time I turn around and see someone I know feels like God is reminding me of blessings I have in my life. Thank you for so much for hugs and all your wonderful wonderful ability to make me feel so good here and so welcome. I have one woman doing this she is flipping me blessings. So grateful for that. First Angela she was worried if I told her when she would go she would get nervous. She is from Jamaica. Not field staff but works for education council there. She will help us learn more about Jamaica.
Angela: Thank you Terri. And good afternoon greetings from Jamaica. First I would like to say how wonderful it is to be here. Not long ago and in Jamaica we have a … I will speak a little about vacation bible school since I’m in NC I will put that first. I feel it was in 1990 that I met Mary Glenn and … in Jamaica. They did workshop and after that session a year later the director for Christian … Jamaica ministry asked if we wanted to do vacation bible school in Jamaica. I think this year is 17th year of vacation bible school in Jamaica and I would like to really thank NC Yearly Meeting for sponsoring this wonderful children’s ministry. We started in five churches in Jamaica that year. And I’m happy to say we now serve over 2500 children in 11 of our meetings and that is wonderful so it is … the children have their holidays around bible school time, they expect us there this week but because of this we will start bible school on 21st. Monday I will leave here and Mary and a team of 29 will arrive in Jamaica to do bible school in all the churches. We are very grateful to NC for this ministry. I will go to the children’s … friends educational council limited is educational arm of Jamaica Yearly Meeting of friends. Friends United Meeting is part of that ministry. And it is governed by a council of 9 persons. They meet and decide how we should administer … Last year October we lost 2 buildings. Main great house and the house … office superintendents office we lost building with library and all computers. A tailor shops and also the schoolroom where we housed the material that we had. At that time we were working on the … and we have finished that. We I remember when that happened. We did not have phone service and I asked Mary to get in touch with Terri to tell about disaster. She sent message out about disaster so friends would know about it. So grateful for that. We have been receiving support lots of support from friends. At this time we have 78 boys, children as residents in the boys school. We have this because of the dorms that were built. We built a dorm and had 37 boys before then and because of this dorm we were able to … some have left us and so we are going to accept … it’s a big ministry our superintendent has been doing a wonderful job … we have to pay for transportation to and from school. We receive support… at this time there are activities for the children at home now. Some have gone home to spend time with their guardians and also parents. What we do with them is when they are 16 or 17 years of age we try to send them home to build relationships with their family so when they reach 18 they can adjust to where they will live for the rest of their lives. We are now building the now putting on the roof of the damaged building this building was badly damaged by the fire. It housed the kitchen, the sick bay and the laundry area. God has blessed us we were able to raise funds to build a temporary laundry area. And also the kitchen. We are we have removed all the wooden structure on the roof and now preparing to put the concrete slab on that building. So we are trying to do that before hurricanes. We have another mission. Let me got to … because we were not satisfied friends education council was not satisfied with management of girls home health inspectors came and saw that the dining hall and library were in basement and we raised the floors in the basement they came and saw for themselves. We have 12 children there. The board decided to close temporarily until we can do a building on the ground level to house the dining hall and kitchen area. We had plans to build the library on top of the superintendent’s office. Not sure if we can do that now. Priority is to build dining room and also the kitchen so we have plans to get … and then we can move to fundraising. Small cottage on property close to main building we can house 12 children in that small cottage. We are trying to reopen that. Before December. So prayers and financial support will help us do that. It will cost a lot of money to refurbish that little cottage. I would like to remind friends that we also have another mission. High school it is in the eastern end of island most of you might know it. High school and we are looking for a principal ours has reached retirement age and we need fresh wind for the school we are now in process of interviewing persons. We also looking to replace a retired vice principal as well. Seaside meeting is just beside the school. Lot of you will know that hurricane Gilbert had demolished the roof of that meeting house and American friends really came to our aid. … from New York Yearly Meeting was good at raising support for us. We report building is covered with a nice roof now. We would like to touch a little on young friends we would like to just ask for your prayers. We are in process of training young people to take over from the older ones. So we would ask your prayers. Thank you very much for giving me honor of speaking on friends of Jamaica and greetings again from Jamaica Yearly Meeting.
(applause)
Terri: If we have one or two questions we have just another minute.
She did a great job.
*Has Lindall been closed down.
Angela: Temporarily.
*How many students are at high school.
Angela: I think over 1500. Not sure.
Terri: Thank you. Appreciate that.
Ok. Jamaica is pretty amazing place. She works and works. Good person to keep things together. Next person is Judy Davis. She has been volunteer for us been couple of times at Kaimosi hospital she is a nurse and she will tell us a little.
Judy:
One of the things my Kenyan friends love to do is teach me new words I say them all the time and don’t really know what I’m saying. I just tried those out. We Americans love to count things. Bless Sylvia’s heart did she count everything global ministry is doing. I wish I could say I helped deliver 200 babies and gave 1000 immunization. I was invited primarily because I was nurse but because of licensing difficulties I was exempted from everything except psychiatric work. I was able to work with a few people the nurses assigned me. I always know it will be interesting case. The thing helped me the most I came to Kenya with open heart and rebuilt Dell laptop computer. Soon as they knew I could do word and excel spreadsheets I did many administrative tasks. All interesting. I do minutes. Any of you do reporting clips. I did that. I worked with a ward to help with assignments they needed done. I can appreciate Friends United Meeting staff as soon as Triennial is over. They will be busy doing that. That is what happened to me at Kaimosi hospital board. They had a ton of work to do and I was able to help facilitate that. You know you’re doing something if you come back second year and find you’re still doing it. Lisa Stewart just found me and gave me baby bonnets. Thing we did first trip over was started baby packet for new moms. You know it’s marketing gimmick to give them packet with kanga, hat, booties, nappie, anything else we had on hand to put in and soon all women knew if you went to Kaimosi to have baby you would go home with all these things. Now people find me and give me booties, and hats, I mail about once a month to get them over there. My trunks will soon be so full of these things I won’t have room for clothes. They gave me 2 minutes. I appreciate the remarks you have a choice to go or send money. If you have will to go and some of you can’t go and you won’t go, lots of good reasons for that. But if you can come there is something about the passion you get and the people’s lives that you see and are involved in going to the IDP camps I just had never seen anything like that. It touches your heart and you come back to the states we can help our friends in Kenya and Jamaica. I’m so glad to hear everything we have done there. I guess if I start crying I’m through talking. Bye.
(applause)
Terri: Judy is one of three people speaking in workshop this afternoon. If you haven’t heard enough of her crying you can come back. Look her up if you have questions. The other 2 people in workshop under my name. I will do same thing as here. Sampson Ababu he will speak about … other Joseph … with peace team. If you haven’t signed up for workshop and you want to hear them. Another volunteer she has volunteer for us at Friends Theological College this year she spent time in Belize there she is. I thought she left the room.
This year she volunteered for us at Belize boy’s school.
First I want to say thank you to all who send cards, emails, letters. Nice to hear from people. You can sign any card if someone asks. We are just grateful to know someone took time and that they prayed for us. We know you pray at other times. I have 2 questions. How many retired. How many will retire next 3-5 years. Sylvia… what I have is for you. When I was getting ready to retire some years ago. I went to pastor don’t want to be … and can’t afford Florida. He said why don’t you go to Africa and teach. I sent email and I visited and end is I spent 6 years teaching in Kenya between September and December. Then opportunities changed. This year January through March this Indiana girl was in Belize. Tough but missionary life is hard. Tropical places in winter. Here are some things I did. Support field staff. I was there with Rich and Sandy. … Patrick and Mary Kate and in Belize with Michael Cain. As much as we appreciate cards and notes nice to have someone in flesh. Has same point of reference. Understands jokes. When everyone around you is different culture nice to … went to teach in both places. I was not trained as teacher. I spent 31 years in factory building auto parts. Then I went to Africa.
Another thing I did in Kenya was work in library there is always lots of detail work. In both places I visited homes. Student’s homes in both places. Learn a lot about the culture when you leave the school and go where the kids come from. Gives you different appreciation. As volunteer you make lifelong friends around the world. Those are things. Importance of ministry in Belize small school but changing some things little by little. Many of these boys don’t have much opportunity beyond the street. We learned a lot on career day. One of teachers arranged for people to come in talk to the boys. He lived close to school. He had to walk long way to school to avoid gangs. He asked the boys all raised hands they have to go around to avoid gangs.
It’s better to build boys than repair men. We don’t have prison ministry there we are there to build boys. When I first felt called I felt like I worked best with adults. And when pastor asked me to go to Africa. Lot of people say just don’t send me to Africa I said God use me but just not with junior high boys.
(applause)
Terri: Thanks Pat. She talked about experience in Belize. Next people is couple Mike and Kay Cain field staff in Belize they have been there very long time. They will tell you more about Belize and what it’s like there. Their business is about building boys. Mike is coming but Kay I want you to come you don’t have to speak but at least come up here people want to see you.
Kay: Good afternoon I will say that and thank you for support throughout the years.
Mike: good afternoon. Good to be here. I think. I got all excited about this. I wrote out my presentation at 3 am this morning all sorts of things began to flood into my mind. I will try to stick with what I prepared but I brought my cup because the song fill my cup is my favorite song. This is how I got where I’m at with the Lord. This is my reminder of the day. If you hear me say fill my cup that’s kind of what I’m trying to do. I will give brief history of Belize. On first Monday 9/1993 … opened door to friends school now friends boy school there was probably 25 young men entered that class. Then late October 1995 Kay and I went to Belize. We didn’t go with Friends United Meeting. Not with missions organization. We went because we felt God calling us to Belize. We sold house, sold furniture, sold everything and went to Belize. We went to Belize with desire and yearning in heart to do something for boys in Belize. That came out of working in 1988 when we finished the work where do you see friends going. She said friends need to be doing something for the boys. They ask why don’t we like them. The boys didn’t have anything then. In 1993 she started school. In 1995 Kay and I arrived in Belize at this time we didn’t know Sadie had started school in January 1997 Florence Perry came to help Sadie with curriculum for girls school but a teacher at boy’s school died during Christmas break. Florence was asked to teach a class in boy’s school while doing curriculum for girls’ school. When Florence was coming family of hers from Indiana came to us and said will you keep eye on Florence. She is 5’1” ball of fire. Belize is this little country that hey manyana. If Florence wants it done, she wants it done now. We tried to transition her to slower lifestyle. While she was there school set up first board of directors. Friends United Meeting said we want to have someone on board that can cosign checks so we have little better accounting of money. Well Kay and I were only foreigners there Quaker foreigners there. We had first meeting they are good train went through at high speed I finished as chairman or secretary and have been head of board since then. In 1998 we were encouraged to apply for field team. The second floor apartment is now second floor classroom. We sent email to Rita and said we would like to be considered for this position and much to our surprise she said you’re hired see me when you get back and sign contract. We had never met her. But I think it was the 3 pastors on work team also emailed Rita and said we need to do this. That Kay and I received our appointment. That is how we ended up with Friends United Meeting in Belize. In 1999 we applied for license to operate as a school and we received it 1999. A license from ministry of education post primary school was at this time we changed name to Belize friends boy’s school. In June 1999 we held first graduation. After taking over management during preparations for graduation one of the boys deserved chance to go to high school. He finished first in class and he was not filling out applications for high school. When I spoke to him and I asked why he was not he looked at floor and immediately I knew it was the money a few dollars. I invited his mother to school and asked her I said Francisco needs to go to high school. She dreamed he would work in office. I asked if we could give Francisco scholarship to high school. She took my hand squeezed my hand excuse me it still breaks me up she said I’ll trust my son to you. I walked his papers down to a high school he was accepted on my recommendation he graduated 4 years later. Salutorian. In same class 2 other classmates also went on to high school. There were others but these really stood out in my mind. The other 2 classmates the bright lights. They graduated 4 years later. Both of those were valedictorians. Both boys coming from primary school in Belize had been told you are not smart enough to go to high school, not good enough, you can’t do it. They graduated from high school. Francisco was first scholarship from boy’s school. Francisco has since completed 3 years at university of Belize. Learning English to teach English as second language. Other 2 boys one I knew went on to Wesley college junior college post secondary school in first graduating class and now studying environmental science at university of Belize.
In between all of these boys there have been over 200 boys gone through the school friends boy’s school.. large number of these gone on to high school and others gone on to university. All were told you can’t do it. Not smart enough. Not good enough. You can’t go. In that very first class there was a young man in that class who went to high school we know because he serves on board as alumni. In September this year he will be our head teacher. Finishing bachelor’s degree in primary education from university of west indies. … move to construction of friends high school. Necessary more than ever as more are better prepared for high school only to be told no space available. We are able to purchase 3.19 acres of land for hefty price $0.50 cents Euros that was accomplishment because land was on lease first. You have to do improvements first and then apply to purchase. I wrote the minister of lands a letter asking permission to purchase land because we talked of writing grant and needed title to land to write grant and 2 months later letter came back from minister of lands natural resources. I had forgotten about the letter. I opened it and standing in office reading letter and I think we can afford this. I reached in pocket and drove immediately to lands office to pay before they changed their mind. That is how we got that piece of property. I have a dream for high school for certain type of building for high school. If you look at display downstairs you will see picture with palm trees. That building is … classrooms, home ec, cafeteria, gym, costs about 1 million US dollars. Lot of money how much are the lives of these young people worth. We are talking about planning churches. And you do this to plant churches. If we build high school with 450 students we have 450 potential church planters for friends churches in Belize every year. In Belize we are retired to teach religious class. Every school is required to teach religious class. So why haven’t we. Why haven’t we. Have you heard about Belize heard the story. I don’t know. At present time costs about $25,000 US to operate prep school.
That’s not our salaries wish it was but our salary is only small portion. Kay and I would like to retire. I have found that at age of 65 it’s effort to deal with teenage boys. Harder to find patience. We would really like to retire and just enjoy tropical climate. We hope end of this year. We planned to retire last year so we extended one year and now we will stay on until I guess December of this year. Pat’s coming down and she better be there when I walk out so somebody has to get the keys. At present time we need to raise $30,000 between now and end of year. So when we walk out December 31 our account with Friends United Meeting should be clear. I don’t want deficit in my account with Friends United Meeting. But we just want to thank you. It’s been pleasure all these years to attend meetings. NC you ladies I get more birthday cards from NC ladies than any other group of ladies. You guys know how to send greeting cards. Nice come March to start going to mailbox and find birthday cards. We really appreciate those. She gets here at home because her birthday is in June. We pray who follows us you will support them. As you have supported us.
Fill my cup is my song when you sing the song fill my cup for me. And it goes fill my cup Lord I lift it up. It’s not this cup. It’s not this cup. It’s this cup.
It’s this cup. I lift this cup. And ask God to fill it. I did that years ago I was searching Kay and I were married I attended Quaker church but something wasn’t right. I started going to revival meetings. Sitting in living room one day winter on couch all alone in front of fireplace I just sat there saying Lord I leaned back and it was like a bright light very warm heat coming from ceiling all over my body.
That was the point I didn’t want to open my eyes. Didn’t want it to go away. After that I made 2 mission trips to Jamaica. Never been anywhere. That is what happened to me. That’s why it’s fill my cup. I ask you as Triennial Yearly Meeting have you asked God to fill your cup. Have you asked God to fill your cup.
(Singing) fill my cup Lord I lift it up Lord come refresh this thirsting of my soul. …. Lead me till I want no more. Fill my cup fill it up and make me whole.
Terri: I’ve always really liked …to share with us but I think would be a good way to end ….
Friends boy’s school is on coast and many cruise ships stop. Just 2 blocks away city is different.
Located in a slum area mike and Kay wish for more space. Sign says bridging gap between poverty and possibilities friends’ boys school.
Two teachers currently.
The boys say hello to you.
Thanks for the donated computers.
The dream for expanding the ministries. This block chapel and adjoining apartment located about 25 miles inland from Belize city in 1980.
Thanks to work team has garage 2 years ago. Work team 2 years ago block building was expanded to garage to help maintain property.
Some day a friends high school not enough high schools in Belize to hold students. School is wanted by community could Friends United Meeting build one here. Same 3 acres. Walk to edge of property.
Most villages have water and electricity we walk to edge to view another water source. In chapel some kids came by perhaps looking for church or school to attend what will it take. We have hopes of ASHA grant to help us but we need preexisting program for them to help. Mike thinks we can fill school for 400-500 students and don’t forget about the girls. This property 30 acres located about 20 miles from Belize city also belongs to Friends United Meeting. Sadie Vernon dreamed of using for retreat and gardens. Fertile soil with lush tropical plans. Not Mike’s vacation home. We call it Friends United Meeting guest house while we were there. Someone or creatures dwell on property but don’t k now who or how many.
There are Mayan ruins close by. Altun Ha are just a few minutes from there. Original temple was actually 3 levels higher than this. Some climbed to top some not at all. Careful Terri Friends United Meeting needs you in Richmond Indiana. What are called to do. Maintain school start worship center. Establish high school retreat training center or conclude efforts in Belize and use resources elsewhere.
Friends this concludes our time for this session. Let us pause for just a moment.
Heavenly father we thank you for Holy Spirit present with us. It is your spirit that guides us comforts us and nurtures us. Lord we are thankful for missionaries for being so faithful answering your call. Lord as we learn as we seek and understand more about you we ask that you would … that we might do all that we can do that we glorify that all might come to know you in very personal way. Thank you in name of Christ.
Friends we have 3 announcements. First question on my part does anyone know where registration sheet is this morning, sign in sheet.
Did it make it around to there.
Didn’t make it on this side. Did it make it to the back. So it’s about there. Let’s finish it up. If it missed you please sign it so we can register your presence in minutes of meeting. First announcement early worship 6:30 in morning at Hampton Inn will be in Jefferson room 400 and 401 Jefferson Room. Others may start worship service in your own space. Second announcement. Those who signed up to go on short outing trip with … you know who you are you need to meet with Dale, Seek Dale at 6:00 following evening meal. Message committee the other announcement first meeting will happen at this time on front steps outside meeting house. If you meet with enjoy remainder of the day. Workshops begin at 3:45 pm.
(piano playing)
If you would please take a hymnal and turn to page 353. Sing victory in Jesus.
You don’t look excited yet. Stand up.
(piano playing)
I heard an old old story how a savior game from glory how he gave his life on Calvary to save a wretch like me I heard about his … of his precious blood’s atoning
Oh victory in Jesus my savior forever. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew him and all my love is due him he plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about his healing of his … revealing how he … to and caused the blind to see. And dear Jesus … and spirit and somehow Jesus … to me the victory
Oh victory in Jesus my savior forever. He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew him. And all my love is due him.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about a mansion he has built for me in glory and heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea. About the angels singing and the …old redemption story and some sweet day I’ll sing up there a song of victory.
Oh victory in Jesus.
My savior forever.
He sought me and he bought me
With his redeeming blood.
He loved me ere I knew him.
And all my love is due him.
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
Thank you.
Please be seated.
Heavenly father we thank you for the blessings of this beautiful day we thank you for your presence. Thank you for good time, good fellowship we enjoy this beautiful day. Father we ask you continue to cover us with your blessings. Continue to unveil your way to us to show us the way that we might do all to glorify you. All God’s people say amen.
For the next hour we will turn attention to reports coming to you from individual missionaries. They talked earlier about … but this afternoon and in morning you will hear from people on the front line. We will have time to interact and ask questions. At end of this session … we will have a few announcements then we will continue to enjoy the day. Turn to global ministries. I will ask … if he will lead us and welcome our missionaries.
Terri.
Terri: Good afternoon. I am so glad to be here. One thing really exciting for me is that it seems like every single time I turn around someone stands there I know. That is so amazing to me. I was talking to some friends at work today downstairs in worship this morning. Every time I turn around and see someone I know feels like God is reminding me of blessings I have in my life. Thank you for so much for hugs and all your wonderful wonderful ability to make me feel so good here and so welcome. I have one woman doing this she is flipping me blessings. So grateful for that. First Angela she was worried if I told her when she would go she would get nervous. She is from Jamaica. Not field staff but works for education council there. She will help us learn more about Jamaica.
Angela: Thank you Terri. And good afternoon greetings from Jamaica. First I would like to say how wonderful it is to be here. Not long ago and in Jamaica we have a … I will speak a little about vacation bible school since I’m in NC I will put that first. I feel it was in 1990 that I met Mary Glenn and … in Jamaica. They did workshop and after that session a year later the director for Christian … Jamaica ministry asked if we wanted to do vacation bible school in Jamaica. I think this year is 17th year of vacation bible school in Jamaica and I would like to really thank NC Yearly Meeting for sponsoring this wonderful children’s ministry. We started in five churches in Jamaica that year. And I’m happy to say we now serve over 2500 children in 11 of our meetings and that is wonderful so it is … the children have their holidays around bible school time, they expect us there this week but because of this we will start bible school on 21st. Monday I will leave here and Mary and a team of 29 will arrive in Jamaica to do bible school in all the churches. We are very grateful to NC for this ministry. I will go to the children’s … friends educational council limited is educational arm of Jamaica Yearly Meeting of friends. Friends United Meeting is part of that ministry. And it is governed by a council of 9 persons. They meet and decide how we should administer … Last year October we lost 2 buildings. Main great house and the house … office superintendents office we lost building with library and all computers. A tailor shops and also the schoolroom where we housed the material that we had. At that time we were working on the … and we have finished that. We I remember when that happened. We did not have phone service and I asked Mary to get in touch with Terri to tell about disaster. She sent message out about disaster so friends would know about it. So grateful for that. We have been receiving support lots of support from friends. At this time we have 78 boys, children as residents in the boys school. We have this because of the dorms that were built. We built a dorm and had 37 boys before then and because of this dorm we were able to … some have left us and so we are going to accept … it’s a big ministry our superintendent has been doing a wonderful job … we have to pay for transportation to and from school. We receive support… at this time there are activities for the children at home now. Some have gone home to spend time with their guardians and also parents. What we do with them is when they are 16 or 17 years of age we try to send them home to build relationships with their family so when they reach 18 they can adjust to where they will live for the rest of their lives. We are now building the now putting on the roof of the damaged building this building was badly damaged by the fire. It housed the kitchen, the sick bay and the laundry area. God has blessed us we were able to raise funds to build a temporary laundry area. And also the kitchen. We are we have removed all the wooden structure on the roof and now preparing to put the concrete slab on that building. So we are trying to do that before hurricanes. We have another mission. Let me got to … because we were not satisfied friends education council was not satisfied with management of girls home health inspectors came and saw that the dining hall and library were in basement and we raised the floors in the basement they came and saw for themselves. We have 12 children there. The board decided to close temporarily until we can do a building on the ground level to house the dining hall and kitchen area. We had plans to build the library on top of the superintendent’s office. Not sure if we can do that now. Priority is to build dining room and also the kitchen so we have plans to get … and then we can move to fundraising. Small cottage on property close to main building we can house 12 children in that small cottage. We are trying to reopen that. Before December. So prayers and financial support will help us do that. It will cost a lot of money to refurbish that little cottage. I would like to remind friends that we also have another mission. High school it is in the eastern end of island most of you might know it. High school and we are looking for a principal ours has reached retirement age and we need fresh wind for the school we are now in process of interviewing persons. We also looking to replace a retired vice principal as well. Seaside meeting is just beside the school. Lot of you will know that hurricane Gilbert had demolished the roof of that meeting house and American friends really came to our aid. … from New York Yearly Meeting was good at raising support for us. We report building is covered with a nice roof now. We would like to touch a little on young friends we would like to just ask for your prayers. We are in process of training young people to take over from the older ones. So we would ask your prayers. Thank you very much for giving me honor of speaking on friends of Jamaica and greetings again from Jamaica Yearly Meeting.
(applause)
Terri: If we have one or two questions we have just another minute.
She did a great job.
*Has Lindall been closed down.
Angela: Temporarily.
*How many students are at high school.
Angela: I think over 1500. Not sure.
Terri: Thank you. Appreciate that.
Ok. Jamaica is pretty amazing place. She works and works. Good person to keep things together. Next person is Judy Davis. She has been volunteer for us been couple of times at Kaimosi hospital she is a nurse and she will tell us a little.
Judy:
One of the things my Kenyan friends love to do is teach me new words I say them all the time and don’t really know what I’m saying. I just tried those out. We Americans love to count things. Bless Sylvia’s heart did she count everything global ministry is doing. I wish I could say I helped deliver 200 babies and gave 1000 immunization. I was invited primarily because I was nurse but because of licensing difficulties I was exempted from everything except psychiatric work. I was able to work with a few people the nurses assigned me. I always know it will be interesting case. The thing helped me the most I came to Kenya with open heart and rebuilt Dell laptop computer. Soon as they knew I could do word and excel spreadsheets I did many administrative tasks. All interesting. I do minutes. Any of you do reporting clips. I did that. I worked with a ward to help with assignments they needed done. I can appreciate Friends United Meeting staff as soon as Triennial is over. They will be busy doing that. That is what happened to me at Kaimosi hospital board. They had a ton of work to do and I was able to help facilitate that. You know you’re doing something if you come back second year and find you’re still doing it. Lisa Stewart just found me and gave me baby bonnets. Thing we did first trip over was started baby packet for new moms. You know it’s marketing gimmick to give them packet with kanga, hat, booties, nappie, anything else we had on hand to put in and soon all women knew if you went to Kaimosi to have baby you would go home with all these things. Now people find me and give me booties, and hats, I mail about once a month to get them over there. My trunks will soon be so full of these things I won’t have room for clothes. They gave me 2 minutes. I appreciate the remarks you have a choice to go or send money. If you have will to go and some of you can’t go and you won’t go, lots of good reasons for that. But if you can come there is something about the passion you get and the people’s lives that you see and are involved in going to the IDP camps I just had never seen anything like that. It touches your heart and you come back to the states we can help our friends in Kenya and Jamaica. I’m so glad to hear everything we have done there. I guess if I start crying I’m through talking. Bye.
(applause)
Terri: Judy is one of three people speaking in workshop this afternoon. If you haven’t heard enough of her crying you can come back. Look her up if you have questions. The other 2 people in workshop under my name. I will do same thing as here. Sampson Ababu he will speak about … other Joseph … with peace team. If you haven’t signed up for workshop and you want to hear them. Another volunteer she has volunteer for us at Friends Theological College this year she spent time in Belize there she is. I thought she left the room.
This year she volunteered for us at Belize boy’s school.
First I want to say thank you to all who send cards, emails, letters. Nice to hear from people. You can sign any card if someone asks. We are just grateful to know someone took time and that they prayed for us. We know you pray at other times. I have 2 questions. How many retired. How many will retire next 3-5 years. Sylvia… what I have is for you. When I was getting ready to retire some years ago. I went to pastor don’t want to be … and can’t afford Florida. He said why don’t you go to Africa and teach. I sent email and I visited and end is I spent 6 years teaching in Kenya between September and December. Then opportunities changed. This year January through March this Indiana girl was in Belize. Tough but missionary life is hard. Tropical places in winter. Here are some things I did. Support field staff. I was there with Rich and Sandy. … Patrick and Mary Kate and in Belize with Michael Cain. As much as we appreciate cards and notes nice to have someone in flesh. Has same point of reference. Understands jokes. When everyone around you is different culture nice to … went to teach in both places. I was not trained as teacher. I spent 31 years in factory building auto parts. Then I went to Africa.
Another thing I did in Kenya was work in library there is always lots of detail work. In both places I visited homes. Student’s homes in both places. Learn a lot about the culture when you leave the school and go where the kids come from. Gives you different appreciation. As volunteer you make lifelong friends around the world. Those are things. Importance of ministry in Belize small school but changing some things little by little. Many of these boys don’t have much opportunity beyond the street. We learned a lot on career day. One of teachers arranged for people to come in talk to the boys. He lived close to school. He had to walk long way to school to avoid gangs. He asked the boys all raised hands they have to go around to avoid gangs.
It’s better to build boys than repair men. We don’t have prison ministry there we are there to build boys. When I first felt called I felt like I worked best with adults. And when pastor asked me to go to Africa. Lot of people say just don’t send me to Africa I said God use me but just not with junior high boys.
(applause)
Terri: Thanks Pat. She talked about experience in Belize. Next people is couple Mike and Kay Cain field staff in Belize they have been there very long time. They will tell you more about Belize and what it’s like there. Their business is about building boys. Mike is coming but Kay I want you to come you don’t have to speak but at least come up here people want to see you.
Kay: Good afternoon I will say that and thank you for support throughout the years.
Mike: good afternoon. Good to be here. I think. I got all excited about this. I wrote out my presentation at 3 am this morning all sorts of things began to flood into my mind. I will try to stick with what I prepared but I brought my cup because the song fill my cup is my favorite song. This is how I got where I’m at with the Lord. This is my reminder of the day. If you hear me say fill my cup that’s kind of what I’m trying to do. I will give brief history of Belize. On first Monday 9/1993 … opened door to friends school now friends boy school there was probably 25 young men entered that class. Then late October 1995 Kay and I went to Belize. We didn’t go with Friends United Meeting. Not with missions organization. We went because we felt God calling us to Belize. We sold house, sold furniture, sold everything and went to Belize. We went to Belize with desire and yearning in heart to do something for boys in Belize. That came out of working in 1988 when we finished the work where do you see friends going. She said friends need to be doing something for the boys. They ask why don’t we like them. The boys didn’t have anything then. In 1993 she started school. In 1995 Kay and I arrived in Belize at this time we didn’t know Sadie had started school in January 1997 Florence Perry came to help Sadie with curriculum for girls school but a teacher at boy’s school died during Christmas break. Florence was asked to teach a class in boy’s school while doing curriculum for girls’ school. When Florence was coming family of hers from Indiana came to us and said will you keep eye on Florence. She is 5’1” ball of fire. Belize is this little country that hey manyana. If Florence wants it done, she wants it done now. We tried to transition her to slower lifestyle. While she was there school set up first board of directors. Friends United Meeting said we want to have someone on board that can cosign checks so we have little better accounting of money. Well Kay and I were only foreigners there Quaker foreigners there. We had first meeting they are good train went through at high speed I finished as chairman or secretary and have been head of board since then. In 1998 we were encouraged to apply for field team. The second floor apartment is now second floor classroom. We sent email to Rita and said we would like to be considered for this position and much to our surprise she said you’re hired see me when you get back and sign contract. We had never met her. But I think it was the 3 pastors on work team also emailed Rita and said we need to do this. That Kay and I received our appointment. That is how we ended up with Friends United Meeting in Belize. In 1999 we applied for license to operate as a school and we received it 1999. A license from ministry of education post primary school was at this time we changed name to Belize friends boy’s school. In June 1999 we held first graduation. After taking over management during preparations for graduation one of the boys deserved chance to go to high school. He finished first in class and he was not filling out applications for high school. When I spoke to him and I asked why he was not he looked at floor and immediately I knew it was the money a few dollars. I invited his mother to school and asked her I said Francisco needs to go to high school. She dreamed he would work in office. I asked if we could give Francisco scholarship to high school. She took my hand squeezed my hand excuse me it still breaks me up she said I’ll trust my son to you. I walked his papers down to a high school he was accepted on my recommendation he graduated 4 years later. Salutorian. In same class 2 other classmates also went on to high school. There were others but these really stood out in my mind. The other 2 classmates the bright lights. They graduated 4 years later. Both of those were valedictorians. Both boys coming from primary school in Belize had been told you are not smart enough to go to high school, not good enough, you can’t do it. They graduated from high school. Francisco was first scholarship from boy’s school. Francisco has since completed 3 years at university of Belize. Learning English to teach English as second language. Other 2 boys one I knew went on to Wesley college junior college post secondary school in first graduating class and now studying environmental science at university of Belize.
In between all of these boys there have been over 200 boys gone through the school friends boy’s school.. large number of these gone on to high school and others gone on to university. All were told you can’t do it. Not smart enough. Not good enough. You can’t go. In that very first class there was a young man in that class who went to high school we know because he serves on board as alumni. In September this year he will be our head teacher. Finishing bachelor’s degree in primary education from university of west indies. … move to construction of friends high school. Necessary more than ever as more are better prepared for high school only to be told no space available. We are able to purchase 3.19 acres of land for hefty price $0.50 cents Euros that was accomplishment because land was on lease first. You have to do improvements first and then apply to purchase. I wrote the minister of lands a letter asking permission to purchase land because we talked of writing grant and needed title to land to write grant and 2 months later letter came back from minister of lands natural resources. I had forgotten about the letter. I opened it and standing in office reading letter and I think we can afford this. I reached in pocket and drove immediately to lands office to pay before they changed their mind. That is how we got that piece of property. I have a dream for high school for certain type of building for high school. If you look at display downstairs you will see picture with palm trees. That building is … classrooms, home ec, cafeteria, gym, costs about 1 million US dollars. Lot of money how much are the lives of these young people worth. We are talking about planning churches. And you do this to plant churches. If we build high school with 450 students we have 450 potential church planters for friends churches in Belize every year. In Belize we are retired to teach religious class. Every school is required to teach religious class. So why haven’t we. Why haven’t we. Have you heard about Belize heard the story. I don’t know. At present time costs about $25,000 US to operate prep school.
That’s not our salaries wish it was but our salary is only small portion. Kay and I would like to retire. I have found that at age of 65 it’s effort to deal with teenage boys. Harder to find patience. We would really like to retire and just enjoy tropical climate. We hope end of this year. We planned to retire last year so we extended one year and now we will stay on until I guess December of this year. Pat’s coming down and she better be there when I walk out so somebody has to get the keys. At present time we need to raise $30,000 between now and end of year. So when we walk out December 31 our account with Friends United Meeting should be clear. I don’t want deficit in my account with Friends United Meeting. But we just want to thank you. It’s been pleasure all these years to attend meetings. NC you ladies I get more birthday cards from NC ladies than any other group of ladies. You guys know how to send greeting cards. Nice come March to start going to mailbox and find birthday cards. We really appreciate those. She gets here at home because her birthday is in June. We pray who follows us you will support them. As you have supported us.
Fill my cup is my song when you sing the song fill my cup for me. And it goes fill my cup Lord I lift it up. It’s not this cup. It’s not this cup. It’s this cup.
It’s this cup. I lift this cup. And ask God to fill it. I did that years ago I was searching Kay and I were married I attended Quaker church but something wasn’t right. I started going to revival meetings. Sitting in living room one day winter on couch all alone in front of fireplace I just sat there saying Lord I leaned back and it was like a bright light very warm heat coming from ceiling all over my body.
That was the point I didn’t want to open my eyes. Didn’t want it to go away. After that I made 2 mission trips to Jamaica. Never been anywhere. That is what happened to me. That’s why it’s fill my cup. I ask you as Triennial Yearly Meeting have you asked God to fill your cup. Have you asked God to fill your cup.
(Singing) fill my cup Lord I lift it up Lord come refresh this thirsting of my soul. …. Lead me till I want no more. Fill my cup fill it up and make me whole.
Terri: I’ve always really liked …to share with us but I think would be a good way to end ….
Friends boy’s school is on coast and many cruise ships stop. Just 2 blocks away city is different.
Located in a slum area mike and Kay wish for more space. Sign says bridging gap between poverty and possibilities friends’ boys school.
Two teachers currently.
The boys say hello to you.
Thanks for the donated computers.
The dream for expanding the ministries. This block chapel and adjoining apartment located about 25 miles inland from Belize city in 1980.
Thanks to work team has garage 2 years ago. Work team 2 years ago block building was expanded to garage to help maintain property.
Some day a friends high school not enough high schools in Belize to hold students. School is wanted by community could Friends United Meeting build one here. Same 3 acres. Walk to edge of property.
Most villages have water and electricity we walk to edge to view another water source. In chapel some kids came by perhaps looking for church or school to attend what will it take. We have hopes of ASHA grant to help us but we need preexisting program for them to help. Mike thinks we can fill school for 400-500 students and don’t forget about the girls. This property 30 acres located about 20 miles from Belize city also belongs to Friends United Meeting. Sadie Vernon dreamed of using for retreat and gardens. Fertile soil with lush tropical plans. Not Mike’s vacation home. We call it Friends United Meeting guest house while we were there. Someone or creatures dwell on property but don’t k now who or how many.
There are Mayan ruins close by. Altun Ha are just a few minutes from there. Original temple was actually 3 levels higher than this. Some climbed to top some not at all. Careful Terri Friends United Meeting needs you in Richmond Indiana. What are called to do. Maintain school start worship center. Establish high school retreat training center or conclude efforts in Belize and use resources elsewhere.
Friends this concludes our time for this session. Let us pause for just a moment.
Heavenly father we thank you for Holy Spirit present with us. It is your spirit that guides us comforts us and nurtures us. Lord we are thankful for missionaries for being so faithful answering your call. Lord as we learn as we seek and understand more about you we ask that you would … that we might do all that we can do that we glorify that all might come to know you in very personal way. Thank you in name of Christ.
Friends we have 3 announcements. First question on my part does anyone know where registration sheet is this morning, sign in sheet.
Did it make it around to there.
Didn’t make it on this side. Did it make it to the back. So it’s about there. Let’s finish it up. If it missed you please sign it so we can register your presence in minutes of meeting. First announcement early worship 6:30 in morning at Hampton Inn will be in Jefferson room 400 and 401 Jefferson Room. Others may start worship service in your own space. Second announcement. Those who signed up to go on short outing trip with … you know who you are you need to meet with Dale, Seek Dale at 6:00 following evening meal. Message committee the other announcement first meeting will happen at this time on front steps outside meeting house. If you meet with enjoy remainder of the day. Workshops begin at 3:45 pm.
FUM - Morning Business Session
Live captioning services are provided by CSDHH – Communication Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Greensboro, NC. Your captionist today is Vicki Pinson.
Friends United Meeting 2008 Triennial
Business Sessions
If you will take hymnal and sing to God be the glory.
(piano)
Page 56
To God be the glory.
To God be the glory great things he hath gone so loved he the world that he gave us his son.
To live … atonement for sin that all … that all may go in.
Praise the Lord let the earth hear his voice
Praise the Lord let the people rejoice come to the father through Jesus the son and give him the glory great things he hath done.
Oh perfect redemption the purchase of blood … to every believer … who truly believes that … praise the Lord let the earth hear his voice praise the Lord let the people rejoice. Oh come to the father through Jesus the son and give him the glory great things he hath done.
Great things he hath taught us great things he hath done and great our rejoicing through Jesus the son.
… and … when Jesus we see.
Praise the Lord praise the Lord let the earth hear his voice
Praise the Lord praise the Lord let the people rejoice.
Oh come to the father through Jesus the son and give him the glory great things he hath done.
Thank you be seated.
Friends good morning
What a beautiful day hope you all had a good night’s rest. Smile on your face.
What a beautiful campus. Beautiful day for us all to be together again. Welcome to 2008 Triennial first business session.
We want to welcome a lot of folks, greet a lot of folks. Begin with worship and then enter into business.
For opening minutes today. As we gather on beautiful campus of High Point friends meeting we come with hope proclaiming Jesus Christ as teacher and Lord. We faithfully seek … may we pray
Heavenly father we thank you for our bounty and blessing. Blessings that grow immeasurably. We thank you for your teaching and guidance. The comfort you bring. Thank you for brining us all together. Ask you for your blessings. May you always find us faithful. Walking humbly with our eyes upon you. We pray these things to you. And your son Jesus.
I’d like to introduce our officers. Gary Farlow from Wilmington Kay recording clerk and Sylvia Graves general secretary. Roll call we want to recognize you all by your Yearly Meeting. If you will stand. We may need a little help from our pages. There you are. If you will help us with the number of people.
Our reporting clerk will call the Yearly Meeting so please stand and remain standing until we get a count of all here. And we have some minutes from individual we will share with you and we want your individual names we will begin passing sign up sheet around. Please start on this side.
Baltimore Yearly Meeting.
22 wow thank you.
Bware Yearly Meeting.
One here.
Bware Yearly Meeting.
(applause)
Canadian Yearly Meeting.
Central Yearly Meeting.
We have 2 great thank you.
Chavakali Yearly Meeting.
Chwele Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Cuba Yearly Meeting.
East Africa Yearly Meeting.
Kaimosi.
Thank you friends.
East Africa Yearly Meeting north.
Elgon east Yearly Meeting.
Elgon religious society of friends.
Great plains Yearly Meeting
Indiana Yearly Meeting.
Iowa Yearly Meeting.
Jamaica Yearly Meeting.
Kakamega Yearly Meeting.
Lugari Yearly Meeting.
Malava Yearly Meeting.
Nairobi Yearly Meeting.
New England Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
New York Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
NC Yearly Meeting.
North Carolina Yearly Meeting.
South eastern Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Tuloi Yearly Meeting.
Uganda Yearly Meeting.
Vihiga Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Vokoli Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Western association Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Western Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Wilmington Yearly Meeting.
Thank you friends. As you can tell we have good representation from almost all of our 29 Yearly Meetings and …
This is great to have all of you in attendance. We have traveling minutes. Laura and Dale … please stand.
They are not here right now. Also Elizabeth .. thank you. Thank you for your minutes.
We also have one minute bringing greetings I’d like to share with you. Dear friends loving greetings to all.
Valerie Rosen attending your sessions. … through friends general conference Christian and interfaith committee. She serves on both religious and education. … possibility of printed word … she often sat at book tables at conference and retreats.
On behalf of committee signed by Michael Gibson friend Valerie are you here. Welcome thank you very much.
Oliver Robertson. Young friend would you stand. He is from Britain. Thank you for being here. Are there others. Self introductions starting this side. If you are not with Yearly Meeting we want to recognize and welcome you as well.
… thank you.
Justin Bernell also …
Thank you.
Arthur Myers
Thank you welcome.
Melissa …
Thank you.
… representing Quaker …
Bringing you greetings from London (Nancy)
… thank you Kate. Welcome.
Other friends.
If you will give us your names at the end of the session and show you were in attendance for opening session.
At this time we have a couple of folks bringing greetings from NC Yearly Meeting … Michael Fulp.
Michael: greetings friends. Good morning.
I’m a little loud sometimes but I want everyone to hear me too. So I came to the microphone. From 75 monthly meetings that make up NC Yearly Meeting. We welcome you and hope your stay will be blessing to you and building block for his great work.
To paraphrase definition of gathering of people group of people come together seeking guidance of holy spirit. NC Yearly Meeting has desire to assist you providing environment for this group to find such environment.
This group met at … if you were here we welcome you back. If first visit we hope not your last.
May things have changed in 21 years. We are NC Yearly Meeting have received many blessings. Last night Sylvia mentioned Jamaica. Many of our folks have greave love for work they do in Jamaica. Just taking quick moment I want to mention 4 other things we are very blessed with going on in Yearly Meeting at this time.
1) Camp Quaker Lake. We can’t build fast enough to accommodate campers. We had to turn some away this year.
2) Friends disaster helping people put lives back together. People who volunteer to go help rebuild houses.
3) Intern program giving individual time mentoring and platform where they can discern guidance of holy spirit growing leaders in our midst.
In last 10 years somewhere around 130 to 140 have gone through program. About 130 in full time ministry. We are so blessed from that.
4) Mowa-Choctaw. Through guidance of holy spirit this Yearly Meeting sought to make … permanent mission work.
… NC Yearly Meeting has received many blessings in 312 years. Friends United Meeting has been part of that. So again welcome and may God bless you as you fellowship and do his great work.
Thank you.
Thank you Mike. Bringing greetings Viola Britt.
Viola: There is no way to tell you what a blessing this committee has been. Never in my entire life have I worked on anything where there were so many people willing to help.
Kim school administrative assistant Friends United Meeting ex officio members. John Porter working constantly with me, Janice Dalton, Paul Routh, Darrin Allen, …. Program chairperson and Heather Varner. Medical team, consists of Janice Spainhour and Dr. Eldora Terrell. There is local unit here should anyone need assistance. Keith Jones security. Food Jo Hayworth women’s club catering. Sue Hughes also helped with meals. … communication Beverly Nelson. John Porter. They are responsible for court stenographers. Daily blog around the world Paul Routh. Sara Terrell …. Press releases… shuttle busses. Hospitality… musical instruments Carmen, … Beverly Nelson and A… signage High Point friends school and High Point friends meeting. One person most excited about all this had to be from High Point friends school….he mentioned I think I want to get these names out Sara Beth Terrell press releases. Flowers and table arrangements…. Jackie Swaggert, Hazel… Rita … Beverly Nelson from chamber of commerce.
And setup just listen to these. … and Quaker men. David G. Kathy and …. Then on top of that can you believe this volunteer Mark, Mary Ann, Lauren, I have never worked with so many like this. With full time job director piedmont authority and regional transportation. Never too busy to answer questions. Never too busy to attend to questions about Friends United Meeting. Also son Michael Jr. finishing graduate degree took time to attend. … helium tanks, brought sleeping bag in case needed. … Parsons, then host of people who will be assisting on tours and with other activities. Many many others like Frank for example just appeared with antibacterial soap. Local meetings furnishing meals for Triennial. Marlboro, Cedar Square, Archdale,…. Excitement of having Triennial in NC has been evident every step of the way. Thank you friends.
(applause)
As I listened to the long list of volunteers I am reminded of our mission as we energize and equip friends. Undertaking a program such as this brings people together. It’s energizing. To come together and work hard, you look forward to it. Thank you so much for your hard work. One question where is the sleeping bag.
*In the office.
At this time I want to recognize those serving on nominating committee. For those serving on nominating committee stand and be recognized. Know that you have a large responsibility placed on you. We thank you for using your gifts and talents in this endeavor. Our prayers are with you.
Thank you so much.
At this time recognize those serving on … new business committee. Please stand and be recognized.
I want to meet with new business committee at end of session just meet at the front of meeting house. Just for a moment.
Next order of business we need to appoint message committee. To write missal from these sessions. We want to do this by volunteer or appoint best friend if they are good at writing. We need a few people minimum 4-5 maybe 6 to help with this.
Do we have suggestions?
*I forget the name of …
Thank you.
*Would … be willing to.
Carol is our assisting recording clerk.
Excellent suggestion.
We need a few more names.
*
Thank you. Good.
Couple of others.
C G White.
Would you help with that. Thank you very much.
I suggest Mica Bales from great Plaines Yearly Meeting.
Need one or two more.
*Christopher … from New York. There. Oh yeah.
Christopher: I’m afraid I might not have the time.
*Could we have women on the committee.
We would love to add your name to the list. Would you agree to that.
*Ok.
That’s the way it works.
*Margaret Stolzfus from Iowa.
Margaret are you willing to help.
You are on nominating committee. I understand.
*I would suggest …
I don’t feel free to do that at this time. Thank you.
*I suggest Doug Shoemaker.
Doug agrees. Ok.
We have a committee of six to work on preparation of serve on new message committee to prepare outgoing missal. Do friends approve of those nominated. Thank you very much for willingness to do this. Will you get this meeting together.
I will convene but don’t feel clear to clerk.
At this time I want to recognize staff they need to depart and go back to work places. They want to share a few words about auction items. This is your time.
Thank you for interruptions. There is a little part of program we want to advertise well. Items we will show you today are part of silent auction. Each item will have individual bid sheet. You can bid and all proceeds will go to ministry … this piece was donated on behalf of Eden Grace beautiful handmade quilt. Sure all Kenyan. and in corners map of Kenya in each corner.
Even back is gorgeous. Take look at it, touch it feel it come to Friends United Meeting offices and place bid on it. Could be yours.
You can sign for silent bid number in Friends United Meeting office. These will be displayed in bookstore. There is minimum bid. We can tell you minimum bid when you come to office.
People can pay by credit card. Cash, …
Shillings.
Next item we have is the this is lovely olivewood hand carved nativity set she has brought.
How many pieces. …. 11 counting the crèche. Maybe 12. If you count baby Jesus. He’s separate. 12 piece set. Really solid. Front of crèche folds up so compact to pack away if you need to.
Next we have series of items brought to us by Cains. From Belize. They are all made of rainforest wood. Beautiful variety of woods. First piece Katy has is coaster set, how many 6. Various shades and colors. Different woods. There is a card in each one showing where it came from.
Next piece is beautiful vase you can see it is constructed of several kinds of wood. (Vann White display).
Next we have set of items for every executive desk or those not executive your desks should look like it. Pencil holder, leather caddy and paperclip box.
Then we have two items just alike so two lucky bidders can take home or one for both. Cutting boards. They are made of several different woods. Listed on front. Use for decoration and cut on other side. If you stop at the offices we will have bidding numbers for you. Everything will be number coded and have bidding sheets. Minimum bids will be listed on sheet. Highly encourage you to stop at bookstore and take a look and winners announced Saturday morning. Closes 10 am Saturday. 10 am in the morning.
Thank you Vanna appreciate that.
While they were going over items I was watching you. You were really paying attention. I thought I had lost control.
Thank you. These items will be downstairs.
One more items same vein Dale.
Dale: When troubles broke out in Kenya I noticed that a picture I received from Kenya had t-shirt of Kenyans doing relief effort. I began to think about possibilities and to make long story short these t-shirts on sale here by Quaker men $12 and $6 of each sale goes to peace efforts. These are available in the bookstore.
Thank you dale.
Friends we have 2 items of business on agenda this morning.
First will be report from general secretary. I think we will have time to move up on this session the report from general board. Sylvia will give report.
From her viewpoint. Those in attendance last night you heard a lot about Friends United Meeting. No opportunity to ask questions this will be your time. Sylvia please share.
Sylvia Graves: Oh here we go again. I want to before I go to report emphasize that the items for auction are really meant to support ministry accounts of field staff members.
If Friends United Meeting is field staff work we need to do better job supporting them financially. Our idea is to get your awareness of that need.
Doing silent auction with a little spark knowing some will pay a lot of money to support field staff but nice to get something back. We are looking for support of field staff. So bids will be high. Even if you don’t get bid you are welcome to donate to field staff accounts.
Offerings go also to field staff accounts right. We didn’t announce. It will be divided equally between field staff accounts and general funds. I know you wanted to know that. I don’t have a whole lot to add to last evening’s report. I want you to know I have prepared for every Yearly Meeting to distribute some do packets for Yearly Meeting some I don’t know what you do. Don’t know that it goes far. There is report sent to all Yearly Meeting office. Summary of Friends United Meeting work in past year. Meant for your people to read and understand what is going on with association. There is not much in here different from last night. I won’t repeat it. I want to
Emphasize that we had discussion in field staff meetings Monday and Tuesday about their great concern for expense it takes to do work they are doing. Not only to own ministry accounts but when we look at the exchange rate right now American dollar is not worth much in other countries. People at Kaimosi hospital as being paid in shillings and we send dollars they don’t go as far as they used to. Same at school commit to pay teachers but we send dollars and exchange for currency it doesn’t go as far as it used to go. Huge hardship in all areas financially. We have to pay attention to that. We have invited field staff and financial and executive committee to hear those concerns.
I’m open to questions from anyone. Thank you for wonderful feedback you have given to me from last evening’s presentation. Appreciate how helpful you’ve been to me.
David: How have you enjoyed or not enjoyed last 3 years you have been doing this.
Sylvia Graves: 2 years since 3/6/200… I have enjoyed it. I have felt that it is really productive and meaningful work, not easy work. No one ever said ministry was easy.
Will you please come to microphone so all will hear your questions.
*Wondering I was volunteer when young at Ramallah friends school if you have enough people stepping forward for work like that. And how we can help mobilize people.
Sylvia Graves: Before I answer that question I want to bring to your attention there are 2 young men at Ramallah friends school from NC. One from New Garden one not connected with Quaker but best friend of the guy from new Garden and graduated both of them from UNC Chapel Hill. They have made dynamic contribution to Ramallah friends school staff. They plan to go back as staff this year. They are looking for teachers of English. Joyce wants me to let you know that should have been on this green sheet. If you know teachers who might go. You may want to respond to this. As you saw last evening we have wonderful adults volunteering young adults volunteer often ask about doing school internship, about doing
Residency for so they can learn as much as they teach, and we always welcome to talk to them and see if we can come up with good match.
Tonya … is she on way to Kenya. End of August to spend a half a year from Earlham College School of Religion as part of practical skill building. There are opportunities. We don’t always have people to match opportunities at same time. If people step forward…
Eden Grace: Large mission organizations have highly structured opportunities for short term missions, volunteer placement, learning experiences, we are not large organization but we have a large heart. As John and I have set up capacity in Kaimosi we get more inquiries from people wanting to come from 2 weeks to 8 months. We strongly encourage you to do that. We have 2 types of programs where we can offer structured accredited learning experiences. One theological field education. Anyone in training for pastorship, ministry, we can run supervised field education program to meet academic requirements for US seminaries. Other is medical education. Medical students are often expected to do elective in 4rth year. Number of those people come to hospital for structured supervised experience for medical school.
In addition to that we have people come who contact us because they feel a call and sometimes vague sense I want to be there and see what’s happening. We are eager to accommodate all those requests. One reason I think 2 things come out of that kind of cross cultural volunteering. If it formation for north American community. These people in future may become missionaries or infect others with that passion. Other significant thing happens with volunteer is tremendous encouragement to staff on the ground, working overworked hours, excessive responsibilities at hospital and college. All staff feel so encouraged when someone comes even for a couple of weeks to work alongside them.
When you come so please I really appreciate her questions and hope you all consider if you can take 3 weeks 8 weeks any amount of time. Meet with us experience what we do and encourage staff.
Thank you.
Just come to the microphone.
Here is one close.
*It seems such obvious and simple question but I struggled with the great need and wide range of needs whether to give a bit to each whether to concentrate choose one and concentrate on that. How what is most helpful. Most useful way of assisting.
Sylvia Graves: Good question. Thank you for that. I don’t know if I know the answer.
As you saw the broad range of need last night spread across here how you choose which one to support or is it better to send a check as needed. Is that what you said. Send money to request as a needed. We have people do both. Lot of people say I don’t know strong needs now you decide. Many have passions for certain ministries. We want to affirm that too.
We have had this conversation this week in old days Friends United Meeting had one big fund and actually paid our field staff from general account. Am I right about that. We had one big donated fund including
Member Yearly Meetings paying more, higher more consistent than now. All field staff were paid from one giant budget. Few years ago when … a strain I guess difficult to do that. There was decision and you can tell me the year from now on up to field staff to raise financial support for their ministry. That is common among mission agencies. Not unusual. But in our small society in comparison that puts great strain on field staff and we are glad when they have friends outside Quakers who support them as well. Not easy I think you have to match what you are called to help with in best way you can. If you feel whole organization can be trusted to put where most needed we appreciate that too.
Anybody want to add to that.
*In the Jamaica Yearly Meeting we struggle with … we are still small as Christian denomination just over 300 members. Recently decided we would take bull by the horn. We would evangelize, often go out into communities of Jamaica and hold evangelical meetings.
At present this small Jamaica Yearly Meeting is undergoing period of … in which we have been phase of fasting and prayer and asking for Lord and Savior to help us because we think that the Quaker Christian message is not well known but not far different from general Christian message and we do think that people of Jamaica will gravitate towards Quaker if they hear this message. I … the church just over year ago…before that only thing I heard about Quaker church was over 40 years ago in school. For 40 years I heard nothing until I decided wanted to be part of church family and went to church. Read on internet. It is my belief that this message needs to be known in the whole world. There are it appears something like 300,000 Quaker in whole world. My belief is that if we carry out one of those 4 priorities of Friends United Meeting, evangelism that millions of people not only 300,k000 but millions will gravitate towards Quaker Christianity. Saying to myself not to leadership. Just all of us if we come forward and carry this message millions of people will come to meeting.
Thank you.
*Mary Lloyd Baltimore one phrase you used last night I want to thank you … one phrase you used was global partnership. That’s easier to say than to figure out how to do well. I wonder if you would share with us some things you have learned about how we can build a good relationship with each other a true global partnership.
Sylvia Graves: thank you Mary. Mary was one in Kenya in January and we able there to be to respond and help in the gathering of the leaders to help make the peace plan. I know how much we respect that you were there to contribute to that.
I know that there was a time maybe 100 years ago when we Christians believed it was our duty to go bring light to darkness in dark Africa and other places. We believed there were people who had never heard good news of Jesus. That has changed. We probably need to go to deep parts of Africa to have them teach us. We are learning how to do that I hope.
We have tried to change we who know best go teach those who know least. Back into a more equitable role in planning together what needs to be done to reach all.
That has been difficult to Americans who are abundant with wealth who feel like our role is still to share material resources with those who don’t and what we need to do is learn how to share those so that they are not patronizing, not charity, but that and again I think I’ve heard a lot of people say how much joy they get the Kenyans themselves…. We are pleased to say we see you doing God’s work too, not us, it’s you. But you have limited resources… even though we try to get even keel about decisions it’s old struggle about we know better than … anyone else want to contribute to that.
*I want to share point with you I really appreciate your efforts. One thing you said has I thought may have been most significant thing of whole message for them to ask what is best way to do this. Now I see a promise and a problem both in there. The promise is that if somebody is asking questions they invite us to change. We need that. I make my living asking questions very important. May be long time before clarity comes but I want to encourage you to keep pushing us to question. Ok. The second part of that is problem.
Twice in Acts where Paul went somewhere … all sat around discussing something new. Let’s not question to the point that inertia sets in and we just ask new questions and never do anything. Danger on that end but I’m really excited when you raise questions we have needed to look at for a long time. Keep asking those questions.
*I really appreciate all the wonderful work being done with global ministry. I wonder if you … work with the needy here in the USA. If all the crying broken hearted needs come from immigrants living among us, gang violence, etc. whether there is call for us to do ministry closer to home.
Sylvia Graves: I believe that we used to do that better than we do now when we were staff of 25-30 and had north American ministry position who could go to local meeting goal setting, revitalize meeting. That kind of thing. My response is to say what needs are local probably need to be taken care of locally. Your own meetings are heavily involved in local food pantries, habitat for humanity, etc. all those here also participate in those local ministries. I think Friends United Meeting has not historically been strong enough to deal with local needs other than try to nourish local congregations to deal with local needs. Not that it doesn’t need to be done but we look to Yearly Meeting … sometimes that is competition for Friends United Meeting ministry but you all do wonderful work in local community. Until we have broader depth of support we will probably not add that to our tasks.
I want to say a little more about how Friends United Meeting may be increasingly looking to cooperative efforts with other agencies.
Lugulu hospital is experiencing much success but they have cooperated with other agencies, catholic medical mission, etc. we are collaborating with other resources as partners with them. That is part of global partnership definition.
I know there are other Quakers in Kenya on same team.
*Regularly I get questioned from people here in USA should I come to Africa myself paying $2000 to come or should I give the $2000 for support. I say spend the $2000 to come. Your church should support you in this. I went in 1999 to … I was only second Quaker the other person who had come was Kelly Kellum’s father David. That’s not good. People in Africa in eastern central Africa appreciate us visiting. It’s very difficult now for them to visit here.
Even if they have money or we supply it getting visas for anyone not elderly very difficult that means we have to go there. Even outlining the things we can do all kinds of things people can do if you go there and visit, go to church, visit youth, that is tremendous encouragement to people there. They want to feel that connection to the world. That people in USA Britain and other places are with them in whatever happens and particularly in Kenya these last six months that’s the time we should visit. True friend comes at a time of need. I hope people will not you can’t go yourself then perhaps other people in various meetings and churches can visit Africa.
Thank you.
(applause)
Sylvia Graves: I will let John Muhanji down too he has been invited often to come to … there are invitations for Friends United Meeting to move into those areas. Think about that.
Friends perhaps we should do more than think about that. What if we were to promote gospel in those regions. They are extending invitations. Hesitancy is … we are not adequately supporting missions in Kenya. What is call of Friends United Meeting. Before you I set an open door he who has ears let him hear. How are we to respond. How are we responding to current problems. We could do so much. I’ve mentioned this several times.
If we had 40 meetings roughly half in NC. Just my Yearly Meeting gave $25 a month maybe meeting or individual we could pay half needs of … or and about 15 people in each mission … operating medical expenses, teaching school. …budget is $2000 a month. Sad to send $163. Not to end on a sad note but just to let you know there are opportunities. Can friends step up and take on commitments. Isn’t that our future, our call., the great commission, go and promote gospel teaching all the things we have been taught.
Anyone else with question or comment at this time. If not we will move to next agenda.
*I will just speak up. I have a very strong voice. I want to add … that is we have to support the general fund. We have to support the staff here in the states because we can send money but sometimes it doesn’t get there because of political activity between here and there.
The staff is so vital to help keep things flowing so yes we have missions and we need to send funds time and prayer to Africa Jamaica Cuba and everywhere. But we also have staff to help keep us running
And helps operate over there. So things get to them. We want to include them in our …
Thank you.
Yes.
*can you hear me now?
Among staff I want us to remember and hold in the light the children of our staff members.
Eden’s 2 beautiful boys Isaiah and Jesse and Joyce’s children. They are part of parent’s ministry not by choice.
And they are having amazing experiences cross cultural experiences also sacrifice life in small town of America. Growing up as children who really not member of one community or another.
They suffer effects of living in war zone.
And they bear this so gracefully because they too are committed to doing God’s work and believe in their parent’s ministry I want us to hold them in light, maybe send cards of encouragement to them.
Thank you.
Thank you Lisa.
Sylvia thank you for your report. Thank you friends for our discussion. I think what we need to do is clear and I hope you will take this message into your own heart and take home and share. So please go back and tell the story, share the good news of the work Friends United Meeting has undertaken and that we need to support. You will hear more about this. At this time move to agenda item report from general board.
Those who wonder about decorations on the ceilings if you weren’t here last night you missed it. There is a little evidence in meeting house. Walls will never be the same.
*The following is report to you Triennial session Friends United Meeting on actions and activities of general board 2005-2008.
There have been several personnel changes in central office and several changes in responsibility over last Triennial. One in general board or executive board involved Sylvia Graves has succeeded Reba as general secretary. Barbara Smith and Kim took over financial duties. I might add Paul Smith retired 6/30/2008 after providing 7 years service to Friends United Meeting.
Terri Johns took over mission management oversight formerly executed ….
Took over Friends United Light and Press duties.
Kim and Sylvia Graves have taken over fundraising duties of Kathy Sawyer.
As you may remember from last Triennial Friends United Meeting finances were little… in fact significant losses were anticipated in first year of Triennial due to decline in large gifts to Friends United Meeting.
The general board authorized reduction in staff time to allow for solvency that year.
Paul Smith and Norman … prepared financial planning documents which Paul implemented. Result is that Friends United Meeting central offices are now operating on cash flow without incurring debt. Let me repeat that.
Result is Friends United Meeting central offices now operate on cash flow without incurring debt.
General board has committed significant portions of trust funds as surety against management … for Kaimosi hospital. Details will be reported in global ministry report and also report for Kaimosi hospital task force tomorrow.
As part of financial adjustment general board decided to convert
The bookstore to a purely online and phone order operation. Items for sale now are friends united press and other Quaker publications. Attractive catalog and online catalog now available. Get out pens please.
On line bookstore
www.fum.org.
click on label Friends United Meeting and there works like Amazon.
In fact works a little better because faster.
For those of you who prefer phone order.
1-800-537-8839
So bookstore items are still available. Please make sure that you take advantage of those.
Bookstore space converted to a welcome center providing hospitality housing central office library and forming meeting place for staff as well as place where Friends United Meeting can host small meeting. It has been used by Quaker conference center and available to community which provides small additional revenue to Friends United Meeting.
Your clerk arranged for a consultant to lead general board through a strategic planning process. This process resulted in a planning document with goals and time tables for actions needed to be executed by general board or a committee. Provides budget planning, evaluation, and orderly consideration of Friends United Meeting Quaker identity. Includes watchdog agency. It is anticipated that this plan which projects 5 years into future will be updated annually. I will insert short personal comment. I have been part of 3 strategic planning processes in my life. This is only one I have seen that actually had items in it where you could tell if you met plan and time tables by which you were actually going to do that. As a result this is only strategic planning document I have been involved with that has actually been used.
General board wrestled with issue that has divided us and is currently dividing us about which Sylvia Graves spoke to eloquently in plenary last night.
In dealing with this the general board has through its staff and officers corresponded with various Yearly Meetings. General board has included on and sometimes has intense discussions and in those parts which concerned Friends United Meeting identity. General board also dealt with this issue in part of weekend retreat we discussed what it means to be Quaker in 21st century. Pardon me if I use antique language. It has not pleased God to open way before us which all can perceive to be right and proper. But has pleased God to teach us to talk to each other civility and remind us we are brothers and sisters inn Christ. General board authorized formation of support advocacy groups for each Friends United Meeting sponsored programs. At least one member of group must be member of general board. These groups are to become knowledgeable about program to be resource to general board and act as advocate of program to general board. Hope they will be support committee for staff engaged in the program. As time goes on perhaps they will also assist in fundraising.
Volunteer should contact Sylvia Graves at rise of this meeting.
General adopted instrument for regular evaluation of each program under its sponsorship as well as instrument for evaluating each new proposed project.
This is one of the examples of what happens when you plan well and actually use the plan you make.
General board is very appreciative to US AID office for approval of several ASHA grants Sylvia Graves mentioned last night.
Strategic plan approved shows schedule to apply for additional grants in future which may include projects in any mission field. To insure success of these large projects general board established guidelines for making grant application and provide management oversight. And to match support staffing with project requirements to be sure of time implementation and success in each project.
General board elected not to be a sponsor of evangelical effort by Johann and … in Russia. Due to support staff and strength. They gave blessing to project and encouraged financial support by individual in Yearly Meeting.
General board agreed to assume management responsibility for Kaimosi hospital and enter understanding with east Africa Yearly Meeting for this purpose. General board appointed task force to review operations and board to oversee management of hospital and committed $50,000 for operation for first year. Also term of memo of understanding. This is in addition to commitment made to raise funds for roof. The status of this commitment is currently in flux we are trying to renegotiate and details of that negotiation will be reported in later reports.
These are in summary principle actions of general board.
I would if I may like to make final personal observation.
I have been part now of 4 constitutions of general board. This one has been most free of political machinations of any of 4 previous ones. Composed largely of individual chosen by you to have skills and gifts for it’s operation. Who make points clearly but with open heart and genuine desire to seek will of God. I hope you have selected or will select persons of similar character to be part of next general board.
Friends have any questions or comments. Thank you for on behalf of members on the board thank you for kind words.
*Comment, Earl Smith western Yearly Meeting I have been privileges to represent Triennial since 1990 and this is first time I have heard report that board has been able to transact business on cash basis rather than report that we are borrowing money.
As we have heard this morning and last night there are numerous opportunities for ministry.
It seems that too often we have let the thoughts of what we would like to do outpace our proper discernment. I know it has been very difficult task but I definitely want to congratulate board on that.
Thank you.
It’s always a fine line. Tough call to seek and receive funding for same projects year after year when people like to give support to new things, new projects. So to balance projects with support which comes first. Do you get existing projects up and running 100% before beginning new projects? Answer is somewhere in between. Hope you realize where Friends United Meeting is right now.
We are behind.
We have opportunities.
Let’s just leave it with that. You will answer that question. You do it all the time. Thank you we are trying to keep close balance on where we are.
*Sidney from Canadian Yearly Meeting I would like to have this gathering express particular thinks to staff when I first came on board
Our very first meeting was very sobering. We looked at financial picture that was extremely bleak. And the board made the decision to place our staff on … time for 3 months staff was on 4/5th of salary because of their generosity we that is part of reason we were able to recover financially. Staff in past has been largely not Quaker we have more staff now who are Quaker but I think we owe them a huge thanks for their generosity.
(applause)
*we are going to operate on cash flow but coming from farm operation who has been trying to do that for years now. It certainly advantage with no interest but you have to keep the cash flowing. That is the secret. We can’t do these things that we so want to do if we aren’t willing to contribute and give our resources.
Thank you Anna Leigh. I love the reference to the farm those who grew up in farm life you go to bank and borrow money you …
Also all of us we grow up in culture when we are encouraged to be in debt. You get tax credits if you are in debt. Write off mortgage and contributions don’t forget. Any other questions about general board.
Anyone here who will lead us in another song. We love to do things impromptu. A volunteer we will close session.
*Could … sandy can we handle that. Joseph Sandy and all the ladies. Beatrice. Will all our king friends. Meanwhile Joseph organize the group and sing what a friend we have.
*Jamaica friends I just want to say thank you to Friends United Meeting it’s a vessel in which we can voice our opinion I’d like to thank especially … that sweet person … I learned he did not have any telephone and I asked … to call Harry Jones and … he immediately sent over … and because of her gift we received … I just want to thank the hardworking staff. Thank you for the children …
Angie thank you and the wonderful work you do in Jamaica.
3 announcements. Then our Kenyan friends will come and sing. And reconvene at 1:45 for next business session.
First announcement meeting to discuss … friends 1:45 during free time led by scot Wagner and Tony Love. See one of them for location. All Africans please eat quickly and come to small chapel east wing 1 pm today.
Belize task force will meet at …. In music room. And Jamaica support team.
Kelly Kellum: Just wanted people to know weather is perfect we will have 2 service lines for lunch. First is like last night. Line up down hallway and second service line outside that will enable you to enjoy fine … go out side door gate and side door and enter that way. Other thing during breaks we encourage those able bodies who need bathroom facilities to use school facilities. Leave those closer for those less mobile.
*I was surprised I need to convene committee so we will convene at rise of this. Please meet here by piano.
Thank you.
Where is Jamaica support group meeting.
With Sylvia.
Just look for Sylvia.
Ok.
Bring food to library if you are on Jamaica support team. Allow them to go early in line if you would please. We will find a table. Not good to eat in library.
Kenyan Friends. Please come.
(singing)
(applause)
(singing)
(applause)
Friends.
May I have attention just a moment. If you will give invocation for lunch.
Dear God we are grateful the day for blessings of fellowship thank you for your spirit that helps us in our decision. Ask your continuous blessings. Thank you for the food. l bless our bodies with it. In your most holy name we pray amen.
Friends United Meeting 2008 Triennial
Business Sessions
If you will take hymnal and sing to God be the glory.
(piano)
Page 56
To God be the glory.
To God be the glory great things he hath gone so loved he the world that he gave us his son.
To live … atonement for sin that all … that all may go in.
Praise the Lord let the earth hear his voice
Praise the Lord let the people rejoice come to the father through Jesus the son and give him the glory great things he hath done.
Oh perfect redemption the purchase of blood … to every believer … who truly believes that … praise the Lord let the earth hear his voice praise the Lord let the people rejoice. Oh come to the father through Jesus the son and give him the glory great things he hath done.
Great things he hath taught us great things he hath done and great our rejoicing through Jesus the son.
… and … when Jesus we see.
Praise the Lord praise the Lord let the earth hear his voice
Praise the Lord praise the Lord let the people rejoice.
Oh come to the father through Jesus the son and give him the glory great things he hath done.
Thank you be seated.
Friends good morning
What a beautiful day hope you all had a good night’s rest. Smile on your face.
What a beautiful campus. Beautiful day for us all to be together again. Welcome to 2008 Triennial first business session.
We want to welcome a lot of folks, greet a lot of folks. Begin with worship and then enter into business.
For opening minutes today. As we gather on beautiful campus of High Point friends meeting we come with hope proclaiming Jesus Christ as teacher and Lord. We faithfully seek … may we pray
Heavenly father we thank you for our bounty and blessing. Blessings that grow immeasurably. We thank you for your teaching and guidance. The comfort you bring. Thank you for brining us all together. Ask you for your blessings. May you always find us faithful. Walking humbly with our eyes upon you. We pray these things to you. And your son Jesus.
I’d like to introduce our officers. Gary Farlow from Wilmington Kay recording clerk and Sylvia Graves general secretary. Roll call we want to recognize you all by your Yearly Meeting. If you will stand. We may need a little help from our pages. There you are. If you will help us with the number of people.
Our reporting clerk will call the Yearly Meeting so please stand and remain standing until we get a count of all here. And we have some minutes from individual we will share with you and we want your individual names we will begin passing sign up sheet around. Please start on this side.
Baltimore Yearly Meeting.
22 wow thank you.
Bware Yearly Meeting.
One here.
Bware Yearly Meeting.
(applause)
Canadian Yearly Meeting.
Central Yearly Meeting.
We have 2 great thank you.
Chavakali Yearly Meeting.
Chwele Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Cuba Yearly Meeting.
East Africa Yearly Meeting.
Kaimosi.
Thank you friends.
East Africa Yearly Meeting north.
Elgon east Yearly Meeting.
Elgon religious society of friends.
Great plains Yearly Meeting
Indiana Yearly Meeting.
Iowa Yearly Meeting.
Jamaica Yearly Meeting.
Kakamega Yearly Meeting.
Lugari Yearly Meeting.
Malava Yearly Meeting.
Nairobi Yearly Meeting.
New England Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
New York Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
NC Yearly Meeting.
North Carolina Yearly Meeting.
South eastern Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Tuloi Yearly Meeting.
Uganda Yearly Meeting.
Vihiga Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Vokoli Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Western association Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Western Yearly Meeting.
Thank you.
Wilmington Yearly Meeting.
Thank you friends. As you can tell we have good representation from almost all of our 29 Yearly Meetings and …
This is great to have all of you in attendance. We have traveling minutes. Laura and Dale … please stand.
They are not here right now. Also Elizabeth .. thank you. Thank you for your minutes.
We also have one minute bringing greetings I’d like to share with you. Dear friends loving greetings to all.
Valerie Rosen attending your sessions. … through friends general conference Christian and interfaith committee. She serves on both religious and education. … possibility of printed word … she often sat at book tables at conference and retreats.
On behalf of committee signed by Michael Gibson friend Valerie are you here. Welcome thank you very much.
Oliver Robertson. Young friend would you stand. He is from Britain. Thank you for being here. Are there others. Self introductions starting this side. If you are not with Yearly Meeting we want to recognize and welcome you as well.
… thank you.
Justin Bernell also …
Thank you.
Arthur Myers
Thank you welcome.
Melissa …
Thank you.
… representing Quaker …
Bringing you greetings from London (Nancy)
… thank you Kate. Welcome.
Other friends.
If you will give us your names at the end of the session and show you were in attendance for opening session.
At this time we have a couple of folks bringing greetings from NC Yearly Meeting … Michael Fulp.
Michael: greetings friends. Good morning.
I’m a little loud sometimes but I want everyone to hear me too. So I came to the microphone. From 75 monthly meetings that make up NC Yearly Meeting. We welcome you and hope your stay will be blessing to you and building block for his great work.
To paraphrase definition of gathering of people group of people come together seeking guidance of holy spirit. NC Yearly Meeting has desire to assist you providing environment for this group to find such environment.
This group met at … if you were here we welcome you back. If first visit we hope not your last.
May things have changed in 21 years. We are NC Yearly Meeting have received many blessings. Last night Sylvia mentioned Jamaica. Many of our folks have greave love for work they do in Jamaica. Just taking quick moment I want to mention 4 other things we are very blessed with going on in Yearly Meeting at this time.
1) Camp Quaker Lake. We can’t build fast enough to accommodate campers. We had to turn some away this year.
2) Friends disaster helping people put lives back together. People who volunteer to go help rebuild houses.
3) Intern program giving individual time mentoring and platform where they can discern guidance of holy spirit growing leaders in our midst.
In last 10 years somewhere around 130 to 140 have gone through program. About 130 in full time ministry. We are so blessed from that.
4) Mowa-Choctaw. Through guidance of holy spirit this Yearly Meeting sought to make … permanent mission work.
… NC Yearly Meeting has received many blessings in 312 years. Friends United Meeting has been part of that. So again welcome and may God bless you as you fellowship and do his great work.
Thank you.
Thank you Mike. Bringing greetings Viola Britt.
Viola: There is no way to tell you what a blessing this committee has been. Never in my entire life have I worked on anything where there were so many people willing to help.
Kim school administrative assistant Friends United Meeting ex officio members. John Porter working constantly with me, Janice Dalton, Paul Routh, Darrin Allen, …. Program chairperson and Heather Varner. Medical team, consists of Janice Spainhour and Dr. Eldora Terrell. There is local unit here should anyone need assistance. Keith Jones security. Food Jo Hayworth women’s club catering. Sue Hughes also helped with meals. … communication Beverly Nelson. John Porter. They are responsible for court stenographers. Daily blog around the world Paul Routh. Sara Terrell …. Press releases… shuttle busses. Hospitality… musical instruments Carmen, … Beverly Nelson and A… signage High Point friends school and High Point friends meeting. One person most excited about all this had to be from High Point friends school….he mentioned I think I want to get these names out Sara Beth Terrell press releases. Flowers and table arrangements…. Jackie Swaggert, Hazel… Rita … Beverly Nelson from chamber of commerce.
And setup just listen to these. … and Quaker men. David G. Kathy and …. Then on top of that can you believe this volunteer Mark, Mary Ann, Lauren, I have never worked with so many like this. With full time job director piedmont authority and regional transportation. Never too busy to answer questions. Never too busy to attend to questions about Friends United Meeting. Also son Michael Jr. finishing graduate degree took time to attend. … helium tanks, brought sleeping bag in case needed. … Parsons, then host of people who will be assisting on tours and with other activities. Many many others like Frank for example just appeared with antibacterial soap. Local meetings furnishing meals for Triennial. Marlboro, Cedar Square, Archdale,…. Excitement of having Triennial in NC has been evident every step of the way. Thank you friends.
(applause)
As I listened to the long list of volunteers I am reminded of our mission as we energize and equip friends. Undertaking a program such as this brings people together. It’s energizing. To come together and work hard, you look forward to it. Thank you so much for your hard work. One question where is the sleeping bag.
*In the office.
At this time I want to recognize those serving on nominating committee. For those serving on nominating committee stand and be recognized. Know that you have a large responsibility placed on you. We thank you for using your gifts and talents in this endeavor. Our prayers are with you.
Thank you so much.
At this time recognize those serving on … new business committee. Please stand and be recognized.
I want to meet with new business committee at end of session just meet at the front of meeting house. Just for a moment.
Next order of business we need to appoint message committee. To write missal from these sessions. We want to do this by volunteer or appoint best friend if they are good at writing. We need a few people minimum 4-5 maybe 6 to help with this.
Do we have suggestions?
*I forget the name of …
Thank you.
*Would … be willing to.
Carol is our assisting recording clerk.
Excellent suggestion.
We need a few more names.
*
Thank you. Good.
Couple of others.
C G White.
Would you help with that. Thank you very much.
I suggest Mica Bales from great Plaines Yearly Meeting.
Need one or two more.
*Christopher … from New York. There. Oh yeah.
Christopher: I’m afraid I might not have the time.
*Could we have women on the committee.
We would love to add your name to the list. Would you agree to that.
*Ok.
That’s the way it works.
*Margaret Stolzfus from Iowa.
Margaret are you willing to help.
You are on nominating committee. I understand.
*I would suggest …
I don’t feel free to do that at this time. Thank you.
*I suggest Doug Shoemaker.
Doug agrees. Ok.
We have a committee of six to work on preparation of serve on new message committee to prepare outgoing missal. Do friends approve of those nominated. Thank you very much for willingness to do this. Will you get this meeting together.
I will convene but don’t feel clear to clerk.
At this time I want to recognize staff they need to depart and go back to work places. They want to share a few words about auction items. This is your time.
Thank you for interruptions. There is a little part of program we want to advertise well. Items we will show you today are part of silent auction. Each item will have individual bid sheet. You can bid and all proceeds will go to ministry … this piece was donated on behalf of Eden Grace beautiful handmade quilt. Sure all Kenyan. and in corners map of Kenya in each corner.
Even back is gorgeous. Take look at it, touch it feel it come to Friends United Meeting offices and place bid on it. Could be yours.
You can sign for silent bid number in Friends United Meeting office. These will be displayed in bookstore. There is minimum bid. We can tell you minimum bid when you come to office.
People can pay by credit card. Cash, …
Shillings.
Next item we have is the this is lovely olivewood hand carved nativity set she has brought.
How many pieces. …. 11 counting the crèche. Maybe 12. If you count baby Jesus. He’s separate. 12 piece set. Really solid. Front of crèche folds up so compact to pack away if you need to.
Next we have series of items brought to us by Cains. From Belize. They are all made of rainforest wood. Beautiful variety of woods. First piece Katy has is coaster set, how many 6. Various shades and colors. Different woods. There is a card in each one showing where it came from.
Next piece is beautiful vase you can see it is constructed of several kinds of wood. (Vann White display).
Next we have set of items for every executive desk or those not executive your desks should look like it. Pencil holder, leather caddy and paperclip box.
Then we have two items just alike so two lucky bidders can take home or one for both. Cutting boards. They are made of several different woods. Listed on front. Use for decoration and cut on other side. If you stop at the offices we will have bidding numbers for you. Everything will be number coded and have bidding sheets. Minimum bids will be listed on sheet. Highly encourage you to stop at bookstore and take a look and winners announced Saturday morning. Closes 10 am Saturday. 10 am in the morning.
Thank you Vanna appreciate that.
While they were going over items I was watching you. You were really paying attention. I thought I had lost control.
Thank you. These items will be downstairs.
One more items same vein Dale.
Dale: When troubles broke out in Kenya I noticed that a picture I received from Kenya had t-shirt of Kenyans doing relief effort. I began to think about possibilities and to make long story short these t-shirts on sale here by Quaker men $12 and $6 of each sale goes to peace efforts. These are available in the bookstore.
Thank you dale.
Friends we have 2 items of business on agenda this morning.
First will be report from general secretary. I think we will have time to move up on this session the report from general board. Sylvia will give report.
From her viewpoint. Those in attendance last night you heard a lot about Friends United Meeting. No opportunity to ask questions this will be your time. Sylvia please share.
Sylvia Graves: Oh here we go again. I want to before I go to report emphasize that the items for auction are really meant to support ministry accounts of field staff members.
If Friends United Meeting is field staff work we need to do better job supporting them financially. Our idea is to get your awareness of that need.
Doing silent auction with a little spark knowing some will pay a lot of money to support field staff but nice to get something back. We are looking for support of field staff. So bids will be high. Even if you don’t get bid you are welcome to donate to field staff accounts.
Offerings go also to field staff accounts right. We didn’t announce. It will be divided equally between field staff accounts and general funds. I know you wanted to know that. I don’t have a whole lot to add to last evening’s report. I want you to know I have prepared for every Yearly Meeting to distribute some do packets for Yearly Meeting some I don’t know what you do. Don’t know that it goes far. There is report sent to all Yearly Meeting office. Summary of Friends United Meeting work in past year. Meant for your people to read and understand what is going on with association. There is not much in here different from last night. I won’t repeat it. I want to
Emphasize that we had discussion in field staff meetings Monday and Tuesday about their great concern for expense it takes to do work they are doing. Not only to own ministry accounts but when we look at the exchange rate right now American dollar is not worth much in other countries. People at Kaimosi hospital as being paid in shillings and we send dollars they don’t go as far as they used to. Same at school commit to pay teachers but we send dollars and exchange for currency it doesn’t go as far as it used to go. Huge hardship in all areas financially. We have to pay attention to that. We have invited field staff and financial and executive committee to hear those concerns.
I’m open to questions from anyone. Thank you for wonderful feedback you have given to me from last evening’s presentation. Appreciate how helpful you’ve been to me.
David: How have you enjoyed or not enjoyed last 3 years you have been doing this.
Sylvia Graves: 2 years since 3/6/200… I have enjoyed it. I have felt that it is really productive and meaningful work, not easy work. No one ever said ministry was easy.
Will you please come to microphone so all will hear your questions.
*Wondering I was volunteer when young at Ramallah friends school if you have enough people stepping forward for work like that. And how we can help mobilize people.
Sylvia Graves: Before I answer that question I want to bring to your attention there are 2 young men at Ramallah friends school from NC. One from New Garden one not connected with Quaker but best friend of the guy from new Garden and graduated both of them from UNC Chapel Hill. They have made dynamic contribution to Ramallah friends school staff. They plan to go back as staff this year. They are looking for teachers of English. Joyce wants me to let you know that should have been on this green sheet. If you know teachers who might go. You may want to respond to this. As you saw last evening we have wonderful adults volunteering young adults volunteer often ask about doing school internship, about doing
Residency for so they can learn as much as they teach, and we always welcome to talk to them and see if we can come up with good match.
Tonya … is she on way to Kenya. End of August to spend a half a year from Earlham College School of Religion as part of practical skill building. There are opportunities. We don’t always have people to match opportunities at same time. If people step forward…
Eden Grace: Large mission organizations have highly structured opportunities for short term missions, volunteer placement, learning experiences, we are not large organization but we have a large heart. As John and I have set up capacity in Kaimosi we get more inquiries from people wanting to come from 2 weeks to 8 months. We strongly encourage you to do that. We have 2 types of programs where we can offer structured accredited learning experiences. One theological field education. Anyone in training for pastorship, ministry, we can run supervised field education program to meet academic requirements for US seminaries. Other is medical education. Medical students are often expected to do elective in 4rth year. Number of those people come to hospital for structured supervised experience for medical school.
In addition to that we have people come who contact us because they feel a call and sometimes vague sense I want to be there and see what’s happening. We are eager to accommodate all those requests. One reason I think 2 things come out of that kind of cross cultural volunteering. If it formation for north American community. These people in future may become missionaries or infect others with that passion. Other significant thing happens with volunteer is tremendous encouragement to staff on the ground, working overworked hours, excessive responsibilities at hospital and college. All staff feel so encouraged when someone comes even for a couple of weeks to work alongside them.
When you come so please I really appreciate her questions and hope you all consider if you can take 3 weeks 8 weeks any amount of time. Meet with us experience what we do and encourage staff.
Thank you.
Just come to the microphone.
Here is one close.
*It seems such obvious and simple question but I struggled with the great need and wide range of needs whether to give a bit to each whether to concentrate choose one and concentrate on that. How what is most helpful. Most useful way of assisting.
Sylvia Graves: Good question. Thank you for that. I don’t know if I know the answer.
As you saw the broad range of need last night spread across here how you choose which one to support or is it better to send a check as needed. Is that what you said. Send money to request as a needed. We have people do both. Lot of people say I don’t know strong needs now you decide. Many have passions for certain ministries. We want to affirm that too.
We have had this conversation this week in old days Friends United Meeting had one big fund and actually paid our field staff from general account. Am I right about that. We had one big donated fund including
Member Yearly Meetings paying more, higher more consistent than now. All field staff were paid from one giant budget. Few years ago when … a strain I guess difficult to do that. There was decision and you can tell me the year from now on up to field staff to raise financial support for their ministry. That is common among mission agencies. Not unusual. But in our small society in comparison that puts great strain on field staff and we are glad when they have friends outside Quakers who support them as well. Not easy I think you have to match what you are called to help with in best way you can. If you feel whole organization can be trusted to put where most needed we appreciate that too.
Anybody want to add to that.
*In the Jamaica Yearly Meeting we struggle with … we are still small as Christian denomination just over 300 members. Recently decided we would take bull by the horn. We would evangelize, often go out into communities of Jamaica and hold evangelical meetings.
At present this small Jamaica Yearly Meeting is undergoing period of … in which we have been phase of fasting and prayer and asking for Lord and Savior to help us because we think that the Quaker Christian message is not well known but not far different from general Christian message and we do think that people of Jamaica will gravitate towards Quaker if they hear this message. I … the church just over year ago…before that only thing I heard about Quaker church was over 40 years ago in school. For 40 years I heard nothing until I decided wanted to be part of church family and went to church. Read on internet. It is my belief that this message needs to be known in the whole world. There are it appears something like 300,000 Quaker in whole world. My belief is that if we carry out one of those 4 priorities of Friends United Meeting, evangelism that millions of people not only 300,k000 but millions will gravitate towards Quaker Christianity. Saying to myself not to leadership. Just all of us if we come forward and carry this message millions of people will come to meeting.
Thank you.
*Mary Lloyd Baltimore one phrase you used last night I want to thank you … one phrase you used was global partnership. That’s easier to say than to figure out how to do well. I wonder if you would share with us some things you have learned about how we can build a good relationship with each other a true global partnership.
Sylvia Graves: thank you Mary. Mary was one in Kenya in January and we able there to be to respond and help in the gathering of the leaders to help make the peace plan. I know how much we respect that you were there to contribute to that.
I know that there was a time maybe 100 years ago when we Christians believed it was our duty to go bring light to darkness in dark Africa and other places. We believed there were people who had never heard good news of Jesus. That has changed. We probably need to go to deep parts of Africa to have them teach us. We are learning how to do that I hope.
We have tried to change we who know best go teach those who know least. Back into a more equitable role in planning together what needs to be done to reach all.
That has been difficult to Americans who are abundant with wealth who feel like our role is still to share material resources with those who don’t and what we need to do is learn how to share those so that they are not patronizing, not charity, but that and again I think I’ve heard a lot of people say how much joy they get the Kenyans themselves…. We are pleased to say we see you doing God’s work too, not us, it’s you. But you have limited resources… even though we try to get even keel about decisions it’s old struggle about we know better than … anyone else want to contribute to that.
*I want to share point with you I really appreciate your efforts. One thing you said has I thought may have been most significant thing of whole message for them to ask what is best way to do this. Now I see a promise and a problem both in there. The promise is that if somebody is asking questions they invite us to change. We need that. I make my living asking questions very important. May be long time before clarity comes but I want to encourage you to keep pushing us to question. Ok. The second part of that is problem.
Twice in Acts where Paul went somewhere … all sat around discussing something new. Let’s not question to the point that inertia sets in and we just ask new questions and never do anything. Danger on that end but I’m really excited when you raise questions we have needed to look at for a long time. Keep asking those questions.
*I really appreciate all the wonderful work being done with global ministry. I wonder if you … work with the needy here in the USA. If all the crying broken hearted needs come from immigrants living among us, gang violence, etc. whether there is call for us to do ministry closer to home.
Sylvia Graves: I believe that we used to do that better than we do now when we were staff of 25-30 and had north American ministry position who could go to local meeting goal setting, revitalize meeting. That kind of thing. My response is to say what needs are local probably need to be taken care of locally. Your own meetings are heavily involved in local food pantries, habitat for humanity, etc. all those here also participate in those local ministries. I think Friends United Meeting has not historically been strong enough to deal with local needs other than try to nourish local congregations to deal with local needs. Not that it doesn’t need to be done but we look to Yearly Meeting … sometimes that is competition for Friends United Meeting ministry but you all do wonderful work in local community. Until we have broader depth of support we will probably not add that to our tasks.
I want to say a little more about how Friends United Meeting may be increasingly looking to cooperative efforts with other agencies.
Lugulu hospital is experiencing much success but they have cooperated with other agencies, catholic medical mission, etc. we are collaborating with other resources as partners with them. That is part of global partnership definition.
I know there are other Quakers in Kenya on same team.
*Regularly I get questioned from people here in USA should I come to Africa myself paying $2000 to come or should I give the $2000 for support. I say spend the $2000 to come. Your church should support you in this. I went in 1999 to … I was only second Quaker the other person who had come was Kelly Kellum’s father David. That’s not good. People in Africa in eastern central Africa appreciate us visiting. It’s very difficult now for them to visit here.
Even if they have money or we supply it getting visas for anyone not elderly very difficult that means we have to go there. Even outlining the things we can do all kinds of things people can do if you go there and visit, go to church, visit youth, that is tremendous encouragement to people there. They want to feel that connection to the world. That people in USA Britain and other places are with them in whatever happens and particularly in Kenya these last six months that’s the time we should visit. True friend comes at a time of need. I hope people will not you can’t go yourself then perhaps other people in various meetings and churches can visit Africa.
Thank you.
(applause)
Sylvia Graves: I will let John Muhanji down too he has been invited often to come to … there are invitations for Friends United Meeting to move into those areas. Think about that.
Friends perhaps we should do more than think about that. What if we were to promote gospel in those regions. They are extending invitations. Hesitancy is … we are not adequately supporting missions in Kenya. What is call of Friends United Meeting. Before you I set an open door he who has ears let him hear. How are we to respond. How are we responding to current problems. We could do so much. I’ve mentioned this several times.
If we had 40 meetings roughly half in NC. Just my Yearly Meeting gave $25 a month maybe meeting or individual we could pay half needs of … or and about 15 people in each mission … operating medical expenses, teaching school. …budget is $2000 a month. Sad to send $163. Not to end on a sad note but just to let you know there are opportunities. Can friends step up and take on commitments. Isn’t that our future, our call., the great commission, go and promote gospel teaching all the things we have been taught.
Anyone else with question or comment at this time. If not we will move to next agenda.
*I will just speak up. I have a very strong voice. I want to add … that is we have to support the general fund. We have to support the staff here in the states because we can send money but sometimes it doesn’t get there because of political activity between here and there.
The staff is so vital to help keep things flowing so yes we have missions and we need to send funds time and prayer to Africa Jamaica Cuba and everywhere. But we also have staff to help keep us running
And helps operate over there. So things get to them. We want to include them in our …
Thank you.
Yes.
*can you hear me now?
Among staff I want us to remember and hold in the light the children of our staff members.
Eden’s 2 beautiful boys Isaiah and Jesse and Joyce’s children. They are part of parent’s ministry not by choice.
And they are having amazing experiences cross cultural experiences also sacrifice life in small town of America. Growing up as children who really not member of one community or another.
They suffer effects of living in war zone.
And they bear this so gracefully because they too are committed to doing God’s work and believe in their parent’s ministry I want us to hold them in light, maybe send cards of encouragement to them.
Thank you.
Thank you Lisa.
Sylvia thank you for your report. Thank you friends for our discussion. I think what we need to do is clear and I hope you will take this message into your own heart and take home and share. So please go back and tell the story, share the good news of the work Friends United Meeting has undertaken and that we need to support. You will hear more about this. At this time move to agenda item report from general board.
Those who wonder about decorations on the ceilings if you weren’t here last night you missed it. There is a little evidence in meeting house. Walls will never be the same.
*The following is report to you Triennial session Friends United Meeting on actions and activities of general board 2005-2008.
There have been several personnel changes in central office and several changes in responsibility over last Triennial. One in general board or executive board involved Sylvia Graves has succeeded Reba as general secretary. Barbara Smith and Kim took over financial duties. I might add Paul Smith retired 6/30/2008 after providing 7 years service to Friends United Meeting.
Terri Johns took over mission management oversight formerly executed ….
Took over Friends United Light and Press duties.
Kim and Sylvia Graves have taken over fundraising duties of Kathy Sawyer.
As you may remember from last Triennial Friends United Meeting finances were little… in fact significant losses were anticipated in first year of Triennial due to decline in large gifts to Friends United Meeting.
The general board authorized reduction in staff time to allow for solvency that year.
Paul Smith and Norman … prepared financial planning documents which Paul implemented. Result is that Friends United Meeting central offices are now operating on cash flow without incurring debt. Let me repeat that.
Result is Friends United Meeting central offices now operate on cash flow without incurring debt.
General board has committed significant portions of trust funds as surety against management … for Kaimosi hospital. Details will be reported in global ministry report and also report for Kaimosi hospital task force tomorrow.
As part of financial adjustment general board decided to convert
The bookstore to a purely online and phone order operation. Items for sale now are friends united press and other Quaker publications. Attractive catalog and online catalog now available. Get out pens please.
On line bookstore
www.fum.org.
click on label Friends United Meeting and there works like Amazon.
In fact works a little better because faster.
For those of you who prefer phone order.
1-800-537-8839
So bookstore items are still available. Please make sure that you take advantage of those.
Bookstore space converted to a welcome center providing hospitality housing central office library and forming meeting place for staff as well as place where Friends United Meeting can host small meeting. It has been used by Quaker conference center and available to community which provides small additional revenue to Friends United Meeting.
Your clerk arranged for a consultant to lead general board through a strategic planning process. This process resulted in a planning document with goals and time tables for actions needed to be executed by general board or a committee. Provides budget planning, evaluation, and orderly consideration of Friends United Meeting Quaker identity. Includes watchdog agency. It is anticipated that this plan which projects 5 years into future will be updated annually. I will insert short personal comment. I have been part of 3 strategic planning processes in my life. This is only one I have seen that actually had items in it where you could tell if you met plan and time tables by which you were actually going to do that. As a result this is only strategic planning document I have been involved with that has actually been used.
General board wrestled with issue that has divided us and is currently dividing us about which Sylvia Graves spoke to eloquently in plenary last night.
In dealing with this the general board has through its staff and officers corresponded with various Yearly Meetings. General board has included on and sometimes has intense discussions and in those parts which concerned Friends United Meeting identity. General board also dealt with this issue in part of weekend retreat we discussed what it means to be Quaker in 21st century. Pardon me if I use antique language. It has not pleased God to open way before us which all can perceive to be right and proper. But has pleased God to teach us to talk to each other civility and remind us we are brothers and sisters inn Christ. General board authorized formation of support advocacy groups for each Friends United Meeting sponsored programs. At least one member of group must be member of general board. These groups are to become knowledgeable about program to be resource to general board and act as advocate of program to general board. Hope they will be support committee for staff engaged in the program. As time goes on perhaps they will also assist in fundraising.
Volunteer should contact Sylvia Graves at rise of this meeting.
General adopted instrument for regular evaluation of each program under its sponsorship as well as instrument for evaluating each new proposed project.
This is one of the examples of what happens when you plan well and actually use the plan you make.
General board is very appreciative to US AID office for approval of several ASHA grants Sylvia Graves mentioned last night.
Strategic plan approved shows schedule to apply for additional grants in future which may include projects in any mission field. To insure success of these large projects general board established guidelines for making grant application and provide management oversight. And to match support staffing with project requirements to be sure of time implementation and success in each project.
General board elected not to be a sponsor of evangelical effort by Johann and … in Russia. Due to support staff and strength. They gave blessing to project and encouraged financial support by individual in Yearly Meeting.
General board agreed to assume management responsibility for Kaimosi hospital and enter understanding with east Africa Yearly Meeting for this purpose. General board appointed task force to review operations and board to oversee management of hospital and committed $50,000 for operation for first year. Also term of memo of understanding. This is in addition to commitment made to raise funds for roof. The status of this commitment is currently in flux we are trying to renegotiate and details of that negotiation will be reported in later reports.
These are in summary principle actions of general board.
I would if I may like to make final personal observation.
I have been part now of 4 constitutions of general board. This one has been most free of political machinations of any of 4 previous ones. Composed largely of individual chosen by you to have skills and gifts for it’s operation. Who make points clearly but with open heart and genuine desire to seek will of God. I hope you have selected or will select persons of similar character to be part of next general board.
Friends have any questions or comments. Thank you for on behalf of members on the board thank you for kind words.
*Comment, Earl Smith western Yearly Meeting I have been privileges to represent Triennial since 1990 and this is first time I have heard report that board has been able to transact business on cash basis rather than report that we are borrowing money.
As we have heard this morning and last night there are numerous opportunities for ministry.
It seems that too often we have let the thoughts of what we would like to do outpace our proper discernment. I know it has been very difficult task but I definitely want to congratulate board on that.
Thank you.
It’s always a fine line. Tough call to seek and receive funding for same projects year after year when people like to give support to new things, new projects. So to balance projects with support which comes first. Do you get existing projects up and running 100% before beginning new projects? Answer is somewhere in between. Hope you realize where Friends United Meeting is right now.
We are behind.
We have opportunities.
Let’s just leave it with that. You will answer that question. You do it all the time. Thank you we are trying to keep close balance on where we are.
*Sidney from Canadian Yearly Meeting I would like to have this gathering express particular thinks to staff when I first came on board
Our very first meeting was very sobering. We looked at financial picture that was extremely bleak. And the board made the decision to place our staff on … time for 3 months staff was on 4/5th of salary because of their generosity we that is part of reason we were able to recover financially. Staff in past has been largely not Quaker we have more staff now who are Quaker but I think we owe them a huge thanks for their generosity.
(applause)
*we are going to operate on cash flow but coming from farm operation who has been trying to do that for years now. It certainly advantage with no interest but you have to keep the cash flowing. That is the secret. We can’t do these things that we so want to do if we aren’t willing to contribute and give our resources.
Thank you Anna Leigh. I love the reference to the farm those who grew up in farm life you go to bank and borrow money you …
Also all of us we grow up in culture when we are encouraged to be in debt. You get tax credits if you are in debt. Write off mortgage and contributions don’t forget. Any other questions about general board.
Anyone here who will lead us in another song. We love to do things impromptu. A volunteer we will close session.
*Could … sandy can we handle that. Joseph Sandy and all the ladies. Beatrice. Will all our king friends. Meanwhile Joseph organize the group and sing what a friend we have.
*Jamaica friends I just want to say thank you to Friends United Meeting it’s a vessel in which we can voice our opinion I’d like to thank especially … that sweet person … I learned he did not have any telephone and I asked … to call Harry Jones and … he immediately sent over … and because of her gift we received … I just want to thank the hardworking staff. Thank you for the children …
Angie thank you and the wonderful work you do in Jamaica.
3 announcements. Then our Kenyan friends will come and sing. And reconvene at 1:45 for next business session.
First announcement meeting to discuss … friends 1:45 during free time led by scot Wagner and Tony Love. See one of them for location. All Africans please eat quickly and come to small chapel east wing 1 pm today.
Belize task force will meet at …. In music room. And Jamaica support team.
Kelly Kellum: Just wanted people to know weather is perfect we will have 2 service lines for lunch. First is like last night. Line up down hallway and second service line outside that will enable you to enjoy fine … go out side door gate and side door and enter that way. Other thing during breaks we encourage those able bodies who need bathroom facilities to use school facilities. Leave those closer for those less mobile.
*I was surprised I need to convene committee so we will convene at rise of this. Please meet here by piano.
Thank you.
Where is Jamaica support group meeting.
With Sylvia.
Just look for Sylvia.
Ok.
Bring food to library if you are on Jamaica support team. Allow them to go early in line if you would please. We will find a table. Not good to eat in library.
Kenyan Friends. Please come.
(singing)
(applause)
(singing)
(applause)
Friends.
May I have attention just a moment. If you will give invocation for lunch.
Dear God we are grateful the day for blessings of fellowship thank you for your spirit that helps us in our decision. Ask your continuous blessings. Thank you for the food. l bless our bodies with it. In your most holy name we pray amen.
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