Metamorphosis: Newsletter for Bellingham Friends Meeting
December, 2012
Advice and Query: A simple lifestyle freely chosen is a source of strength. Do not be persuaded into buying what you do not need or cannot afford. Do you keep yourself informed about the effects your lifestyle of living is having on the global economy and environment? Try to live simply.
Second Hours and Special Events
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 12/9 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business |
12/10 Book Group meets at the Halls’ for a book exchange and Xmas goodies |
12/14 4 pm Peace Vigil @ Cornwall & Magnolia |
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| 12/16 FCNL Discussion: “Priorities” |
12/21 4 pm Peace Vigil @ Cornwall & Magnolia |
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| 12/23 Holiday Program with poetry, stories, music & finger foods |
12/28 4 pm Peace Vigil @ Cornwall & Magnolia |
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| 12/30 No second hour |
More Events:Carol Singing at 9:30 am on December 16 & 23.
Second Hour with Dorsey Green from University Friends on January 20, 2013: What is FCNL and what is its mission?
Silent Retreat at Camp Huston, Gold Bar, WA on January 25-27.
Second Hour with Women with Wings on January 27: Singing for healing and joy.
Potluck followed by a discussion of BFM affiliation with Friends General Conference on February 3.
One hour breakfast meeting with Margaret Coahran at 9:00 am before Meeting for Worship to evaluate structural changes of NPYM on February 17.
Second Hour with Laura Kohl, author of Jonestone Survivor: An Insider’s Look on February 17. Laura is a Quaker whose writings describe her time with the charismatic Jonestown group, many of whom migrated to Guyana and later died there.
Second Hour DVD “A Land Twice Promised” written and performed by Noa Baum on February 24. This is a beautiful and poignant presentation of issues between Israelis and Palestinians.
Concern of the Month – The concern of the month is for Oxfam:
Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organizations networked together in more than 90 countries, as part of a global movement for change, to build a future free from the injustice of poverty. Oxfam works directly with communities, and we seek to influence the powerful to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them.
…AND FINALLY – A continuation of Quaker Testimonies
INTEGRITY: Consistency in Word and Deed
The need to deal honestly with all others and with oneself has long been a foundational belief among Friends, summarized by the old injunction: “Let you yea be yea and your nay be nay.” For Friends, having integrity means being authentic and having consistency between one’s values and one’s actions. Lack of integrity separates us from our own soul, from the Light within and from our community.
Quakers try to live according to the deepest truth they know, which they believe comes from God. This means speaking the truth to all, including people in positions of power. Friends do not take oaths when appearing in a court of law, rejecting the idea that there is one standard of truth for daily living and another for the court.
So let your lives preach, let your light shine…
GEORGE FOX, FOUNDER OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks—we will also find our path of authentic service in the world.
PARKER J. PALMER, QUAKER AUTHOR AND EDUCATOR
It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.
THOMAS JEFFERSON, U.S. PRESIDENT
How is my work in harmony with the truth as I understand it?
In what ways do my interactions with other people reflect my beliefs and values?
Bellingham Friends Meeting
Ministry & Counsel Clerk: Lorina Hall
Social & Environmental Concerns Clerk: Doris Ferm
Finance & Budget Clerk: Joanne Cowan
Nominating Committee Clerk: Virginia Herrick
Children’s Committee Clerk: Sharon Trent
Meeting Clerk: Judy Hopkinson
Hospitality Clerk: Rob Dillard
Metamorphosis is a monthly newsletter. If you would like some particular information placed in the Metamorphosis, please send it via email to the newsletter editor Betty McMahon.