FALL 200914 Sixth Month 2009
Salem Quarterly Meeting met met 6/14/2009, at the meetinghouse in Mullica Hill. Out of worship, clerk Sondra Ball (Mickleton) convened the meeting. There was a Friendly presence of twenty-nine for business.
Minutes of the quarterly meeting session of 3/8/2009 were approved as they appeared in Salem Quarter News.
Marsha Gaspar (Woodbury) reported on the 2008 Tri-Quarter Gathering. Workshops at the event included a variety of intergenerational games and activities. Worship was held in the open-air chapel by the lake. About 42 per cent of those in attendance were from Salem Quarter. Comments from those participating indicated that it was an opportunity to make new friendships and renew old ones; a mix of expected and unexpected experiences; many wonderful and helpful workshops. The 2009 Gathering is scheduled for 10/2–10/4, with the theme “Unveiling the Quaker Stimulus Package.” There will be opportunities to promote the event online. Rates at Camp Ockanickon have increased substantially. The committee negotiated a price with only an 8 per cent raise. The new Planning Committee treasurer is Joe Tingle (Woodbury). The report was accepted with thanks.
From Friends School at Mullica Hill, Bill Carrigan (Mickleton) reported on the “fantastic events” of the year. By way of example, he spoke of the middle school field trip to Harlem. As everywhere, funding continues to be an issue. Contributions of any size are always welcome from individuals and meetings. The school is seeking resolution to the matter of the historic Cope Building, which is scheduled to be torn down due to a lack of restoration funding. As expected, there is community criticism of this plan. The Board of Trustees is open to alternatives, provided that funding is available. The report was accepted with appreciation.
As the representative from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to American Friends Service Committee, Bill Carrigan (Mickleton) noted that they are in need of funds as are most organizations, but they would appreciate a note of thanks even without a donation as a gesture of support for their work.
Written reports were offered by the Worship & Ministry and Steering Committees. Both reports were accepted as presented.
Gary Holmes (Woodstown) reported for the Trustees. The property markers at the Port Elizabeth graveyard indicate that there is 50 per cent more property than previously known. The west stone fence is in disrepair due to the lack of a firm foundation when it was constructed. The Trustees will convene a meeting to discuss the increase in property size and the fence. The Trustees’ report was gratefully accepted.
On behalf of the Committee of Caring, Julia Zinader (Mickleton) restated their request for direction from Salem Quarterly Meeting regarding their continued purpose and function. This was discussed without resolution at our last business meeting. The clerk read a letter from Woodbury regarding the attendance of Care Committee members at Woodbury. Friends were invited to offer comments and questions for two specified periods of time divided by an opportunity for worship.
During the first and second phases of discussion, Friends commented on the various reasons for the creation of the Care Committee as well as the events that have transpired since. The letter from Woodbury to the clerk of quarter regarding the Care Committee was not what some Woodbury Friends expected based on their attendance at their business meeting. Friends spoke on the history of ups and downs within Woodbury over time. Many Friends spoke of the nature of the emotions they have experienced regarding these issues. Patterns of individual behavior were noted as well as patterns of group behavior. Support for the Care Committee to “back away” and support to “stay the course” were both voiced.
The clerk determined that the meeting was closer to unity than at our last business meeting, but that there was still distance to close. The matter was held over for the next business meeting.
Marsha Gaspar (Woodbury) and Joe Tingle (Woodbury) asked for support from the quarter for the children’s First-day School program at Woodbury MM. As noted in the Worship & Ministry report, Marsha and Joe will organize a workshop on children’s First-day School and recreational activities at the end of October. Meeting approved the following minute:
Salem Quarterly Meeting readily offered support for Woodbury Monthly Meeting’s Religious Education Committee co-clerks’ request for First-day School assistance. This will take the form of attending the workshop on 10/31/2009 and providing visiting FDS teacher curriculum support as available.
The clerk made announcements regarding the quarter picnic at the Cape May Zoo and worship options at nearby Seaville Monthly Meeting. Online registration is available for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Summer Sessions. Thanks were offered to Mullica Hill Monthly Meeting for their kindness and hospitality, and meeting was closed with worship.
Rebecca Shapiro, assistant clerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Last modified:
Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 03:42 PM
