Fund for Sufferings

Care and Counsel reminds everyone that the committee administers the Fund for Sufferings. This fund was born of long-standing Quaker tradition, originally to help those suffering economic hardship due to acts of conscience. Today, the Fund for Sufferings stands apart from our annual operating budget, and exists to support anyone in the RFM community who encounters sudden and disruptive financial hardship. The fund also relies on our individual contributions to help replenish it each year to a level that allows us to respond to personal and confidential emergency financial needs. To request assistance, contact the clerk of Care and Counsel. If you feel led to contribute, make a check payable to Richmond Friends Meeting and note in the memo line that the amount is for the Fund for Sufferings.

New Member Welcome at RFM 9/25

From the Care and Counsel Committee

It's been a long-standing autumn tradition at Richmond Friends Meeting to welcome new members of RFM at a reception held at the rise of worship. The Care and Counsel Committee will revive this tradition on First Day September 25, and invites everyone following Meeting for Worship to gather to welcome and recognize several new members and members by transfer. Covid protocols will be announced closer to the date.

This event is a good way for anyone contemplating "the fullness of membership" to learn more about the process of joining the Religious Society of Friends. Any member of the Care and Counsel Committee can be a resource on the subject.

Friendly Eights are forming!

Imagine biking sections of the Capital Trail, or taking short walks in the James River Park system, or reading and discussing books that increase your understanding of critical race theory. What about learning a new craft, or visiting local museums and galleries, or watching films in languages other than English?

 

Many of us long to explore a new interest or hobby, and find it more engaging when we pursue that interest with f/Friends. That's what Friendly Eights are all about: sharing an interest or new pursuit with a small group of folks--usually around 8 in number—often from October to May (and sometimes year-round!). 

 

The Care and Counsel Committee is responsible for overseeing the Friendly Eights program, and any member can answer your questions about forming a group or joining up. We always aim to offer a group called "Old Friends, New Friends" which helps orient those new to Richmond Friends Meeting and connect with a few folks who are familiar with RFM's history and Quaker practices.

Before September 11, think about a Friendly Eights topic that you'd like to organize or help facilitate. Care and Counsel will post sign-up sheets in the foyer behind our worship room in mSeptember, and will encourage folks to sign up throughout the month. The first meetings usually happen in early October. This year, Care and Counsel will make sure to broadcast the formation of Friendly Eights via the listserv, too. And we can help you set up by Zoom if that’s preferred.

What are Friendly Eights?

Imagine biking sections of the Capital Trail, or taking short walks in the James River Park system, or reading and discussing books that increase your understanding of critical race theory. What about learning a new craft, or visiting local museums and galleries, or watching films in languages other than English?
Many of us long to explore a new interest or hobby, and find it more engaging when we pursue that interest with f/Friends. That's what Friendly Eights are all about: sharing an interest or new pursuit with a small group of folks--usually around 8 in number—often from October to May (and sometimes year-round!).
The Care and Counsel Committee is responsible for overseeing the Friendly Eights program, and any member can answer your questions about forming a group or joining up. We always aim to offer a group called "Old Friends, New Friends" which helps orient those new to Richmond Friends Meeting and connect with a few folks who are familiar with RFM's history and Quaker practices.
Before September 11, think about a Friendly Eights topic that you'd like to organize or help facilitate. Care and Counsel will post sign-up sheets in the foyer behind our worship room early in September, and will encourage folks to sign up throughout the month. The first meetings usually happen in early October. This year, Care and Counsel will make sure to broadcast the formation of Friendly Eights via the Newslist, too. And we can help you set up using Zoom if that’s preferred.
To help us track Friendly Eight suggested topics, gauge interest, and publicize this year's options, please furnish your ideas by September 11 to Randee Humphrey or Margaret Edds.

Meal Train Update

This is an update about the three Meal Trains that have been set up to provide dinner support for several members of the RFM community. Details are explicit on each page (click on the recipient's name hyperlinked below), but should you have questions about these arrangements, contact Randee Humphrey.

Nick Martina and Brooke Davis:  this Meal Train begins today and continues through September 18, three nights a week. There are open dates beginning August 21.

Liza Bruce: this Meal Train is continuing on Sundays only through September 11, and there are four dates open, beginning August 21.

Ellen Arginteanu: all dates are filled for this Meal Train, which continues through August 22.