Weekly Announcements as of 04.16.2023

Weekly Announcements

Reminder:

If you know of an event or a joy that you would like to see in the Weekly Announcements, please send the information to communications@annapolisfriends.org.

Coming Up:

The list of events below can also be viewed on the AFM website’s homepage or on the AFM Calendar.

Note: Titles link to the AFM Calendar for greater detail and the word Zoom contains the link to the online meeting. 

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What’s “News” and Life Happenings

Friends are invited to share their Joys and Life’s Happenings with each other during Meeting for Worship, through the Weekly Announcements email and on the AFM-Discuss. On April 16, we heard:

  • Gratitude spoken:
    • Al B. and Francis W. thanked the Quaker Market Committee for choosing charities that they work for and support.
    • The pleasure of the muffled sounds and lighting in the meetinghouse brought joy to one worshiper.
    • An expression of gratitude for the beauty of the interior space of the meetinghouse. Friends acknowledged Kim F. ‘s work with the architect to create this beautiful space, as well as the ongoing work that the Meeting House and Land Committee does on our behalf.
  • Joys Spoken:
    • The new compost bin is working well and worms were added! Yay!
    • Ria H. shared her joy that the banking cloud that was causing anxiety has lifted! 
    • Tom W. also said that the financial stress that he was dealing with has lifted, too and how grateful he is for F/friends who helped out.
    • Joy that a friend was visiting and attending MfW with her.
    • It was good to see so many worshipers.

If you have joys to share, please contact Ellen M. at communications@annapolisfriends.org and they will be added to our joys and life’s happenings section.

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Watch for the children on Dubois Road

Give the kids in the neighborhood some love by driving at or under the 25 mph speed limit. Annapolis Friends Meeting is in a residential area where at least 11 children under the age of 8 live and play. Watch for pedestrians, including smaller ones.

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April Queries are focused on Spirituality

The AFM library is a great place to find some interesting books. The April query topic is Spirituality. Your library has many books and pamphlets on the subject. A selection of just a few books focused on the monthly query are located on the left side of the rack on the counter. Also, check out the Pendle Hill pamphlets on the rack on the table under the sign indicating monthly pamphlets. Please come in to find books that are not available in the public library.

Contact library@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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Concerned Friends – Antisemitism

There will be a group of AFM Friends attending a Zoom talk presented by the Dock C Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation starting at 7 pm on April 19. You are invited to register for this event and join other concerned Quakers to learn more and find ways to take action to eliminate antisemitism. The two-hour talk will include Cherie R. Brown, Founder & CEO of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), who will present “Let’s Talk Series: Antisemitism is Everyone’s Concern”. To register and learn more about this free presentation, go to the EVENTBRITE website.

Contact Diane S. at info@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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Wednesday Meditation Group

Starting at 7 pm every Wednesday, the Meditation Group will meet on Zoom and we will sit silently for the first 40 minutes followed by a book discussion based on a selected book.

Contact Patty R. at info@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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Searching for Quaker Manumissions

On April 21 (Friday) at 3 pm, Homewood Friends Meeting (3107 N Charles St.. Bltmr) will host four Johns Hopkins students who will present research on Quaker manumissions in the 1770s and 1780s in Maryland. This free in-person presentation is open to the public. 

For more information, contact Jean C. at info@annapolisfriends.org.

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Friendly 8s (The Friendlies)

On April 21 (Friday) at 6 pm, Quakers get together for a variety of reasons and getting to know each other a little better is the purpose of Friendly 8 Groups. Typically, there are 8 people who share a meal, stories and have a relaxed, informal opportunity to socialize. It is great fun and there have been stimulating conversations. The Friendlies meet on Zoom. 

For more information, contact Ellen M. at info@annapolisfriends.org.

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Earth Day Celebration

The Outreach Committee will host a table at the Earth Day celebration that will be held at Quiet Waters Park on April 22 (Saturday) from 10 am until 2 pm. The AFM table will be located near the Administration Building and the Blue Heron Center. Kalan and Reese Benson will be helping at the AFM table. Kalan will, also, be one of the presenters and will talk about her experiences as a climate change advocate in the world. Volunteers are welcome to greet visitors and share about the life sustaining activities to help the planet. AFM will be offering: Free Basil Plants and Coloring projects for children, as well as information about Forestry and Carbon Absorption, How to recycle electronics, Electric Car Information, Planting techniques, Solar Power and Composting.

All are welcome!   Please come to help out and volunteer as an Earth Day Representative. 

Contact Joan or Cecile at outreach-team@annapolisfriends.org if you are interested in helping or need more information.

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Committee Clerks’ Meeting 

On April 23 (Sunday) at 9:15 am (light refreshments) with a 9:30 start, the clerks of all of the AFM committees and others who are interested will meet at a blended meeting (in person and on Zoom). Committee clerk meetings are an opportunity to discuss issues and concerns with more than one committee. Suggestions for agenda items are welcome. See the agenda that Karen C. sent out on AFM-Announce on April 17.

Contact Karen C. at clerk@annapolisfriends.org. 

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Potluck with Parfaite Ntahuba from Burundi 

On April 23 (Sunday) at 12:30 pm, Parfaite Ntahuba, Director of the Friends Women’s Association (FWA) clinic in Bujumbura, Burundi will join us for 11 am worship followed by in person potluck and a presentation about the work of Burundi women caring for women and family health, Aids care, and recovery from and prevention of violence.

Pastor Parfaite is returning to Baltimore Yearly Meeting in advance of Friends Peace Teams annual global face-to-face conference in PA.  She is speaking around the Baltimore Yearly Meeting area and we are lucky to be able to host her on the 23rd. 

The FWA clinic grew from Women Friends in Kamenge, a suburb of Bujumbura that was severely damaged and people killed during the civil unrest  from 1994-97, who wanted to care for women damaged by the conflict.  The idea began to gather steam in 1999 and there has been a constant development since then.  Parfaite was hired 8 years ago to energize the clinic and has been amazing.

Please check out their web site for program descriptions and lots of pictures:    https://fwaburundi.com.  And, plan to stay later on Sunday, April 23 to share a meal and learn about Friends’ work in Africa.

Contact Barb T. at pastoral-care@annapolisfriends.org. 

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Friends Writing Together – Time Change

For this month (April), Friends Writing Together will hold their meeting at 2:15 pm on April 23 (Sunday) on Zoom, so that the group can participate in the 12:30 pm presentation if they choose to. Friends write from prompts for 8-minutes and then share (or not). Comments include encouragement and impressions. Only if a writer asks for critique is that offered. This is fresh new writing and is treated as gently as a delicate flower. Everyone is a writer and has a deep well of experiences to dip into. Come join us for the fun and exhilaration of expression and enjoyable conversations. All are invited. 

Contact Mary B. info@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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The Ship called the “Golden Rule” 

The  ship called the “Golden Rule”, which was restored by a group of Quakers to fulfill its original mission to promote a message of  “peace” to all ports of call, will be arriving in Annapolis. 

  • April 24 (Monday), late in the evening the Golden Rule will arrive into Annapolis harbor
  • April 25 (Tuesday) at 11 am, an official welcome by Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, County Exec. Steuart Pittman and State Sen. Sarah Elfreth at its slip in the Yacht Basin, 2 Compromise Street,
  • April 26 (Wednesday) at 7 pm, there will be a public education program that will include a 25-minute film on the history and salvage presented at the First Presbyterian Church (171 Duke of Gloucester St., Annap.). Speakers and a discussion calling attention to the ongoing dangers of nuclear war and the need for more U.S. effort to protect against unintended wars and to restore our disarmament treaties will be included. 

Contact Phil C. at pcaroom@gmail.com. 

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Living our Truth Worship Sharing 

On April 30 (Sunday) at 9:15 am, Fran Palmieri will be presenting a Worship Sharing Program entitled “Living Our Truth”, an Outreach Committee event, from 9:15 to 10:45. All are invited. 

This will be Part One of a three-part series focusing on “Who am I?”, “What am I called to do?”, ” How do I accomplish my mission in life?” 

Hopefully these worship sharings will help us answer these questions. Part One on April 30 helps us discern “ Who am I?  Am I different people?  What qualities do other people see in me?  Part Two on July 30 we will focus on what we are called to do that best expresses who we are,” Do I picture myself as an activist who never answered “the call”; or a creative person aching to sing, paint, write?” On December 31 Part Three will try to figure out how we can do what we are called to do.”How do I accomplish my mission? Who can help? What organizations might be a part of what I want to do.”

Contact Fran P. info@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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Set up for Quaker Spring Market 

After the rise of 11 am meeting for worship on April 30, we will work together to transform every room in the meetinghouse into Quaker Market mode. Some tasks will require strength (e.g., moving bookcases and supplies down from the attic), others not so much (e.g., putting out the tablecloths, boxing up AFM’s coat hangers, so that they don’t get sold). Other tasks include transporting donations from Marcia’s house to the meetinghouse and moving the contents of the storage pod over to the meetinghouse to facilitate sorting during the week. QMC will bring a pot of soup or stew for lunch following the 11 am meeting for worship, and Friends are welcome to bring other items to share. We anticipate shifting into work mode by 1 pm. Hope to see you there!

Reach out to Cairn K. at market@annapolisfriends.org if you have questions or would like further information.

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North County Meeting for Worship

We will meet outside wearing masks at 7 pm on Tuesday, May 2. All are welcome! The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) call worship events Meetings for Worship (MfW) rather than services. This is a silent, centering Quaker meeting for worship where a group of people sit for an hour in silent, centering worship. Come sit with us.

For more information, contact Diane E. at info@annapolisfriends.org.

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Quaker Spring Market

The Quaker Spring Market (QSM) will be May 6 from 9 am until 2 pm. There are many activities leading up to QSM. Look for flyers and more information in your email from AFM-Announce.

  • The 2023 QSM Causes were discerned by the Quaker market Committee. There will be a News post about these.
  • The POD in the parking lot is where you can place your in-good-condition donations, preferably in boxes. Neatly stack the boxes from the deepest end from the door.
  • April 30 – setting up will begin for the big day (see above)
  • May 6 – the final touches, Market begins at 9 am and closes at 2 pm with clean-up to follow.

Contact Cairn K at market@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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Tech Support Person for Hire

If you are:  Able to follow directions, Comfortable with Microsoft (MS) Windows 10, Able to troubleshoot technical issues (e.g., electrical, Internet connectivity), and are reliable, respectful and attentive, this may be the job for you. AFM is seeking candidates to operate the Owl (AV device) in the meetinghouse for the 11 am Meeting for Worship each First Day (Sunday) from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm.  

The employment agency will be taking applications for this position in the near future. The starting salary will be $25 per hour. We are reaching out to our community first and will include the wider community in the future. If you or someone you know would be good at this, please apply. When the employment agency is ready, an announcement will be sent by email.

Contact Ellen M. at info@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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Meetinghouse & Land News

  • New Compost Bin!!! The new composting system was installed recently and includes a tumbler that will help to mix the ingredients and speed up the composting process. Bring your compost materials to the Tumbler and take a spin. Short workshops are available. Contact Kim F. The old compost system was moved to a temporary location and will continue to be used for yard waste. 
  • Monthly Workdays: Each month on the 2nd Saturday, Friends are invited to work around the meetinghouse to get chores done, including washing windows, gardening, mulching, and more. The next sprucing-up will take place on May 13 starting at 9 am. All are invited and snacks will be provided. 

Contact Kim F. at meetinghouse@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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5th Night Light – Every Thursday evening

From 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm every Thursday, the AFM community engages in a spiritual practice that acknowledges the Light of God within each person and that to be in community is to actively care for one another. During that time, Friends hold people and situations who need additional spiritual support in the Light. Friends will pause wherever they may be, read the list of names, and hold each person or situation in our hearts and in the Light. On Wednesday, the list of names or situations are sent out to the AFM-Announce list.

Contact Pastoral Care at pastoral-care@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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Uphold Ukraine Daily Meeting for Worship

Friends House Moscow supporters in the U.S.A. host a daily international online Meeting for Worship, to join other Friends holding in the Light all the people affected by the current crisis in Ukraine.

This meeting will run EVERY DAY. The start time depends on your time zone. It starts at 9:00 am PDT (12:00 pm EDT). Click on THIS LINK, which is the Friends House Moscow Cloud Meeting. Or use Meeting ID: 416 500 5614; Passcode: 182805

Contact Ann R. at ministry@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

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Quakers in Kyiv Sunday MfW

The Quakers in Kyiv meet on Sundays at 1:00 pm EDT in silence. For Zoom information, go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/QuakersKyivUkraine/. 

On Zoom: Meeting ID: 852 8396 7313; Passcode: 2022

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Meetings for Worship

There are two options for Sunday worship with Annapolis Friends Meeting:

  1.     Weekly at 8:00 am. This Meeting for Worship is in person (no technology) and held outdoors in good weather. Masks and social distancing are optional inside the meetinghouse.
  2.     Weekly at 11:00 am. This Meeting for Worship can be attended in person at the Meetinghouse, or remotely on Zoom (Phone: 301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 650 269 455, Passcode: 241727). Nursery care is available; please email us at children@annapolisfriends.org if you would like to bring your child/children to our nursery. First Day School (a.k.a., Sunday School) is available for school age children in person.

Other options that you can attend for Meetings for Worship include: 1) a gathering in spirit only, physically apart and without technology, in communion with friends at the Meeting House at 8:00 a.m. This option was created to link Friends in worship in the early days of the pandemic, and often Friends are at their own homes.  2) In North County, on the First Tuesday of each month, at 7 pm (please see North County Meeting on the calendar). 

Contact info@annapolisfriends.org for more information.

For additional information about Annapolis Friends Meeting go to the homepage or for events click here for the calendar. 

Photo credit, Ellen M.