Announcements last updated February 26th, 2021:
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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
Update on Third Haven Zoom Account and Live Group Meetings:
Friends, In order to preserve the health and safety of Friends we are closing the buildings until further notice when they will have had a thorough disinfecting cleaning. Friends are still welcome to visit the grounds while keeping appropriate social distance. In the mean time, we invite you to try a virtual Meeting for Worship this First Day at 10 a.m and/or Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. You will be able to see and hear those present and share in our very important sense of community and meeting. We will offer these meetings in small groups using Zoom, a program some of us host online. Please email us for further instructions.
We now have a Zoom account for Third Haven Meeting. The zoom account will be managed by Larissa Kitenko in a similar fashion to how she has managed our calendar thus far. If you want to hold a Zoom committee meeting or group meeting, contact Larissa to schedule. She can give you the appropriate information to act as host of your meeting and to make sure no committees or groups overlap.
If you want to hold a physical meeting simultaneously, you will need to schedule this with Larissa as well. The rules for groups and committees are as follows:
- Physical meetings on Third Haven grounds can be held outside with appropriate distancing, masks, and limited contact.
- People should bring their own chair, masks, and hand sanitizer.
- For committee meetings and groups, the buildings will remain closed. The bathrooms will not be available.
- We encourage everyone to be clear with others about your comfort level.
Facilities Use Committee Zoom Meeting Scheduling:
This document was prepared by Third Haven Friends Meeting Facilities Use Committee is attached here to guide us through the process of setting up and running our meetings.
New Announcements:
- In The Light: Kenneth Lane Carroll passed away quietly on February 25, 2021. A memorial service will be held for Ken at the Third Haven Meeting, sometime in the spring.
- Talbot Boys:
- "Move Talbot's Confederate Monument" signs have been appearing along Easton's streets. A new order is being set up. If you would like a yard sign, poster and/or stickers for display in your home or business, please email movethemonumentTC@gmail.com giving your name, address and email/phone number for each sign. The sign will be delivered to you.
- Tom Corl writes, "Very good piece in the New Yorker, about the 'Boys of Talbot', by a well - known local author. Here is the link to My Local Confederate Monument."
- Confederate Monuments, You Tube presentation:
A learned discussion about community values from St. Thomas University in Minnesota. Please click here to watch.
- February 26 [Friday], Zoom Happier Hour 7 PM
- February 28 [Sunday], Zoom Coffee with Susan 9AM:
We will restart First Day Conversations with a new name at 9AM on the last Sunday of each month. First topic will be "How do we get our bearings?" Bring your own coffee. (Sorry.) - How Do I Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19?
Here is a link for the latest information: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine. - Help Rebuild Asbury, the Church that Feeds Our Neighbors!
Asbury United Methodist Church stands at the top of "The Hill" in Easton, Maryland, where volunteers have been feeding neighbors for over 150 years. The building is in need of major renovations and the kitchen has been closed since mid March due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The church was built in 1876 and dedicated by Fredrick Douglass in 1878. Countless meals have been served from the kitchen of Asbury Methodist over the years and now they need our help so they can continue cooking and serving meals every week to those who are not able to cook for themselves. Asbury United Methodist Church and Historic Easton, Inc. are in need of funds to finish the renovation of their kitchen and fellowship hall. "Help Rebuild the Church that Feeds Our Neighborhood" is a capital appeal to raise funds for this church that does so much for those in need. Please click here for the GoFundMe campaign.
News of Friends, or friends of Friends:
- In The Light: Kenneth Lane Carroll passed away quietly on February 25, 2021. A memorial service will be held for Ken at the Third Haven Meeting, sometime in the spring.
- In the Light: Clay Owens writes, "Just got word my brother, Jack Kermit Rider II (J.K.) has passed." Let us all hold Clay and his family in the light.
- Our beloved member, Susan Dickinson, passed away on Saturday, February 13. Please hold Bill Schauer and their family in the light. Please click here for her obituary.
- Please join us in holding in the light Brian Shean, whose wife M.K. died this past week. A memorial service for MK Shean was held on January 28th inside the Old Meeting House.
- Please hold in the Light:
- Paige Tilghman's father, Charles Russell, died yesterday (1/10/21) He passed peacefully with family nearby.
- Connie Lewis and her family
- Bill Schauer and Susan Dickinson
- Rob Wieland
- Lawrence Claggett, son of Sally Claggett and John Damm, has just graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland.
- Molly Brian shares Ellen Silbergeld's good news of her new grandson: "Despite everything we persevere. I am delighted to introduce my grandson Theo, born on December 12th to Nicholas and Annie. They’re living in Columbia and we hope to meet in person after the new year."
- Please hold In the Light: Earle W. Brian, Jr., beloved husband of Molly Brian, died November 2, 2020. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Happy news! One of our Third Haven families grew by one! The Schaefer/Ostrowski family welcomed their fourth child, Owen, to their sweet clan. Siblings Emilee, Colton and Noah are happily greeting and getting to know their little brother. Mamma, Janna, is doing well and home with her brood now. Sending heartfelt congratulations and well wishes.
Events at Third Haven:
Be sure to check out the Calendar for more events not listed here!
Announcements from Third Haven's Committees:
- From our Treasurer:
- Here is a recap of the Treasurer's financials for the 2nd Quarter of our 2020/2021 fiscal year, July 1 – Dec 31, 2020:
Member Contributions = $21,806 = 41% of annual budget
Total Income = $29,629 = 43% of annual budget
Total Expenses = $34,930 = 51% of annual budget
Net Income = -$5,301 - The following are now available: Approved Budget FY 2020-2021, Balance Sheet 12/31/20, Income & Expenses Budget vs. Actual Year-to-Date 12/31/20, Income & Expenses Budget, Prior Year Comparison 12/31/20.
- How to Support Our Quaker Meeting:
Since its incorporation in 1948, the Trustees of Third Haven Monthly Meeting have been able to grow an endowment fund for the support of the Meeting through gifts, bequests and thoughtful investing. Thanks to these financial reserves, the Trustees are able to pay the annual insurance bill and assist each year with capital expenses that are beyond the budget of the Property and Grounds Committee. Projects have ranged in size from recent improvements to the Common Room to the 1990's major restoration of the Old Meeting House, at a cost of $435,000.
The majority of the funds held by the Trustees are invested in three accounts at Friends Fiduciary Corporation, a Quaker non-profit organization that provides socially responsible investment services to Friends meetings, schools and organizations. Third Haven Friends Meeting also has been judicious in its expenditures and managed investments, some of which are held at Friends Fiduciary as well.
Friends Fiduciary offers help with Planned Giving for individual Friends. The Trustees of Third Haven Meeting's mission of preservation of our historic property and Third Haven Friends Meeting, our active Quaker meeting, are certainly two worthy recipients of our donations.
Gifts to the Trustees are vital for maintaining and improving our buildings and grounds. Donors may consult this pamphlet for help "letting their lives speak" during their estate and contemporary donation planning. Please consider an outright gift or a planned gift to the Trustees of Third Haven Meeting, c/o Diana Rein, Treasurer, 9249 High Banks Drive, Easton, Md. 21601
Gifts to Third Haven are essential to sustaining our operating budget. Donations are encouraged annually and through estate planning to Third Haven Friends Meeting, Cynthia Quast, Treasurer, P.O. Box 2379, Easton, Md. 21601.
- Here is a recap of the Treasurer's financials for the 2nd Quarter of our 2020/2021 fiscal year, July 1 – Dec 31, 2020:
- From Worship & Ministry:
- Thoughts on a more Settled Meeting: Quakers have come up with practices that are most conducive to a settled meeting. Please review the following link.
- Facilities Use Committee Zoom Meeting Scheduling:
This document was prepared by Third Haven Friends Meeting Facilities Use Committee is attached here to guide us through the process of setting up and running our meetings. - First Day School:
- As we make our way through the end of winter, watching and waiting for the Covid-19 troubles to pass, many find hope in planting seeds in our lives that will bloom brightly this spring and summer. And this is exactly the theme that First Day School will celebrate at our February 7th virtual session. Susan Claggett will be sharing the Parable of the Mustard Seed, using the engaging Faith & Play storytelling style. Families (and all Friends!) are welcome to join in through zoom at 10:30 AM. We will end by 11, so that we can pop in to say hello to the full Meeting after Worship ends. Please RSVP to Amy Owsley. Thanks and hope to see you there!
- From Testionies & Concerns:
- The Guide for Giving:
Testimonies and Concerns Committee has prepared The Guide for Giving, an annotated list of non-profit, charitable organizations who sustain values and priorities in keeping with our Queries. Please click here to view the guide. - Minutes for Testimonies and Concerns Meeting, 9/06/20.
- The Guide for Giving:
Announcements about Local Non-profits or Faith Organizations:
- Help Rebuild Asbury, the Church that Feeds Our Neighbors!
Asbury United Methodist Church stands at the top of "The Hill" in Easton, Maryland, where volunteers have been feeding neighbors for over 150 years. The building is in need of major renovations and the kitchen has been closed since mid March due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The church was built in 1876 and dedicated by Fredrick Douglass in 1878. Countless meals have been served from the kitchen of Asbury Methodist over the years and now they need our help so they can continue cooking and serving meals every week to those who are not able to cook for themselves. Asbury United Methodist Church and Historic Easton, Inc. are in need of funds to finish the renovation of their kitchen and fellowship hall. "Help Rebuild the Church that Feeds Our Neighborhood" is a capital appeal to raise funds for this church that does so much for those in need. Please click here for the GoFundMe campaign. - February 22 through 26, Climate Solutions Now Rally: Meetings with State Legislators
During the week of February 22 through 26, Marylanders will have an opportunity to meet with State representatives to discuss proposed legislation, in including the Climate Solutions Now bill. State Climate Change advocates are organizing two opportunities to prepare for this event:- There's a one-hour training on doing virtual lobbying in prep for lobby week 2/22 - 2/26. Date: Wed, 2/17, Time: 6:00 - 7:00pm. RSVP here.
- CSN virtual rally 2/22 at 5:00 pm. The link below is an RSVP for the rally and the lobbying visits that will take place during the week. The reason is that the lobbying will be by district. We have to be divided on that basis, so the RSVP collects that info. Your District Captain will contact you with the date/time of your district's appointments. This form looks like a ticket purchase. Do not abandon the process thinking that you have the wrong link. Link to register.
- Quaker Voice of Maryland:
- Week 6 of General Assembly—Quaker Voice is requesting that Friends use the Action Alert to share thanks and support for voting to overturn the governor's veto of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future bill; action alerts are posted weekly on the Quaker Voice website to educate and encourage Friends to take action. Also get excited for virtual lobbying opportunities with MAJR and CCAN! For more info on all this and more go to: www.quakervoicemd.org.
- Please take a look at the Quaker Voice of Maryland Newsletter and their one pager discussing 2021 Legislative Session Priorities. There are, and will continue to be, a lot of opportunities for virtual advocacy throughout the 2021 General Assembly session. If you have any questions about Quaker Voice, their priorities or how to advocate please reach out to Whitley Gray or Dona Sorce.
- Virtual Wellness Series:
Maryland Coalition of Families is collaborating with community partners to offer a free six-part Virtual Wellness Workshop Series to educate families and loved ones about wellness. We are all experiencing increased stress due to the pandemic, and many families are experiencing more challenges related to substance use and mental health. It is more important than ever to ensure we are knowledgeable and proactive about our individual and family wellness. Receive practical tools and resources for supporting your own self-care, and get more information on how to navigate other common family issues. Registrants who attend three or more workshops will receive a free self-care kit in the mail. Please click here for more information and to register. - Talbot Interfaith Shelter:
- Letter in Support of Talbot Interfaith Shelter
- Good News from the Talbot Interfaith Shelter: "We had a hearing with the Town of Easton Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) to determine whether we would receive a special exception permit to operate a second shelter facility at 109 Goldsborough Street, directly next door to Easton's Promise. We are thrilled to announce that the Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to award us our permit, and that we will be moving forward with the purchase of 109 Goldsborough!" For more details, click here.
- PEARLS:
Stacy Ewing, of the Talbot County Health Department writes to our meeting, "I wanted to let you know about a home visiting program called PEARLS (Programs the one who should be able to get for Encouraging Active, Rewarding Lives)." Please click here for a brochure with more information. - Maryland Citizens's Health Initiative (MCHI) Request:
Third Haven has received a request from Nikki Richards of Homewood Friends Meeting in Baltimore asking us to endorse a resolution brought forward by their Maryland Citizens's Health Initiative (MCHI). If our Meeting supports the concept of equal access to quality, affordable healthcare for Marylanders we can help on this new Initiative to improve health equity. Health inequities based on race, ethnicity, and place of residence persist throughout the state, and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Maryland Citizens's Health Initiative requests that community organizations, faith groups, small businesses, and others around the state sign on by September 16 in support of this life saving initiative. If it is the sense of our Meeting that we endorse this, our response can be forwarded to them. The Initiative's Resolution can be reached by clicking on this link. - Feed The Front is organized to connect donors, restaurants and volunteers to feed essential workers in Talbot County.
- Acts of Kindness: A Task Force volunteer provides interpretation services between Mid Shore ProBono attorneys and immigrants. Another volunteer has been reaching out to immigrant children through the arts, as part of an after school program sponsored by the Chesapeake Multi Cultural Resource Center. Another, expert in immigration law, filed objections to proposed regulations that would raise barriers to documented immigrants becoming citizens. 2 volunteers from the task force have reached out to the many other congregations throughout the county to expand the network of congregations associating with the task force. There are 6 local congregations that are already associated with the task force and include Temple B'nai Israel, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship At Easton, Third Haven Friends Meeting, Easton Church of the Brethren, Scott's United Methodist Church and Grace Lutheran Church.Reach out to: Helpingimmigrantstc@gmail.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.
- If you would like to make a public statement of your commitment to our Peace Testimony, the opportunity to do so exists eachThursday afternoon. Peace Vigils are held each Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. The Thursday vigil is held in Easton in front of the Talbot County Court House. On June 25, we will meet at 5PM in front of the courthouse. Starting July 2, we will meet at the park at Washington and Idlewild. All are welcome.
Announcements from Quaker Organizations:
- Save the Date: March 21, 2021, Southern Quarterly Meeting:
Plan now to join fellow Delmarva Quakers on Sunday, March 21st at 10:00am. Chester River Friends Meeting will be hosting. This meeting will be in Zoom format, facilitated by Third Haven Friends Meeting.- Stay connected with regional Friends as George Fox advocated.
- Strengthen ties with other Meetings.
- Friends can attend from home.
- More details will follow.
- Attached is the Quaker Voice Legislative Agenda Letter to Third Haven Meeting for our members and attenders outlining the proposed legislative priorities that will be addressed to the Maryland State legislature this year.
- Updates from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM):
All events are Virtual- In These Times: A Pastoral Message
George Schaefer serves Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as the Care and Aging Coordinator. He works with meetings, aging Friends, and individuals to support PYM's spiritual growth, pastoral care, and community wholeness. This essay is his response to the burdens we may be carrying today and in the coming weeks. - Restoring Civility Across the Political Divide: Author Interview with Karen Tibbals
Karen Tibbals uses her background in market research and Quaker religious studies to help people understand how others—on opposing political sides and with different ethical frameworks—make decisions. - PYM Video: Aging Well
The outstanding Newtown Meeting Aging Well series continues with two programs on housing: Where Will You Live in Your Later Years? and Aging in Place. In two 30-minute video presentations, Susan W. Hoskins, LCSW, (a clinical social worker certified in gerontology) shares framing questions that will guide your decision making process on housing, support systems, and healthcare. Susan is the Executive Director of the Friends Foundation for the Aging. Previously, she was director of the Princeton Senior Resource Center for nearly 20 years. - Epistles And Minutes:
Before the first reading of the PYM epistle on Saturday night, PYM rising clerk, Melissa Rycroft, described an epistle as a letter that is "not written for those of us in PYM. It is our outgoing letter to others in the world". Epistles are not meant to be a recitation of everything that happened, instead minutes capture those details. Nor are epistles a travel-log or documentary. Melissa emphasized that an epistle actually tracks how the spirit has moved among us.
- In These Times: A Pastoral Message
- From Pendle Hill:
- Mar 24-28, 2021, Pendle Hill Retreat: Perfection of the Present Moment
A Five-Day Virtual Mindfulness Meditation Retreat with Mary Grace Orr, Anne Briggs, Larissa Kitenko, and Rebecca Kronlage
How can we be present in all the varied and often difficult experiences of our lives open heartedly and with acceptance? The simple technique of mindfulness, taught by the Buddha, teaches us to do just that. This silent virtual retreat will have periods of sitting and walking meditation, opportunities to talk with a teacher, and formal presentations. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced students from any faith tradition. The schedule will follow a simple daily rhythm. - Live Streaming links
- Online Meeting for Worship at Pendle Hill: In these challenging times, with social distancing particularly important for the safety of all our community members, Pendle Hill will now be offering online Meeting for Worship via Zoom each morning at 8:30am from the comfort of your home.
- Mar 24-28, 2021, Pendle Hill Retreat: Perfection of the Present Moment
- From Friends Committee on National Legislation:
- January 27 @ 6:30 pm, Strengthening Quaker Community:
Friends Committee on Nationsl Legislation is hosting a January Quaker ChangeMaker conversation about how advocacy and other forms of collective action can bring and hold us together. The particular focus is on ways that virtual gathering and action strengthens community bonds and spiritual experiences. With guest speakers Carolyn Levering, FCNL's Santa Cruz Advocacy Team (Pacific Yearly Meeting) and Jen Higgins-Newman, Program Director at Beacon Hill Friends House (New England Yearly Meeting).
- January 27 @ 6:30 pm, Strengthening Quaker Community:
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.