Announcements for September 2010

In Reading and Discussion in September, we shall resume exploring Quaker Quest Writings – published booklets in which 12 British Friends share their thoughts on various topics. On September 12 the topic is Quakers and Evil and on the 26th Quakers and Faith.  All are welcome, at 10:05 to 10:55 in Quaker House Living Room.

Summer Activities for Children: During the summer, there is a supervised program for children ages 3 - 12, meeting in the Fireplace Room in Quaker House at 11:20 and then moving outside (weather permitting). Older children are encouraged to attend the full hour of meeting for worship. As always, caring grandmothers look after babies and toddlers in the Nursery.


First Day School Classes Resume September 12 – all children and families are invited to participate! All ages will meet together at 11:20, outdoors in the back yard if the weather is fine, and in the Fellowship Room if it is actually raining. After sharing together, we will separate briefly into our age groups.

Religious Education Committee is planning the following groups: pre-K through 4th grade, 5th through 8th grades, and high school. The nursery will be staffed as always, and infants, toddlers, and young pre-K children are welcome there.


Quaker Bible Study – involving a “close reading” of a short Bible passage followed by individual responses – takes place every Wednesday morning at 8:30. All are welcome. Questions? Ask Janice Thorup (janice.thorup@gmail.com).

The Scribblers Writing Circle meets on first Thursdays (September 2 and October 7) at 6pm, usually in Quaker House Living Room, though in September the meeting will take place in the New Room. Writers, poets, graphic artists, and listeners are invited. Pizza and beverages are provided; other comestibles are welcome.

Property Committee is having a Work Party on the morning of Saturday, September 11, starting at 9:00. The projects include painting and yard work. Friends are encouraged to participate.


Our Palestine-Israel Action Group (PIAG) maintains its own website and a blog. PIAG also has a connection with QuakerPI.org, a website for Friends with a concern for Israel-Palestine, operated by PIAG member Anne Remley and Friends in Washington State and Massachusetts.

Palestinian, Free Trade, Certified Organic, “Nabali Tree” olive oil, produced by farmer cooperatives, is available from PIAG for $17/liter.  See PIAG members (listed in the AAFM Directory).


Coming in October:

Are you a spiritual seeker?
          Exploring various paths on your spiritual journey?
                    Perhaps Quakers have something to offer you.

Ann Arbor Friends Meeting (Quakers) is offering a set of three sessions of information and experiential sharing about Friends’ beliefs and worship.

This is an opportunity to hear individual Friends speak of their own spiritual journeys and to learn about the ways their lives are shaped by their faith. We explore Quaker values and together participate in silent worship.

This fall’s sessions on Exploring Quakerism will cover:
    · Quaker Worship October 10 (12:30 - 2:00)
    · Quakers and Equality October 17 (12:30 - 2:00)
    · Quakers and Integrity October 24 (12:30 - 2:00)
All are welcome at individual sessions or all three. Come to Quaker House Living Room after 11:00 meeting for worship.


Also coming in October:

Exploring Whole Earth Discipline, by Stewart Brand

Four Sessions of Reading, Discussion, Questioning, and Searching for Truth on Significant Issues of Our Time

Ann Arbor Friends Meetinghouse, Mondays, 7:30 - 9:30pm

    October 11 - Population and Urbanization, pp. 1-73

    October 25 - Energy Sources – Nukes or Fossils? pp. 75 - 116

    November 8 - Genetic Engineering – Playing God? Hedgehogs or Foxes?
                           pp. 169 - 233 

    November 22 - Gardening our Planet, pp. 235 - 302

Stewart Brand’s Whole Earth Discipline, the principal text for this series, is available at local bookstores. It is said to be coming out in paperback sometime in September.

The discussion group may be led to frame queries and advices to help focus our personal and group search. What particular insights do Friends have to contribute to the discussion? How can our voice(s) best be heard?

Organized by Thomas Taylor with members of the AAFM Environment & Social Concerns Committee


Friends can now make donations to the Meeting online. On the left side of this website, click on “Make a Donation.” This links to a page that enables donations through PayPal (which takes 1.9% plus 30¢ per transaction). Contributions to the Meeting are tax deductible. You can also contribute by leaving cash or a check in the contributions basket on the lobby table or sending a donation c/o Treasurer, Ann Arbor Friends Meeting, 1420 Hill St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Copies of the Meeting Handbook are available in the lobby. A contribution of $4 to cover printing costs is requested.

The Meeting’s wheelchair is stored in the outer lobby for the lift. Friends may borrow it for use between the parking lot and the lift or inside the Meetinghouse and Quaker House.


The Chelsea Worship Group has Meeting for Worship at Michigan Friends Center on most second Sundays (September 12) at 10am. The contact is John Deikis (475-0942); check with him before attending to confirm that worship is taking place that day.


The Fall Gathering of Green Pastures Quarterly Meeting will be at Friends School in Detroit (1100 St Aubin St) on Saturday, September 18. This is a business meeting, and one of the topics will be Friends School. Registration begins at 9:30, with meeting for worship at 10:00. Lunch is provided (suggested donation $5) and there will be a program for children, arranged by the Birmingham and Detroit Friends Meetings. Carpooling is encouraged.


Michigan Friends Center invites you to a benefit evening with a riveting mix of blues and storytelling from hometown favorites Shari Kane & Big Dave Steele and Davy Rothbart. Celebrate MFC’s 20th year of fostering peace, social justice, spiritual growth, and environmental protection while enjoying a high-octane evening of music and storytelling, on Friday, September 24, at 7pm. Note that this benefit does not take place at MFC, but at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation (4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd). Tickets cost $20 (students $15), and are available from Michigan Friends Center (475-1892 or manager@mfcenter.org).