Westport Friends Meeting

Nov 07 Business Meeting

MONTHLY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Clerk’s Correspondence: Meeting received the latest drafts of the chapters on “Worship” and “A Brief History of Friends,” for the NEYM Faith and Practice which is undergoing revision. The YM would like comments on the history working papers by February, 2008. We also received a submission form for quotations, especially for Chapter One, “Illustrative Experiences of Friends.” It was suggested we could distribute copies of the chapter for Friends’ input. It was also recommended that we encourage Westport Friends to visit the NEYM website to view these materials. All website materials can be downloaded at www.neym.org for printing and copying. Refer to index item 2007 NEYM Sessions Advance Documents. A link from our own Web site at www.westportquakers.org to the YM Website will also be created.

Our Meeting received from NEYM the advanced document packet which includes both the minutes that were approved at Sessions 2007 and epistles from other yearly meetings.

Ministry and Counsel: June Correia, Clerk, reported that the first Second Sunday Discussion on Quaker history, which was led by Steve Correia, was lively and well attended. Second Sunday Discussions are held from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Upcoming topics and dates are:

November 11 Quaker History, Continued, facilitator TBA.
December 9 Recording Gifts of Ministry, Deana Chase facilitator.
January 13 Clerking / Business Meeting, Deana Chase, facilitator.
February 10 Quaker Lingo & Quaker Manner(ism)s facilitator TBA.
March 9 Worship; Gretchen Baker-Smith & Mark Bauer, facilitators.
April 13 Worship; Gretchen Baker-Smith & Mark Bauer, facilitators.

Finance Committee: Greg Marsello, clerk, reported that the transition to Quick Books has necessitated redefining some accounts, all of which was reported in the September 30, 2007 – Asset Report. A Profit & Loss report for January - September, 2007 was also presented. Copies are available.
The meeting is in the process of reviewing our property insurance coverage and will meet soon to do a walk though with an agent.

Greg reported that there are about ten families that contribute financially to Meeting on a monthly basis. A letter will be sent out in early November reminding everyone of the importance of their donations.

Property Committee: Dave Sutton reported that the Friends In Residence (He and Emily!) will repair tears in the older “pink” tent by gluing patches taken from the oldest section (which is beyond repair).

Shingling of two sides of the residence is still scheduled to be done.

The Committee informed Friends that 2009 will mark the 75th birthday of Macomber Friends Community House. Discussion ensued as to how to celebrate the occasion, and whether it could be part of a fundraising effort to make repairs and renovations. Friends agreed to celebrate the building’s anniversary in June of 2009. Among the ideas being considered are; hold an “open house tea party” as a thank you to the Town of Westport; present a historical sketch using old photos and Meeting documents; It was suggested that perhaps the Girl Scouts, who meet regularly in the Community House, might like to be involved. Westport Friends are encouraged to consider and suggest additional possibilities in the months ahead.

Fall Cleanup will be held following worship on October 28th. Lunch will be provided. A list of chores needing to be done will be posted.

Book Fair Committee: Drew Lizak reported that Sam Powell, a local carpenter and contractor, was contracted to make renovations to the book shed and annex to make the spaces functional and safely accessible for the storage of books for the Book Fair.The renovations are essentially complete.

The committee also requested approval to purchase three sturdy tables for book sorting and storing purposes, and to have them considered as a Book Fair expense. Meeting approved.
Other Business: Meeting gratefully acknowledged and accepted a small three-wheeled motorized scooter, called a “Rascal,” as a gift from Jo Devlin. It was noted that training is required prior to use. Jo also donated a glass punch bowl set to the Meeting. Thank you, Jo!

MEETING NEWS

Congratulations to Krystal Andrade, who recently won First Place in her 500 yard free-style swim meet! Her time was six minutes and 59 seconds!

The Religious Education Committee wishes to thank Friends who have made financial contributions to help purchase curriculum books for our First Day School. Contributions are still being accepted…and with gratitude!

Our First Day School program will hold its annual lunch and collection for Oxfam on November 18 following worship. Like other years, this event will dovetail with the JYM Elementary Retreat which will be wrapping up their retreat following lunch on that day. Please come, enjoy good food and make a contribution to Oxfam at the same time!