SUMMER 20089 Twelfth Month 2007
Salem Quarterly Meeting met 9 Twelfth Month 2007, at Salem Monthly Meeting. Out of worship, clerk Sondra Ball (Mickleton) convened the meeting. There was a Friendly presence of twenty-four.
Minutes of the last quarterly meeting on 10 Sixth-month 2007 were approved as they appeared in Salem Quarter News.
Mike Ayars (Woodstown) presented an update on Iraqi psychiatrist Dr. Abdul Karim and his family. The family had been reunited in Libya, but the lack of appropriate educational opportunities for the children have led them back to Cairo without their father who continues to wait for a visa to Egypt. Offers of scholarships at Rowan University and George School have been presented to them as options for consideration. Friends wishing to offer support through participation of donation may contact Linda Jeffrey of Woodstown MM.
A written report from the Finance Committee was received. Mike Ayars (Woodstown), clerk of the committee, was available for questions. Mike noted a slight change in procedure in that the Finance Committee prepared both the quarter budget and the coordinator’s budget for presentation at the same time.
Quarterly Meeting approved the budget numbers and highlights as presented.
Cindy Cox Crispin thanked the Education Fund Committee for their work and asked that Friends consider increasing the amount in the budgeted line item for Education. As a representative of the Finance Committee, Mike noted that growth in that fund occurs from rollover when the funds are not fully distributed. Salem Quarterly Meeting’s consideration of increases in the budget line item are a result of recommendations from the monthly meetings, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and the Education Fund Committee.
It was pointed out that the calculation of a monthly meeting’s share of the quarterly meeting budget is a quota system based on their membership as reported to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as of the previous 31 December. This procedure for Salem Quarter can be traced at least back to the 1970s. Both interest and concern has been expressed regarding a move to covenant-based funding. Monthly meetings and individual Friends are invited to bring minutes to the Quarter and articles to Salem Quarter News. Any change in procedure would require at least six months to implement. For now, meetings were reminded of the 1/10/2008 reporting deadline.
Marsha Gaspar (Woodbury) presented highlights from the written report on the Tri-Quarter Gathering. Salem and Haddonfield Quarters each represent 40 per cent of the total attendance to the Gathering. The 2008 planning committee is actively working on the next gathering, scheduled for 3-5 October. Marsha thanked the Quarter for their support and described the event as something more than a conference. She compared the event to the fictional Brigadoon, a community appearing once a year for three days. Assorted Friends offered similar words of praise for the Gathering and gratitude to Marsha for an excellent report. She invited Friends to submit workshop ideas for the topic, "Friendly Connections, Strengthening Ties to Community and Environment."
Steering Committee clerk Tom Etherington (Mullica Hill) reported that the Steering Committee does not foresee improved attendance at Quarterly Meeting sessions as a result of rescheduling the dates or times. Consequently, they recommend maintaining our current schedule. Friends expressed some ideas regarding the use of afternoon time and increased promotion of childrenfs programming.
The Salem Quarter News resizing has occurred. There are still minor technical issues to be resolved, but the overall reception has been favorable thus far. Any noticeable lack of artwork or articles is due to a lack of work submitted. Friends interested in submitting work were asked to be flexible regarding formatting. The Editorial Board reminded all that deadlines are strictly observed, but work may be held over as space and time permit. Submissions are to be sent to the coordinator, e.mail preferred.
Mario Cavallini (Mickleton) spoke about the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Worship & Ministry workshop last week. He described an inspiring experience with a remarkable number in attendance from all over Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, both seasoned and new. They "unpacked" the term Worship & Ministry and found Worship & Ministry to be at the core of all Quakerism with the vitality of Worship & Ministry needing to be nourished and attended to without getting in the way of a relationship with God.
The Trustees are currently concerned with two issues as reported by committee clerk Gary Holmes (Woodstown). They have requested a copy of the LAC insurance policy so that they may make accurate cost comparisons. Care of the LAC trees with regards to the ivy growth is also a current priority.
Friends had the opportunity to ask questions or make comments on the available written committee reports. Mario Cavallini (Mickleton) spoke regarding the Salem Quarterly Meeting Worship & Ministry’s prayer partners project and the role of true partnership as an important element, vital to faith communities and personal lives. True partnership does happen and he hopes to see more of it. Lois Dinshah offered a comment of appreciation to Mario for his work and expression.
The clerk made announcements regarding a variety of yearly, quarterly and monthly meeting events, including our next quarterly meeting in March at Woodstown. Sondra thanked Salem MM for their hospitality and reminded Friends to complete the evaluation forms. Meeting was closed with worship.
Rebecca Shapiro, assistant clerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 11:09 PM
