September 2023 – Meeting for Worship on the Occasion of Business
GRASS VALLEY FRIENDS MEETING
Of the Religious Society of Friends of the Truth
College Park Quarterly Meeting, Pacific Yearly Meeting
MINUTES & RECORD
Meeting for Worship on the Occasion of Business
September 10, 2023
We met in a hybrid meeting on Zoom and in person.
Present: Dorothy Henderson, clerk; Lo Hamm, Kathy McCreery, Fosten Wilson, Mary Starr, Don McCormick, Gordon Starr, Doug Hamm, Stuart Smith, Jennifer Smith, Dean Olson, Judy Hamilton, Reed Hamilton, Dianne Marshall, Beth Kemplin, Amy Cooke, Chamba Cooke, Sharon Davisson, Peter O’Rourke, Amity Hodgekiss
The Meeting opened with silent worship.
Clerks’ Remarks and Query:
Dorothy Henderson, clerk, introduced the recording clerks (Amy Cooke, outgoing, and Jennifer Smith, rising) as well as Gordon Starr, the clerk’s elder.
She read from Josiah 10, then spoke to our community. We have had a small meeting, and that has allowed us to deepen into community. She shared an anecdote of a professor who would intend that anyone who was supposed to be there, be present. We welcome new people, knowing that they are supposed to be here.
Dorothy shared a quote from Bill Taber about two dangers during business meeting: impatience and vacuous boredom. How do you bring yourself back?
Friends spoke out of the silence.
Friends spoke of wanting to develop a practice of observing boredom and impatience, and seeing how easy it is to get caught. Hope was expressed that this practice could develop out of this query.
Handwork helps another Friend stay present.
A Friend shared about finding relevance in the items under discussion, and allowing the pace to slow.
Focusing on relationships rather than tasks is helpful.
Hope brings one Friend forward, that things appear out of the process we engage in.
There is not a “high production value” here – we are not here to be entertained. We are here to be communed with.
Action Items and Seasoning:
- The Meeting for Business recommends that the Tech Support person be ex officio on the Stewardship Committee rather than the Welcome Committee.
- The Naming Committee brings forward the names of Dean Olson and Sharon Davisson for Nominating Committee terms 2023-2025.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
(see reports appended, committee clerk is noted in bold)
Spirit and Witness: Amy Cooke, Stuart Smith, Reed Hamilton, Sharon Davisson, Dean Olson, Dorothy Henderson (ex-officio, GVFM Clerk), Gordon Starr (ex-officio,elder to the clerk).
Amy Cooke gave the report, appended.
We added the Fall Clerks Meeting, to be held October 11 from 8:30 – 10 am on Zoom.
Reed Hamilton gave the organization report on Friends Committee for National Legislation (FCNL), appended.
Fosten Wilson pointed out that the Meeting donates annually to FCNL for their intern fund, in honor of Laura Wilcox, a young member of our meeting who was killed by gun violence.
Stewardship: Mary Starr, Pat Phillips, Reed Hamilton, Gordon Starr, Doug Hamm, David Bowman. Dianne Marshall (ex-officio, Newsletter editor), Fosten Wilson (ex-officio, Treasurer), Don McCormick (ex-officio, Librarian),
Mary Starr gave the report, appended.
An item came forward on how to fund the scholarship funds for Friends General Conference (FGC) and Pacific Yearly Meeting (PYM). There are some options for replenishing these funds. Friends can donate money directly to the funds. One suggestion was similar to how the Tech fund is funded; that is, with a set annual amount building, if not used, to a set cap. Another suggestion was to take the funds from the General Fund. That is difficult in years when we cannot meet our budgeted obligations.
It was suggested that we keep the FGC fund structure as replenished by donations. At this time, we fund the PYM fund with any funds left over at the end of the fiscal year. It was suggested that we keep this as is. Does our membership in FGC shift how we replenish this fund? It was suggested that we merge all the scholarship funds into one fund.
This matter will go back to the committee to formulate a recommendation to the Meeting.
The proposed budget was distributed and will be appended to these minutes. It will now season until the October Meeting for Worship on the occasion for Business. There were explanations given for some of the budgeted items. There were clarifications about the Pacific Yearly Meeting dues and some of the expenses.
It was noted that the debit/credit card is still in process.
Welcome Committee: Peter O’Rourke, clerk (ex-officio, Website and Facebook coordinator), Kathy McCreery, Don McCormick, Pat Phillips, Cheryl Hendrickson, Cindy Bliss, Lo Hamm, CJ Patterson, Hailey Wilson (ex-officio, tech support), Judy Hamilton (ex-officio, email coordinator).
Peter O’Rourke gave the report, appended.
Peter reported on the website. The new website has a new URL – www.grassvalleyfriends.org. Please contact Peter O’Rourke and Amy Cooke with any questions. There is now a minutes section with a searchable function that will allow you to search for specific phrases! The full archive will be added gradually over the next month or so. We will be taking comments over the next month and then meet to make adjustments as we are able.
Children’s Program: Keely McDonald and Doug Hamm, co-clerks, Dorothy Henderson, Gordon Bishop, Judy Hamilton, Dean Olson, Reed Hamilton, Don McCormick,, David Cowan, Lo Hamm.
Doug Hamm gave the report, appended.
Stuart and Jennifer Smith noted that they may be available for the 5th Sundays storytelling.
Dianne Marshall noted that the newsletter can be used to call for props for the Christmas play.
Naming Committee: Mary Starr, Dorothy Henderson, Amy Cooke, Kathy McCreery
Minute 2023.09.01: Grass Valley Friends Meeting approves Dean Olson and Sharon Davisson for Nominating Committee, terms 2023-2025.
Nominating Committee: (terms as noted) Judy Hamilton: 2022-2024, Gordon Starr: 2022-2024, two positions vacant.
- Bringing forward Anita McCormick for Children’s Program (seasoned until October Meeting for Business).
Minute 2023.09.02: Grass Valley Friends Meeting approves appointing the Tech Support position as ex-officio on the Stewardship Committee.
OFFICER REPORTS and REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS
- Treasurer: fosten wilson
- Interfaith Nevada County: Dianne Marshall
Dianne gave the report, appended.
- Sierra Friends Center: Gordon Starr no report
- Pacific Yearly Meeting: Doug Hamm
Doug gave the report. Several announcements are being shared from Pacific Yearly Meeting.
Carl Magruder: By now, many of you will have heard that our Friend, Carl Magruder, was in a major motorcycle accident and was severely injured. You can follow his progress through his partner, Mica Estrada’s journal entries on the CaringBridge.org website HERE. Friends have also set up a daily Meeting for Healing from 7:30 to 8 am (Pacific) on Zoom here or contact Amy Cooke at amylisette@gmail.com for the link.
Toward Right Relations with Native Peopl
Toward Right Relations with Native Peoples, a program of Friends Peace Teams, is sponsoring a number of upcoming Zoom workshops.
The Indigenous Boarding Schools and Multigenerational Trauma: Tuesday, September 12, 5-6:30 pm Pacific Register here
This slide presentation is offered by Jerilyn DeCoteau (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), past president of the board of directors of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.
Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples
Saturday, September 9, 1-3 pm Pacific Register here
Sunday, October 15, 1-3 pm Pacific Register here
Saturday, November 11, 1-3 pm Pacific Register here
This interactive workshop is an opportunity to experience the story of the colonization of Turtle Island (the United States) through the voices of Indigenous leaders, Euro-American leaders, and Western historians. We will share reflections through writing exercises and small and large group discussions.
- College Park Quarterly Meeting: Doug Hamm ~ The College Park quarterly meeting will gather October 13-15 here at Sierra Friends Center in Nevada City, CA (and online for some activities). Please see their website for more details : https://collegeparkquarterlymeeting.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- If you use Facebook, follow the Grass Valley Friends Meeting page, or join the Facebook Grass Valley Friends Meeting group. If you share a post from the page, your friends will see it, and it helps our visibility. Follow this link.
- There is a new PacYM directory online. See Dorothy for the password.
- Woolman Homecoming: September 29 – October 1, 2023. Whether you were a John Woolman School student, a Woolman Semester School student, a camper at Camp Woolman, a visitor, or a Friend, please join Woolman in celebrating this milestone and sharing your memories of Woolman.
- September’s Orange Shirt/Every Child Matters Day on Saturday September 30th, 11-2 at Yuba River Charter School. Email Jeree at jeree@careandprayer.com or text/call her at (530) 320-0817 for information on how to volunteer. They are also needing potluck dishes early this year.
- The College Park quarterly meeting will gather October 13-15 here at Sierra Friends Center in Nevada City, CA (and online for some activities). Please see their website for more details : https://collegeparkquarterlymeeting.org
From Pacific Yearly Meeting (see report above)
- The minutes and reports packet is now available on the Pacific Yearly Meeting website HERE (or click on the link on the homepage of the PacYM website to the 2023 Annual Session Wrap-Up page). Also on the 2023 Annual Session Wrap-Up page you will find the Epistles, the Attenders List (password protected) and more.
- Carl Magruder: By now, many of you will have heard that our Friend, Carl Magruder, was in a major motorcycle accident and was severely injured. You can follow his progress through his partner, Mica Estrada’s journal entries on the CaringBridge.org website HERE. Friends have also set up a daily Meeting for Healing from 7:30 to 8 am (Pacific) on Zoom here or contact Amy Cooke at amylisette@gmail.com for the link.
- Toward Right Relations with Native Peoples
Toward Right Relations with Native Peoples, a program of Friends Peace Teams, is sponsoring a number of upcoming Zoom workshops.
- The Indigenous Boarding Schools and Multigenerational Trauma: Tuesday, September 12, 5-6:30 pm Pacific Register here
This slide presentation is offered by Jerilyn DeCoteau (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), past president of the board of directors of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.
- Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples
Saturday, September 9, 1-3 pm Pacific Register here
Sunday, October 15, 1-3 pm Pacific Register here
Saturday, November 11, 1-3 pm Pacific Register here
This interactive workshop is an opportunity to experience the story of the colonization of Turtle Island (the United States) through the voices of Indigenous leaders, Euro-American leaders, and Western historians. We will share reflections through writing exercises and small and large group discussions.
ITEMS SEASONING
- Scholarship fund: Stewardship Committee will formulate a recommendation to the Meeting and bring it back to the October Meeting.
- The proposed budget for 2023-2024 is seasoning until the October Meeting.
- Anita McCormick for Children’s Program Committee (seasoned until October Meeting for Business).
READING OF THE RECORD AND MINUTES
The record and the minutes were read, corrected and approved.
If you are giving a report to GVFM, please send the actual report to the recording clerk at grassvalleyfriends@gmail.com THE FRIDAY BEFORE MEETING FOR BUSINESS.
GVFM Newsletter Reminder: Please have items into Diane Marshall by Tuesday at 10 am.
The Meeting closed with silent worship.
Respectfully recorded by Amy Cooke, recording clerk
APPENDICES:
- Spirit and Witness Committee Report
- S&W: Organization Report (FCNL-CA)
- Stewardship Committee report/Budget
- Children’s Program
- Nominating Committee
- Interfaith report
————————————————————————-
Spirit and Witness Report
As a committee, we hold the spiritual wellbeing of the Meeting community, the pastoral care of individuals within the community, and the movement of Spirit in the Meeting members as they are led to take action in the wider world. We are aware of members in our Meeting holding concerns for Palestine, the Nisenan, and climate change. We continue to welcome requests for Witness Committees for those who wish to take actions in the wider world.
We are also continuing to hold Woolman/Sierra Friends Center in the Light. We hold deep trust in the board members and staff members who continue to seek the best way forward for the organization. There may be some volunteer opportunities and we will share those on the email tree as they arise.
We are holding several Care Committees in the Light. If members or attenders are interested in forming a Care Committee, please let us know. Committees can be formed for a short time or more long term, and can help those members and attenders who have physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual needs.
As a reminder to Friends, we can also support members or attenders with spiritual care and clearness. Spiritual care committees support those with spiritual gifts or who are pursuing a leading or engaged in the work of ministry. Clearness committees assist those seeking to apply for membership or to be married under the care of the monthly meeting, or those members or attenders seeking clarity about a personal concern.
We are in discernment about the Spiritual Life session and welcome input from Meeting members and attenders. We will be sending a survey out to the community about future Spiritual Life and enrichment programs. What would you like to experience this year? Do you have something to offer? Please let any of the committee members know if subjects, concerns, or ideas rise up for you!
With gratitude,
Amy Cooke on behalf of Spirit and Witness
Organization Report: FCNL
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress for peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. We bring together tens of thousands of people—Quakers and friends—who share a belief in the power of relationship-building to advance the world we seek.
You can participate by signing up for email alerts or by joining one of their groups focused on issues.
Stewardship Committee
Stewardship Committee
Minutes from meeting on August 7, 2023
Present: Mary Starr, clerk, Gordon Starr, recorder, Dianne Marshall, Don
McCormick, Fosten Wilson.
After opening silence, our clerk thanked everyone for being punctual. Finance. After our last meeting, Fosten made a plea to Meeting asking for donations to help catch up from several pervious months of low income. He was pleased to report receiving a total of $2980 for August. He wishes to express his
deep gratitude for this great response and noted that this has brought us back (almost) to even with expenses. However, we still currently do not have sufficient money to fund our year-end donations to outside organizations. On September 30, the end of our fiscal year, we will take any excess funds and divide them proportionally among the various organizations.
The members of the committee who agreed to work on the 2023-2024 budget got together on September 1, at Fosten’s and on Zoom to work up the proposed budget. The committee approved bringing this to the next Meeting for Business for approval. Noting that the FGC and PYM scholarship funds are currently depleted, the committee also will ask Meeting to consider how they would like to fund these
scholarships. One suggestion was similar to how the Tech fund is funded; that is, with a set annual amount building, if not used, to a set cap.
Library. Don reported that thinning the old, unread books in the library was going well A few were requested to be saved but most are going away. He has also been going through the many posters (30) found in the Quaker closet and considering what to do with them. Some are framed and in good condition and are worthy saving. Others are worn or stained, although the quotations were good. He
will bring them to Meeting for Business for all to consider and then will put them out at Fall Quarterly Meeting to be given away.
Newsletter. Amy, Peter O’Rourke, and Dianne have been working on the Google group, the contact list used to email the Newsletter, and are making some progress. They are struggling with how to remove the names of people who no longer wish to be contacted. This is a separate list from the contact list the Meeting uses for Meeting business.
Next meeting: October 5, 2023.
Welcome Committee
Welcome Meeting Notes
August 15, 2023
Present: Kathy McCreery, Peter O'Rourke, Don McCormick, Pat Phillips, Lo Hamm, Cindy Bliss,
Cheryl Hendrickson, Judy Hamilton
Peter O’Rourke agreed to be the clerk this year. His duties will include: clerking the meeting, sending
out the Zoom link and agenda and deciding when we will meet, writing up the report of the meeting
and presenting it (or delegating a presenter) to Meeting for Business.
Kathy read the Welcoming Committee duties and is as follows:
Welcome Committee: The Welcome Committee is responsible for enhancing the visibility of Grass
Valley Friends Meeting through ensuring that there is a current listing in the local newspaper and on
Quaker websites, including Western Friend and FGC. The Committee makes sure that there are
regular posts on the Meeting’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and that events are publicized. The
Committee organizes the greeters for virtual or in-person meetings, and makes sure that visitors
receive information about Quakers and GVFM, including follow-up emails and/or phone calls. The
Committee works with the Website Coordinator to ensure that the contact form on the website is going
to the appropriate person and that the website is maintained as a friendly, informative tool for seekers.
The Welcome Committee also facilitates the after-Meeting fellowship time, including refreshments for
in-person meetings, parties, memorials, and weddings.
We talked about the monthly potlucks (not to be confused with the potluck before Meeting for
Business- that also occurs monthly). Cheryl and David will host in September on the 23 rd from 4-6.
Judy will host in October, time and date to be determined. The idea behind these potlucks they foster
more opportunity for socializing than the ones before Meeting for Business.
Kathy reminded us of the organizations we are to report on at Meeting for Business on the even
months. They are as follows: Ben Lomond Center, College Park Quarterly Meeting, Friends General
Conference, Friends World Committee on Consultation, Sierra Friends Center and Pacific Yearly
Meeting. Don will report on Ben Lomond Center in October, Judy will report on Friends World
Committee on Consultation in December.
Don has been reading a book on welcoming newcomers to churches, what works and what doesn’t. We had a lively discussion about how best to welcome and explain a Quaker meeting to newcomers.
Seat cards (on each seat explaining what happens in Meeting for Worship), verbal explanation or
handing a newcomer card with an explanation of Meeting were some of the ideas mentioned. We also
talked about the importance of checking in with the visitor at the end of Meeting. Don will draft a check
list for greeters incorporating some of these ideas.
Don also brought up the duplication of flyers/articles/the newcomer card that are currently in the
newcomer bag. These items all repeat the same thing. It was recommended that the welcome bag
include: the newcomer card, a handwritten letter welcoming the recipient and inviting them to coffee
(with Don and Anita), something yummy (not chocolate in hot weather), a request for their contact
information and a copy of the current newsletter.
Peter reported on the status of the website. It appears to have disappeared but the former website
designer, Jacob Griscom is working on resurrecting it.
Cheryl agreed to be in charge of reminding folks what and when they signed up on the Greeter and
Refreshment clip boards.
Peter will notify the Committee when the next meeting will occur.
Welcome Meeting Notes
September 6, 2023
Present: Kathy McCreery, Don McCormick, Pat Phillips, C. J. Patterson, Pete O’Rourke
Moment of silence
Topics:
1. Monthly potluck status
a. Cheryl & David (Sept. 24th)
b. Judy (Oct)
Judy is targeting a potluck at her house on Sat., Oct. 21st at 5:30
Group felt this date is fine
2. Checklist for greeters and welcome bag contents – Don
a. Don reviewed Greeter’s checklist
b. Print, place copy in greeter box (and laminate) on color paper & attach to
clipboard
c. Reviewed newcomers’ card option
d. Reviewed welcome bag including handwritten notes with added greeting and
contact information
i. Final decision to go with Welcome bag not just newcomers’ card
3. Website update – Pete
a. Amy along with Web designer, Ethan Hunter, recreated website
i. grassvalleyfriends.org
b. All 2021 and 2022 minutes have been uploaded
c. Amy will present website at Sunday’s Business meeting
4. Discuss any new business
a. No new business
5. Next meeting will be Wednesday October 4th
Children’s Program Committee
The committee met on zoom and discussed changes to Children’s Program Committee (CPC) Leadership. Doug Hamm and Keely McDonald are now co-clerks. Dorothy is continuing on the committee but stepping down as clerk.
Subsequently Dorothy, Doug and Keely met to pass on the work of the clerk to the new co-clerks. The following tasks were identified:
- Schedule Meetings for CPC to meet at least four times a year.
- Write CPC report for Meeting for Business, upload to CPC folder in google docs and share with clerk and recording clerk before Meeting for Business. Share report at Meeting for Business.
- To keep track of the teacher and buddy schedules, Keely will send a monthly email to ensure that everyone knows when they’re teaching and who will be teaching with them. Currently schedule is as follows:
First Sunday: Doug, teacher, Dorothy buddy
Second Sunday: Don, teacher, Reed buddy
Third Sunday: Gordon Bishop teacher, Keely or David buddy
Fourth Sunday: Judy, teacher, Dean buddy.
Fifth Sunday: Will need a storyteller for fifth Sundays.
Lo can be called on to sub for buddy.
In addition to the above responsibilities, CPC may attend to the following opportunities for children (and adults) and committee members are so inspired:
- Plan 4 field trips a year (one per season). Focusing on earth, ecology, the Nisenan people, and having fun, giving the kids a chance to get to know one another. The possible upcoming fall field trip, “the Acorn Field Trip”, will be a companion to the “Brodiaea Field Trip” of last spring. Possible planners include Reed, Judy, Doug and Dorothy.
- Schedule guest speakers for particular lessons offered by interested meeting members. Possibilities include Gordon Starr with music, Don McCormick with Coffee House.
- Carry out all aspects of putting on the annual Christmas Play. This year Don McCormick is providing the script.
As the new co-clerks, we are enthusiastic about working together and we look forward to a great year.
Respectfully submitted,
Keely McDonald and Doug Hamm, co-clerks
Nominating
Present: Judy Hamilton, convener, Gordon Starr, recorder, Sharon Davisson, Dean
Olsen.
The Committee met on Zoom, in this, our first meeting of the new term, to
select our clerk and consider Anita McCormic joining the Children’s committee.
With all in unity, Judy has agreed to be the clerk.
We also agreed to nominate Anita to join the Children’s committee. It was noted
that Doug Hamm and Keely have agreed to be co-clerks for the committee.
This will be brought to the Meeting for Business to be seasoned for one month.
Treasurer’s Quarterly Report
Interfaith of Nevada County
InterFaith Nevada County (INC) last met July 20, 2023. During that meeting, there was a brief discussion about the possibility of INC hosting “Climate Crisis Solutions” summit for faith leaders. The title needs work in an effort to include as many mainline churches as possible. As part of this discussion,
Dianne Marshall shared Keith Runyan and Nora Cooke’s presentation to Friends Meeting regarding Pacific Yearly Meeting’s Unity with Nature Committee. That information was very well received.
Future reports from INC will provide additional information if INC decides to go forward with this possibility.
Rabbi David Azen provided our Spiritual Life Program, Sunday, August 20,2023. He shared what his studies of the Old Testament have led him to conclude regarding the story of Adam and Eve and the long-standing impacts on relationships between men and women. Rabbi Azen is known to us because of our participation in INC.
The Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains is sponsoring the Andou-St. Fort family from Haiti who have left that country due to the levels of violence. The family is separated. Nazaire, the father/husband remains in Haiti. Moustapha and her sons are now in Grass Valley. The UU Church’s goal is to raise enough funds to provide this family living expenses for one year while they settle. One of the parents has been in the United States before to study bio-intensive gardening with Ecology Action in Willits, California.
INC’s next meeting is September 21, 2023.
