FALL 2002June 9, 2002
alem Quarterly Meeting met June 9, 2002, at Seaville Meetinghouse. Michael Gibson, our new Clerk, opened the meeting after a brief period of worship. In light of our program today he read a passage from The Recovery of Love: Christian Mysticism and the Addictive Society by Jeffrey Imbach, then welcomed all Friends to the business meeting.
Michael read a Minute of Appreciation which he had drafted for Sam Chamberland for the program on substance abuse (see minute). He also shared a Minute of Appreciation for Seaville Monthly Meeting (MM) for hosting Quarterly Meeting today (see minute). Friends expressed support for both minutes as presented.
Michael reviewed the agenda for our business meeting, noting many committee reports, and asked for any additional old or new business. He asked Friends to review and offer any needed modifications for the minutes for March Quarterly Meeting as printed in the newsletter. Friends approved the following corrections: (1) Last names be added to Mario Cavallini and Bob Horvay, and (2) Deletion of the segment in the Steering Committee Report between “One area discussed is how to resolve employment relationship issues” and “In another area, he reported that with excellent guidance from Sue Price-Redfern….” [to avoid misunderstandings].
Michael read the Trustees report submitted by George Crispin, Clerk of the Quarter Trustees (see written report). The report highlighted difficulties with the insurance company despite recent work completed and in progress for Alloway Creek Meetinghouse. George requested any Friends knowledgeable about a large boxwood on those grounds or old cushions being stored in the Meetinghouse to speak to Trustees ASAP as they are considering their removal. George explained that there is some question about the possible cancellation of our insurance coverage for our Quarter properties; thus, Trustees are investigating the situation. Friends discussed the problem and decided that if there is any lapse in coverage, for safety reasons, there should be no use of the building during that period of time. Friends accepted George’s report with gratitude and expressed that they will hold Trustees in the Light as they labor to ensure our insurance coverage.
Michael read a report submitted by Mary Waddington, Clerk of the Quarter Worship and Ministry Committee, in which she described aspects of the recent Committee meeting and highlighted progress being made concerning organizing the Quarter Retreat (see written report). Mary also shared in her report her difficult decision to step down as clerk of this Committee. Friends accepted her report with thanks. Michael requested Friends hold Mary in the Light of God’s love in appreciation of her clerking this Quarter committee for many years; accordingly, during a brief period of worship, many messages were shared about Mary. Friends approved that Michael develop a Minute of Appreciation for Mary from the shared messages (see below) as well as a letter conveying the same message to Mary.
Salem Quarterly Meeting held Mary Waddington in the Light and affirmed her as she undergoes changes in her life and ministry. We know that Mary knows when and how to use a clearness committee, and that she operates out of a deep centeredness with openness to the Spirit. We trust her discernment, knowing she has listened deeply and worshipfully, alone and with others. We recognize and affirm her positive spirit, gentle wisdom, laughter, passion, tolerance, peacefulness, creativity, love, dedication, gentle intensity, and affirmation of others. Part of what gives this true child of God her radiant inner beauty are her very down to earth manner and her exemplary commitment to simplicity. We support her in her attempt to live more simply and with increasing faithfulness. We hope that she will feel her way clear to do what feeds her spirit. Our good f/Friend Mary—very much Bill and Mabel’s daughter, but in a way which is very much her own—will always have our love and our prayers.
Michael requested also holding Gloria Horvay in the Light of God’s love in appreciation for her clerking the Quarter for many years. Friends supported a Minute of Appreciation for Gloria to express the Quarter’s profound gratitude; Friends shared many messages which highlighted Gloria’s sincere loving spirituality, positive energy, dedication, absolute willingness to do what needed doing, and multi-faceted abilities in serving our Quarter so well.
On behalf of Sue Price-Redfern, Assistant Treasurer for the Quarter, the Quarter Finance Report was read, which included a Quarterly Budget and an Account and Fund Balances Statement (see written report). The report noted the significant increase in income this year due to generous donations for Trustees to care for Quarter properties. The report stated that some covenant donations are still outstanding and responded to questions for clarification; she reported about $4,000 remains in the budget to cover June. After noting a date error on the balance sheet (June not February), Friends accepted the Financial Report with appreciation.
Mario Cavallini, Clerk of the Steering Committee, reported that the Quarter is hosting a Clerking Workshop in the fall. He shared that the Committee had submitted a PYM grant proposal on behalf of the Quarter to support outreach efforts using the Tri-Quarter Gathering as its vehicle; he noted that this was processed through the Steering Committee due to time constraints and he reported that no word has yet been received concerning any approved grant funding.
Mario reported that a request had been made to the Quarter to print the Quarter history book on a website focusing on South Jersey history. He explained that Friends had expressed concerns that this information should be copyrighted prior to “publishing” to protect the integrity of the information. Friends discussed whether the book should be brought up to date and the process of how it originally was printed and sold. Friends approved putting the book on the website providing it has been copyrighted for the Quarter (if a copyright is allowed by the original grant); furthermore, it was decided that the original copyright date should be used if possible. Concern was raised about who might have the original photographs and book material. Friends approved that the Steering Committee organize a Quarter Committee (including Judy Suplee, George Crispin, and as many original book committee members as possible) to pursue this project and report progress at the next Quarterly Meeting.
Mario presented the Coordinator’s Budget for Year 2003-2004 (see report). Phil Anthony, our Quarter Coordinator, explained that there has been an increase in printing and copying due to a cost no longer being covered by PYM; he also noted that the increase in office supplies reflects reality. Mario stated that a 3.5% raise in Phil’s salary aligns with the increases given for PYM staff. He reported that insurance costs continue to rise dramatically. Friends approved the budget as presented.
Mario announced that he was stepping down from clerking the Steering Committee so that he could attend to his new PYM commitments and Gloria had agreed to clerk the Committee for the duration of the year. Friends approved a Minute of Appreciation for Mario, expressing gratitude for his willingness to serve after Jack Mahon left the Committee. During a brief period of holding Mario in the Light, Friends shared messages of appreciation which “wrapped Mario in love.” Friends also expressed appreciation for Sondra Ball for her years of service on the Steering Committee. Phil added his deep personal gratitude to Sondra for her guidance and support to him as Quarter Coordinator. Friends accepted the Steering Committee report with appreciation.
Michael reported that PYM had contacted him to inform us that we could have another representative on the PYM Nominating Committee since Marion Frasier may not be able to complete her term. Friends approved the Quarter Nominating Committee finding a replacement if needed. After discussion about recent corrections to Steering Committee positions just printed in the newsletter of Friends serving Quarter positions, Friends approved publishing a list with all corrections for the next newsletter.
Gloria reported that the Friends Home held its Ice Cream Social fundraiser yesterday outside in the garden at the Home. Friends expressed what a delightful family occasion it was.
Bob Horvay reported that a minute will be forthcoming thanking the Quarter for assisting the Executive Committee of Friends General Conference (FGC), especially for Woodbury and Mickleton MMs who hosted meetings, and for all Friends who provided lodgings for Committee members. He noted the recent article in the Gloucester County Times which mentioned both MMs hosting the FGC meeting.
Michael read various Quarter correspondence. First, he shared a letter from the Tri-Quarter Gathering Planning Committee thanking Friends for the Quarter annual contribution of $400 and urging Friends to mark their calendars for this year’s event scheduled for the weekend of October 18 at Camp Ockanickon with the inspiring theme, “Reason for Hope.” Second, he read a letter from Mary Waddington in which she requested Friends to release her from Quarter responsibilities to allow her to focus on her leadings. Friends expressed support for Mary in her spiritual leadings and Michael asked Friends to hold her in the Light using words offered in our earlier worship.
Michael announced that Woodstown MM is considering hosting a FGC Religious Education Committee Meeting September 27-29 and may need assistance from Quarter Friends for providing housing to Committee members.
Michael reminded Friends that PYM requests the return of all completed Financial Stewardship Surveys from MMs by June 30.
An announcement was made about an Anne Frank exhibition sponsored by the Shore Mall in conjunction with the local Jewish organization available from May 20 into June.
Phil reminded Friends to register for both the Quarter Retreat for August and the Quarter Clerking Workshop to be held in the fall; he noted that the clerking workshop is restricted to Quarter Friends through July, but then it will be opened to other interested Friends.
Michael announced that the FGC Religious Education newsletter is now available on line. He encouraged Friends to read the article in the recent issue about the Peace Center at Woodstown Meetinghouse written by Mary Mills.
Michael reminded Friends to attend the next Quarterly Meeting to be held at Greenwich Meeting house in September. Gloria observed that “it would be wonderful if we could wrap the whole world in love the way we did each other here in this meeting.” Michael thanked Friends for their love, noting that it made conducting his first Quarterly Meeting a pleasure. He closed the Meeting with a brief period of worship.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Cox Crispin, Assistant ClerkMinutes of Appreciation
Two minutes of appreciation were offered at the June Quarterly Meeting.
- The first addressed Sam Chamberlain, who presented our program:
“Salem Quarterly Meeting expresses heartfelt gratitude for the ministry of Sam Chamberlain, who presented the program at today's Quarterly Meeting. We appreciate his sharing from his experience, as well as his stretching us and encouraging us to go both deeper and wider in our responses to drug addiction and criminal justice.”
- The second recognized Seaville’s welcome to Salem Quarter:
“Salem Quarterly Meeting thanks Seaville Monthly Meeting for graciously hosting Quarterly Meeting and for gracing us with their ministry of soup, salad, and desserts. Though often far from most of us in miles, Seaville Friends are always in our hearts. We value their ongoing contributions to our community.”
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