Announcements last updated December 11th, 2019:
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New Announcements | News of Friends | Events at Third Haven | Committee Announcements | Announcements about Local Non-Profits | Announcements from Quaker Organizations | Regular Announcements
New Announcements:
- In the Light: Clay Owens's sister passed away Saturday morning at 4:30am at Easton hospital. We hold Clay and his family in the light.
- December 14 [Saturday], Climate Action Summit:
On December 14, at the University of Maryland College Park campus, a coalition of advocacy groups large and small—faith leaders, labor activists, environmental groups, and others—will be hosting an exciting one-day conference called Rebuild Maryland: Climate Action Summit. We will all meet 07:15 on December 14 at Third Haven to carpool. For more details, please click here. - December 15 [Sunday], First Day Conversation:
First Day Conversation will meet on Sunday, December 15, from 9AM - 9:45AM in the Common Room. Our topic is: "Practicing Peace in Turbulent Times". Coffee and pastries will be served. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation or come and listen and drink coffee. - First Day School, Updates from the Upstairs of the Meetinghouse:
- If you think of it, ask the kids what sound a blue jay makes (Jay! Jay!) or an owl (who cooks for you?) or a sweet little robin (cheerio, cheerio). On both Friday and Sunday the end of the lesson was marked by suddenly stormy weather kicking up rain and wind—carrying the sound of geese and birdsong with it. Thank you to Kulveen and Dona for organizing this beautiful lesson, and for all the teachers and supporters of Little SPICES this fall. It continues to be such a heart-filled community of families who seek connection and centeredness on Third Haven's grounds.
- Christmas at Third Haven—Offerings from the First Day School:
- On December 7, thanks to the hard work of Jeanne Halpin, all are invited to join Third Haven's Peace Float at Easton's holiday parade! We are hoping many members/attenders will hop on with the kids to sing carols and join in the merry making. Details to follow from Jeanne. Sign-up sheet will be in the Common Room.
- On December 8, kids of First Day School will be meet over hot cocoa and read a holiday book about gratitude and gifts (from the heart, not the store). We will be crafting holiday ornaments to give away. We are looking for an assistant teacher or two to help Amy with this lesson.
- On December 15, the children will listen to a reading of the Faith & Play story of Christmas. This narration will be the inspiration for our pageant on December 22. We will each pick a role to play in this story, and begin practicing it. Parents: kids will be selecting roles for the pageant this day and talking about costumes. If you can't make FDS on 12/15 but want to be a part of the pageant, please send Amy an email so we can secure your kids a role. We have a special Holy Family surprise for everyone! We are looking for an assistant teacher or two to help Amy with this lesson.
- On December 22, First Day School will share our pageant at the Rise of Meeting! First Day School families (and any one else so moved) are asked to bring a plate of your favorite cookies to share with the Meeting. Hot chocolate, apple cider, and caroling will make the Common Room so very merry!
- On December 29, FDS will be hibernating until we begin again in the new year. Spring schedule will be announced soon!
- Looking for ideas and teachers! First Day School is starting to put together our calendar for the spring, and we sure would love your help. We hope to continue our regular popular programs in nature, queries and wonderings, and Faith & Play/Godly Play stories. In addition, we'd like to add:
- Community action opportunities (5 service projects, especially related to Quaker Testimonies)—ideas and connections needed.
- Monthly session (5 in total) for the older kids (8 and up) about Quaker history and leaders—lead teacher/organizer needed.
- Sessions with Meeting members/attenders to share their passion with our kids (2 in total)—whatever it is that moves your spirit and inspiration. Recently, demonstrations about weaving, music, birding, and yoga have been met with great joy by the children.
- Exploring the Testimony of Stewardship: The morning had dawned grey and cold for the Little SPICES's last fall class... but we hardly minded, so warm and cozy was the Common Room filled with bird calls and baby giggles. Our teachers, Dona Sorce and Kulveen Virdee, gathered our group into a circle to talk about the needs and care of our feathered friends. Joining them was new local business owner, Rhonda Matterson of Wild Birds, who led us outside to make simple bird feeders out of bagels, bark butter, and bird seed. The children hung their feeders in spots along the Common Room so we can spy the action through the winter. And Wild Birds donated Third Haven a new feeder, which we will hang near the Caretaker's House to help Clay in his efforts to attract birds.
Our First Day School group on Sunday was gifted with this bird lesson on Sunday, adding more bagel feeders to the Magnolia Tree. Liam thought it important to go vertical with this task, climbing up a crepe myrtle to hang feeders for Riley and Daven. Emily and Brody thought they'd like to bring a feeder home for each of their moms. Wynona and her dad busily sought a spot for their feeder. If you think of it, ask the kids what sound a blue jay makes (Jay! Jay!) or an owl (who cooks for you?) or a sweet little robin (cheerio, cheerio). On both Friday and Sunday the end of the lesson was marked by suddenly stormy weather kicking up rain and wind—carrying the sound of geese and birdsong with it.
Thank you to Kulveen and Dona for organizing this beautiful lesson, and for all the teachers and supporters of Little SPICES this fall. It continues to be such a heart-filled community of families who seek connection and centeredness on Third Haven's grounds. - All-Clerks meeting, January 18, 2020:
There will be a meeting of all Third Haven clerks from 9:30am - 12 noon in the Common Room on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
- December 18 (Wednesday), Midshore Mediation Workshop: Cultural Humility and Structural Competence to Address Systemic Racism
9 am to 3 pm
Presented by Talbot County Family Network at the Talbot County Free Library, 100 W. Dover Street in Easton. Lunch is provided. Racial, ethnic and class biases, identifying links between racial, social, educational and health inequities and disparities. Facilitated by Maria Mercedes Avila, PhD, MSW. To register: https://systemic-inequities.eventbrite.com.
News of Friends, or friends of Friends:
- In the Light: Clay Owens's sister passed away Saturday, 12/7, morning at 4:30am at Easton hospital. We hold Clay and his family in the light.
- Ralph Young died peacefully on the morning of August 16, 2019 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Easton surrounded by loved ones.
Ralph was born on September 17, 1932 in Pawtucket, RI to parents Ralph E. Young Sr and Kathryn Flanagan Young. He moved to the DC area when he joined the US Navy in 1952. Ralph worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Alexandria, VA. for many years. After he retired, he moved with his wife, Mary, to Easton, MD to take advantage of small town life and numerous places to kayak. He became an active member of Third Haven Friends Meeting and involved himself in many aspects of Quaker service. Ralph rarely met a community service project he didn't like. He was twice nominated for the "Talbot You are Beautiful" Award for his volunteer activities. He participated in Talbot Association of Clergy & Laity (TACL), spearheaded the Hunger Coalition, initiated Marilla's Lunches, worked tirelessly for Alternatives to Violence (AVP), PEACE, and the Talbot County Detention Library. Along with Asbury Methodist Church he coordinated a Thanksgiving dinner for shut-ins that became an annual event. In his "spare" time, he loved kayaking, motorcycling well into his 80s, photography and walks with Sophie, his canine companion. Other people were drawn to join Ralph in all he did.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary, of Easton; three sons, Joseph of Crofton; Daniel (Jill) of Lusby and Patrick (Marianne) of Richmond; grandchildren: Eric Young, Laura Young, and Weston Banton (Jessica) and one great grandchild, Jaylen Banton.
Those who knew Ralph will miss him greatly. His good nature, strong sense of justice, and integrity live on in all who met him.
A memorial service will be held at Third Haven Friends Meeting, 405 South Washington Street, Easton, MD on October 12, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Third Haven Friends Meeting. - Lorraine Claggett writes, "Our old member born to Meeting, daughter Beth, now Minga, has been to Tijuana among the asylum seekers there to experience and learn what she can do to help a transformation of our approach to them. It is in her blog Pedalseeds, The latest one speaks of the immigrant entry point at Tijuana which she experienced. If you think it is of interest to Friends at Meeting, here is the link to it: https://pedalseeds.net/humans-rights-on-ice/."
Events at Third Haven:
Be sure to check out the Calendar for more events not listed here!
- Thursday, December 12th, 10am to 3pm: Inward Bound Quiet Day
Pot-luck lunch at 12 noon
Join us for a day of peace and inward renewal! Join Friends in a silent retreat that offers a day of listening for the Light within, contemplation, reading, walking the grounds, writing, and self-chosen art activities. For those interested, we will practice a guided meditation, Light to Live By. We enjoy a shared, silent potluck lunch, and end our session with a short sharing session. Come for all or part of the retreat. Information and/or RSVP: Candace Shattuck or Katherine Johnson. - Sunday, December 15th, 9am to 9:45am: First Day Conversation
First Day Conversation will meet on Sunday, December 15, from 9AM - 9:45AM in the Common Room. Our topic is: "Practicing Peace in Turbulent Times". Coffee and pastries will be served. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation or come and listen and drink coffee. - Friday, December 20th, 5pm to 7pm: Potluck Dinner/Carol Sing
Please come 5-7 pm to a potluck dinner and carol singing in the Common Room. Jonathan Williams and Nancy Robbins will lead carols with guitar and voice. Bring your favorite holiday dish to share and your best Christmas spirit! Who says Quakers don't sing?! And if you don't sing, come anyway. Families, children, and everyone welcome. - Sunday, December 22nd: Christmas Pageant
First Day School will share our pageant at the Rise of Meeting! First Day School families (and any one else so moved) are asked to bring a plate of your favorite cookies to share with the Meeting. Hot chocolate, apple cider, and caroling will make the Common Room so very merry! This will feature a special "hearty hospitality" combining the talents of Outreach, Pastoral Care, and First day School as we did last year following the children's pagent. We ask people to bring something special and set up the tables for a larger crowd. - Saturday, January 18th, 2020, 9:30am to 12pm: All-Clerks meeting
There will be a meeting of all Third Haven clerks from 9:30am - 12 noon in the Common Room on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Announcements from Third Haven's Committees:
- From our Treasurer:
- First Quarter of 2019/2020 fiscal year:
Member contributions were over $8,500 or 16% of our annual budget.
Attender contributions total over $1,100 or 18% of budget.
Total income was over $11,500 or 17.6% of budget.
Expenses were just over $19,900 or 30% of budget.
Net Income year-to-date was minus $8,392.
On Balance Sheet as of 9/30/19, we had over $51,900 in operating checking account and about $68,500 in Invested operating funds at Friends Fiduciary. Compared to last year, Member contributions are up almost $5,600 and our total income is up by almost $4,500. Our expenses are down year-to-date by over $1,500. - Contributions Welcome! Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution in support of our annual budget. Mail to:
Treasurer, Third Haven Monthly Meeting
PO Box 2379, Easton, MD 21601 - The following are now available: Approved Budget FY 2019-2020, Balance Sheet, 9/30/19; Income & Expenses Budget vs. Actual Year-to-Date, 9/30/19; Income & Expenses Budget, Prior Year Comparison, 9/30/19.
- First Quarter of 2019/2020 fiscal year:
- First Day School:
- If you think of it, ask the kids what sound a blue jay makes (Jay! Jay!) or an owl (who cooks for you?) or a sweet little robin (cheerio, cheerio). On both Friday and Sunday the end of the lesson was marked by suddenly stormy weather kicking up rain and wind—carrying the sound of geese and birdsong with it. Thank you to Kulveen and Dona for organizing this beautiful lesson, and for all the teachers and supporters of Little SPICES this fall. It continues to be such a heart-filled community of families who seek connection and centeredness on Third Haven's grounds.
- Christmas at Third Haven—Offerings from the First Day School:
- On December 7, thanks to the hard work of Jeanne Halpin, all are invited to join Third Haven's Peace Float at Easton's holiday parade! We are hoping many members/attenders will hop on with the kids to sing carols and join in the merry making. Details to follow from Jeanne. Sign-up sheet will be in the Common Room.
- On December 8, kids of First Day School will be meet over hot cocoa and read a holiday book about gratitude and gifts (from the heart, not the store). We will be crafting holiday ornaments to give away. We are looking for an assistant teacher or two to help Amy with this lesson.
- On December 15, the children will listen to a reading of the Faith & Play story of Christmas. This narration will be the inspiration for our pageant on December 22. We will each pick a role to play in this story, and begin practicing it. Parents: kids will be selecting roles for the pageant this day and talking about costumes. If you can't make FDS on 12/15 but want to be a part of the pageant, please send Amy an email so we can secure your kids a role. We have a special Holy Family surprise for everyone! We are looking for an assistant teacher or two to help Amy with this lesson.
- On December 22, First Day School will share our pageant at the Rise of Meeting! First Day School families (and any one else so moved) are asked to bring a plate of your favorite cookies to share with the Meeting. Hot chocolate, apple cider, and caroling will make the Common Room so very merry!
- On December 29, FDS will be hibernating until we begin again in the new year. Spring schedule will be announced soon!
- Looking for ideas and teachers! First Day School is starting to put together our calendar for the spring, and we sure would love your help. We hope to continue our regular popular programs in nature, queries and wonderings, and Faith & Play/Godly Play stories. In addition, we'd like to add:
- Community action opportunities (5 service projects, especially related to Quaker Testimonies)—ideas and connections needed.
- Monthly session (5 in total) for the older kids (8 and up) about Quaker history and leaders—lead teacher/organizer needed.
- Sessions with Meeting members/attenders to share their passion with our kids (2 in total)—whatever it is that moves your spirit and inspiration. Recently, demonstrations about weaving, music, birding, and yoga have been met with great joy by the children.
- From Worship & Ministry:
- Evening Book Group will be meeting for the next 6 months on third Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the Common Room. Quaker and related spiritual books and pamphlets will be the focus of conversations. If you'd like to join this group, please contact Gwen Beegle. The book selected for September 19 is "The Quaker Way: A Rediscovery" by Rex Ambler. This book is also a key reading for the upcoming Quakerism 101.
- From Testionies & Concerns:
- MCC detainee care kits:
Friends in Maryland may wish to participate in providing supplies for detainees with the Mennonite Central Committee. MCC is partnering with the South Texas Response Team, a group of local pastors working with Catholic Charities Respite Center in McAllen, Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville, Loaves and Fishes in Harlingen, Angry Tias & Abuelas in the Rio Grande Valley and other partners to distribute kits to people as they leave detention and are taken to bus stations or airports to reconnect with their families. When people who have been placed in immigration detention centers are released, they sometimes have nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Kits containing clothing and hygiene products can help them to rebuild their dignity as they transition into life outside the detention center. Kit contents packing list and shipping information, please click here.
- MCC detainee care kits:
Announcements about Local Non-profits or Faith Organizations:
- December 18 (Wednesday), Midshore Mediation Workshop: Cultural Humility and Structural Competence to Address Systemic Racism
9 am to 3 pm
Presented by Talbot County Family Network at the Talbot County Free Library, 100 W. Dover Street in Easton. Lunch is provided. Racial, ethnic and class biases, identifying links between racial, social, educational and health inequities and disparities. Facilitated by Maria Mercedes Avila, PhD, MSW. To register: https://systemic-inequities.eventbrite.com. - Opportunity: If you are interested in helping to start a worship service at Eastern Shore Correctional Institute, please call Molly Brian. No set schedule is yet formed on this, but we are trying to see if there is genuine interest in a project there.
- DREAMERS: Friends concerned about the well being of the DREAMERS in our local community and throughout the US may join with the PEACE Vigil on Thursday evenings in front of the courthouse grounds on Washington St in Easton from 5-5:30 pm. We have placards for the DREAMERS or you may bring your own. Contact Jeanne Halpin.
- If you would like to make a public statement of your commitment to our Peace Testimony, the opportunity to do so exists each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Peace Vigils are held each Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. The Tuesday vigil is held in Centerville in front of the Queen Anne's County Court House and the Thursday vigil is held in Easton in front of the Talbot County Court House. You are welcome to come at any time during the vigil and stay as long as you wish.
Announcements from Quaker Organizations:
Regular Announcements:
- Please remember to greet visitors to meeting—answer what questions they have about Friends, our buildings, our programs and activities. We are all emissaries of Third Haven.
- Contributions to the meeting can be made by way of the contributions box in the Brick Meetinghouse entranceway. Checks can also be sent to THMM, P.O. Box 2379, Easton, MD 21601; or by clicking on the button below:
- Are your names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail listings all correct in the Third Haven Directory? Please review your information at Directory. The online directory remains protected: please e-mail taniahharrison@gmail.com or hawkjm@goeaston.net if you need the password. If you have corrections for the Directory, please send them to 3rdhaven@gmail.com.
- Faith and Practice can be read and portions extracted from the PYM website at this link.
- If you have material for the newsletter, additional announcements, or added information about any of these posted events, please send it to 3rdhaven@gmail.com.