Omaha Friends Meeting
Meeting for Business
19 August 2007
Present: Debbie, Carol, Frank, Bob, Marshall, and Ed
Minutes from July 17 were read and approved.
Query: The Query 8 response was read and approved.
Work and life tend to be fast paced in our culture. Saying no to requests can be difficult, but may be necessary so that one does not become bogged down and too busy to lead a thoughtful life. Each person needs to understand his or her personal limitations regarding how time is spent. For example, a couple that makes all of their bread homemade knows that if there is no bread in the house, then they are too busy. If you feel overcommitted, you are.
Society tells us we have to fit in various tasks and events, and if people would just be more efficient everything would be all right. The group agreed that this is unhealthy; it is better to choose your own priorities according to your values.
Ideas for handling the stresses of life:
Look for a calendar or planner that suits your needs, and use it to help organize your time.
When possible, choose activities and events that are energizing rather than draining.
Make time for recreational activities. (Folk dancing is recommended!)
Spend time in meditation before going to work, to help set the tone for the day. (Riding your bicycle to work may help you meditate; just be sure you are aware of the road as well!)
Consider the place of television and computers in your life.
Life in a smaller community can help people feel more connected instead of fragmented.
Queries help us do personal self-examination, but how does the Meeting do that?
Idea: Use Clearness Committees more often
Calendar:
First Day:
August 26 - Query 9 - Marshall
September 2 – discussion on Meeting house needs
September 9 - review youth 2nd hour; Marshall &
Great Plains YM
September 16 – Business Meeting
September 30 - intergenerational Meeting
Other:
September 9 - Nebraskans Against the Death
Penalty/Omaha organizational mtg
At McFosters (35th and Farnam)
1:00 – talk to Debbie or Bob
September 14 – 16 “Health Consequences of
Global Warming” by Iowa PSR;
Iowa City (contact debdakin@
earthlink.net)
September 22 - potluck, 6:30 at Bob’s & Beth’s
September 23 – Spiritual Diversity Celebration –
Unity Church/3424 N. 90/1:30-
5:45 – talk to Ginny
September 23 - Friends of Sabeel/Central NE
Peace Workers – contact Don
Reeves in Central City
October 5 – 8 - Youth Quake – FGC – Oakwood
Friends School (see
quakeryouth.org)
October 26-28 - Youth retreat; Backbone State
Park, Iowa/talk to CONTACT _Con-4006B6B71 \c \s \l Debbie Galusha
.
Treasurer’s report:
The treasurer’s report was approved.
Religious Education:
Robin has started college in Colorado. The meeting held worship with attention to this important step in his life on July 22.
Jules attended New England Yearly Meeting and reported greatly enjoying himself and feeling fascinated by the differences between that yearly meeting and our own.
Religious education has focused on healing in the Gospels.
Other:
We held a discussion about buying a meetinghouse or set of buildings, where members could live and worship. A discussion time will be devoted to exploring this idea on September 2.
Debbie has asked Nebraskan’s for Peace whether they would like having a representative to their board from the Yearly Meeting. If a person is willing to serve through this avenue, the position would need to be approved by Yearly Meeting. The person could still act as a Quaker voice until that position is formalized.
Marshall agreed to serve as our meeting’s representative to Yearly Meeting’s committee on Earthcare , since they asked for one representative. Marshall is willing to share this responsibility with others. Debbie offered to be an alternate.