Third Haven Monthly Meeting
Overseers Annual Report
Calendar Year 2011
During the year 2011 the Overseers Committee, attended to pastoral care, keeping in touch with members via a calling tree by dividing the membership directory alphabetically, publishing that in the directory and online, and also responding to answering machine and website messages. Should inclement weather take place it is agreed that the clerk of meeting and communications clerk will e-mail closing information to the meeting and Overseers will contact local computer free members and attenders. Friendly support was offered privately to members experiencing a variety of life challenges. Oversight committees from marriages in years past are reminded to continue their oversight as part of the couple being "under the care of the meeting."
The file of Declarations of Memorial Intentions was maintained by Nancy Mullen and Marsie Hawkinson. Members wishing to complete a Declaration of Memorial Intentions for death may complete the form in the upcoming newsletter.
Memorial Meetings for Worship were held for Irene Williams and Jim Paul. Betsy Harrell requested a plaque for her deceased husband "Pete" per previous arrangements, a situation handled by Marsie Hawkinson.
Under the organization of John Hawkinson with contacts made by the Overseers the directory is continually updated online and a new print version was distributed to all households.
The clearness process as detailed in Faith and Practice was followed for membership requests and marriages under the care of the meeting. Clearness committees may also be used to resolve issues between members in conflict or for confidential clearness around personal discernment issues.
Clearness committee volunteers were Norval Thompson, Adrienne Rudge, Candace Shattuck, Meredith Watters, Jim Paul, Nancy Robbins, Cynthia Browne, Mark Beck.
Overseers also ordered a few copies of the pamphlet "Spiritual Discernment" which can be borrowed from the library.
No new members were welcomed during 2011 following a bumper crop year in 2010 when each new member family received a 6 month gift subscription of Friends Journal from the meeting. One request for membership was withdrawn when the individual moved away. Greg Leibman withdrew his membership.
The Wedding of Amelia Corl and Joel Larson was celebrated under the care of the meeting.
Clearness Committees to address personal issues were held for 3 members.
The John Martin Trust guidelines were reviewed and aid offered to a member who declined. Transportation was facilitated for seniors with the help of the membership.
Care Committees were explained and offered as a support strategy for members who might benefit from organized support from our meeting members and attenders as well as their own friends and relatives.
A New Members (for 2010) and Attenders recognition luncheon was well attended on March 6th. Speakers included Tom Corl, Rob Weiland and Candace Shattuck as well as comments by members. The pot luck was sumptuous and the attendance joyful in celebration of the sense of community at Third Haven Friends Meeting.
Friendly Eights created four groups for March-June 2011 and were enjoyed by the 21 participants.
A Quaker schools working group formed, consisting of Norval Thompson , Marsie Hawkinson, Molly Bond, Larny Claggett, and Greg Leibman with the intent of familiarizing families with Quaker Schools and financial aid available for them. This group organized and hosted a Quaker Schools Open House with Sidwell Friends, Westtown, George and Sandy Springs schools' representatives in attendance.
Members were contacted intermittently by phone and mail throughout the year in an effort to keep in touch and encourage participation in the aforementioned events.
During the year the committee thoughtfully considered varied topics, including: Clearness committees and "Spiritual Hospitality," proffered by Frank Zeigler. Upon this basis a Newcomer Integration Plan was developed and shared with other participating committees. This is a work in progress. Action steps include:
- Ask each visitor to sign the register at the entrance and to include his or her e-mail if local.
Responsibility: Clerk of Monthly Meeting - Make evident the little brochure that is about Quakerism and ask visitors to take one if they wish.
Responsibility: Clerk of Monthly Meeting - Round Robin introductions at rise of meeting
Responsibility: Clerk of Monthly Meeting - Name Tags: Outreach.
Responsibility: Candace will contact - Reminder to members and attenders to greet newcomers placed in newsletter and announcements.
Responsibility: Dee newsletter article - Offer Quakerism 101 at least once a year.
Responsibility: Worship and Ministry, John Schreiner will contact - Handouts available on Quaker Process on the hall rack, Library table, or by e-mail.
Responsibility: Library; Norval will contact - Free Reading materials labeled as free and available.
Responsibility: Library; Adrienne will contact - Overseers check the visitor register to find new people, check their name and follow up with them. Contact by e-mail, mail or phone.
Responsibility: all Overseers.
(Mailing info on those desiring to receive the newsletter sent to John Hawkinson.)
Per Faith and Practice,
"A Committee of Overseers is appointed to assume leadership in maintaining a caring community, helping all members to find their right roles as nurturers of others."
Overseers goals include providing oversight to the ministry of the life of the meeting and acting as a conduit for clearness, especially in cases of membership, unions (marriage/commitment) or personal discernment. All members and attenders are encouraged to allow Overseers to be of service in times of need. We stand at the ready to help and welcome your ideas for future efforts on behalf of the meeting. We thank all Friends who minister to each other as that is the essence of the Religious Society of Friends.
Respectfully submitted, Dee Rein, Clerk, Nancy Robbins, Assistant Clerk, Doreen Getsinger, Marsie Hawkinson, Molly Bond, Larissa Kitenko, Norval Thompson, Adrienne Rudge, Lorraine Claggett, Ann Williams Betty Jean Wheeler, and Candace Shattuck.