Adult Religious Education Committee Report, March 2013
1. Cossy and Kelly met March 27th.
2. We planned the April 7th presentation on Vocal Ministry (6 people attended).
3. We also discussed upcoming First First days. We feel we are responsible for one more ARE event this OPFM year (July-June). After discussion we decided having a day when we collectively do a labyrinth walk would be good idea. But when? May 5, June 2, July 7, and August 4 are upcoming First Days. Cossy is unavailable May 5. Kelly will be unavailable June 2 and August 4.
4. We’d like to schedule a field trip to the labyrinth at outside the Garfield Park conservatory for Sunday July 7th, if Bus Mtg agrees.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 North Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624-1996
Free Introductory Tours: Every Sunday at 2pm, our guides lead free tours of Garfield Park Conservatory. Registration is first come, first serve starting at 1pm the day of the tour. A sign-up sheet will be located at the front desk for in-person sign-ups; we are unable to accept advance registraht tion for these tours. The tour includes a 45-minute walk around the campus.
Themed Conservatory Tours: Our themed tours focus on Plants and History, Tropical Treats, Behind-the-Scenes and other unique topics. These private tours cost $144 for up to 12 people and are scheduled upon request with at least two week’s notice. Contact Mattie Wilson for more information and to schedule a tour at [email protected] or 773-638-1766 x26.
Groups of 10 or more must pre-register for their Conservatory visit at least one week in advance by calling 773-638-1766 ext. 25.
City Garden
Open Every Day of the Year
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory South
Cost: Free
A dramatic new garden is now taking shape on the land just west of the conservatory. Chicago’s newest public garden will integrate city through and through. Urban hardy plantings, garden “communities” that meld easily one to the next, recycled bits of cityscape….this will be a garden like no other.
Demonstration Garden
May 1 - November 1
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory West
Cost: Free
Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory and explore our Demonstration Garden, a beautiful city-lot-sized working garden, to learn about community and organic gardening in Chicago. Theme areas inside demonstrate urban agriculture, beekeeping, composting and other techniques used to grow food, community and beauty in city spaces.
Monet Garden
May 1 - November 1
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory East
Cost: Free
The Monet Garden is an adaptation of impressionist painter Claude Monet’s well known garden at Giverney, France. Originally created as an indoor display for the 2000 Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier, the award-winning garden was subsequently transplanted to the conservatory grounds at the close of the show.
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Adult Religious Education Report, May 2011, by Judy Erickson
Our final program for this academic year (Friends: A People Disciplined To Follow? by Jane Orion Smith) was presented on 5/1/11. Because there were not enough copies of the pamphlet (due to Quakerbooks not having a sufficient supply), I wrote a summary which we read. Using queries from the pamphlet, we had an interesting discussion. I'd like to remind all that our Meeting owns several copies of this pamphlet, which can be borrowed and read anytime.
The Quakerism 101 group is nearly finished with the Q101 units. When there are about 4 newcomers with an interest in making the commitment, we can offer the sessions again.
The Spiritual Support Group met on 5/1/11. They are taking the summer off.
I want to express deep appreciation to Ann Chase, who helped me in selecting and presenting programs during my term as Adult Religious Education Coordinator. As my mentor and elder she provided faithful, spiritually grounded support and guidance, and our series was much enhanced by her many contributions. I am also very grateful to Helen Dickinson and Denise Jacob for their faithful commitments and generous contributions to Quakerism 101 and the Spiritual Support Group. Thanks, Friends!
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Adult Religious Education Report, 4/10/11, by Judy Erickson
On April 3 Adrian Fisher gave us some excellent reasons for helping our lawns to make peace with the earth. She brought some compost and a sieve to talk about how to make our own natural fertilizer, and gave us many great ideas for creating polyculture lawns.
Our final program for this academic year will be a discussion of the short pamphlet (22 pgs.) Friends: A People Disciplined To Follow? by Jane Orion Smith (Canadian Quaker Pamphlet Series No. 57, Argenta Friends Press, Argenta, B.C., February 2003). Please read it before our May 1st session. You may purchase your own copy from Quakerbooks (the FGC Bookstore) or you may borrow one of the 2-3 copies that are in circulation.
Quakerism 101: no report
Spiritual Support Group: The group continues to meet. If you would like to help form a new group, please talk with Helen, Pam, Sarah or Sue.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 3/13/2011, by Judy Erickson
On March 6 Kelly Maynard read a letter she's been writing (for months) on torture and the Guantanamo Bay detention center. We learned that the situation frequently changes, with changes in numbers of inmates and types of treatment, and administrative and political changes. She has been checking facts and trying to keep up with the changes, and would like to bring the letter to a business meeting for action. We had a time for questions and a time for worship sharing. Due to the difficulties and to the deeply felt nature of her concern, it was suggested that she has a leading that needs to be explored. Two people offered to continue to meet with her to provide loving support.
Adrian Fisher will present a program on April 3rd about good environmental stewardship in the suburbs: polyculture lawns!
Our final program for this academic year, on May 1st, will be a discussion of the short pamphlet (22 pgs.) Friends: A People Disciplined To Follow? by Jane Orion Smith (Canadian Quaker Pamphlet Series No. 57, Argenta Friends Press, Argenta, B.C., February 2003). It is about leadings; please read it before our May 1st session. You may purchase your own copy from Quakerbooks (the FGC Bookstore) or you may borrow one of the 5-6 copies we will have available.
I regret that, through my tardiness, I did not request reports about Quakerism 101 nor from the Spiritual Support Group in time to include them in this report.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 2/20/2011, by Judy Erickson
Our February 6th program, led by Ann Chase, was about spiritual journaling. After a short introduction, Ann gave us some queries to get us started in creating our own journal entries. On March 6th Kelly M. will present a draft letter she's been working on for the Peace & Justice Committee regarding the Guantanamo Bay detainees and the subject of torture. In April or May we will discuss Friends: A People Disciplined to Follow? By Jane Orion Smith (Canadian Quaker Pamphlet Series No. 57). This is a wonderful little (22 pages) pamphlet on the topic of spiritual leadings. We will soon have 5-6 copies to circulate; we encourage all to read it.
The next session of Quakerism 101 will happen on March 6th (time and location to be announced).
There is no report from the Spiritual Support Group.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 1/9/2011, Judy Erickson
On Jan. 2nd I presented a program on the peacemaker's work of conflict resolution and community building. After a short introduction we tried two exercises, one for pairs of people and one for larger groups. After the exercises we discussed them. For our library I have purchased two of the books that I found most helpful, The Little Book of Cool Tools for Hot Topics and The Little Book of Circle Processes. They are both quick reads written by professional mediators, and provide a deeper understanding of this work. I included them on a brief bibliography on the Adult Education page of our website.
Please note that I have a collection of these Little Books (from a Mennonite publisher) on various related topics such as restorative justice and family group conferences, and plan to give most of them to our library.
For our library I have also purchased the book we used earlier this year, Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices. Many people have expressed interest in this book; it is now on our shelves and may be borrowed.
These three books don't yet have library numbers or stickers on them, but I wrote "Oak Park Friends Meeting" in each which I hope will serve the purpose until they get logged in properly. Please remember to note your OPFM library borrowings (both "out" and "in") on the clipboard, which is also on our library shelves. There is no time limit on borrowing books, but please bring them in when you are done so someone else may read them.
Although Ann and I have some ideas, and others have passed along some good ideas as well, we have not yet planned the February program.
A fifth session of Quakerism 101 will be scheduled, probably in February.
The Spiritual Support Group continues to meet.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 12/12/2010, Judy Erickson
On December 5th Ann Chase presented "A Quaker Haiku" by Kathleen Burckhardt in Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices. After a brief, very helpful introduction to the haiku form of poetry, Ann asked us to write our own haikus using the following queries.
Where do your thoughts lead you as you settle into meeting for worship?
What images come to you as you consider your own spirituality?
How might you organize those thoughts and images into a three-line haiku?
Within a half hour, we found to our surprise that each of us produced from two to four haikus! We agreed to share our poems with you, dear friends, in an upcoming newsletter. All are invited to experiment with this simple form of self expression; Ann's introduction and queries are on our website. If you feel led to share your work, please do. We would love to hear or read it!
Thanks to Wil for hosting a movie night on Dec. 12th: Countdown to Zero, a movie about nuclear war and our preparations for it.
Our January program will focus on the peacemaker's work of conflict resolution and community building. This work has a long history and wide spectrum of applications, and it relates to all of our Quaker testimonies. A very short list of situations that may benefit from such skills includes interpersonal conversations, Meeting work, interfaith dialogue, and social activism. After a short introduction, we will try out some simple exercises.
Ann and I are still considering programming possibilities for February through May, and welcome any suggestions.
Quakerism 101 did not meet in November after all. Denise will set a new date for January or February, depending on when the members are available.
Spiritual Support Group: No report.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 11/14/10, by Judy Erickson
A hearty welcome back to Ann Chase, my partner in selecting programs who has been at her summer home until recently. It's great to have you back, Ann!
On 11/7 we presented a program centered on an essay from Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices (A Project of Quakers Uniting in Publications/QUIP, Quaker Press of FGC, Philadelphia, PA, 2010). Spirit Rising is an inspiring and thought-provoking compilation of essays, poems, and artwork by young adult Friends around the world. We did worship sharing around "I Think I Have a Crush on Jesus" by Stephanie Speicher. Our queries explored our childhood experiences of spirituality and how our spiritual journeys have evolved.
On 11/8 we had a movie night at Wil's to see "God in America, Part 3: A Nation Reborn," a PBS series about the history of America as a Christian nation and/or a diverse religious nation. Thanks, Wil, for your warm hospitality, delicious lasagna, and thought-provoking video.
On 12/5 Ann will lead us in exploring and creating haikus (a 3-line Japanese poetic form). Our source of inspiration is "Quaker Haiku" by Kathleen Burckhardt, also in Spirit Rising (cited above).
In January we plan to look at how we act, play, and be with children: can we remember being children, and what that was like? We're keeping February open in case we have a visit from Paul Buckley, ILYM Field Secretary; we may request switching our usual date with the date for business meeting to accommodate Paul's schedule. In March we are considering presenting a program on healing circles. April and May are still open to the leadings of the Spirit.
Quakerism 101 will meet at Denise's on Sunday, 11/21 after potluck at OPAL.
There is no report from the Spiritual Support Group this month.
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ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, 10/10/10, Judy Erickson
On 10/3/10 we enjoyed a presentation by Adrian Fisher on the subject of Friendly Gardening. She began with a quote from Sand County Almanac (Aldo Leopold; you can find it on her blog), then we did a fun exercise: we each wrote or drew on paper something about our personal relationship to the land where we live. The diversity of answers was rich and led to a fun and thoughtful discussion. Thanks, Adrian, for inspiring us to think about "our" land in different ways. I left feeling my relationship with "my" land grew a deeper root.
I'm excited to announce that Ann Chase will be back with us for our next Adult Ed program. We will read and discuss an excerpt from the new FGC book written by Young Adult Friends, Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices. Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed on Saturday, 11/6! If you are like me, you may need to write it on your calendar so you won't forget.
Quakerism 101: Next meeting is supposed to be Nov. 21, at Denise's home, after potluck. Materials were sent out.
The Spiritual Support Group continues to meet.
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Adult Religious Education Report, Judy Erickson, Sept. 12, 2010
Four people attended the Sept. 5 program on Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business. We received a handout with bibliography, read the six excerpts, did worship sharing with six queries, and held each step of our business process in the Light. As of Wednesday, 9/8, I was not ready to announce the October program. All comments and suggestions are most welcome. Ann Chase plans to return to Oak Park in early October; I'm looking forward to her return and her assistance.
The Quakerism 101 group met outdoors for their discussion August 22, 2010 from noon to 2 pm in Pleasant Home Park over a lovely picnic in the grass. The next meeting, No. 5 on “Living in the Light” will be held at 11:30 am on October 24, probably at Buzz Café unless the weather is favorable.
The Spiritual Support Group continues to meet.
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Adult Religious Education, 8/8/10, by Judy Erickson
Five people came to the discussion of Godless for God's Sake: Nontheism in Contemporary Quakerism. We had a great discussion, led by Debra S. We read selected excerpts from the book and one from the NontheistFriends.org website because the book was difficult to acquire. We also considered some related worship-sharing queries.
For the inauguration of the new "academic" year, our Sept. 5th program will be about Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business. It will include a period of holding our Meeting in the Light.
At ILYM I bought a copy of Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices with a view toward using it in Adult RE this coming year (with help from Ann C.). Adrian F. also has some great ideas about doing a couple workshops on the subject of gardening and climate change, possibly in conjunction with the Global Work Party Day (10/10/10) of the 350 organization. Wil suggested a movie night in February to watch a TV documentary on African Americans in Chicago. Helen and Kelly are helping me review peacebuilding/conflict resolution materials, to help us learn about these programs and techniques and how they may apply to our own lives. I'm excited about doing more collaborative programming, and encourage all to consider and let me know what programs, movies, etc. you would like to see with others in our Meeting community!
The next Quakerism 101 session will get together after Meeting for Worship on Sunday, August 22 at 11:30, at a park if it isn't raining or at Buzz Cafe if it is. Denise will announce the location after Worship.
The Spiritual Support Group continues to meet. Contact Helen D. for more information.
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Adult Religious Education Report, July 11, 2010, by Judy Erickson
Debra will lead a discussion of Godless for God's Sake: Nontheism in Contemporary Quakerism this Thursday, July 15th at my home (4:30-6:30). Because not many copies of the book have been available, we will read excerpts from the book and one from a related website (NontheistFriends.org). Discussion will follow the readings. Snacks, fruit, iced tea and water will be served. Feel free to bring other goodies or beverages to share. All are welcome! Please contact Wil or me if you need to know where I live.
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ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, May 9, 2010, by Judy Erickson
The First Sunday sessions for this fiscal year have ended. Attendance at these sessions varied from about 5 to 10 people. Please give Ann Chase or me any comments/suggestions you have about this year's programming. Don't hesitate; you won't hurt our feelings. We REALLY want to know what worked and what didn't. If Ann and I are going to do Adult RE next year, your feedback over the next month will be very helpful and will influence what next year's programming will look like. You can call, email, use the feedback form on our website, or talk to me in person. (Ann is now at her summer home in Michigan but checks her email several times/week.) THANKS! And a BIG THANKS to all who participated in the programs this year!
I am planning a summer book discussion of Godless for God's Sake: Nontheism in Contemporary Quakerism. It contains 10 essays and 19 short accounts of spiritual journeys. I plan to schedule a session sometime in June; preferably on a weekday or week night (Monday through Thursday). Please contact me if you want to attend so I can schedule it for a time when you can come. I'll schedule one session and then the group can figure out any future sessions.
QUAKERISM 101 Part 3 will take place at 7 pm on May 14 at Patricia McMillen's home. Denise will be happy to email the Q101 reading/text to anyone interested, as she made a .pdf of it. People can call her at 708-699-1154 to give her their email addresses if they want to join. Copies were handed out a month ago to those who are already involved. The group hasn't discussed what to do over the summer.
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT GROUP The group continues to meet. No decision has been made yet about meeting during the summer months.
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Adult Religious Education, April 11, 2010
by Judy Erickson, Adult RE Coordinator
The second session of Quakerism 101 took place on 3/26. The next session is scheduled for 7:00 pm, April 14 at the home of Patricia McMillen. The group remains open to anyone who wishes to attend. Please see Denise if you are interested in attending and she will give you the readings for the next session.
On April 4th Ann Chase and I presented the first of two programs based on Holding One Another in the Light, Marcelle Martin, Pendle Hill Pamphlet #382. We read some short excerpts, then did worship sharing using queries written by Ann. On May 2 we will hold our Meeting in the light, using the format described in the pamphlet. All are welcome to join us, regardless of whether you joined us on April 4. Copies of this pamphlet are available in our Meeting library, or you may purchase your own copy for $6.50 from Quakerbooks.
The Spiritual Support group continues to meet.
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Presented on March 14, 2010:
Adult Religious Education: The April and May programs will focus on Pendle Hill Pamphlet #382, "Holding One Another in the Light" by Marcelle Martin. All are encouraged to participate in these sessions. A suggestion was made to add “adult religious education” to weekly sign-up sheet for someone to lead adult religious education or worship sharing.
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REPORT by Judith Erickson
Recent events included the first meeting (on 2/26) of Quakerism 101, organized by Denise Jacob. On 3/7 Adrian Fisher led us in worship sharing with 3 queries. These queries, using quotations from the 2002 Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Faith & Practice, led us to reflect on our spiritual relationship with and concern for the earth. I am very grateful to Denise, to Adrian, and to Marti Matthews for preparing the 2/15 movie night (which evidently was not a good night for people) for their contributions.
The second meeting of Quakerism 101 is scheduled for 3/26 at the home of Denise Jacob.
The April and May Adult RE programs both center on one Pendle Hill pamphlet: "Holding One Another in the Light" by Marcelle Martin. Ann Chase is helping me design these programs. On 4/4 we will read and discuss excepts from the pamphlet. On 5/2 we are planning to hold a Meeting for Healing. If you have a library copy of this pamphlet, please finish reading it and return it so others may do so before 4/4.
The Spiritual Support group has reconvened; it is meeting on 3/14 to discuss some essays.
My term of service will expire at the end of May, so I have not planned any other programs. I encourage any attender or member to consider whether you feel led to create Adult RE programs next year. If so, please communicate your interest in this to Wil for consideration by the Nominating Committee.
1. Cossy and Kelly met March 27th.
2. We planned the April 7th presentation on Vocal Ministry (6 people attended).
3. We also discussed upcoming First First days. We feel we are responsible for one more ARE event this OPFM year (July-June). After discussion we decided having a day when we collectively do a labyrinth walk would be good idea. But when? May 5, June 2, July 7, and August 4 are upcoming First Days. Cossy is unavailable May 5. Kelly will be unavailable June 2 and August 4.
4. We’d like to schedule a field trip to the labyrinth at outside the Garfield Park conservatory for Sunday July 7th, if Bus Mtg agrees.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 North Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624-1996
Free Introductory Tours: Every Sunday at 2pm, our guides lead free tours of Garfield Park Conservatory. Registration is first come, first serve starting at 1pm the day of the tour. A sign-up sheet will be located at the front desk for in-person sign-ups; we are unable to accept advance registraht tion for these tours. The tour includes a 45-minute walk around the campus.
Themed Conservatory Tours: Our themed tours focus on Plants and History, Tropical Treats, Behind-the-Scenes and other unique topics. These private tours cost $144 for up to 12 people and are scheduled upon request with at least two week’s notice. Contact Mattie Wilson for more information and to schedule a tour at [email protected] or 773-638-1766 x26.
Groups of 10 or more must pre-register for their Conservatory visit at least one week in advance by calling 773-638-1766 ext. 25.
City Garden
Open Every Day of the Year
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory South
Cost: Free
A dramatic new garden is now taking shape on the land just west of the conservatory. Chicago’s newest public garden will integrate city through and through. Urban hardy plantings, garden “communities” that meld easily one to the next, recycled bits of cityscape….this will be a garden like no other.
Demonstration Garden
May 1 - November 1
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory West
Cost: Free
Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory and explore our Demonstration Garden, a beautiful city-lot-sized working garden, to learn about community and organic gardening in Chicago. Theme areas inside demonstrate urban agriculture, beekeeping, composting and other techniques used to grow food, community and beauty in city spaces.
Monet Garden
May 1 - November 1
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory East
Cost: Free
The Monet Garden is an adaptation of impressionist painter Claude Monet’s well known garden at Giverney, France. Originally created as an indoor display for the 2000 Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier, the award-winning garden was subsequently transplanted to the conservatory grounds at the close of the show.
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Adult Religious Education Report, May 2011, by Judy Erickson
Our final program for this academic year (Friends: A People Disciplined To Follow? by Jane Orion Smith) was presented on 5/1/11. Because there were not enough copies of the pamphlet (due to Quakerbooks not having a sufficient supply), I wrote a summary which we read. Using queries from the pamphlet, we had an interesting discussion. I'd like to remind all that our Meeting owns several copies of this pamphlet, which can be borrowed and read anytime.
The Quakerism 101 group is nearly finished with the Q101 units. When there are about 4 newcomers with an interest in making the commitment, we can offer the sessions again.
The Spiritual Support Group met on 5/1/11. They are taking the summer off.
I want to express deep appreciation to Ann Chase, who helped me in selecting and presenting programs during my term as Adult Religious Education Coordinator. As my mentor and elder she provided faithful, spiritually grounded support and guidance, and our series was much enhanced by her many contributions. I am also very grateful to Helen Dickinson and Denise Jacob for their faithful commitments and generous contributions to Quakerism 101 and the Spiritual Support Group. Thanks, Friends!
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Adult Religious Education Report, 4/10/11, by Judy Erickson
On April 3 Adrian Fisher gave us some excellent reasons for helping our lawns to make peace with the earth. She brought some compost and a sieve to talk about how to make our own natural fertilizer, and gave us many great ideas for creating polyculture lawns.
Our final program for this academic year will be a discussion of the short pamphlet (22 pgs.) Friends: A People Disciplined To Follow? by Jane Orion Smith (Canadian Quaker Pamphlet Series No. 57, Argenta Friends Press, Argenta, B.C., February 2003). Please read it before our May 1st session. You may purchase your own copy from Quakerbooks (the FGC Bookstore) or you may borrow one of the 2-3 copies that are in circulation.
Quakerism 101: no report
Spiritual Support Group: The group continues to meet. If you would like to help form a new group, please talk with Helen, Pam, Sarah or Sue.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 3/13/2011, by Judy Erickson
On March 6 Kelly Maynard read a letter she's been writing (for months) on torture and the Guantanamo Bay detention center. We learned that the situation frequently changes, with changes in numbers of inmates and types of treatment, and administrative and political changes. She has been checking facts and trying to keep up with the changes, and would like to bring the letter to a business meeting for action. We had a time for questions and a time for worship sharing. Due to the difficulties and to the deeply felt nature of her concern, it was suggested that she has a leading that needs to be explored. Two people offered to continue to meet with her to provide loving support.
Adrian Fisher will present a program on April 3rd about good environmental stewardship in the suburbs: polyculture lawns!
Our final program for this academic year, on May 1st, will be a discussion of the short pamphlet (22 pgs.) Friends: A People Disciplined To Follow? by Jane Orion Smith (Canadian Quaker Pamphlet Series No. 57, Argenta Friends Press, Argenta, B.C., February 2003). It is about leadings; please read it before our May 1st session. You may purchase your own copy from Quakerbooks (the FGC Bookstore) or you may borrow one of the 5-6 copies we will have available.
I regret that, through my tardiness, I did not request reports about Quakerism 101 nor from the Spiritual Support Group in time to include them in this report.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 2/20/2011, by Judy Erickson
Our February 6th program, led by Ann Chase, was about spiritual journaling. After a short introduction, Ann gave us some queries to get us started in creating our own journal entries. On March 6th Kelly M. will present a draft letter she's been working on for the Peace & Justice Committee regarding the Guantanamo Bay detainees and the subject of torture. In April or May we will discuss Friends: A People Disciplined to Follow? By Jane Orion Smith (Canadian Quaker Pamphlet Series No. 57). This is a wonderful little (22 pages) pamphlet on the topic of spiritual leadings. We will soon have 5-6 copies to circulate; we encourage all to read it.
The next session of Quakerism 101 will happen on March 6th (time and location to be announced).
There is no report from the Spiritual Support Group.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 1/9/2011, Judy Erickson
On Jan. 2nd I presented a program on the peacemaker's work of conflict resolution and community building. After a short introduction we tried two exercises, one for pairs of people and one for larger groups. After the exercises we discussed them. For our library I have purchased two of the books that I found most helpful, The Little Book of Cool Tools for Hot Topics and The Little Book of Circle Processes. They are both quick reads written by professional mediators, and provide a deeper understanding of this work. I included them on a brief bibliography on the Adult Education page of our website.
Please note that I have a collection of these Little Books (from a Mennonite publisher) on various related topics such as restorative justice and family group conferences, and plan to give most of them to our library.
For our library I have also purchased the book we used earlier this year, Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices. Many people have expressed interest in this book; it is now on our shelves and may be borrowed.
These three books don't yet have library numbers or stickers on them, but I wrote "Oak Park Friends Meeting" in each which I hope will serve the purpose until they get logged in properly. Please remember to note your OPFM library borrowings (both "out" and "in") on the clipboard, which is also on our library shelves. There is no time limit on borrowing books, but please bring them in when you are done so someone else may read them.
Although Ann and I have some ideas, and others have passed along some good ideas as well, we have not yet planned the February program.
A fifth session of Quakerism 101 will be scheduled, probably in February.
The Spiritual Support Group continues to meet.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 12/12/2010, Judy Erickson
On December 5th Ann Chase presented "A Quaker Haiku" by Kathleen Burckhardt in Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices. After a brief, very helpful introduction to the haiku form of poetry, Ann asked us to write our own haikus using the following queries.
Where do your thoughts lead you as you settle into meeting for worship?
What images come to you as you consider your own spirituality?
How might you organize those thoughts and images into a three-line haiku?
Within a half hour, we found to our surprise that each of us produced from two to four haikus! We agreed to share our poems with you, dear friends, in an upcoming newsletter. All are invited to experiment with this simple form of self expression; Ann's introduction and queries are on our website. If you feel led to share your work, please do. We would love to hear or read it!
Thanks to Wil for hosting a movie night on Dec. 12th: Countdown to Zero, a movie about nuclear war and our preparations for it.
Our January program will focus on the peacemaker's work of conflict resolution and community building. This work has a long history and wide spectrum of applications, and it relates to all of our Quaker testimonies. A very short list of situations that may benefit from such skills includes interpersonal conversations, Meeting work, interfaith dialogue, and social activism. After a short introduction, we will try out some simple exercises.
Ann and I are still considering programming possibilities for February through May, and welcome any suggestions.
Quakerism 101 did not meet in November after all. Denise will set a new date for January or February, depending on when the members are available.
Spiritual Support Group: No report.
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Adult Religious Education Report, 11/14/10, by Judy Erickson
A hearty welcome back to Ann Chase, my partner in selecting programs who has been at her summer home until recently. It's great to have you back, Ann!
On 11/7 we presented a program centered on an essay from Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices (A Project of Quakers Uniting in Publications/QUIP, Quaker Press of FGC, Philadelphia, PA, 2010). Spirit Rising is an inspiring and thought-provoking compilation of essays, poems, and artwork by young adult Friends around the world. We did worship sharing around "I Think I Have a Crush on Jesus" by Stephanie Speicher. Our queries explored our childhood experiences of spirituality and how our spiritual journeys have evolved.
On 11/8 we had a movie night at Wil's to see "God in America, Part 3: A Nation Reborn," a PBS series about the history of America as a Christian nation and/or a diverse religious nation. Thanks, Wil, for your warm hospitality, delicious lasagna, and thought-provoking video.
On 12/5 Ann will lead us in exploring and creating haikus (a 3-line Japanese poetic form). Our source of inspiration is "Quaker Haiku" by Kathleen Burckhardt, also in Spirit Rising (cited above).
In January we plan to look at how we act, play, and be with children: can we remember being children, and what that was like? We're keeping February open in case we have a visit from Paul Buckley, ILYM Field Secretary; we may request switching our usual date with the date for business meeting to accommodate Paul's schedule. In March we are considering presenting a program on healing circles. April and May are still open to the leadings of the Spirit.
Quakerism 101 will meet at Denise's on Sunday, 11/21 after potluck at OPAL.
There is no report from the Spiritual Support Group this month.
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ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, 10/10/10, Judy Erickson
On 10/3/10 we enjoyed a presentation by Adrian Fisher on the subject of Friendly Gardening. She began with a quote from Sand County Almanac (Aldo Leopold; you can find it on her blog), then we did a fun exercise: we each wrote or drew on paper something about our personal relationship to the land where we live. The diversity of answers was rich and led to a fun and thoughtful discussion. Thanks, Adrian, for inspiring us to think about "our" land in different ways. I left feeling my relationship with "my" land grew a deeper root.
I'm excited to announce that Ann Chase will be back with us for our next Adult Ed program. We will read and discuss an excerpt from the new FGC book written by Young Adult Friends, Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices. Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed on Saturday, 11/6! If you are like me, you may need to write it on your calendar so you won't forget.
Quakerism 101: Next meeting is supposed to be Nov. 21, at Denise's home, after potluck. Materials were sent out.
The Spiritual Support Group continues to meet.
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Adult Religious Education Report, Judy Erickson, Sept. 12, 2010
Four people attended the Sept. 5 program on Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business. We received a handout with bibliography, read the six excerpts, did worship sharing with six queries, and held each step of our business process in the Light. As of Wednesday, 9/8, I was not ready to announce the October program. All comments and suggestions are most welcome. Ann Chase plans to return to Oak Park in early October; I'm looking forward to her return and her assistance.
The Quakerism 101 group met outdoors for their discussion August 22, 2010 from noon to 2 pm in Pleasant Home Park over a lovely picnic in the grass. The next meeting, No. 5 on “Living in the Light” will be held at 11:30 am on October 24, probably at Buzz Café unless the weather is favorable.
The Spiritual Support Group continues to meet.
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Adult Religious Education, 8/8/10, by Judy Erickson
Five people came to the discussion of Godless for God's Sake: Nontheism in Contemporary Quakerism. We had a great discussion, led by Debra S. We read selected excerpts from the book and one from the NontheistFriends.org website because the book was difficult to acquire. We also considered some related worship-sharing queries.
For the inauguration of the new "academic" year, our Sept. 5th program will be about Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business. It will include a period of holding our Meeting in the Light.
At ILYM I bought a copy of Spirit Rising: Young Quaker Voices with a view toward using it in Adult RE this coming year (with help from Ann C.). Adrian F. also has some great ideas about doing a couple workshops on the subject of gardening and climate change, possibly in conjunction with the Global Work Party Day (10/10/10) of the 350 organization. Wil suggested a movie night in February to watch a TV documentary on African Americans in Chicago. Helen and Kelly are helping me review peacebuilding/conflict resolution materials, to help us learn about these programs and techniques and how they may apply to our own lives. I'm excited about doing more collaborative programming, and encourage all to consider and let me know what programs, movies, etc. you would like to see with others in our Meeting community!
The next Quakerism 101 session will get together after Meeting for Worship on Sunday, August 22 at 11:30, at a park if it isn't raining or at Buzz Cafe if it is. Denise will announce the location after Worship.
The Spiritual Support Group continues to meet. Contact Helen D. for more information.
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Adult Religious Education Report, July 11, 2010, by Judy Erickson
Debra will lead a discussion of Godless for God's Sake: Nontheism in Contemporary Quakerism this Thursday, July 15th at my home (4:30-6:30). Because not many copies of the book have been available, we will read excerpts from the book and one from a related website (NontheistFriends.org). Discussion will follow the readings. Snacks, fruit, iced tea and water will be served. Feel free to bring other goodies or beverages to share. All are welcome! Please contact Wil or me if you need to know where I live.
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ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, May 9, 2010, by Judy Erickson
The First Sunday sessions for this fiscal year have ended. Attendance at these sessions varied from about 5 to 10 people. Please give Ann Chase or me any comments/suggestions you have about this year's programming. Don't hesitate; you won't hurt our feelings. We REALLY want to know what worked and what didn't. If Ann and I are going to do Adult RE next year, your feedback over the next month will be very helpful and will influence what next year's programming will look like. You can call, email, use the feedback form on our website, or talk to me in person. (Ann is now at her summer home in Michigan but checks her email several times/week.) THANKS! And a BIG THANKS to all who participated in the programs this year!
I am planning a summer book discussion of Godless for God's Sake: Nontheism in Contemporary Quakerism. It contains 10 essays and 19 short accounts of spiritual journeys. I plan to schedule a session sometime in June; preferably on a weekday or week night (Monday through Thursday). Please contact me if you want to attend so I can schedule it for a time when you can come. I'll schedule one session and then the group can figure out any future sessions.
QUAKERISM 101 Part 3 will take place at 7 pm on May 14 at Patricia McMillen's home. Denise will be happy to email the Q101 reading/text to anyone interested, as she made a .pdf of it. People can call her at 708-699-1154 to give her their email addresses if they want to join. Copies were handed out a month ago to those who are already involved. The group hasn't discussed what to do over the summer.
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT GROUP The group continues to meet. No decision has been made yet about meeting during the summer months.
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Adult Religious Education, April 11, 2010
by Judy Erickson, Adult RE Coordinator
The second session of Quakerism 101 took place on 3/26. The next session is scheduled for 7:00 pm, April 14 at the home of Patricia McMillen. The group remains open to anyone who wishes to attend. Please see Denise if you are interested in attending and she will give you the readings for the next session.
On April 4th Ann Chase and I presented the first of two programs based on Holding One Another in the Light, Marcelle Martin, Pendle Hill Pamphlet #382. We read some short excerpts, then did worship sharing using queries written by Ann. On May 2 we will hold our Meeting in the light, using the format described in the pamphlet. All are welcome to join us, regardless of whether you joined us on April 4. Copies of this pamphlet are available in our Meeting library, or you may purchase your own copy for $6.50 from Quakerbooks.
The Spiritual Support group continues to meet.
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Presented on March 14, 2010:
Adult Religious Education: The April and May programs will focus on Pendle Hill Pamphlet #382, "Holding One Another in the Light" by Marcelle Martin. All are encouraged to participate in these sessions. A suggestion was made to add “adult religious education” to weekly sign-up sheet for someone to lead adult religious education or worship sharing.
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REPORT by Judith Erickson
Recent events included the first meeting (on 2/26) of Quakerism 101, organized by Denise Jacob. On 3/7 Adrian Fisher led us in worship sharing with 3 queries. These queries, using quotations from the 2002 Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Faith & Practice, led us to reflect on our spiritual relationship with and concern for the earth. I am very grateful to Denise, to Adrian, and to Marti Matthews for preparing the 2/15 movie night (which evidently was not a good night for people) for their contributions.
The second meeting of Quakerism 101 is scheduled for 3/26 at the home of Denise Jacob.
The April and May Adult RE programs both center on one Pendle Hill pamphlet: "Holding One Another in the Light" by Marcelle Martin. Ann Chase is helping me design these programs. On 4/4 we will read and discuss excepts from the pamphlet. On 5/2 we are planning to hold a Meeting for Healing. If you have a library copy of this pamphlet, please finish reading it and return it so others may do so before 4/4.
The Spiritual Support group has reconvened; it is meeting on 3/14 to discuss some essays.
My term of service will expire at the end of May, so I have not planned any other programs. I encourage any attender or member to consider whether you feel led to create Adult RE programs next year. If so, please communicate your interest in this to Wil for consideration by the Nominating Committee.