November 2011

Minutes are no longer to be posted on the web, by decision of meeting for worship for business on November 20

October 16, 2011, Minutes, Monongalia Friends Meeting for Worship for Business

9:30 AM October 16, 2011 Minutes, Meeting for Worship for Business

Meetinghouse Events Calendar is now on the web: http://monquakers.wordpress.com/calendar-c/
November 13 – 1 PM Film Series: Inside Job

PRESENT: Ann P, Catherine T, John L, Jim S. Opened with silence. September minutes approved. Agenda: film series; meetinghouse policy for use by outside groups; meetinghouse overnight policy; statewide gathering finances and loose ends; occupy Morgantown; BYM apportionment; meetinghouse second floor access proposal; buddhist book collection.

Treasurer’s report. Year to date received $6633, on course for target $7000 for year by December 31. MINUTE: Treasurer will send out charitable gifts as previously identified and budgeted (list includes Bartlett House, Christian Help, Health Right, Community Kitchen, RDVIC, AFSC, FCNL, FGC, FWCC and Pendle Hill).

Statewide gathering: MINUTE: Finances “broke even” financially, no further assessment of other meetings will be forthcoming. Gathering was very successful with attendance of 32. Treasurer will provide detailed accounting on request. Friend Catherine convened group after closing of gathering, to discuss continuation of statewide communication through internet and listserve tools; friends Catherine and Ann will implement.

Film Series. MINUTE: final schedule decided, summarized as follows: November 13, Inside Job; December 11, No Impact Man; January 8, Soldiers of Conscience; February 12, Peace is Every Step: Meditation in Action: the Life and Works of Thick Nhat Hanh; March 11, Flow; April 8, Waiting for Superman; May 13, Enlightenment Guaranteed. Flyer with details is attached as .pdf file (please print and post in public).

Building policy for use by outside groups: Issue is to specify the terms whereby outside groups or individuals may use the meetinghouse. Friends have investigated and contributed input from policies of several other meetings. Friend John provided a draft incorporating these and other ideas. Some editorial changes were suggested. As currently revised, it is attached(to emailed minutes) as a .pdf. It was agreed to insert language stating that the meetinghouse exists primarily as a place of worship by Monongalia Friends Meeting (Quakers). MINUTE: with changes as discussed, the draft has been subjected to a “first reading” and will be given a “second reading” and possible acceptance at the November meeting for worship for business. Interested friends are invited to comment for consideration at or before the November meeting.

Building policy for overnight visitors. TABLED pending review of discussions that have taken place in the past, and also further consideration of the meeting wishes. The city has required a separate second floor access and other minor changes to permit overnight visitors. Will be reviewed in November.

Occupy Morgantown Movement. A friend briefly presented a “Quick Guide on Group Dynamics in Peoples’ Assemblies” which was distributed at the Monongalia Courthouse Square demonstration on October 15. It was produced in Spain as of May 31, 2011, at Puerta del Sol, Madrid. The guide is quite detailed and substantially in harmony with Quaker process and ideas about consensus. Interested friends may find the text at http://takethesquare.net/2011/07/31/quick-guide-on-group-dynamics-in-peoples-assemblies/

Meeting closed with silence.

John Lozier, Recording Clerk, Monongalia Friends Meeting, 304 276 5141

Amazon Scholar-Activist will Lecture in Morgantown on October 8

Dr. Campbell Plowden will lecture on “Community-Based Conservation in the Amazon”, with a showing of slides and of Amazon handicrafts, at 7 PM on Saturday, October 8, at Arts Monongahela, 210 High Street in Morgantown. He has been a leader in identifying and developing non-timber resources (such as resins and fibers) that can be harvested sustainably. Along with deforestation, contamination from oil development and gold mining are threats to the Amazon environment.

Plowden and his audience at Arts Monongahela will also have a chance to view an art show, “Reflections: Homage to Dunkard Creek.” The show features works by regional artists depicting 90 species which perished when industrial pollution resulted in the death of the creek in September, 2009.

Currently, Plowden is Executive Director of the non-profit Center for Amazon Community Ecology (CACE), which was founded in 2006 to promote the understanding, conservation and sustainable development of human and other biological communities in the Amazon region. He earned a Ph.D. in Ecology from the Penn State University Graduate Ecology Program based on his studies in the Brazilian Amazon. He also helped to form the Tembé Indian Support Committee to support land rights, cultural preservation, and other local development projects in the Alto Rio Guamá Indigenous Reserve. Beginning in 1985, he worked with Greenpeace, first in campaigns to halt whaling, and then as a lobbyist in the in international forestry trade with fieldwork in Indonesia, South America, and Africa.

He is a member of the State College (PA) Friends Meeting. His visit to Morgantown is sponsored by the Monongalia Friends Meeting (Quakers).

September 18, 2011, Minutes, Monongalia Friends Meeting for Worship for Business

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Meetinghouse Events Calendar is now on the web: http://monquakers.wordpress.com/calendar-c/
September 30 – October 1, Fall CLEANUP days
October 8-9 STATEWIDE FALL GATHERING, Monongalia Friends Meetinghouse
November 13 – FILM SERIES starts, No Impact Man

PRESENT: Ann P, Catherine T, John L, Teresa M, Jim S. Opened with silence. June and August minutes approved. Agenda items: BYM information requests; BYM apportionment; current finances; 2012 budget; statewide gathering; film series; building requirements; rules for outsider use of meetinghouse; work days.

BYM FORMS. BYM requested individuals be identified for various committee functions. A friend suggests the purpose is to have liaison. A friend suggest that in small group assigning a committee lets others off the hook. Friend Catherine accepts outreach; friend John accepts building. Discussion, no minute.

BYM apportionment. Apportionment for 2012 was initially set at $1300 but then dropped to $650 after a concern was raised that it was high. Discussed in relation to 2012 budget to be addressed in January. Friends reflected that the BYM apportionment was a guideline and that meetings can pay less or more according to their ability. MINUTE: For 2012 we will pay $650 and as much more as we can afford toward the originally suggested $1300.

CURRENT FINANCES. We have taken in $6245 toward budget goal of $7000, with 3 months to go. Clerk Jim points out that costs of annual gathering that exceed revenues are customarily apportioned to three meetings (Monongalia, Mid-Ohio Valley, Charleston). A friend suggests that charitable giving already budgeted is a commitment that should not be subject to review, need not be reconsidered at a later meeting.

STATEWIDE GATHERING. Currently 25 are pre-registered, hope is there will be a few more. Discussed delegation of responsibilities. Teresa and Jim will register folks on Saturday AM. Teresa will do food planning, preparation, presentation with help/input from Judy S and Catherine T. Food from local sources where possible. Due to tight schedule, Saturday evening dinner at Arts Monongahela will be 5:30 PM instead of 6 PM. John will arrange and promote Plowden public presentation set for 7 PM. There will be no public promotion of a film showing on Sunday at the end of the gathering; failing to agree on a title, meeting decided in favor of a more relaxed time at close of gathering.

BUILDING REQUIREMENTS. In order to allow residential occupancy in the second floor, city requires a modification such that sole egress does not pass through the first floor assembly area. Various solutions are under consideration. A friend estimates the cost at $2000 or more for building a separate entrance and stairs from above, or creating an entry foyer on the first floor. Suggestions are invited.

FILM SERIES. After discussion and failure to agree on a movie to show on October 9, decision was taken to start the public series on November 13 instead. First film will probably be No Impact Man. Final selection and publicity can be postponed for another month.

RULES FOR OUTSIDER USE OF MEETINGHOUSE. Briefly considered, policy will be along lines suggested by friend Ann. Friends familiar with Pittsburgh meeting mention that they have policies regarding use of that meetinghouse. Friend John will investigate the Pittsburgh policy and draft a statement for review.

MINUTE: A request to use the meetinghouse by Sue Thorn for Congress campaign is approved.

Closed with silence.
John Lozier, Recording Clerk, Monongalia Friends Meeting, 304 276 5141

West Virginia Statewide Friends Fall Gathering, October 8-9, 2011

(Update 9/10/2011 – Friends, please PRE-REGISTER by September 25 for planning purposes – by regular mail or email reply with your particulars… JL)

West Virginia Statewide Friends Gathering
October 8-9, 2011
Quakerism and the Earth
at Monongalia Friends Meetinghouse, 648 E. Brockway, Morgantown, WV

Saturday October 8
8:15 – 9:30 AM, breakfast, registration, sociability
9:30 – 10:20 AM – Environmental Queries and Worship Sharing
10:20 Announcements – ANNOUNCE YOUR VOLUNTEERED AFTERNOON BREAKOUTS
10:30 AM – PLENARY  – Communication Skills in Caring for the Earth – with CAMPBELL PLOWDEN
A member of State College Friends Meeting, Campbell Plowden is a facilitator for Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), and has worked for tropical forest conservation since 1985. He earned a Ph.D. in Ecology from the Penn State University Graduate Ecology Program based on his studies of non-timber forest products in the Brazilian Amazon. Campbell also helped form the Center for Amazon Community Ecology, and the Tembé Indian Support Committee with Quakers and other friends to support land rights, cultural preservation, and other local development projects in the Alto Rio Guamá Indigenous Reserve.

Lunch (potluck, please bring something to share)

1 -2:30 Earth Quaker Action Team – Bank Like Appalachia Matters (BLAM) is a campaign of nonviolent and bold direct action focused on those who profit from destruction of the earth, and specifically mountaintop removal. Markus Schlotterbek will help us to apply these strategies to any environmental campaign.
2:30 – 4 PM VOLUNTEERED breakouts and workshops (to be announced earlier that day)
4 – 6 PM – Walking meditation along Decker’s Creek, to art show at Arts Monongahela:
REFLECTIONS: HOMAGE TO DUNKARD CREEK is a collaborative installation art project created by 90 practicing artists to commemorate the lives of many of the species who perished in Dunkard Creek during the warm days of late summer 2009. All of the inhabitants died when a fatal combination of chemical mine wastes and low water, exacerbated by industry water withdrawals, set off the bloom of an alien toxic algae. This project is headed by        Monongalia Friend Ann Payne.

6 PM – Dinner (at Arts Monongahela)

7 PM Public event, Campbell Plowden on Amazon Rain Forest and Community Ecology
8 – 9 PM – ALL AGES SHOW AND TELL!! – please bring something to share, a story, a song or an interesting object
9 – 10 PM singing, games, conversation

Sunday October 9
9:00 AM – breakfast
9:45 AM – Reports from participating meetings; other program TBA
11:00 AM – meeting for worship
NOON – lunch – formal closing of statewide gathering
1:00 PM – MOVIE – TBA – (Monongalia Friends Meetinghouse has provided a venue for showing films of interest to the community)

Please use attached form to PRE-REGISTER ASAP, no later than September 25; mail with donation (suggested $25 per person) to Catherine Tall, 425 Elm Street, Morgantown, WV 26501. YOU ARE WELCOME TO ARRIVE FRIDAY EVENING, please just let us know so we can make arrangements for home stay or camping.

MAP HERE – Location: in Morgantown on E. Brockway between MARILLA PARK and SUPERIOR PHOTO. From I-68 SABRATON EXIT, follow ROUTE 7 west about 1.8 miles;  cross “hog-backed bridge” over Decker’s Creek; turn left on East Brockway, about .4 miles, meetinghouse on the right. Check online at monquakers.wordpress.com

John Lozier
Recording Clerk, Monongalia Friends Meeting
http://monquakers.wordpress.com / 304 276 5141

August 21, 2011, Minutes, Monongalia Friends Meeting for Worship for Business

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
September 30 – October 1, Fall CLEANUP days
October 8-9 STATEWIDE FALL GATHERING, Monongalia Friends Meetinghouse

PRESENT: Ann P, Catherine T, Judy S, John L, Teresa M, Judy W

Ann P serving as clerk, called to order with silence.

Agenda previously circulated (and disposition): Plan Statewide Fall Gathering, October 8-9 (see below); Receive and discuss report of Ad Hoc Committee on Outreach (see below); Film Series plans for this academic year (see below); Fall cleanup day (set for September 30-October 1); Baltimore Yearly Meeting report and discussion of apportionment (tabled); Quarterly report on FY 2011 budget (see below).

By consensus, agreed to dispose of easier items to permit focus on Statewide Fall Gathering

FILM SERIES: Discussion of involvement with co-sponsors such as CCSJ, as per offer from Barbara Howe. No decision; friends were concerned that co-sponsorship could mean more help but less control. Concern whether films from outside groups might violate quaker principles (e. g. Edward Abbey’s environmentally motivated property destruction). Friends report negative experience, rebuff when “progressive” programs were offered at other religious venues. Friends also note that controversial films can be occasion for valid discussion (thrashing?), but this requires quakers to be present and involved, not merely technicians.

FILM SERIES MINUTE: A designated committee headed by Catherine T will review and select set of films to be shown, to run on a fixed monthly schedule with showings at 1PM on Sundays. Series will start on October 9, after lunch following the Statewide Gathering.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE REPORT: Dominion Post advertising costs about $600 per year, no real results have been seen. Recommend that a minute be drafted to encourage enrolled membership, and to encourage enrolled members to reflect on their commitments and discern correct action. Recommend canvass of past members and attenders. Recommend a visitor registration card in addition to guest register book. Recommend continued film series, and use of meetinghouse by outside groups.

MINUTE: Dominion Post advertising will be discontinued, and the free announcement will be changed to read “Quakers – Monongalia Friends Meeting” instead of “Monongalia Friends Meeting (Quakers)”. This will make it easier for seekers to find. Prepaid Daily Atheneum advertising will continue at least till prepayment is exhausted. Considering groups on spirituality and/or on simple parenting.

MINUTE: Cleanup day September 30 – October 1, to be presentable for weekend of fall gathering October 8-9. PARTIAL TO-DO LIST – Outdoor tasks: flower beds, weeding, mowing, sweeping, apply stain to deck flooring. Indoor: wash windows, vacuum, sweep, hang venetian blinds in selected windows.

Friend Judy S says we are out of visitor packets, someone needs to make up some more.

Judy W will review guestbook for past year and will follow up with anyone who is new, from now ahead of the fall gathering and thru November 1.

TABLED FOR NOW – Ann, Judy W and Catherine T met on spiritual growth group idea, not a women’s group, to be advertised in Thursday section of DP, meet twice a month at 9:45-10:45 – needs more talk.

TABLED FOR NOW Baltimore Yearly Meeting report and discussion of apportionment

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FY 2011 budget – CT says we are on track, with year-to-date $5195, goal is $7000, need additional $1800 by end of the year.

STATEWIDE FALL GATHERING October 8-9
Theme: QUAKERISM AND THE PLANET: Environmental Crises

SEE SEPARATE ANNOUNCEMENT (IN NEAR FUTURE) FOR SCHEDULE AND FURTHER DETAILS

Discussion: A friend mentions interest in presentation from Larry Schwab, on his Vietnam experience as conscientious objector; others around the state may not have had a chance to know Larry, who has been a longtime regular attender. A friend mentions reading Woolman, who traveled widely to address the savagery of slavery among quakers; this friend would like our fall gathering to address savagery of environmental destruction and abuse, especially hydrofracking and Marcellus Shale. A friend mentions George Lakey and mountaintop removal mining, and the possible action addressing bank involvement.

MINUTE: meeting agrees to accept suggestion of Friend John to invite Campbell Plowden to present a keynote plenary on Saturday morning, and a substantive workshop on environmental issues in the afternoon. Credentials of Friend Campbell are given in separate announcement to be disseminated shortly.

LODGING: Judy S counts about 20 beds available in various homes and at the meetinghouse, more can be found and there is room for camping on the meetinghouse grounds.

MEALS: Friends are asked to bring a contribution for potluck lunch on Saturday, other meals will be provided by Monongalia Friends.

A LOCAL HIKE AND HI-LITE on Saturday, October 9, will be a walk to Monongalia Arts Center to view a show, “Homage to Dunkard Creek” organized by friend Ann, featuring artists’ depictions of some of the many species lost in a chemical spill in September, 2009. See http://web.me.com/paynestake/Homage_to_Dunkard_Creek/Welcome.html

Meeting closed with silence.

John Lozier, Recording Clerk, Monongalia Friends Meeting, 304 276 5141

June 19, 2011 Minutes, Monongalia Friends Meeting for Worship for Business

(.pdf here Minutes MFM 6-19-2011 )

PRESENT: Ann P, Catherine T, Judy S, Jim Sy, John L

ANNOUNCEMENTS

June 26, SPECIAL AFTER-MEETING DISCUSSION – A quakerly response to Marcellus gas drilling issues.
July 3 – 9 Friends General Conference, Grinnell, Iowa
July 24, Elizabeth Meyer, clerk of BYM, visits Monongalia Friends. POTLUCK AFTER MEETING
August 1-7 Baltimore Yearly Meeting, Frostburg, Maryland. Link: http://www.bym-rsf.org/quakers/2010fall.shtml
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 9 AM, at BYM in Frostburg, Monongalia Friends Meeting is introduced and welcomed in FROSTBURG, MD

Opened with silence. Previous minutes approved.

AGENDA: apportionment report to BYM; scheduled welcome of MFM at BYM; visit of Elizabeth Meyer; confidential emergency form; quakerly response to Marcellus gas drilling controversies;

BYM APPORTIONMENT REPORT. BYM did not assess us for 2011, will begin assessing in 2012. Judy S and Jim Sy drew up a report to BYM for purposes of the 2012 assessment. MINUTE: as a free will offering, MFM will contribute $200 to BYM for 2011 contribution.

SCHEDULED WELCOME OF MFM to BYM is set for business meeting in Frostburg, 9-10 AM Thursday, Aug 4. All encouraged to attend (planning to attend are Judy S, Grace, Ed D., Catherine T, Kitty, John, Jim Si , Jim Sy).

ELIZABETH MEYER, clerk of BYM, plans to visit us on July 24, will stay night of 7/23 with Catherine T and Jim S. In addition to friendly visit, she wants FEEDBACK on draft visioning statement of BYM.

CONFIDENTIAL EMERGENCY FORM developed by Friends Meeting of Washington DC. Intended to provide guidance to meeting in event of incapacity or death of a member. Would our meeting be interested in such a form? Copies available on request.

QUAKERLY RESPONSE TO MARCELLUS SHALE CONTROVERSIES. The community is divided, perhaps polarized, for and against Marcellus shale gas drilling. MINUTE: In view of local and international controversy concerning gas drilling, Monongalia Friends will meet to discern and formulate a quaker testimony concerning frack drilling. PLEASE BRING YOUR IDEAS. Is there an emerging consensus in wider quaker community? BYM?

VIDEO SCREENINGS – The meetinghouse has provided a venue for community screening of documentary videos. In recent weeks we have established he practice of showing videos on Wednesday evenings, related to Marcellus Shale drilling. This practice will continue as long as it seems to produce further community involvement and action. A future meeting will consider resumption, in the fall, of monthly showings of various documentaries. Minute: The wall will be painted with a suitable paint to serve as a screen.

MINUTE: Rick Wilson visit – If Monongalia Concerned Citizens Committee (MCCC) wishes, Monongalia Friends will co-sponsor a visit and strategy session with Rick Wilson, representing WV AFSC.

REMINDER – Our meeting subscribes to Friends Journal, you can find it at the meetinghouse or subscribe at home, here is a link: http://www.friendsjournal.org/

REMINDER: Monongalia Friends do not solicit donations, but please consider your commitment to the meeting in relation to the 2011 budget summarized above, and attached here. Voluntary donations may be left in the box at the meetinghouse or sent to the post office box.

Meeting closed with silence.

May 15, 2011, Minutes, Monongalia Friends Meeting for Worship for Business

Present: Jim Syphers, Ann Payne, Catherine Tall, John Lozier.

MAY 18, 10 AM – NOON, courthouse square, RALLY concern for MARCELLUS SHALE drilling near Morgantown.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 10 AM – NOON – URGENT CONCERN – MARCELLUS SHALE RALLY AT MONONGALIA COURTHOUSE SQUARE

MAY 21, 9 AM till ? Spring WORK DAY at meetinghouse, inside and out (see notes below)
JULY 3 – 9 Friends General Conference, Grinnell, Iowa
AUGUST 1-7 Baltimore Yearly Meeting, Frostburg, Maryland. Link: http://www.bym-rsf.org/quakers/2010fall.shtml

AGENDA: 2011 budget / treasurer’s report; MARCELLUS SHALE rally; meetinghouse work day; outreach; second hour discussions; Baltimore Yearly Meeting.

Opened with silence.

2011 BUDGET Catherine T. presented draft budget for 2011 based on subcommittee meeting. Adopted as amended, attached. In summary, a $7000 income goal is set for the year. Projected expenses include $1000 donations to local and quaker organizations. Budget also calls for adding $1000 to savings this year.

MARCELLUS SHALE urgent concern. Rally 10 AM – NOON on Wednesday May 18, at courthouse square. (see announcements). MINUTE: In keeping with concern for peaceful assembly of citizens concerned about Marcellus Shale drilling near Morgantown, Monongalia Friends Meeting will be a co-sponsor with an ad hoc group of citizens, serving as the organization applying for city rally permit. ADDITIONAL TIMELY INFORMATION will be forwarded. Key contacts: Catherine T, Jim Siekmeier, Ann Payne.

MEETINGHOUSE WORK DAY Saturday, May 21, starting 9 AM. Please all hands on deck, bring gloves and tools. Outside: mow, weed, spread mulch, prune, sweep gravel from lot, etc. Inside: clean, wash windows, organize, etc.

OUTREACH CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS to form sub-committee to review advertising strategy and spending budget of $600, for outreach in 2011. Considering alternatives to print media (website, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Contact ANN PAYNE.

SECOND HOUR DISCUSSIONS For the summer months, there will be no pre-assigned topics, but discussions will occur as desired by attenders. A regular program starting in the fall can be part of continuing outreach.

BALTIMORE YEARLY MEETING Annual meeting August 1 – 7 in Frostburg, MD. This will be our inaugural meeting, we hope for a good turnout from Monongalia Friends. BYM is offering FREE REGISTRATION for three FIRST-TIME ATTENDERS from our meeting. Please EXAMINE THE SCHEDULE and communicate with other friends, so that we may perhaps travel and attend together and be there as a group for inauguration. SEE LINK IN ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOVE.

REMINDER – Our meeting subscribes to Friends Journal, you can find it at the meetinghouse or subscribe at home, here is a link: http://www.friendsjournal.org/

REMINDER: Monongalia Friends do not solicit donations, but please consider your commitment to the meeting in relation to the 2011 budget summarized above, and attached here. Voluntary donations may be left in the box at the meetinghouse or sent to the post office box.

Meeting closed with silence.

John Lozier, Recording Clerk, Monongalia Friends Meeting, 304 276 51

April 17, 2011, Minutes, Monongalia Friends Meeting for Worship for Business

Present: Jim Syphers, Judy Seaman, Judy Wilkinson, Ann Payne, Catherine Tall, John Lozier.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MAY 8, DISCUSSION after meeting, queries 5-8 (community, integrity, listening, meeting for business), pp. 52-73 in BYM Faith and Practice
MAY 13, 6 PM, Budget committee for 2011, at meetinghouse
AUGUST 1-7 Baltimore Yearly Meeting, Frostburg, Maryland. Link: http://www.bym-rsf.org/quakers/2010fall.shtml

Opened with silence. A query was read, regarding practice of meeting for worship for business. A friend tells of large business meeting that was somewhat contentious, went to silence at least three times. Going to silence is very helpful. A friend notes relatively big turnout at this meeting (6), auspicious for our meeting. A friend notes appreciating silences between business meeting comments, speaking clearly just once. Previous minutes approved (March).

Agenda: treasurer report; second hour at meeting; film series; building and grounds; contact list and outreach; Baltimore Yearly Meeting.

Treasurer report. Treasurer presented actual 2010 report and proposed 2011 budget. After considerable discussion, 2011 budget revisions are referred to a committee (Jim, Catherine, John, Ann). In general budget discussion, friends suggested getting utilities on budget plans; publicizing the budget and encouraging friends to establish a quarterly amount they can commit to support of meeting. Issue: how much should we keep in savings? Currently $5700, is that enough, or too much? Should there be budgets for first day school, adult ed, library, etc.? MINUTE: budget committee to be scheduled (see above), anyone welcome to participate.

Second hour. Jim has been to all of them attendance has been thin. Next event May 8, queries 5-8. MINUTE: Meeting will revisit second hour plan at May MFWFB.

Film series. Thinking about about next year, meeting will consider how many films, topics, dates, times, and titles. A friend suggested attracting families with children, with family or parenting subjects. Meeting may want to obtain some equipment of our own, perhaps donations from friends. Useful items would include laptop computer, speakers, projector, screen, dvd player. Big thanks to folks who helped.

Building and Grounds. Friends are asked to undertake seasonal work as they see a need, and inform recording clerk. We are exempt from taxes, but a friend suggested budgeting for building and grounds an amount that would normally go for taxes.

Contact list and outreach. Friends express concern for outreach to families with children, focus on parenting. Recording clerk will post old contact lists on clipboard at meetinghouse, for a period of editorial review and revision by attending friends. In the course of time, friends will call or otherwise canvass other friends who have not been seen recently.

Baltimore Yearly Meeting. This is our first year with BYM, friends are encouraged to consider attending annual meeting August 1-7 in Frostburg, MD. BYM has tradition of collecting a quilt square from each member meeting. Jim will investigate details, share information with Ann and with Judy S to design a quilt square. MINUTE: Ann and Judy S will meet by early June to design and create a quilt square in time for August BYM meeting.

REMINDER: Monongalia Friends do not solicit donations. Voluntary donations may be left in the box at the meetinghouse or sent to the post office box.

John Lozier, Recording Clerk, Monongalia Friends Meeting, 304 276 51

March 20, 2011, Minutes, Monongalia Friends Meeting for Worship for Business

Present: John Lozier, Kitty Lozier, Jim Syphers. Opened with silence. Previous minutes approved, from January. There was no meeting in February.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MARCH 27, after meeting, discussion of pp. 25-32, “Listening,” “Meeting for Worship,” and “Vocal Ministry” in BYM Faith and Practice. As preparation, facilitator Ann Payne ALSO suggests another resource online at http://www.pym.org/node/1114 .

April 3, Potluck after meeting
April 10, DISCUSSION after meeting, first four queries (caring, children, education, equality), pp32-51 in BYM Faith and Practice
April 10, 5 PM, Film Series, BONHOEFFER
April 17, DISCUSSION after meeting, queries 5-8 (community, integrity, listening, meeting for business), pp. 52-73 in BYM Faith and Practice

AGENDA: 1) treasury issues including past due charity contributions; 2) contact list and outreach; 3) film series update

MINUTE: Meeting thanks Judy Arango for her past service as Treasurer.

1) Treasury issues

Friends should know that meeting income has not met regular current expenses during the past year.

Acting temporarily, Catherine Tall provided a good report showing after careful review that in 2010 meeting expenses exceeded income by a considerable margin. Meeting took in $3546.00 and expended $5606.29. The gap appears to be largely closed when only “regular” expenses are considered, after deducting about $1500-$2000 in one-time expenses involved in the purchase and improvement of the meetinghouse. However, a considerable gap remains because more than $1000 in committed charitable donations were not made in 2010.

MINUTE: Treasurer will make charitable contributions for 2010, to recipients and in dollars as listed here:

Local Charities: Bartlett House, $100; Christian Help, $100; Morgantown Health Right, $100; Monongalia County Community Kitchen, $100; Morgantown Rape and Domestic Violence Center, $100. Quaker organizations: AFSC, $150; FCNL, $150; FGC, $100; FWCC, $75; Pendle Hill, $45.
MINUTE: Treasurer will make payment of $1200 to Lake Erie Yearly Meeting, as decided at a previous meeting. This is a final contribution, as meeting has switched annual meeting membership to Baltimore Yearly.

MINUTE: TREASURER APPOINTMENT: With this minute, Catherine Tall is appointed as Treasurer. Henceforth, the following members shall be authorized to write checks and conduct banking business: Treasurer, Catherine Tall; Recording Clerk, John Lozier; Clerk, Jim Syphers. Any single signature shall be sufficient. John Lozier is currently signatory, and the other two will present themselves to sign at the appropriate branch, customarily at South University Centra.

2) Contact list and outreach

Clerk and recording clerk have a lengthy list of contacts who have attended regularly or occasionally over many years. Meeting discussed need for outreach process and updating of contact list.

MINUTE: Clerk and recording clerk will produce the provisional list of contacts, to be posted at the meetinghouse in the coming weeks. Members and attenders are asked to review the list and provide any available information they may have about these persons. In weeks ahead, volunteers are invited to assist in a “canvass” of current and past members and attenders, and to produce a current contact directory.

3) Film series update

FILM SERIES has been successful in bringing new people to the meetinghouse. An estimated total of 75 or more have attended during the course of the first 5 movies. An additional movie was sponsored by a student group, Democracy Matters. The final movie of the series is set for April (see announcement above).

Meeting closed with silence.

REMINDER: Monongalia Friends do not solicit donations. Voluntary donations may be left in the box at the meetinghouse or sent to the post office box.

John Lozier, Recording Clerk, Monongalia Friends Meeting, 304 276 51