Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Ancient History Group
The next Ancient History Discussion Group meets on 24 November. 8:30 p.m.
...and the topic will be magic and witchcraft in antiquity. All are welcome to participate and should e-mail Diana (staraiddelia@gmail.com) to obtain the readings in advance.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Introducing Quakers
Their 'Introducing Quakers' section is particulary well designed and includes interviews, a video, an audio slideshow and plenty of links to other worthwhile areas for investigation. It's a great site to visit whether you are new to Quakers or not.
They've kindly given permission for us to link to their site, and you can access it by clicking on the following link: INTRODUCING QUAKERS
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Ancient History Discussion Group
The next Ancient History Discussion Group gathering will be at the Monkstown Meeting House on Wednesday, 20 October from 8:30 to 10 p.m.
The topic for discussion is:
Readings for this meeting can be obtained by e-mailing:
staraiddelia@gmail.com.
All are welcome
The topic for discussion is:
The ancient practice of and attitudes about male circumcision.
Readings for this meeting can be obtained by e-mailing:
staraiddelia@gmail.com.
All are welcome
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
September Monthly Meeting
On Sunday 26th, we also heard a report from the latest Dublin Monthly Meeting, and were again urged to attend whenever possible, as the range of topics which are discussed are regularly full of interest and variety.
The meeting listened to a report from the 'Eco Congregation Ireland' - something that we have covered earlier here.
The future of Edenderry Meeting House was also discussed. This old building - on an even more ancient site - now has few members. There is nothing new in that however, as throughout its long history there has never been a particularly large congregation. Various plans were discussed in order to keep the meeting house alive, including other Meetings taking it in turns to hold their own meetings there. Currently the meeting house is open for worship at 11.30 on the last Sunday of every month.
The Nominations Committee reported on new nominations to the Tea, Finance and to the Nominations Committee itself.
The death notice for Vernon Thomas Vincent Drapes was announced, and the birth notice for Lloyd Robert Simpson.
The meeting listened to a report from the 'Eco Congregation Ireland' - something that we have covered earlier here.
The future of Edenderry Meeting House was also discussed. This old building - on an even more ancient site - now has few members. There is nothing new in that however, as throughout its long history there has never been a particularly large congregation. Various plans were discussed in order to keep the meeting house alive, including other Meetings taking it in turns to hold their own meetings there. Currently the meeting house is open for worship at 11.30 on the last Sunday of every month.
The Nominations Committee reported on new nominations to the Tea, Finance and to the Nominations Committee itself.
The death notice for Vernon Thomas Vincent Drapes was announced, and the birth notice for Lloyd Robert Simpson.
This Week's Reading
Today we're able to show some art work and some written pieces made during sunday school on the theme of 'helping', the children talked about the topics that they had been studying at the end of the meeting. First of all we have the vivid and somewhat mysterious tree (above) and a piece about Elizabeth Fry...
...and er, I've forgotten what this goalkeeper(?) represents, saving maybe?!
..and the beginning of the story of Abraham:
Next week's Reading:
4th Query for Serious Consideration
Is your way of life in keeping with the teaching of Jesus? Do you watch against conformity to commonly-accepted standards, and against the love of ease and self-indulgence which hinders your spiritual growth and service for Christ?
Luke 18: 7-14; The Pharisee and the tax collector
Lk:18:7: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8: I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
9: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11: The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12: I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14: I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Lk:18:7: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8: I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
9: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11: The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12: I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14: I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Today we're able to show some art work and some written pieces made during sunday school on the theme of 'helping', the children talked about the topics that they had been studying at the end of the meeting. First of all we have the vivid and somewhat mysterious tree (above) and a piece about Elizabeth Fry......and er, I've forgotten what this goalkeeper(?) represents, saving maybe?!
..and the beginning of the story of Abraham:
4th Query for Serious Consideration
Is your way of life in keeping with the teaching of Jesus? Do you watch against conformity to commonly-accepted standards, and against the love of ease and self-indulgence which hinders your spiritual growth and service for Christ?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Celebrate and Care for the Earth this Creation Time!
A message from ECI - Eco Congregation Ireland:
Faith communities in Ireland are being urged to join with Christians throughout the globe during Creation Time in celebrating creation and considering how they care for the earth. The theme of this year's Creation Time, which falls on 1st September to 4th October, is "Creation Flourishing - A Time for Celebration and Care".
In the wake of BP's disastrous oil spill, Eco Congregation Ireland (ECI) hopes that people will take time to consider the impact of human activity on the environment as well as celebrating the beauty of the natural world and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
"Everytime we allow any species or habitat to become extinct through greed or carelessness, we remove something unique of God's self-revelation in Creation," says ECI chairperson, Catherine Brennan SSL.
We would ask you to share the following prayer with your meetings one Sunday during Creation Time. Also to consider practical initiatives you could undertake in your meetings e.g. planting fruit trees, organising a litter pick, teaching environmental awareness in Sunday School etc. (Earthcare for Friends published by Quaker Earthcare Witness is an excellent resource.)
Prayer:
All creation comes from you, O God, and you have invited us to be its stewards. Give us eyes to see Your handiwork in every creature, give us love for the whole of creation. The whole earth is full of Your glory, O God, help us to live compatibly with our environment. Show us creative ways to live simply and to conserve the earth's natural resources for future generations. For the gifts of light, life and love are yours, now and for ever and from age to age. Amen.
Eco Congregation Ireland is an inter-denominational project that encourages churches to adopt an eco approach to worship, lifestyle, community outreach and contact with the developing world. The Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland, Methodist and Presbyterian churches are involved as well as the Religious Society of Friends. It offers resources and practical suggestions for faith communities and indiviual Christians who wish to live out their vocation to care for God's Creation as part of their Christian faith. For further info see:
www.ecocongregationireland.org
Faith communities in Ireland are being urged to join with Christians throughout the globe during Creation Time in celebrating creation and considering how they care for the earth. The theme of this year's Creation Time, which falls on 1st September to 4th October, is "Creation Flourishing - A Time for Celebration and Care".
In the wake of BP's disastrous oil spill, Eco Congregation Ireland (ECI) hopes that people will take time to consider the impact of human activity on the environment as well as celebrating the beauty of the natural world and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
"Everytime we allow any species or habitat to become extinct through greed or carelessness, we remove something unique of God's self-revelation in Creation," says ECI chairperson, Catherine Brennan SSL.
We would ask you to share the following prayer with your meetings one Sunday during Creation Time. Also to consider practical initiatives you could undertake in your meetings e.g. planting fruit trees, organising a litter pick, teaching environmental awareness in Sunday School etc. (Earthcare for Friends published by Quaker Earthcare Witness is an excellent resource.)
Prayer:
All creation comes from you, O God, and you have invited us to be its stewards. Give us eyes to see Your handiwork in every creature, give us love for the whole of creation. The whole earth is full of Your glory, O God, help us to live compatibly with our environment. Show us creative ways to live simply and to conserve the earth's natural resources for future generations. For the gifts of light, life and love are yours, now and for ever and from age to age. Amen.
Eco Congregation Ireland is an inter-denominational project that encourages churches to adopt an eco approach to worship, lifestyle, community outreach and contact with the developing world. The Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland, Methodist and Presbyterian churches are involved as well as the Religious Society of Friends. It offers resources and practical suggestions for faith communities and indiviual Christians who wish to live out their vocation to care for God's Creation as part of their Christian faith. For further info see:
www.ecocongregationireland.org
Meeting for Worship 5.09.10
Today's Reading - the third query for serious consideration:
Do you gather together at Meetings for Worship in expectant waiting on God, prepared to share experiences and insights? Are these Meeting occasions, when, by the help of the Holy Spirit you are enabled unitedly to worship God? Are you open to the promptings of the Spirit, and sensitive to one another's needs, whether your response be in silent worship or through the spoken word?
Next Week's Reading:
Adrienne Rich: The Dream of a Common Language
Adrienne Rich is a present-day American poet, essayist and feminist - her poem can't be reproduced here for copyright reasons.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Volunteer Returns from Haiti
Heather Carroll of Monkstown Meeting has recently returned from a summer spent working with aid agencies in Haiti, and talked briefly about voluntary work there.
Heather, who is in the middle of a Social Science degree spent a total of 7 weeks in areas affected by the 7.00M magnitude earthquake which struck on 12 January this year causing widespread damage to Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area. More than 90,000 people lost their lives, and as many as 1 million people were left homeless.
Heather told us that seven months on, there is still a lot of work to be done to mend the basic infrastructure, with rubble still standing in piles everywhere.
Trying to organize the aid effort within the devastated country is also a huge task: the UN has formed 'clusters' of aid agencies to tackle specific problem areas such as shelter, education, agriculture etc. which aim to increase the effectiveness of individual aid initiatives by coordinating them within a united plan. As a French speaker Heather was able to work in the education cluster which is headed jointly by Unicef and Save the Children. The scale of their problem can be gauged from the fact that in the aftermath of the earthquake 87 percent of schools in Port-au-Prince were damaged or destroyed; 96 per cent of schools in Leogane were damaged or destroyed; and 88 per cent of schools in Jacmel were damaged or destroyed.
The volunteers - lots of them from Ireland - are doing amazing work in Haiti, however more voluteers are needed particularly at the moment because many students who have spent the summer working in Haiti will be returning to their studies. The number of volunteers in Heather's group will have dropped from around 25 down to 4 by the start of term time in September.
If you have an interest in volunteering then Heather recommends visiting http://www.idealist.org/ which acts as a search engine, or one-stop-shop designed to put volunteers in touch with agencies worldwide, providing information on things like the skills needed and length of time for an assignment. For those unable to offer support as a volunteer Heather has commended the work of the main agencies such as Unicef, Red Cross, Concern and Goal.
(Picture credit: Logan Abassi / The United Nations United Nations Development Programme)
Heather told us that seven months on, there is still a lot of work to be done to mend the basic infrastructure, with rubble still standing in piles everywhere.
Trying to organize the aid effort within the devastated country is also a huge task: the UN has formed 'clusters' of aid agencies to tackle specific problem areas such as shelter, education, agriculture etc. which aim to increase the effectiveness of individual aid initiatives by coordinating them within a united plan. As a French speaker Heather was able to work in the education cluster which is headed jointly by Unicef and Save the Children. The scale of their problem can be gauged from the fact that in the aftermath of the earthquake 87 percent of schools in Port-au-Prince were damaged or destroyed; 96 per cent of schools in Leogane were damaged or destroyed; and 88 per cent of schools in Jacmel were damaged or destroyed.
The volunteers - lots of them from Ireland - are doing amazing work in Haiti, however more voluteers are needed particularly at the moment because many students who have spent the summer working in Haiti will be returning to their studies. The number of volunteers in Heather's group will have dropped from around 25 down to 4 by the start of term time in September.
If you have an interest in volunteering then Heather recommends visiting http://www.idealist.org/ which acts as a search engine, or one-stop-shop designed to put volunteers in touch with agencies worldwide, providing information on things like the skills needed and length of time for an assignment. For those unable to offer support as a volunteer Heather has commended the work of the main agencies such as Unicef, Red Cross, Concern and Goal.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Emails of Support Requested!
We have received the following request for help from Dorothée Potter-Daniau, so we're forwarding it here for your consideration:
Dear friends,
You may remember Paul and Becca, from the Jubilee House in Nicaragua.
They were at yearly meeting this year and they also did a presentation of their work in Nicaragua at Churchtown Meeting last spring.
They need support at the moment, because the company they had a deal with won't hold to their promise. They're inviting people to send e- mail to urge the company to act with integrity.
All is explained here:
http://jhc-cdca.blogspot.com/2010/08/send-email-help-genesis-co-op-now.html
..
The Center for Development in Central America (CDCA) is a non-profit organization seeking to address human needs created by poverty in the Western Hemisphere’s second poorest nation by helping communities become self-sufficient, sustainable, democratic entities; by working with Nicaraguan communities to help them realize their own goals, rather than bringing in “ready-made solutions.” This involves community organization, a flexible approach to needs and priorities as they shift over time, identifying areas where the CDCA can be of service, and following through in those areas, while empowering Nicaraguans and gradually phasing out the need for the CDCA’s assistance.
Dear friends,
You may remember Paul and Becca, from the Jubilee House in Nicaragua.
They were at yearly meeting this year and they also did a presentation of their work in Nicaragua at Churchtown Meeting last spring.
They need support at the moment, because the company they had a deal with won't hold to their promise. They're inviting people to send e- mail to urge the company to act with integrity.
All is explained here:
http://jhc-cdca.blogspot.com/2010/08/send-email-help-genesis-co-op-now.html
..
Friday, August 20, 2010
This week's reading: 22.08.10
Anna: An Exercise of the Spirit; Quakers and Prayer
Anna is a present-day British Friend who is active in a mid-week prayer group.
Prayer is an act of sharing with God the Spirit, and not an attempt to prompt God to action. It is a promise that I will do my best, even if what I am able to do seems too insignificant to be worthwhile. When I pray for peace and that the hearts of those in authority may be changed, it is a promise that I shall do such things as write to those in power, share in vigils, and above all lead my life - as far as possible - in such a manner as to take away the occasion for strife between individuals and between peoples. When I pray for others who are in need, it is a promise to make my own contribution, perhaps by writing, by visiting, by a gift, by telling someone whom I know could help. When I pray for forgiveness, for strength and courage, I try to open my heart, making it possible for me humbly to receive.
Anna is a present-day British Friend who is active in a mid-week prayer group.
Prayer is an act of sharing with God the Spirit, and not an attempt to prompt God to action. It is a promise that I will do my best, even if what I am able to do seems too insignificant to be worthwhile. When I pray for peace and that the hearts of those in authority may be changed, it is a promise that I shall do such things as write to those in power, share in vigils, and above all lead my life - as far as possible - in such a manner as to take away the occasion for strife between individuals and between peoples. When I pray for others who are in need, it is a promise to make my own contribution, perhaps by writing, by visiting, by a gift, by telling someone whom I know could help. When I pray for forgiveness, for strength and courage, I try to open my heart, making it possible for me humbly to receive.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
That Poster Again...
As promised, we now have a clearer image of the poster that is currently on display outside the Meeting House - here it is:
- thanks again to Olly for sending that on (just click on the picture to view it at full size, and then hit the back button ← on your browser to return to the blog ).
Olly adds: "A bit about the design: [the original text was] "Quakers answer to that of God in every man", of course this sounded a little outdated so it had to be updated to "everyone". The concept of using the shapes and bright colours was to give the effect of cut out paper collages, which simulates the sort of work done in Sunday school by children. It is also a celebration of life as the quote is implying that Quakers see God in every person young or old, religious or non-religious and no matter what ethnic background."
There are some great examples of Olly's work on his website at http://www.ollyblake.com/ so if the poster has whetted your appetite do follow the link and take a look.
Roman Borders and Barbarians: Ancient History Discussion Group
This month's topic is Roman Borders and Barbarians.
Brief readings, to be read in advance, can be obtained in digital format from Diana at staraiddelia@gmail.com.
All Members and Attenders are most welcome.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Signs of change...
Here is what our old notice board used to look like:
...standing out in the full sunlight for several months had left it feeling a bit tired and washed out. The original poster which asked the question (very faintly), "Are you open to fresh ideas?"...
...could barely be read at all. But now, thanks to the talents of Olly Blake who graduated in graphic design earlier this year, the notice board has been spruced up with the addition of a bright new poster:
I'll provide a clearer image of the poster later, but here's the best close up I could manage yesterday, "Quakers Answer to that of GOD in Everyone".
So well done to Olly and everyone else who has felt concerned that our image was getting a bit jaded. We should also add a "Good luck!" to Olly as he sets off later this year to gain more work experience in Canada.
Meeting for Worship 08.08.10.
Today's reading: Mark 10: 13-16 - Suffer the little children
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Here are a few pictures of the hydrangeas which are currently in full bloom outside our Meeting House....
Next week's reading...15.08.10 Jessie E Jacob: Untitled
Jessie Jacob is a twentieth century Irish Friend, a member of Tramore Meeting, and the grandmother of Philip Jacob. This piece was written in 1954.
We live, physically, in a world surrounded and enveloped by air – atmosphere – without which we could not live. Our spiritual selves live surrounded and enveloped by love, the love of God. As I see it, this love fills the universe, but like air, it is invisible. It is the atmosphere of our spiritual selves. Just as we take no notice of this air around us, we take it for granted, so mostly we do not perceive or respond to the Love in which we live. It is there, but we don’t realize it. In so far as we do perceive or respond, we open ourselves to God’s love and power and we become fellow workers.
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Here are a few pictures of the hydrangeas which are currently in full bloom outside our Meeting House....
Next week's reading...15.08.10 Jessie E Jacob: Untitled
Jessie Jacob is a twentieth century Irish Friend, a member of Tramore Meeting, and the grandmother of Philip Jacob. This piece was written in 1954.
We live, physically, in a world surrounded and enveloped by air – atmosphere – without which we could not live. Our spiritual selves live surrounded and enveloped by love, the love of God. As I see it, this love fills the universe, but like air, it is invisible. It is the atmosphere of our spiritual selves. Just as we take no notice of this air around us, we take it for granted, so mostly we do not perceive or respond to the Love in which we live. It is there, but we don’t realize it. In so far as we do perceive or respond, we open ourselves to God’s love and power and we become fellow workers.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
18.07.10 Monthly Meeting Report
July's Monthly Meeting was held at Quaker House and was attended by about 20 friends.
The First Query for Serious Consideration was read, followed by a summary of the previous month's minutes.
The First Query for Serious Consideration was read, followed by a summary of the previous month's minutes.
- The meeting welcomed two new members: Niamh Hardiman who has joined Churchtown Meeting, and Siobhán O'Doherty who has joined Eustace Street.
- A report from the Eustace Street Property Management Committee was read, which can be summarised as: leases for Eustace Street properties are now coming up for renewal, and in these more financially challenging times this could be a cause for concern, however, in the meantime the management of the properties continues to run efficiently and provides a valued income.
- The plans for the proposed open day, during which the Dublin Society of Friends will welcome anyone who is curious about or interested in what goes on within our buildings, continue to come into focus. It now appears that there will be a succession of open days, held by several Meetings at different times.
For a while it looked as if there would be a coordinated open day across all the Meetings taking part but it now looks like Eustace Street will tie their open day in with other activities taking place in the Temple Bar area; Churchtown will not have an open day this year as they are knuckling down to fundraising for repair work; Monkstown open day will be on 9th October (I'm sure that there's going to be more about this in future postings!)
Meeting for Worship 18.07.10.
Today's reading:
18.07.10 Matthew 6: 25-34; Do not worry
Mt:6:25: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26: Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27: Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28: And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30: Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32: (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34: Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Next week's reading:
25.07.10 William Henry Davies: Leisure
WH Davies is a Welsh poet of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He travelled as a tramp throughout the US and Canada, lost a leg jumping onto a freight train, and returned home to write.
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
18.07.10 Matthew 6: 25-34; Do not worry
Mt:6:25: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26: Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27: Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28: And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30: Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32: (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34: Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Next week's reading:
25.07.10 William Henry Davies: Leisure
WH Davies is a Welsh poet of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He travelled as a tramp throughout the US and Canada, lost a leg jumping onto a freight train, and returned home to write.
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Access to Monkstown
Plans for modifying the access to Monkstown Meeting House are currently on display in the foyer. There are two proposed changes:
1.) to make a permanent ramp up to the front door. This would replace our current system of temporary wooden ramps with something rather more attractive and permanent. The suggested plan looks like this, with the ramp rising in two stages against the left hand side of the porch.
And here's an impression of what the completed ramp would look like, with a toughened glass screen running along its outside edge. The ramp and new steps would be made from anti-slip white concrete with stainless steel railings.
2) to add a sign over the door so people will know what the building is actually used for, (and perhaps feel interested enough to come and visit us?). The planned sign consists of 200mm high stainless steel lettering which would lit 'warmly but not excessively' by new lighting which will be provided for the whole new ramp and stairs entrance.
20.06.10. Monthly Meeting Report
We don't have too many details about the latest Monthly Meeting, attendance was low and much of the meeting was taken up by the day-to-day business of nominations and applications for membership.
We did hear one illuminating story relating to nine-year-old Anna, a member of Churchtown Meeting. Anna applied for membership at the same time that her classmates began preparations for making their first communions. That sounded like a good way for everyone in the class to feel included in a significant rite of passage, and maybe in sharing their different experiences it will help to broaden the future spiritual lives of all.
The Meeting received a draft letter from the Peace Committee addressed to the Minster for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, requesting that he continue his endeavours to have the building material from the 'Rachel Corrie', (the ship recently involved in an attempt to break the blockade of Gaza's ports), transported to Gaza, where it is desperately needed. The material is currently impounded by Israel in Ashdod.
The letter also asked the Minister to seek Israel’s recognition and implementation of the international definition of humanitarian relief, rather than the limited definition which Israel has currently chosen to adopt.
The meeting approved the letter, with a few ammendments, and this will now be forwarded to the Minister on behalf of Monthly Meeting.
We did hear one illuminating story relating to nine-year-old Anna, a member of Churchtown Meeting. Anna applied for membership at the same time that her classmates began preparations for making their first communions. That sounded like a good way for everyone in the class to feel included in a significant rite of passage, and maybe in sharing their different experiences it will help to broaden the future spiritual lives of all.
The Meeting received a draft letter from the Peace Committee addressed to the Minster for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, requesting that he continue his endeavours to have the building material from the 'Rachel Corrie', (the ship recently involved in an attempt to break the blockade of Gaza's ports), transported to Gaza, where it is desperately needed. The material is currently impounded by Israel in Ashdod.
The letter also asked the Minister to seek Israel’s recognition and implementation of the international definition of humanitarian relief, rather than the limited definition which Israel has currently chosen to adopt.
The meeting approved the letter, with a few ammendments, and this will now be forwarded to the Minister on behalf of Monthly Meeting.
Meeting for Worship 20.06.10.
Today's reading:
20.06.10 1 Samuel, 3: 1-20; The Lord calls Samuel
1sa:3:1: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.
2: And it came to pass at that time, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, [that] he could not see;
3: And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God [was], and Samuel was laid down [to sleep];
4: That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.
5: And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6: And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
7: Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
8: And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9: Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10: And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11: And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
12: In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
13: For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
14: And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
15: And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to show Eli the vision.
16: Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I.
17: And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
18: And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
19: And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
20: And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD.
Apart from our scheduled reading today, we also heard a piece of writing called 'The Cathar Creed' - several people were interested in studying this text further, so I'm adding it to today's update:
The Cathar Creed
It has no membership, save those who know they belong.
It has no rivals because it is non competitive.
It has no ambition - it seeks only to serve.
It knows no boundaries, for nationalisms are unloving.
It is not of itself because it seeks to enrich all groups and religions.
It acknowledges all great teachers of all the ages who have shown the truth of love.
Those who participate, practice the truth of love in all their being.
There is no walk of life or nationality that is a barrier.
Those who are, know.
It seeks not to teach, but to be, and by being, enriched.
It recognizes that the way we are may be the way of those around us because we are that way.
It recognizes the whole planet as a being of which we are a part.
It recognizes that the time has come for the supreme transmutation, the ultimate alchemical act of conscious change of the ego in to a voluntary return to the whole.
It does not proclaim itself with a loud voice, but in the subtle realms of loving.
It salutes all those in the past who have blazoned the path, but have paid the price.
It admits no hierarchy or structure, for no one is greater than another.
Its members shall know each other by their deeds and being, and by their eyes and by no other outward sign, save the fraternal embrace.
Each one will dedicate their life to the silent loving of their neighbour and environment, and the planet, will carry out their task, however exalted or humble.
It recognizes the supremacy of the great idea, which may only be accomplished if the human race practices the supremacy of love.
It has no reward to offer, either here or in the hereafter, save that of the ineffable joy of being and loving.
Each shall seek to advance the cause of understanding, doing good by stealth and teaching only by example.
They shall heal their neighbour, their community, our planet and living beings in whatever form they take.
They shall know no fear and feel no shame and their witness shall prevail over all odds.
It has no secret, no arcanum, no initiation, save that of true understanding of the power of love and that, if we want it to be so, the world will change, but only if we change.
All who belong, belong; they belong to the Church of Love.
Next Week's reading:
Sr Stanislaus Kennedy: Now is the Time
Much of our capacity to heal another depends on our state of mind. Being able to listen is one of the greatest gifts that we can offer another. To listen and hear, we have to be aware of the chattering that goes on in our heads, judging, thinking, evaluating, leaping in, taking things personally, being bored, being distracted, reacting – these are all part of everybody’s life. Sometimes we are so scattered that we are not even aware that we are not present, that we are using our minds to try and solve some other problem, that we are only half listening.
20.06.10 1 Samuel, 3: 1-20; The Lord calls Samuel
1sa:3:1: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.
2: And it came to pass at that time, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, [that] he could not see;
3: And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God [was], and Samuel was laid down [to sleep];
4: That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.
5: And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6: And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
7: Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
8: And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9: Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10: And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11: And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
12: In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
13: For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
14: And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
15: And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to show Eli the vision.
16: Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I.
17: And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
18: And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
19: And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
20: And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD.
Apart from our scheduled reading today, we also heard a piece of writing called 'The Cathar Creed' - several people were interested in studying this text further, so I'm adding it to today's update:
The Cathar Creed
It has no membership, save those who know they belong.
It has no rivals because it is non competitive.
It has no ambition - it seeks only to serve.
It knows no boundaries, for nationalisms are unloving.
It is not of itself because it seeks to enrich all groups and religions.
It acknowledges all great teachers of all the ages who have shown the truth of love.
Those who participate, practice the truth of love in all their being.
There is no walk of life or nationality that is a barrier.
Those who are, know.
It seeks not to teach, but to be, and by being, enriched.
It recognizes that the way we are may be the way of those around us because we are that way.
It recognizes the whole planet as a being of which we are a part.
It recognizes that the time has come for the supreme transmutation, the ultimate alchemical act of conscious change of the ego in to a voluntary return to the whole.
It does not proclaim itself with a loud voice, but in the subtle realms of loving.
It salutes all those in the past who have blazoned the path, but have paid the price.
It admits no hierarchy or structure, for no one is greater than another.
Its members shall know each other by their deeds and being, and by their eyes and by no other outward sign, save the fraternal embrace.
Each one will dedicate their life to the silent loving of their neighbour and environment, and the planet, will carry out their task, however exalted or humble.
It recognizes the supremacy of the great idea, which may only be accomplished if the human race practices the supremacy of love.
It has no reward to offer, either here or in the hereafter, save that of the ineffable joy of being and loving.
Each shall seek to advance the cause of understanding, doing good by stealth and teaching only by example.
They shall heal their neighbour, their community, our planet and living beings in whatever form they take.
They shall know no fear and feel no shame and their witness shall prevail over all odds.
It has no secret, no arcanum, no initiation, save that of true understanding of the power of love and that, if we want it to be so, the world will change, but only if we change.
All who belong, belong; they belong to the Church of Love.
Next Week's reading:
Sr Stanislaus Kennedy: Now is the Time
Much of our capacity to heal another depends on our state of mind. Being able to listen is one of the greatest gifts that we can offer another. To listen and hear, we have to be aware of the chattering that goes on in our heads, judging, thinking, evaluating, leaping in, taking things personally, being bored, being distracted, reacting – these are all part of everybody’s life. Sometimes we are so scattered that we are not even aware that we are not present, that we are using our minds to try and solve some other problem, that we are only half listening.
Monday, June 14, 2010
CHALLENGING THE GAZA BLOCKADE
On Sunday 13th June Churchtown Friend hosted a fascinating talk, "CHALLENGING THE GAZA BLOCKADE - DENIS HALLIDAY SPEAKS FROM HIS EXPERIENCE" which was attended by an audience of nearly 80, including Friends, and representatives of the Jewish and Islamic communities. The Dublin Monthly Meeting Peace Committee recorded Denis' talk and hope to have the transcription available for all those who are interested shortly - we'll post a link to it here when it is published online.
Mapping the Pathway for Inter-Faith Dialogue/Chakra Study
Friends might be interested in the following lecture and study programmes held at The Lantern Centre:
Mapping the Pathway for Inter-Faith Dialogue - Contours of the journey towards deeper faith encounter
Third Lecture
Thursday June 17th 2010
7.30 p.m. in the Lantern Centre, Synge Street.
“The Universe Story – A New Cosmology” - Anthony Mark McDonnell
All cultures and religious traditions are situated in the context of an overarching cosmology. Any meaningful cosmology endeavours to provide answers to the fundamental questions about life that people inevitably ask, questions such as:
Where has our Universe come from?
Did the Universe have a beginning or was it always there?
Where has life come from?
Where have humans being come from?
Where is the Universe headed for?
The third lecture in the series will present the story of the New Cosmology, the cosmology emerging from the discoveries of modern science. This story will reveal the underlying unity in all of creation. We are all derived from star dust; we are all descendents from the same primeval life form that first emerged upon the Earth.
“The natural world is both the primary source of religious understanding and the primary religious community.”
Evening Thoughts: Thomas Berry
Presented by Senan D’Souza
Through inputs using printed handouts and audio-visual recordings,personal reflection questions and journaling, simple tai chi movements,meditational exercises with chakra chants and colours.
At the Lantern Centre Tuesdays at 7:30 pm
June 15th Overview – the 7 energy centers
June 22nd 1st Chakra- Root Chakra of Family
June 29th 2nd Chakra- Sexual Chakra of Relating
July 06th 3rd Chakra- Gut Chakra of Identity
July 13th 4th Chakra- Heart Chakra of Feeling
July 20th 5th Chakra- Throat Chakra of Speaking
July 27th 6th Chakra- Mind Chakra of Intelligence
Aug 03rd 7th Chakra- Crown Chakra of Faith
Third Lecture
Thursday June 17th 2010
7.30 p.m. in the Lantern Centre, Synge Street.
“The Universe Story – A New Cosmology” - Anthony Mark McDonnell
All cultures and religious traditions are situated in the context of an overarching cosmology. Any meaningful cosmology endeavours to provide answers to the fundamental questions about life that people inevitably ask, questions such as:
Where has our Universe come from?
Did the Universe have a beginning or was it always there?
Where has life come from?
Where have humans being come from?
Where is the Universe headed for?
The third lecture in the series will present the story of the New Cosmology, the cosmology emerging from the discoveries of modern science. This story will reveal the underlying unity in all of creation. We are all derived from star dust; we are all descendents from the same primeval life form that first emerged upon the Earth.
“The natural world is both the primary source of religious understanding and the primary religious community.”
Evening Thoughts: Thomas Berry
-ALSO-
EXPLORING THE 7 CHAKRA ENERGIESPresented by Senan D’Souza
Through inputs using printed handouts and audio-visual recordings,personal reflection questions and journaling, simple tai chi movements,meditational exercises with chakra chants and colours.
At the Lantern Centre Tuesdays at 7:30 pm
June 15th Overview – the 7 energy centers
June 22nd 1st Chakra- Root Chakra of Family
June 29th 2nd Chakra- Sexual Chakra of Relating
July 06th 3rd Chakra- Gut Chakra of Identity
July 13th 4th Chakra- Heart Chakra of Feeling
July 20th 5th Chakra- Throat Chakra of Speaking
July 27th 6th Chakra- Mind Chakra of Intelligence
Aug 03rd 7th Chakra- Crown Chakra of Faith
Historical Lecture 2010
At 8.00 pm on Thursday 17th June Michael Ahern will speak on
The Quakers of County Tipperary
At Quaker House Dublin.
The Library will be open from 7.30 onwards.
For details of how to get to Quaker house, please click HERE.
The Quakers of County Tipperary
At Quaker House Dublin.
The Library will be open from 7.30 onwards.
For details of how to get to Quaker house, please click HERE.
Meeting for Worship 13.06.10
Today's reading:
Love - by George Herbert
Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d anything.
“A guest,” I answer’d, “worthy to be here:”
Love said, “You shall be he.”
“I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee.”
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
“Who made the eyes but I?”
“Truth, Lord; but I have marr’d them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.”
“And know you not,” says Love, “Who bore the blame?”
“My dear, then I will serve.”
“You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat.”
So I did sit and eat.
Today's collection was on behalf of Irish Quaker Faith in Action (IQFA) - In the introduction to this cause I wanted to emphasize that IQFA is not just an opportunity to fund a range of worthwhile concerns, it is also an opportunity to bring our concerns towards a potential source of funding. Here are some details of concerns which have already been helped by IQFA:
HAITI: The start of the rainy season is likely to bring the danger of disease and a fresh wave of misery to those made homeless by the earthquake in Haiti. Several groups of Friends have sent shipments of tents in containers and the American Friends Service Committee has funded enough plastic sheeting to provide emergency shelter for at least 1,300 families and for those involved in the feeding programmes implemented by Swiss Interchurch Aid, AFSC’s main partner in this particular crisis.
AFSC senior staff Geri Sicola and Jorge Lafitte made an assessment visit to Haiti soon after the earthquake, as did Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region Area Superintendent Wayne Evans and Anthony Bruno of the pastoral staff of Morningside Friends Church, Florida (a Haitian congregation.) Volunteers who want to help in practical ways should register via CauseUp. Masonry and medical skills are particularly needed. It has also been reported that up to 90% of the country’s schools were destroyed
Community Work aided by IQFA
Community Mediation Works was established in July 2002 to deliver a non-profit Community Mediation Service to people in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, County Dublin and Bray, County Wicklow areas. The unemployed, low income or marginalized groups (elderly, disabled, or the Travelling Community). Community Mediation and Community Restorative Justice are practical responses to conflict, low-level crime and anti social behaviour. local volunteers engage with and working through the issues causing the conflict or difficulty. Mediation is seen to be an important response where ongoing relationships are important.
IQFA Projects Assisted in 2009
Childrens Centre (South Africa) €2,000.
Debt and Development Coalition (Ireland) €300.
Adapt Social Housing (Limerick), €2,000.00.
Travel Expenses (Mlu Dwili, South Africa) €372.
Quaker Council for European Affairs (Belgium) €5,000.
Quaker Womens Development (Uganda) €7,518.
Relebohile Day Centre (South Africa) €5,144.
Restorative Justice Programme (Ireland) €3,000.
Irish Medical Aid (Palestine) €5,000.
St. Raphael’s School (Zambia) €500.
Alternatives to Violence Programme (Democratic Republic of Congo), €4,494.
kfm Productions (Ireland) €1,000.
Quaker Eco-Committee (Ireland) €1,000.
Sohagpur Girls School (India) €1,306.
‘Why Violence’ Campaign (Ireland), €2,500.
Christian Aid (Haiti) €4,500.
La Source School (Madagascar) €1,586.
Jonathan Morton(Mexico) €833.
Quaker Bolivian Link (Bolivia) €188.
Flood damage (Philippines) €1,017.
Food Aid (Zimbabwe) €2,024.
Next week's reading:
20.06.10 1 Samuel, 3: 1-20; The Lord calls Samuel
1sa:3:1: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.
2: And it came to pass at that time, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, [that] he could not see;
3: And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God [was], and Samuel was laid down [to sleep];
4: That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.
5: And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6: And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
7: Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
8: And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9: Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10: And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11: And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
12: In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
13: For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
14: And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
15: And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to show Eli the vision.
16: Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I.
17: And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
18: And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
19: And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
20: And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD.
Love - by George Herbert
Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d anything.
“A guest,” I answer’d, “worthy to be here:”
Love said, “You shall be he.”
“I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee.”
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
“Who made the eyes but I?”
“Truth, Lord; but I have marr’d them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.”
“And know you not,” says Love, “Who bore the blame?”
“My dear, then I will serve.”
“You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat.”
So I did sit and eat.
Today's collection was on behalf of Irish Quaker Faith in Action (IQFA) - In the introduction to this cause I wanted to emphasize that IQFA is not just an opportunity to fund a range of worthwhile concerns, it is also an opportunity to bring our concerns towards a potential source of funding. Here are some details of concerns which have already been helped by IQFA:
HAITI: The start of the rainy season is likely to bring the danger of disease and a fresh wave of misery to those made homeless by the earthquake in Haiti. Several groups of Friends have sent shipments of tents in containers and the American Friends Service Committee has funded enough plastic sheeting to provide emergency shelter for at least 1,300 families and for those involved in the feeding programmes implemented by Swiss Interchurch Aid, AFSC’s main partner in this particular crisis.
Community Work aided by IQFA
Community Mediation Works was established in July 2002 to deliver a non-profit Community Mediation Service to people in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, County Dublin and Bray, County Wicklow areas. The unemployed, low income or marginalized groups (elderly, disabled, or the Travelling Community). Community Mediation and Community Restorative Justice are practical responses to conflict, low-level crime and anti social behaviour. local volunteers engage with and working through the issues causing the conflict or difficulty. Mediation is seen to be an important response where ongoing relationships are important.
Childrens Centre (South Africa) €2,000.
Debt and Development Coalition (Ireland) €300.
Adapt Social Housing (Limerick), €2,000.00.
Travel Expenses (Mlu Dwili, South Africa) €372.
Quaker Council for European Affairs (Belgium) €5,000.
Quaker Womens Development (Uganda) €7,518.
Relebohile Day Centre (South Africa) €5,144.
Restorative Justice Programme (Ireland) €3,000.
Irish Medical Aid (Palestine) €5,000.
St. Raphael’s School (Zambia) €500.
Alternatives to Violence Programme (Democratic Republic of Congo), €4,494.
kfm Productions (Ireland) €1,000.
Quaker Eco-Committee (Ireland) €1,000.
Sohagpur Girls School (India) €1,306.
‘Why Violence’ Campaign (Ireland), €2,500.
Christian Aid (Haiti) €4,500.
La Source School (Madagascar) €1,586.
Jonathan Morton(Mexico) €833.
Quaker Bolivian Link (Bolivia) €188.
Flood damage (Philippines) €1,017.
Food Aid (Zimbabwe) €2,024.
Next week's reading:
20.06.10 1 Samuel, 3: 1-20; The Lord calls Samuel
1sa:3:1: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.
2: And it came to pass at that time, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, [that] he could not see;
3: And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God [was], and Samuel was laid down [to sleep];
4: That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.
5: And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6: And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
7: Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
8: And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9: Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10: And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11: And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
12: In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
13: For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
14: And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
15: And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to show Eli the vision.
16: Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I.
17: And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.
18: And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
19: And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
20: And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Meeting for Worship 6.06.2010
Today's reading:
First Query for Serious Consideration: Are you convinced of the reality of God and do you respond to His Spirit at work within you? Have you individually, through repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, experienced true conversion of heart? Do you depend on the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and do you show this by your devotion to God and by your love to all people?
NOTICES:
The Hungry Lunch in aid of GOAL: €530.00
(for more information on GOAL's work, click HERE.)
Ramallah Friends Schools Project: €336.00
(for more information, click HERE)
The Elderly Friends Bursary Fund: €240.00
Last week newer friends and attenders were asked to provide examples of the sorts of questions they had when arriving for their first meeting. The Elders had a great response to this appeal with many useful examples, and would like to convey their thanks to everyone who contributed.
Next Week's Reading:
Love - by George Herbert
Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d anything.
“A guest,” I answer’d, “worthy to be here:”
Love said, “You shall be he.”
“I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee.”
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
“Who made the eyes but I?”
“Truth, Lord; but I have marr’d them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.”
“And know you not,” says Love, “Who bore the blame?”
“My dear, then I will serve.”
“You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat.”
So I did sit and eat.
First Query for Serious Consideration: Are you convinced of the reality of God and do you respond to His Spirit at work within you? Have you individually, through repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, experienced true conversion of heart? Do you depend on the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and do you show this by your devotion to God and by your love to all people?
NOTICES:
Fundraising: During today's Meeting we were informed of the results of three recent fundraising efforts, these were:
The Hungry Lunch in aid of GOAL: €530.00
Ramallah Friends Schools Project: €336.00
(for more information, click HERE)
The Elderly Friends Bursary Fund: €240.00
Last week newer friends and attenders were asked to provide examples of the sorts of questions they had when arriving for their first meeting. The Elders had a great response to this appeal with many useful examples, and would like to convey their thanks to everyone who contributed.
Next Week's Reading:
Love - by George Herbert
Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d anything.
“A guest,” I answer’d, “worthy to be here:”
Love said, “You shall be he.”
“I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee.”
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
“Who made the eyes but I?”
“Truth, Lord; but I have marr’d them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.”
“And know you not,” says Love, “Who bore the blame?”
“My dear, then I will serve.”
“You must sit down,” says Love, “and taste my meat.”
So I did sit and eat.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Prefer to get your Quaker information online?
At a recent monthly meeting it was decided to let Friends wishing to receive circulars from the office by email instead of sheets of paper to opt out of the current arrangement (this would include Yearly Meeting details, Quarterly Meeting Agendas etc.).
If you wish to do this, please let the office have your details on email: office@quakers-in-ireland.ie.
If you wish to do this, please let the office have your details on email: office@quakers-in-ireland.ie.
LEINSTER QUARTERLY MEETING - 26.06.2010
Leinster Quarterly meeting will take place on Saturday 26th June 2010 in the Enniscorthy Meeting House.
11.30 Meeting for Worship
12.15 Leinster Quartely Meeting Business
1.30 Picnic Lunch
2.30 Panel of speakers including:
JJ Power, (Edenderry PM)
Ian Woods (Eustace Street PM)
Sheilagh Reaper Reynolds (Churchtown PM)
Salaam Kalee, Muslim
to introduce the topic:
4.30 Tea (By kind invitation of Wexford Friends)
Childrens' Agenda
At 2.15 punctually children will be brought by minibus to the Secret Valley Adventure Farm where they should enjoy themselves with a traditional farmyard with various animals and pony rides and an outdoor adventure playground. There will be a charge of €10 per child. Parents must inform the clerk Valerie O'Brien by Monday 21st June of children who will be coming. Parents will be required to sign a parental consent form before their children can be included in the outing.
11.30 Meeting for Worship
12.15 Leinster Quartely Meeting Business
1.30 Picnic Lunch
2.30 Panel of speakers including:
JJ Power, (Edenderry PM)
Ian Woods (Eustace Street PM)
Sheilagh Reaper Reynolds (Churchtown PM)
Salaam Kalee, Muslim
to introduce the topic:
Seeking the Joy in our Lives
4.30 Tea (By kind invitation of Wexford Friends)
Childrens' Agenda
At 2.15 punctually children will be brought by minibus to the Secret Valley Adventure Farm where they should enjoy themselves with a traditional farmyard with various animals and pony rides and an outdoor adventure playground. There will be a charge of €10 per child. Parents must inform the clerk Valerie O'Brien by Monday 21st June of children who will be coming. Parents will be required to sign a parental consent form before their children can be included in the outing.
Meeting for Worship 29.05.2010
Today's Reading:
You must give birth to your images.They are the future waiting to be born.
Fear not the strangeness you feel.
The future must enter you
Long before it happens.
Just wait for the birth,
For the hour of new clarity.
Rainer Maria Rilke
NOTICES:
1. There will be a full report on the recent 'Weekend for Reflection' held at Moyallon in the next edition of The Friendly Word. (For details of how to subscribe, click HERE.)
1. There will be a full report on the recent 'Weekend for Reflection' held at Moyallon in the next edition of The Friendly Word. (For details of how to subscribe, click HERE.)
2. Monthly Notices are available for Friends and Attenders so make sure to pick up your envelope.
3. Are you a newer Friend or Attender? If so Elders would like know what questions you had when you were considering coming along for the first time, and what sort of information you were looking for. This will be useful in their preparations for the forthcoming open day.
Next Week's Reading:
Query: For a list of all queries, click HERE.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Meeting for Worship 23.05.2010: Sunday School
The Young Friends in Sunday School got creative with all manner of pens, paints and glitter pens this week. The themes ranged from two recently acquired guinea pigs, an interpretation of the word 'giraffe' to a vibrant celebration of the flowers that are blooming at the moment.
Meeting for Worship 23.05.2010 - Here we are!
Friends were asked to stay behind after Meeting last Sunday in order to have their pictures taken for the main Quakers in Ireland website - here are the results. Click on a picture to see it at full size, and use your browsers 'back' arrow ( ←) to return to this page.
Science and Religion
A weekend course "Introduction to Science and religion" will be held in:
Dublin City University on June 25-27
The course is for people who would like to obtain a broad introductory overview of the science-religion debate from leading speakers in the field, covering topics such as the historical background to the debate, philosophical approaches, the anthropic principle, evolution, medical ethics, and scientific and theological issues surrounding natural disasters.
For an application form and for further information please click on: http://www.faraday-institute.org/
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion provides accurate and up-to-date information to help inform public understanding of the interaction between science and religion. It makes academic research accessible to the public through close links with a network of experts from diverse disciplines including astrophysics, geology, neuroscience, genetics, evolutionary biology, theology, and history and philosphy of science.
Dublin City University on June 25-27
The course is for people who would like to obtain a broad introductory overview of the science-religion debate from leading speakers in the field, covering topics such as the historical background to the debate, philosophical approaches, the anthropic principle, evolution, medical ethics, and scientific and theological issues surrounding natural disasters.
For an application form and for further information please click on: http://www.faraday-institute.org/
The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion provides accurate and up-to-date information to help inform public understanding of the interaction between science and religion. It makes academic research accessible to the public through close links with a network of experts from diverse disciplines including astrophysics, geology, neuroscience, genetics, evolutionary biology, theology, and history and philosphy of science.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Tulips Appreciated
Tulips which appeared at today's Meeting were much appreciated - for details of today's reading, click here.
Meeting for Worship - 2.05.2010
Reading: Query 11:
Do you fulfil your part as a religious society and as individuals in promoting the cause of Truth and in spreading the message of Christ throughout the world?
Do you fulfil your part as a religious society and as individuals in promoting the cause of Truth and in spreading the message of Christ throughout the world?
Blog created!
A draft version of a blog covering the activity of the Monkstown Meeting of the Society of Friends has now been made. And this is the first post.
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