Wellsboro Monthly Meeting

|11-26-2006 |10-15-2006 |9-17-2006 |6-4-2006 |5-14-2006 |4-2-2006 |3-5-2006 |2-5-2006 |1-8-2006 | 2005

Wellsboro Monthly Meeting
for Worship for Business
11/26/06


Attending: Phil Krajewski, Robby England, Wade Wright (visiting USQM staff and member of Millville Monthly Meeting), Lynne Graham, Beth Higginson and Will Boyd

-Friends gathered and settled into worship.

-The minutes from 10th month 15, 2006 were approved with the clarification, from Wade, that the Pemberton Fund of PYM is available to reimburse Friends for travel expenses for intervisitation between monthly meetings in the service of Friends if the monthly meeting minutes such visits.

-The Mansfield Ministerium Meeting time was changed this month and Robby was unable to attend. He will plan to attend the December meeting which will be a joint meeting with the Wellsboro Ministerium.

-Treasurer's report: current balance $253.29. Bills have been paid through the end of November.

-Friends discussed our covenant with PYM. The PYM fiscal year runs July 1 - June 30. Branin provided the following information gathered from past minutes and other records-
2003-04 our covenant agreement was $1100-1200
$1150 pd(?)
2004-05 our covenant agreement was $1200
$1200 pd
2005-06 our covenant agreement was $1200
$700 pd
2006-07 our covenant agreement was $1200 aspiring to $1250
$ 0 pd to date
2007-08 what we are now being asked to approve

In light of the Meeting having made no contributions to our covenant agreement so far this fiscal year, and the year being nearly half over, the Meeting approved having Phil and Branin drafting a letter to send to all adult Friends in the Meeting about our expenses and how much they average out to per person. This is not to be a suggestion that each person pay that amount but just to be as clear as possible about what the numbers are and how Friends can support the Meeting. This letter should be sent out to Friends before Christmas as it was pointed out that donations often cone in at this time of year anyway.

The reality of financial situations, of particularly our Young Adult Friends (PYM definition - Friends ages 18-35) was discussed, but Friends wish to include them in this aspect of the life of the Meeting as well as any others we can. The suggestion was made that adult family members could discuss these issues with their Young Adult Friends.

It was pointed out that even if all monthly meeting in PYM made their covenant agreements in full that would not be enough to fund all the projects and concerns of the yearly meeting.

Further consideration of our covenant agreement for the 2007-08 fiscal year will be resumed at the next business meeting.

-Robby received a mailing stating that Guide One, our insurance carrier, will be billing each monthly meeting separately. We have had this agreement with them for some time.

- The England's have again volunteered to host our Christmas gathering. It will be Saturday, December 23rd at their home. Please email Robby if you need directions. Socializing will start at 5pm with worship at 6pm followed by a covered dish supper and singing.

- Friends discussed the life of the Meeting. Lynne spoke of the meaningful worship at the Gafford/Tolins home and how personal and uplifting that experience was for all involved. She wondered if meeting for worship in Friends homes on some type of regular schedule could help the spiritual life of the Meeting. Other Friends spoke of weekly worship together as being the center of our commitment to being a Quaker. We wish to encourage all to join us.

Friends were mindful of being available to visitors and seekers by having some one available at the church every Sunday at the appointed hour. Various types of mid-week worship were discussed as were ideas of monthly retreats and small group meetings that might or might not include worship.

Some Friends would like more opportunities to socialize as a group. A few Friends have been knitting on occasional Sunday afternoons at the England's home. Adult Education is also seen by Friends as a way to come together, exchange ideas and deepen the life of the Meeting. The idea of community Sundays was brought up again as a way to encourage those who don't attend regularly to come one Sunday a month to worship.

The question "Where is God in our Meeting?" was raised. Lynne was acknowledged by the Meeting as wishing to encourage us to continue this discussion. Phil volunteered to lead an Adult Ed class in January.

-The next Meeting for Worship for Business will be January 7th, 2007 at the rise of Meeting.

-The next Adult Ed class will be either January 14th or 21st. Led by Phil the topic will be Where is God in our lives?

-Announcements - Dec 17th USQM potluck and carol sing at Pennsdale Meeting following worship beginning at 11am.

Friends closed with a short period of worship.

submitted - Beth Higginson, recording clerk

Robby England, clerk

Wellsboro Monthly Meeting
for Worship for Business
10/15/06

After starting with a period of silent worship Robbie England, Lynn Graham, Bryn Hammerstrom, Rhonda Keller and Philip Krajewski began MFWFB.

Minutes from 9th month MFWFB were approved.

There was no treasurer's report.

There will be a called PYM session on Iraq/Lebanon/the Peace Testimony at 4th and Arch. "The Peace Testimony -- How it Shapes our Lives" (an evaluation of the wording and spirit of the Peace testimony). The date is 11th Month 18th Day.

Robbie attended and felt comfortable at the Mansfield Ministerium on October 10th. The Baccalaureate Service at Mansfield HS was one of the topics discussed. We may discuss the Mansfield Ministerium at our next MFWFB. There will be a Walk Against Hunger in April.

Minutes of Appreciation:
To Beth Higginson for the making of bags for the Church World Service Project.
To Louis Larsen for donating a wonderful watercolor painting.

Our meeting should clean up our worship room for the Church of Christ Bazaar to be held on October 28.

Approved meeting at the Gafford/Tolins house on 10/22 in addition to our regular First Day meeting at the Church of Christ.

The safe Meeting policy was discussed. If there is one child in Fist Day School, there must be two adults or a parent of the child. If there are two children present, there can be one adult. There must be a police check for anyone who serves as a FAP (friendly adult presence) for any Young Friends gathering.

Pemberton money can be used for expenses of a person who has been approved by a monthly meeting to travel in ministry from one quarterly meeting to another.

Rhonda reiterated that PYM conducts a monthly conference call on the environment.

Bryn Hammerstrom will remind our treasurer (Branin) of our covenant responsibility.

MFWFB ended with a closing period of silent worship.

Submitted -- Phil Krajewski, alternate recording clerk
Robby England, clerk

Wellsboro Monthly Meeting
for Worship for Business
9/17/06

Attending: Robby England, Branin Boyd, Bryn Hammerstrom, Beth Higginson

Friends gathered and settled for worship.

Minutes for the last meeting for business were not available.

Treasurer's report: Current balance is $178.29. The rent has been paid. The USQM treasurer has asked that he be sent information on the MM covenants and if they have been paid. Branin will send this information to Larry Mutti and report to the next business meeting on the exact amounts.

PYM Financial Aid: Will Boyd and Ryan Smith have been approved by PYM for $600 for the 2006-07 school year.

PYM Worship and Ministry meeting in Lewisburg will be Sept. 23rd. It was ascertained that no one in our Meeting will be able to attend.

There will be a called PYM session on Oct 28th on Lebanon, Iraq and the Peace Testimony at 4th and Arch St Meeting House.

The Madison Quakers, Inc is offering a slide show of reconciliation projects in Vietnam. Our Meeting can not cover the costs of this presentation at this time. Robby will ask the Episcopal Church minister if they are interested in this presentation.

Report from Bryn Hammarstrom on USQM Meeting for Worship for Business at Crystal Lake: There were about the same number in attendance as last year, few children but a goodly number of adults. USQM approved reimbursing One World Summer Camp for expenses mostly due to a change in plans because of bad weather. Wade Wright's job description as USQM coordinator was discussed. There were requests for traveling ministry from Wade and others. Bryn will look into possible money available for travel within USQM. USQM approved Wade visiting every Monthly Meeting twice a year. Pennsdale Monthly Meeting brought forward a Minute that was not approved but will be sent to the member meetings for input.

FCNL's Annual Lobby Day will be Nov. 9th. They will be lobbying to build a living peace. Beth read a thank you from FCNL for our response to their priorities setting questionnaire.

Beth made bags for the Disciples of Christ project to make school kits for Church World Service. They will let us know if they need more bags.

Friends approved Bryn H. sending out an email outreach survey to find out Friends and attenders feelings about attending Meeting for Worship.

Next Meeting for Worship for Business will be 10-15-06 at the rise of Meeting for Worship.

Friends gathered for closing worship.

Submitted
Elizabeth Higginson- recording clerk
Robby England - clerk
Wellsboro Monthly Meeting
for Worship for Business
6/4/06

Attending: Robby England, Branin Boyd, Phil Krajewski, Bryn Hammerstrom, Lynne Graham, Beth Higginson, and Chip Hollister

Friends gathered and settled for worship. Minutes were read and approved.

Treasurer's report: There were deposits totaling $225.00. One check was written to Canoe Camp Church for $200 for a balance of $123.39. Friends approved reimbursing Branin and Beth $25 for a contribution they made to CROP walk on the Meetings behalf.

Trash Collection: Bryn will coordinate a schedule to pick up trash this week on our assigned stretch of Rt 287.

Residential Yearly Meeting: Branin and Beth requested a scholarship for RYM of $25. This was approved. Also approved was $25 for anyone else who would like it toward RYM expenses.

Climate Change Action Network: Brynn, Rhonda and Phil are interested in working on this project. Phil will draft a comprehensive minute for consideration. In the interim Meeting approved the following:
Wellsboro Monthly Meeting minutes our support of the work of the Climate Change Action Network on environmental concerns.

Ministerium: In consideration of the Meetings involvement with a ministerium the following thoughts and ideas were exchanged:

-No one from WMM has attended Wellsboro Ministerium since their inception of the Apostle's Creed as their statement of faith.
-The ministerium has the benefit of faith communities coming together. We can live without it and should probably take time to recover and evaluate.
-Can we find out how the Mansfield ministerium feels? The Episcopal minister welcomes our participation. Are there non-christian churches in Mansfield?
-Different interpretations of Jesus and the variuos creeds can be a problem.
-We need to make known to the Mansfield ministerium that we don't wish to struggle through this experience again.
-What can a ministerium be? Like in Bucks Co. - an open door to an open path? Other inclusive groups do exist in other places such as a Downtown Cooperative Ministry.
-We need to dialog about what grounds we would participate under. Will Mansfield ministerium want to have that discussion? We need to be who we are - we speak out on issues and are concerned about social justice.
-Is there an individual in WMM who is called to do this? Right now the Nominating Committee put this service under the Outreach Committee but no one has voiced a call to this.
-Let's not become insular. Our monthly meeting needs to support the community. How does our faith inform our action.
-What has happened with the Wellsboro ministerium? Have any other churches left? Did anyone else refuse to sign the creed? We were an unusual voice in the Wellsboro ministerium. Can we be clear? Do we need closure with them? Do we want to draft a letter? We are open to participation and enjoyed benefits from our past experience with them but we don't swear and we don't adopt specific creeds. Can we ask Bob Greer what's happening now, did they revote? Under what circumstances would we consider participating with them again? We would like to be kept informed of their activities so we could possibly participate in the future (viable community action).

Meeting approved Robby getting more information on the Mansfield Ministerium. Meeting approved anyone who is moved drafting a letter to the Wellsboro Ministerium and sending to other Friends by email for feedback and discussion.

Next Meeting for Worship for Business will be on July 23rd at the rise of Meeting.
USQM will have a weekend workcamp on Environmental susstainablity and Global Warming at an organic farm near Shickshinny Jul 14-16


Friends gathered for closing worship.


Submitted
Elizabeth Higginson- recording clerk
Robby England - clerk
Wellsboro Monthly Meeting
for Worship for Business
5/14/06

Attending: Robby England, Beth Higginson, and Chip Hollister

Friends gathered and settled for worship. Minutes were read and approved.

Treasurer report: There were deposits totaling $225.00. One check was written to Canoe Camp Church for $200 for a balance of $123.39. Friends approved reimbursing Branin and Beth $25 for a contribution they made to CROP walk on the Meetings behalf.

Survey: Friends are reminded to please fill out and return the survey from the PYM Education Committee.

Residential Yearly Meeting: This will be coming up in July. Friends are encouraged to attend.

Ministerium: Because of low attendance today the discussion on participation in the Mansfield ministerium was postponed until next meeting for business.

Submitted
Elizabeth Higginson- recording clerk
Robby England - clerk



Wellsboro Monthly Meeting
for Worship for Business
4/02/06

Attending: Bonnie K Clark, Robby England, Lynne Graham, Bryn Hammarstrom, Beth Higginson

Friends gathered and settled for worship. Minutes were read, amended and approved.

The following poem was read:

Meeting for Business- by Pat McBee

We have such visions of perfection:
Wise, centered people, gathered in love
Attuned to the movements of God amongst us
Bringing in the reign of love and justice.

But look at us:
Motley, Flawed.
Hurried, fearful, grumpy, tense.
Befuddled, fuzzy, lost in space.

Real life, including real life in Quaker meeting,
Is not some theoretical perfection.
It is real people, groping toward an elusive wholeness
Sometimes thinking the others could give us that wholeness
But are deliberately withholding it out of spite.

This is where we find God subtly moving,
This place, here, today.
Inviting us to have reverence for one another,
In our flaws and in our splendor.
Helping one another up with a tender hand.

Here is where peace on earth begins
Not in perfection but in love for one another as we are.

Treasurer report: There was no report.

Nominating Committee Report: A list of names was provisionally approved. Beth will send an email asking for Friends to make comments for review next meeting. The nominations for 2006-2008 will be attached to these minutes when they are approved.

First Day School: Brynn S. has volunteered for the month of April.

Out Reach Event: April 30, 2006 worship will be held at the usual time with Adult Education at 11:45 with a covered dish to pass at about 12:30, or at the conclusion of the Adult Education time. Bryn H will put the announcement for the event in the paper. He will also contact Wade Wright to speak on a topic that might interest those invited for this First Day event. A possible topic would focus on something like: This is our belief and how it influences our daily life. A list of people will be made who will be invited personally to come to such an event.

Climate Change Committee: Was not able to meet.

Ministerium: The discussion will be scheduled at another time.

FCNL Priorities: The priorities were reviewed. We agreed with the priorities listed. In addition we suggested listing justice for immigrant workers as a priority. Members voiced their appreciation for the focus on environmental issues and the on going work on behalf of Native Americans.

Appreciation: Beth was appreciated as her time ends as clerk. She was thanked for all she did as clerk and for all the accomplishments her efforts have achieved for the Meeting. Thank you.

Announcements:
Crop Walk is scheduled for May 7th

Next MFWFB will be on 5/14/06 at 11:30.

Submitted
Bonnie K Clark- recording clerk
Elizabeth Higginson - clerk

Minutes
Meeting for Worship for Business
5th day, Third Month, 2006

1) Attending- Clerk Beth Higginson, ad hoc recording clerk Bryn Hammarstrom, Phil Krajewski, Chip Hollister, Rob England, Claire Foreman, and Lynne Graham;

2) Feb 2006's Meeting for Worship for Business minutes approved as corrected (Beth has corrected copy);

3) Treasurer's Report by Phil- C & N check.acct. $ 213. [with $15.00 check outstanding]; March '06 $100 rent contribution will be paid today, leaving a balance of $98; this was approved, with the treasurer noting additional contributions were "in hand"

4) First Day School Report- Lynne & Bryn H are covering March; volunteers are needed for April & May (contact Brynn S)

5) Pastoral Care Committee (Lynne, Rob, Phil, Greg, Chip, & Brynn S)- Has not yet met to discuss Feb '06 Meeting for Worship for Business request to reach out to Young WMM members living at a distance (School, College, etc)

6) Climate Change Group (Beth, Phil, Rhonda, & Brynn S)- Plan to bring a statement forward at April's Meeting for Worship for Business for consideration as a Wellsboro Monthly Meeting minute;

7) Community Outreach (Bonnie & Bryn H)- The outreach day originally planned for 3/12 has been postponed until late April or May;

8) Nominating Committee (Approved as Beth, Phil, Rob, & Lynne) They will contact all members about serving Wellsboro Monthly Meeting in the coming year, with phone-call follow-up as necessary; they will bring nominations to April Meeting for Worship for Business

9) The clerk's 'letter of recommendation' for Guilford College's Quaker Scholars Leadership Program on behalf of Emma Graham was read by Beth, and approved

10) FCNL Priorities Selection process (due by 4/30/06) will be done at April's Meeting for Worship for Business - Bryn H will provide Beth with all FCNL material;

11) Discussion about the Wellsboro Ministerium: The Ministerium has approved belief in the Apostle's Creed as a foundation for participation in the Ministerium, an explicit Trinitarian / "infallible-Bible" statement of "common understanding". Beth asked Robby to clerk so she could participate fully in the discussion, without needing to then discern consensus. Discussion was frank, with thoughts expressed ranging from "much of our (past) conflict has originated from midweek-message & ministerium origin" to "we need to reply to this 'exclusion by doctrinal statement'"; there was no clear consensus, but Phil offered to send some of his thoughts/ understandings by e-mail, for others to 'reply-all' respond.

Respectfully Submitted
Clerks - Beth Higginson
Robby England
Recording Clerk - Bryn Hammarstrom [with emma's typing assistance]

Wellsboro Monthly Meeting
for Worship for Business
2/5/06

Attending: Bonnie K Clark, Robby England, Lynne Graham, Bryn Hammarstrom, Beth Higginson, Phil Krajewski

Friends gathered and settled for worship. Minutes were read, amended and approved.

Treasurer report: Phil reported the checking account balance is $288.29 the savings account is $506.28. This month's rent was paid. The insurance bill of $337.00 was paid. A payment of $300 for the PYM covenant was approved for a total of $500.00 paid. A donation of $15 to the Wellsboro Ministerium was approved. Also approved was $50 from the Ertl fund for the First Day School's AFSC project, individual donations are also encouraged Phil agreed to send out another email clarifying details about the project.

Ad Hoc Committee to Create a Minute on Climate Change: Beth reports this committee has been formed to write a Minute on climate change. Rhonda has invited the committee to a breakfast meeting; date and time have not been set. Friends approved the nominations of Phil, Rhonda, Beth, and Brynn S. to the Ad Hoc Committee to Create a Minute on Climate Change.

Mid week message: Bryn H. read the message he has written to submit to the paper for the mid week message. The letter explained the Meeting's position on opposing amending the PA constitution in efforts to exclude legal recognition of same sex couples. Others shared their opinions and concern for some wording. All agreed the letter with changes would be submitted as our Meeting's corporate message for this month with no individual's name attached.

Adult Class: Lynne brought some literature to review to help in deciding curriculum for Adult education classes. She wants others' opinions on what material to use. Next Class will be held on Feb 19 at 9:30 - potluck to begin approximately at noon following worship. The following class will be held on March 19 at 9:30 before worship. Potluck will be held after the class at approximately 12:30.

Out Reach: Beth asks that the teen and young people who have ties to the Meeting, through their parents or past attendance, be included in an out reach effort. Pastoral care committee, Lynne, Robby, Phil, Greg, Chip and Brynn S, could write a letter inviting and welcoming them. The letter would let them know we care about their connection to our Meeting and could ask them for the level of involvement they desire.
Bryn H and Bonnie agreed to form a committee for outreach to others in the community. Discussion followed concerning having potlucks and adult religious education at a time when special efforts are made to include attenders and people interested in learning more about the Religious Society of Friends.

Worship this morning: Bryn H. added that vocal ministry was the focus of the messages this morning and one that appeared to resonate with several people.

Agenda Items:
FCNL priorities
Ministerium decisions

Next MFWFB will be on 3/05/06 at 11:30.

Submitted
Bonnie K Clark- recording clerk
Elizabeth Higginson - clerk



Wellsboro Monthly Meeting
for Worship for Business
1/08/06

Attending: Bonnie K Clark, Robby England, Lynne Graham, Bryn Hammarstrom, Beth Higginson, Phil Krajewski, Brynn Schmitt

Friends gathered and settled for worship. Minutes were read, amended and approved.

Treasurer report: Phil reported the checking account balance is $729. He would like to suggest making a payment to the covenant. The insurance bill had not been received. It was agreed to hold off on making the covenant payment until the insurance bill was paid. New checks with a copy component were purchased for $12.07. In making predictions for next school year, high school students Will, Ryan and Sunita would be eligible for a $25 scholarship.

Dave Brown and Claire Foreman's Wedding: Lynne reports their wedding was held at the Penn Wells. She said she felt proud to be a part of their wedding. A minute was approved thanking them for involving Wellsboro Monthly Meeting and giving this community's support for their marriage.

Adult Class: Lynne has some information about workshop and seminars available at Pendle Hill. She suggests that retreats could be planned to support members' spiritual deepening.

Care packages for students: Lynne and Phil have agreed to organize care packages that will be sent to students.

First Day school: Robby agreed to be in charge of First Day school in February. Phil will cover January and Lynne and Bryn will be responsible for March. Juice and snacks are available. Videos are also available.

Annual fund Representative: Bryn H. reports being the representative.

FCNL: Bryn H. also reports being the representative for the Monthly Meeting. He says contact has been made with him and a report may be forth coming.

Announcements: Jan 28th Threshing meeting at 4th and Arch St. Meeting Feb 4 Children's Religious Education Workshop at Green Street Meeting. Meeting approved to reimburse $25 to any one interested in going.

Next MFWFB will be on 2/05/06 at 11:30.

Submitted
Bonnie K Clark- recording clerk
Elizabeth Higginson - clerk



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