The Living Light - Whittier First Friends Church
Transcription
The Living Light - Whittier First Friends Church
The Living Light “...and Christ shall give thee light.” Ephesians 5:14 Volume 53, Number 10 First Friends Church of Whittier Tenth Month, 2014 We Have A New Pastor! Summer Mission Projects Have Good Outcome This year the Outreach Committee (OC) agreed to combine two Friends United Mission (FUM) projects. 1) Education for Esther 2) Tower of Books (Empowering Ministries). These summer projects provided our Meeting an opportunity, no matter how small, to lend a helping hand to an existing and a new ministry. Each week during the summer the Outreach Committee members kept the four principles of mission and service in their hearts; Faith, Hope, Love and Prayer. At the end of worship an OC member asked F/friends to hold these mission projects in the Light, and to perhaps give a small financial support of $2.00 per week. First Friends Meeting began supporting FUM summer mission projects in 2008. With each passing summer this meeting’s support has surpassed our Outreach goals. The Summer 2014 Mission Project program started on 6 July and ran through 7 September. OC is happy to announce that many F/friends gave weekly or monthly donations for these two worthwhile projects. In “Education for Esther” FUM will help girls in all of the Friends schools of Turkana stay in school by covering their high school tuition. In “Tower of Books – Empowering Ministries” we will help support the newly appointed principal of Friends Theological College, Robert Wafula. Not only did our Meeting reach its goal of $600 but exceeded it by about $100! With deep appreciation and friendship the Outreach Committee would like to thank each and every member of our meeting who took time to be a part of the support of these outstanding FUM ministries. Without your prayers, love and friendship these projects would not have been so successful. – Carrin Bouchard We joyously announce that Loletta Barrett has a ns w er ed the Meeting’s call to become our new sett led past or effective October 1. The choice was approved at Monthly Meeting on September 14. The word “new” seems a bit incongruous as we first got to know Loletta when she was our interim pastor in the spring of 2012. She has also been interim pastor for our neighbors over the hill at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights and more recently has had a life-changing pastoral assignment in South Africa and Namibia. Loletta received from the Claremont School of Theology both Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. The title of her 2009 doctoral dissertation was “Community Building and Peace Making Through Interfaith Dialogue, Religious Education and Social Justice Projects.” She is ordained by the United Church of Christ. She also has a BA in Social Work from Indiana University, an MA from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago, and several years of administrative experience in public agencies. When she was visiting the parsonage during her consultations with Meeting committee members, Loletta was happily impressed by the openness and warmth of the house. “It will be wonderful for group discussions and gatherings!” she exclaimed. We know we are looking forward as much as she is to many such gatherings in the years to come. – Elisabeth Elliot 2 Friendly Fare by Lea Wright New Friends: Welcome to Jude Robert Hickey, who was born in August to Diego & Juli Hickey. His grandparents are Jim & Lark Hickey. Congratulations to the family. Friends Visit: Preston Mitchell traveled over 700 miles from Medford, OR to celebrate his 97th birthday in So Cal. He played his flute during Meeting for Worship while here. Lynda Bates took a weekend off from her cat rescue adoption events (see www.fluffbuddies.org or www.facebook.com/FluffBuddies) to come to Whittier for a high school reunion, celebrating forty-five years since graduation. Where does the time go? Friends About Town: Katarina Ryder always has a happy smile, but now it is even more special complete with her new braces! Mindy Van Dorn, Lynda Ladwig, Karlene Wright, Lou Secord, Lisa Adam, LeeAnn Thompson and her four daughters enjoyed the music of Matthew West at the Women of Faith conference at the Honda Center in Anaheim along with 8,000 others. Wes Van Dorn’s four-member Indie/Rock band, the Boulevards, played at The Glass House in Pomona. Milton Wright received another award for his 1938 Chevy truck, this time at the La Habra High band fundraiser for the best antique vehicle. Anathea and Elyse Woirhaye have been focusing their summer on learning Shakespeare Theater acting at “A Noise Within” theater in Pasadena. Anathea will continue to attend the Shakespeare classes in the fall along with continuing her practice for the upcoming Nutcracker ballet through Claylee’s Dance Academy in early December. Elyse just began learning jazz dance at the Academy in addition to taking on classical Cecchetti ballet lessons which will have her take a dance exam at the end of her term. School and Work News: Over the summer, Cedric Woirhaye attended 5 weeks of summer school at Bosco Technical Institute (a college prep high school) introducing him to the five technological areas of potential study. After his first quarter as a freshman, he will have to decide which of the five to choose to study during the remainder of his years as a high school student. He was very excited to have recently attended his very first high school dance and is overall, very happy attending Bosco for the educational opportunities it hopes to provide. Jasmine Sturr completed her summer’s research in Baltimore and has returned to college at Redlands. Tom Van Dorn has finally been hired as a full time employee at the City of Azusa after five years of part-time work. Friends Celebrate: Bill & Marygene Wright celebrated 68 years of wedded bliss. Tim & Neva Root enjoyed a nice get-away when they went on an anniversary trip to Rancho Santa Fe. Friends Remember: Sympathies to Marilyn Fant whose father, Lawrence Roop, died 8/30 in Vallejo CA at the age of l01 in the home in which she grew up. Marilyn has made frequent driving trips to the Bay area all this past year to visit him and supervise his care. Friends Travel: Jean Sponsler flew to Oregon during the last week in August to visit her niece and family in Eugene. It was much cooler there so Jean had a nice break from So Cal heat. Vikki Kendrick had an unexpected guest in Ocean City NJ. Tammy Van Dorn, traveling across the United States as an i n t er n a n d s a l es r ep r es en t a t i v e f or Krochet Kids International, had a business call in Ocean City. Tammy’s mother Mindy Van Dorn had alerted Vikki that Tammy was travelling in New Jersey. Nonetheless, Vikki was surprised to see her. “Ocean City is a tiny island,” she said. ”I couldn’t believe Tammy actually had business here.” Vikki had lunch with Tammy and her colleague Kelsey, and they squeezed in an hour at the beach before the KKI girls had to get back on the road. The only disappointment was that Tammy’s friend (and Vikki’s daughter) Christy Tavernelli could not join them, as she had just moved and started a new job in nearby Philadelphia. Tammy has now returned home from her travels much to Mindy’s delight. Elinore Petoletti traveled to Kansas and met lots of friendly people, saw rolling hills and green trees, and many wonderful museums: CW Parker Carousels, the World of Oz, Ike’s Boyhood Home/library/museum, Greyhound (dogs), the end of the Chisholm Trail, Flint Hills and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Brown v. Board of Education Site, Watkins museum, Steamboat Arabia museum and on and on. Her group of travelers was small (15), but very compatible. The whole ABCDE Woirhaye family (Anathea, Brendon, Cedric, Deanna, & Elyse) was very grateful to have spent a week at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a week at Laguna Beach and ended their summer happily at Green Valley Lake. They were also happy to have as guests the Ryder, Whitehead, Dhawal, and Wemmerus families with many other family friends along on their beach and lake trips. Remember to take the Living Light when you vacation so we can continue our tradition: “The Living Light Travels.” Friends Sharing News: Help to keep the Friendly Fare going. Email me a quick note and tell me your news. Send to Lea at [email protected], or deliver to me at church on Sunday. Avalon & I will see you next month! 3 Friends School Families Spruce Up The School A Fun-Filled Year of Learning Begins at WFS On Saturday, August 16, WFS preschool, elementary, and intermediate families joined forces to beautify our classrooms in preparation for the upcoming school year. This annual event began at 9 a.m. with the moving of chairs, desks, and tables to the lawn for a thorough cleansing. Next, the preschool toys and other educational manipulatives (including an impressive collection of Lego Bricks) were washed, rinsed, and sun dried. Windows were scrubbed to a sparkling shine, inside and out, and carpets were thoroughly vacuumed. This year, in an effort to promote good environmental stewardship, as well as demonstrate consideration for our children’s good health and well-being, teacher Alicia Atkinson mixed up an array of all-natural cleaning products using simple ingredients such as vinegar, lavender oil, and lemon juice. As more school families arrived, they chose from a posted list of jobs. Parents and students worked side by side. Some sorted and organized books and other donations. Others tidied up the lunchroom and classrooms. Still other hard-working volunteers poured and raked new wood chips into the play structure area. Much was accomplished is a very short time. By noon it was time for a pot-luck lunch and the first parent meeting of the year. Then the cleaning resumed until 3 p.m. “dismissal.” Part of what makes WFS school so special is the great amount of parent participation. Back-to-School Parent work day is just the first of many opportunities parents have during the school-year to get involved and show their support for the school. For example, parents help chaperone monthly field trips, sort and pack nuts for the fall fundraiser, serve as kitchen helpers for the Chili Cook-Off and Spaghetti dinners, and work the Parking Lot and Uptown Yard Sales, to name a few. “We couldn’t do it without the help of our parents,” says Intermediate Teacher, Cassie Caringella. “Since we have a relatively small student body, we count on everyone’s help.” The benefit for the parents, of course, is that they get to be directly involved with their children’s school and become personally invested in making WFS the best it can be. Additionally, working so closely together all year brings us together as a school family. We thank the Meeting for supporting our school in so many ways and are grateful for the impact WFS has on our children’s lives. – Candice Ryder Early morning clouds lifted and the sun beamed forth on the first day of classes at Whittier Friends School, Wednesday, September 3. Four students reported to the Intermediate Class under Teacher Cassie Caringella, with two more to attend part-time. There were six Elementary Class students under Teacher Alicia Atkinson. Fourteen preschoolers had begun a day earlier under Teacher Cindy Edmunds. Concentration this fall will be on U.S. history, human biology and health. The students began immediately preparing a presentation for Whittier Friends School Sunday at First Friends Church, September 14. The traditional event was titled “Fruits of the Spirit” (see article on back of calendar page). An eagerly awaited special event was the school trip to the Los Angeles County Fair which occurred in late September. On October 26 they will stage their Chili Cook-Off benefit dinner (see page 6). What did the Intermediate students have to say about going back to school after a fun-filled summer vacation? Anathea Woirhaye, 7th grade, said: “We’re glad to be back.” Avon Dhawal, 7th grade said: “Hope it will be fun!” Hunter Collins, 7th grade added: “It will be!” and Ashley Ryder, 5th grade, just said: “Yay!” Part-time Intermediate students Shreeya Dhawal (4th grade) and James Tucker (8th grade) were not available for comment. WFS students look forward to another year of learning adventures and we at First Friends will enjoy our participation with them. – Bob Newton Dear First Friends, Once again it is Stewardship time. I am writing this to entice all of you to read your Stewardship letters joyfully when they arrive and send back your Intention for Giving card with your Faith Promise. We are all on the First Friends journey and opening a new chapter in our beautiful Meeting. I am excited for the changes that are coming and look forward to something new. – Pat Garland, Clerk of Business and Finance 4 Elliots and Guests Bring “The Magic Kingdom” to AFFN A privileged peak behind the scenes of Disney’s Magic Kingdom is becoming an annual treat for All Friends Fellowship Night goers. At the first AFFN gathering of the fall season on September 10, Elisabeth and Michael Elliot once again gave Friends a look at some of the daily (and nightly) operations of the world’s largest and most famous entertainment company. Michael is a master electrician and technical designer at the Disneyland Resort, and one of the many people responsible for lighting systems at the Park. His career has taken him to Japan and China to help build Disney parks in those countries (everyone in the world wants a Disneyland!). A year ago, Michael reported to an enthralled AFFN audience his experiences working on Hong Kong Disneyland. This time, Michael described an all-Disney technical conference which featured, among many projects, the technology behind the realistic snow animation in Frozen. At first glance, this may seem a simple thing, but Disney animators had many challenges in recreating snow “behavior.” For instance, how do you get snow to stick to the boots of the characters as they walk? While “talking shop” casually with another attendee, Michael found that he was talking with Dennis Muren, the multiple Academy Award-winning special effects supervisor of Star Wars, among other film classics. Elisabeth works for Disneyland as a coordinator of Guest Talent Programs, a performance and educational department at the Resort. She and over a hundred colleagues shepherd various theatrical and musical youth groups from all over the world through intensive workshop and performance preparation experiences as well as their own performance on a Disneyland stage. Elisabeth brought three of her fellow coordinators to AFFN. Max Gentzler, a retired printer, came with his wife, Judy and told amusing stories of the instant problem-solving that has to be done to get a group ready for their performance. For instance, when a concert band member forgets about his shoes, Max may have to “remake” his athletic shoes—with black tape! Sue DeVillez is a former high school and private dance instructor turned performance coach for youth marching ensembles. Some of the groups, such as marching bands, get the thrill of marching down Main Street USA. During the busy holiday season, these include many of the bands which march in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. Mohammed Jaffrey not only works with performing arts groups but also with students in science, art and student leadership with the Disney Youth Education Series. For instance, he and his colleagues bring the properties of motion alive by helping groups build their own model roller coaster. Recently, he went to the Ecuadorian Amazon as part of a Disney volunteer community-building mission. It is fair to say that Mohammed has more big things in his future—he was named VoluntEAR of the Year at the Resort and is now a semi-finalist to become one of two Disney Ambassadors, who serve as the Resort’s international “Emissaries of Goodwill” as well as media representatives and official hosts to Resort guests. All four Disney Cast Members told intriguing stories about their experiences, which have included everything from soothing agitated “stage parents” to the thrill and challenge of stage managing a marching band of 650 musicians! They also spoke of Walt Disney, his impact on American culture and his implicit mission to educate youth that continues to this day. The pot-luck supper that accompanied our behind-thescenes Disneyland adventure was an outstanding buffet with summertime fruits. Following the program, Friends visited with our guests from Disney and expressed their great appreciation to them, Elisabeth and Michael and to hosts Ted and Mary Marshburn. – Bob Newton Learn About Pumpkin Carving At AFFN Join us for All Friends Fellowship Night on Wednesday, October 8 to see a presentation of photos and videos of spectacular Wright family pumpkin carvings compiled from Dan Wright’s archives going back over a dozen years. This is the first time documentation of this exhaustive body of work has been assembled together in its entirety, sure to amaze and inspire. You may never look at Jack-o-lantern carving the same way again! Join us in Fellowship Hall for potluck dinner at 6 p.m. with the program to follow from 7 to 8 p.m. Please sign up in the courtyard if you plan to attend, and bring a main dish, salad or dessert and $1 or $3 per person if you do not bring a dish. Drinks and bread will be provided. There is no charge for children 12 or under with parents. October 2014 Sun Mon Tues Schedule for Sundays Unprogrammed Worship—9:30a First Day Classes—9:30a Meeting for Worship—11:00a 5 12:30p Quarterly Meeting of Clerks 6 7 1:30p Writing 7:00a Class Spiritual Growth & Quaker Men 9:15a Trustees 7:00p Handbell Choir Wed Thurs Fri Sat 1 2 7:00p Quaker 7:00p Choir Men’s Rehearsal Evening Group 3 4 6:30p Friday Family Flicks presenting: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 8 6:00p AFFN 9 7:00p Choir Rehearsal 10 11 12 13 12:15p Monthly Friendly Meeting Fare Deadline 10:00a Quiltmakers 1:30p Writing Class 14 7:00a Spiritual Growth & Quaker Men 7:00p Handbell Choir 15 16 Living Light 7:00p Choir Rehearsal Deadline 7:00p Quaker Men’s Evening Group 17 18 19 20 1:30p Writing Class 6:00p Monthly Mission Monday 21 7:00a Spiritual Growth & Quaker Men 7:00p Handbell Choir 22 23 7:00p Choir Editors Rehearsal Compose Living Light 7:00p Quaker Men’s Evening Group 24 25 27 10:00a Quiltmakers 1:30p Writing Class 28 7:00a Spiritual Growth & Quaker Men 7:00p Handbell Choir 29 30 Living Light 7:00p Choir Rehearsal Folding 7:00p Quaker Men’s Evening Group 31 Halloween Whittier College Sunday 3:00p New Century Singers Concert 26 12:15p Outreach Meeting 12:15p WFS Chili Cook-Off Alicia Atkinson Judith Austin Glenus Bateman Christopher Berardino Jude Berardino Stacy Bouchard Betsy Bradley Robert Browning Charles Browning Wanda Caldwell Barbara Carty Joy Creelman Susie Cush Kim Haynes Nathan Jones Adam Kawamura Ruth Marshall David Marshburn Paul Marshburn Anne McIntosh Ron Memmelaar Kara Peterson Suanne Ramirez Kathleen Robison Sharon Rollins Maureen Russell Vi Smith Beth Strader Jasmine Sturr Kathryn Weber Loren Woirhaye Michael Wood Anna Wright Bill Wright Kirk Wright If we've missed your birthday, we apologize (and happy birthday)! We're working hard to keep our bir thda y calendar up-to-date so please let us know if we're forgetting anyone. Thank you! Friends School Sunday Marks WFS 40th Anniversary Mission Monday done the Wright Way Whittier Friends School 4th grader Matthew Horbino and Intermediate School teacher Cassie Caringella welcomed worshippers to Meeting on Friends School Sunday, September 14. The service was carried out almost entirely by the students. 8th grader Avon Dhawal read the keynote Scripture, Galatians 5:22-23, which enumerates “Fruits of the Spirit,” setting the theme for the service. The worship message consisted of quotations from famous personages such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa on the transforming power of spiritual attributes, such as kindness, faithfulness and self-control. These statements were read by Avon, Matthew Horbino and Matthew Quesada. Elyse Woirhaye gave the offertory prayer and read two additional quotations. The offering was collected by ushers Anathea Woirhaye, Hunter Collins and Shreeya Dhawal. Ashley Ryder led the Children’s Message, asking the large group of youngsters (the whole school population plus others): “What is your favorite fruit?” and “What are the fruits that you don’t eat?,” then introducing the concept of fruits of the spirit. Additional quotations by St. Francis de Sales and Norman Vincent Peale were read by Hunter and Anathea, rounding out the students’ portion of the worship message. Then the whole WFS student body, including preschoolers, lined up with the choir to sing Handel’s anthem “My Song Shall Be Alway.” A second part of the worship message took the form of a statement by Brendon Woirhaye, a member of the school’s first graduating class 40 years ago, read by Lynda Ladwig. Brendon credited WFS with helping him d ev elop the discipline and r es p e c t f or learning that has resulted in his successful career in high-tech communications. Lynda herself has been a strong school supporter, having served on the School Committee. She gave a thumbnail sketch of the school’s development since it was first conceived by the First Friends Religious Education Committee. During the open sharing period, several worshippers rose to tell of their gratitude to WFS for giving an excellent education to their children or grandchildren. Matthew Quesada and Elementary Teacher Alicia Atkinson asked for introduction of guests and Five Wrights most certainly do not make a wrong. Milton, Donna, Dan, Lea and Philip Wright joined Lynda Ladwig in the school playground on Monday evening September 15 to sand a picnic table and prepare it for painting at a future date. With the sanding project behind us we moved to repainting some of the worn yellow lines that designate the hopscotch area, redefined the tetherball court and other areas that needed to be defined by the distinctive yellow line. Satisfied that our little group had done right by the school we continued our fellowship around the water cooler filled with ice water on this September evening with the temperature still in the 90s. Next month’s Mission Monday will take place on October 20, 2014 and our efforts will benefit the Whittier First Day Coalition. In addition to the Emergency housing that First Day can make available they also provide transitional living space. This allows additional time to those who have demonstrated willingness and determination to move toward self sufficiency. After a job has been secured an individual can retain their residency to accumulate sufficient funds to acquire permanent and stable housing. One of the necessities in running a household whether for your own family or for a community in need is towels, yes, that’s right, bath towels, wash cloths, hand towels. First Day is willing to take used towels that still have some life in them. So, come join us in Fellowship Hall and bring a towel or two. You may be surprised by what a little creative fun, a few towels and great fellowship will produce. If you can’t make it on October 20 at 6 p.m., but would like to help with a donation of towels, they can be dropped off in the church foyer or given to Lynda Ladwig. – Lynda Ladwig announcements and closed the meeting with a short prayer. After the rise of Meeting, everyone was invited to take their courtyard refreshments to the school for an open-house visit. – Bob Newton 5 Carol Urner Recognized For Life-Long Peace Work During most of her adult life Carol Urner has been an energetic and outspoken advocate of nuclear disarmament, as well as a teacher and social worker among the downtrodden populations of many of the world’s poorest countries. On May 30, 2014, the Congressional Record printed a tribute to Carol and her “vision for a safer world” submitted by a congressman from Oregon, her summer residence. On September 7, Carol was honored with a special framed certificate of recognition by the United Nations Association chapter of Whittier, her winter residence. The presentation was made at an afternoon garden party at a beautiful home in the Whittier Hills, cosponsored by the Los Angeles chapter of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). For the past many years, Carol has been an officer of WILPF and a prominent peace lobbyist at the United Nations and in Washington D.C. Listed among the local co-sponsors were the Whittier Interfaith Council, First Friends and several other Whittier congregations. The program titled “Our Nuclear Future” centered around the under-appreciated continuing danger to life on earth from the existence of large arsenals of nuclear weapons in several nations and the problem-ridden dependence on nuclear power in many places. Jacqueline Cabasso, an authority who writes, speaks and testifies about nuclear weapons abolition, led the discussion with Carol acting as moderator. Jackie is Executive Director of the Western States Legal Foundation, a prominent anti-nuclear advocacy group in California. Prompted by Carol’s leading questions, Jackie described the concerns of the international anti-nuclear movement. She emphasized that this topic was urgently discussed in the early 1980s, but since the end of the Cold War has received less and less public attention despite the on-going danger of nuclearization of the developed nations. Recent political unrest in Eastern Europe and the Mideast and alarming nuclear power plant disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima have served to revive public awareness of our common danger. Jackie and Carol both emphasized that it is essential to maintain a positive and optimistic approach to denuclearization efforts. Despite disturbing political developments, they see several reasons to hope that their message is gaining ground. One is the anti-nuclear campaign launched by the International Red Cross, which sees “no effective way of delivering humanitarian assistance to victims” after a nuclear explosion. Another is the growth of Mayors for Peace. Founded and headed by the mayor of Hiroshima, this organization, which now has 6,276 member cities in 160 countries, including 213 in the U.S. and 32 in California, launched a “Vision Campaign” in 2009, looking toward a nuclear-weapon-free world by 2020. After an hour’s presentation by Jackie and Carol, the attendees, numbering about 100, broke into four smaller groups for individual discussions over refreshments. The discussion attended by this reporter was moderated by our Methodist friend, Bill Miller, well known at First Friends Church for his pulpit appearances. Bill was instrumental in getting a feature article about Carol and her life-long mission in the Sunday, September 7, Whittier Daily News. He solicited responses from his table gathering about what reasons for hope they saw for nuclear disarmament and how we might best build upon them. Each of the four table-groups reported briefly to a reconvened assembly to conclude the afternoon’s activities. After the meeting adjourned, attendees lingered into the twilight to listen to Holly Overin and her trio sing peace-theme ballads, and to congratulate Carol Urner on her U.N. Association tribute. – Bob Newton Quaker Life Subscription Announcement Time to Renew! It is time for our Meeting to renew our subscriptions to Quaker Life. If you don’t subscribe to this magazine already, you will want to add your name to the list. As part of our group, subscriptions cost just $20.00 per year. To begin a subscription or renew your current one, forward your payment to the church office. Checks should be made payable to First Friends Church with Quaker Life written in the memo field. Please respond with your payment no later than November 15. – Mary Boltz 6 WFS Chili Cook-Off To Be Seasonal And Scary Meet Eric Bald: One Of Our Newer Members Eric Bald’s father, Louis Bald, immigrated to Canada from Germany after World War II. His mother, Elizabeth, from Romania, was a displaced person after the war and she also found her way to Canada where she met her husband-to-be. They married in Canada and Eric’s older sister was born there. But Eric was born after they moved to California. Eric grew up in Temple City, and attended its public schools through high school. He received an AA degree from Pasadena City College followed by certification as a paramedic at Mt. San Antonio College. Then from Cal Poly Pomona he received an AB degree in Botany and Microbiology and later a Masters Degree. He is a member of the National Honor Society for Agriculture. Eric worked as an Emergency Room Technician in Pasadena and Covina for several years while also in the Pasadena Fire Department Reserves. Eric is now employed in the Hazardous Material Division of the L.A. County Fire Department. His official title is “Hazardous Material Specialist.” He does inspections, investigation of crimes when indicated, and at times he also does cleanups. If contamination is present he will have oversight of a cleanup. He is deputized as a Health Officer. He cofounded a biotech company, ProteoNova, Inc. located in Pasadena. He enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, boating, hiking, climbing and gardening. He is said to be a good handyman also. One day, about three years ago, while at work doing an inspection in Whittier, Eric noted a Friends church at the corner of Philadelphia and Washington. This piqued his interest because during his childhood his home backed up to the Pacific Ackworth Friends School in Temple City. The school had a garden with extra land behind it. Eric asked if he could use some of that land for a garden Whittier Friends School’s 40th Anniversary festivities continue this month with the annual Chili Cook-Off scheduled for Sunday, October 26. For a monster of a good time, plan to attend this “Science is Scary (And Fun!)” luncheon at the rise of meeting (approximately 12:15 p.m.). If you would like to bring food, choose between a pot of chili, a non-chili main dish, chili toppings (such as cheese or sour cream), corn bread, or homemade dessert, bringing enough for 2 dozen servings. Plug in your crockpot at Fellowship Hall as you make your way to church that day, and then join the school for a great afternoon of scary science. Along with the usual chili contest (with gift certificate prizes!) there will be a Halloween-science-themed musical performance by preschool through 8th grades and a science-themed costume parade. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress up in their best science costumes as well. Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning October 6 and must be purchased by Friday, October 24 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.00 in advance if you bring food, but an additional $5.00 at the door if you have not brought food . Tickets at the door will be $10.00, or $5.00 with a food item. For WFS student performers there is no charge. P.S.: October 26 will also be the final day to turn in pre-sale orders for the WFS annual Nut and Candy Sale. Order forms for the nut sale are available now. – Cassie Caringella Upcoming Whittier Friends School Events Dec 14: FFC/WFS Christmas Dinner & Program Jan 16: History Day Presentations, grades 4-8 Jan 24: Rummage Sale/Parking Lot Sale Feb 27: WFS Grandparents Day Mar 24: Science Fair/Open House May 16: WFS Spring Event – Dinner, Auction, and Show. and his request was granted. He grew zucchini and a variety of other vegetables there. So he was interested in this “new” Friends Church in Whittier and began attending our meeting. He became an active member in April 2013. Eric married Lanning Zhu in December 2012 and they are expecting their first child in February 2015. When he has a chance to travel it may be to the Bay Area, Mammoth, or China! Eric’s mother, Elizabeth, frequently attends church with him. His father passed away about 7 years ago. Be sure to say hello the next time you see Eric, Lanning or Elizabeth and be sure to keep your hazardous waste out of the landfill! – Ted Marshburn 7 Loletta Brings First Fall-Season Message Loletta Barrett, who served us as Interim Pastor in the spring of 2012, returned to the pulpit on September 7 as our candidate for settled pastor. Her selection was announced by the Pastoral Search Committee at the August Monthly Meeting and approved by the Meeting on September 14. We felt selected by Loletta also as she confided that although she has provided pastoral service to a number of congregations in the area in past years, she has never felt more spiritually led to become a part of a particular worship community than while contemplating the possibility of coming to First Friends. The theme of Meeting for Worship and of Loletta’s message was “Gathered in Light.” After she spoke to the children, the day’s Scriptures, from Matthew 18 (“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them”) and Romans 13 (“Let us then…put on the armor of light”) were read by Ellie Bewley, who clerked the Pastoral Search Committee. Proceeding into her message, Loletta stated that while she was interim pastor she came to increasingly appreciate Friends’ concept of “the presence in the midst” and our emphasis on the image of light. She outlined some fundamental principles which have especially inspired her since her time with us two years ago: 1. God’s love for us, his children, is limitless and enduring. 2. We were created to be co-creators of His world. 3. We are called by Jesus to build the beloved community of God. 4. We are called to be open to the leadings of the Spirit. She called us, as Friends and Christians, to be representatives of Jesus in spreading the light. Such a perspective on Christianity would seem to mirror, to a high degree, the most essential viewpoints of Friends. Loletta’s visit coincided with the return of the fall Sunday worship schedule, and also the return of the choir, which sang Wonacott’s “God Is Here”. Long-time member Preston Mitchell, who was visiting, played the lovely “Ashokan Farewell” on his flute. Bill Wright in the open worship was moved to read the text of one of his favorite hymns, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.” After the rise of Meeting, Friends gathered to renew their acquaintance with Loletta in a joyous reception in Fellowship Hall. – Bob Newton Tribute to John G. Whittier Winds Up Summer Worship The faith of John Greenleaf Whittier was the theme of the last summertime Meeting for Worship, held August 31. Bill Wright’s message on the life and work of the Quaker poet was interspersed with readings by Bill and others from some of the best known Whittier poems. Bill acknowledged an essay by Rufus Jones on Whittier’s religious faith as the source for much of his message material. Whittier was an ardent abolitionist and many of his early poems, written from 1830 to 1860, reproached the institution of human slavery. Other poems, such as “Our Master”, read by Elisabeth Elliot, paraphrased Whittier’s deep personal faith in a loving God. George Bouchard read “The Eternal Goodness,” familiar to Quakers as a hymn text, one of seven hymns based on Whittier poems in the older First Friends hymnal. Bill read at length from one of Whittier’s bestknown religious poems, “The Brewing of Soma” which contains the passage beginning “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind,” familiar as a hymn to most Protestant churches, as well as to Friends. Bill read the entire text of the hymn. The effectiveness of Bill’s worship message was enhanced by the intimacy of the small circle of chairs in Fellowship Hall, which has been our venue during the month of August. During the open sharing period Anne McIntosh expressed gratitude for the leading to try this smaller, closer worship mode. Oboist Evan Sanchez made a fine contribution to this extraordinary Meeting for Worship by playing J.S. Bach’s “Airoso,” accompanied by Russ Litchfield on the piano. The simple setting lent itself to appreciation of the music of this fine young instrumentalist. Evan will head back this month to the Guild Hall Conservatory in London to begin his second year of study under a renowned oboist. Thanks to Russ Litchfield for his part in our unique experiment in Friends worship. – Bob Newton 8 Return Service Requested Postmaster: send address changes to: The Living Light First Friends Church 13205 Philadelphia St Whittier, CA 90601–4303 Periodicals Postage Paid at Whittier California The Living Light USPS 316-320 Volume 53 Number 10 Issue Date: October 1, 2014 The Living Light is published monthly by First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia Street, Whittier, California, 90601-4303. Periodical postage paid at Whittier, California. Bob Newton...................................Editor Elisabeth Elliot...............Associate Editor Sabron Newton .................... Copy Editor Lynda Ladwig.....Acting Associate Pastor ..........& Christian Education Coordinator Russell Litchfield .................................... ......... Dir of Music Ministries & Organist Mary Boltz.............. Office Administrator Lorenzo Mora ..........................Custodian Telephone 562-698-9805 FAX 562-698-1127 www.firstfriendswhittier.org Whittier Friends School Staff Marie Kaneko ... School Committee Clerk 562-945-1654 Peace Café To Return On Saturday, November 22, Fellowship Hall will once again be turned into a simple coffeehouse known as the Peace Café. JoNita Beede and Holly Overin, two of our own creative song writers, will host another evening of song, poetry, photography, and art, along with specialty vendors and educational information on peace and social justice issues. Lending a helping hand will be Carrin Bouchard, who will oversee and serve a simple meal with tea, coffee, drinks and desserts. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. Donations received during this event will cover the expense of hosting the Peace Café any additional funds will go towards scholarships for the Summer 2015 Peace Camp. Peace Camp is offered to children of our meeting and the community to teach conflict resolution, how to fellowship in love, and how to treat our planet with kindness. At 8:00 p.m. there will be a 15 minute power point presentation sharing the why behind and importance of teaching peace to the youth The Peace Café event was created to offer a place where one can walk in, learn, sit, and share with others in peace. JoNita and Holly want to invite more people to share their gifts in music, art, words or dance, and to connect with other organizations which work for peace, justice, or humanity. If you know of a person or organization that might like to attend or participate, please give them our flyer with the details and contact information. – Carrin Bouchard, Outreach Committee Please remember in prayer those Friends unable to worship with us regularly. Peggy Anderson Judith Austin Audrey & Carlos Bailey Helen & Jack Carlisle Jack Phinney Maureen Russell Vi Smith Ami Troedsson Gerry Wolfe
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