Leaf Raking
Leaf raking event! At the meeting house on Saturday, December 10, from 10 - 12. Come for 30 minutes or more - just join the fun! Bring a rake if you have one; we'll have extras if you don't.
Ellen Thurmond, Clerk
Meeting for Remembrance
On Sunday, November 6th at 11:00am, we’ll gather in worship at The Clearing for an opportunity to share treasured memories of those who have come before us, whether we are old-timers or newcomers at meeting alike.
Several years ago, the idea for a Meeting for Remembrance was formed, to keep alive the spirit and work of cherished Friends. We held our first Meeting for Remembrance in 2019, and decided to make it an annual tradition. We missed 2020 in the pandemic but resumed it last year at The Clearing. Join us again this Sunday, November 6th at 11:00am at The Clearing.
Thinking About Race (November 2022) – Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address
This month the BYM Working Group on Racism shares with you a portion of the “Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address: Greetings to the Natural World.” We encourage you to read the entire document here:https://americanindian.si.edu/environment/pdf/01_02_Thanksgiving_Address.pdf
This Thanksgiving Address includes a paragraph of greetings to each of 17 aspects of the natural world. Each one ends with the words “Now our minds are one.” The 17 are The People, The Earth Mother, The Water, The Fish, The Plants, The Food Plants, The Medicine Herbs, The Animals, The Trees, The Birds, The Four Winds, The Thunderers, The Sun, The Grandmother Moon, The Stars, The Enlightened Teachers, The Creator.
Following the 17 greetings are these words:
Closing Words
We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.
Now our minds are one.
This translation of the Mohawk version of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address was developed, published in 1993, and provided, courtesy of: Six Nations Indian Museum and the Tracking Project. All rights reserved.
Thanksgiving Address: Greetings to the Natural World English version: John Stokes and Kanawahienton (David Benedict, Turtle Clan/Mohawk) Mohawk version: Rokwaho (Dan Thompson, Wolf Clan/Mohawk) Original inspiration: Tekaronianekon (Jake Swamp, Wolf Clan/Mohawk)
This column is prepared by the BYM Working Group on Racism (WGR) and sent to the designated liaison at each local Meeting. The BYM WGR meets most months on the first Saturday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, currently via Zoom. If you would like to attend, contact the clerk at david.etheridge@verizon.net.
UNICEF collection
This Sunday, 10/23, children are invited to come to Meeting in their Halloween costumes! At the Rise of Meeting they will continue RFM’s tradition of collecting money for UNICEF from attendees. If you will be in Meeting, please bring some cash for the cause!
Masks in the Worship room will be optional
The CDC and the VA Dept of Health rate our region as LOW in community transmission of Covid. Hence, we are making modifications according to their guidelines and also in sensitivity to the desires of our Quaker community.
For the present:
- We will designate one section of the worship room as "Masks required" and the rest of the room as "Masking is optional."
- The "masks required" section is near the front of the room, on the right side if coming in from the front door. Greeters can help guide us to the section.
- We will have windows opened sufficiently to allow ventilation in the worship room, about an inch, every other window.
- We are investigating HEPA filters and will have specific recommendations soon.
- We will keep an eye on CDC guidelines and how our arrangements are working and make adjustments as needed as time goes on.
- We will continue to have blended worship with Zoom as an option for worship from home.
Note, the RE Committee makes decisions about children's masking. At this time, our young people, and their RE teachers, are wearing masks in their classrooms.
These decisions were made by the Ministry and Worship Committee in consultation with the Clerk of Meeting, the Covid Working Group, and Building and Grounds. We thank the Care and Counsel committee members, our Greeters, for their support. Thanks to all for their input and for their Light in making these decisions.
Barbara Myers
Clerk of Ministry & Worship
Work Day at The Clearing
Clearing Buildings & Grounds invites all members and attenders to join us for a work day out at The Clearing on Saturday, November 5 from 9am -3pm. We would very much love to have other Friends join in on our work on a number of projects:
- Completing the interior sheathing of the Large Sleeping Cabin.
- Replacing a number of showerheads in the Lodge.
- Repairing/Replacing the privy that got smashed by a dead tree.
- Replacing vinyl table coverings at the Pavilion.
As always, all skill levels are welcomed and encouraged to come!
Stuff you should consider bringing:
- A mask for when we have to be indoors
- Your lunch! And maybe some snacks and/or any beverage you want beyond the water that is available at The Clearing
- Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty; wear layers that you can put on or take off depending on the temperature.
- Sturdy shoes or boots
- A hat
- Work gloves
- Bug repellant (ticks may still be active)
- Sunscreen
- Tools, if you have them, although the Clearing Buildings & Grounds Committee members will bring our extra tools to share.
Anyone with questions is welcome to email or call me, Ted Heck (Co-Clerk of the Clearing Buildings & Grounds Committee), at ted.heck@vdh.virginia.gov or 804-726-1056. Since three of the major projects are indoors or in covered areas, we won't plan a rain date.
The Clearing is in Amelia County, at 14006 Genito Road, Amelia CH, VA 23002, about a 40 minute drive southwest of the Meetinghouse. We look forward to seeing you there!