Monthly Meeting November 2020

Ithaca Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

November 8, 2020
Clerk: Gina Varrichio
Recording Clerks: Marin Clarkberg, Blair Jennings
(The @ signifies that the minute has been read and approved during Meeting. Copies of all written reports are on file with and available from the Clerk or Recording Clerk.)

2020.11.1 Opening Worship
Ithaca Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends met in Monthly Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business on November 8, 2020. At 12:34 P.M., 19 Friends gathered via Zoom and settled into worship.

2020.11.2 Worship Sharing: WHAT IS THE “IMM COMMUNITY?”

Clerk shared her rationale for asking those gathered to participate in Worship Sharing around queries related to the concept and content of IMM Community. Clerk asked all to consider and share out of the silence about the following:
1) Who and what is the IMM Community?
2) Are there differences between a spiritual/religious community and other kinds of communities? Do they matter?
3) What are you doing that strengthens the IMM Community? What are you doing that diminishes the IMM Community?
4) What is the IMM Community doing that strengthens you. What is the IMM Community doing that diminishes you?
Clerk provided space and invited responses to each query. Much was shared with love, honesty and consideration.@

2020.11.3 Peace & Social Justice Donations Approval

IMM allocates $2,000 each year to the Peace and Social Justice Committee to give to organizations, and sometimes individuals, who are working for peace and justice in the world. Of these funds, $1,000 is discretionary, that is, the Committee can decide where those funds are donated. The additional $1,000 requires Meeting approval. On behalf of the committee, Garry Thomas reported Peace & Social Justice’s priorities and process, as well as specific details about how each of the proposed recipients of these non-discretionary donations connect to the spirit of IMM. The proposed recipients and amounts are as follows:

  • Opportunities, Alternatives and Resources/OAR – $200
  • College Initiative Upstate (under the umbrella of OAR) – $200
  • National Religious Campaign Against Torture – $100
  • Arte y Esperanza – $100
  • Afghan Women’s Fund – $100
  • Plowshares – $300

Friends approved the allocation of funds as presented in the report.@

2020.11.4 Nominating Committee: 2021 Nominations

On behalf of Nominating Committee, Cai Quirk read the full report. It included details about both recent history and the context under which the Committee Roster was considered, adjusted and populated – specifically, in light of ongoing COVID realities and opportunities in terms of efficient, effective use of resources and leadings. Nominating presented a draft of proposed Nominations for 2021 for Friends’ thoughtful consideration and reflection.

Nominating will return in December seeking approval to this document-in-progress.
Comments, questions and specific adjustments were raised and acknowledged. Joy and gratitude for individuals’ service was also shared. Friends who notice additional edits are asked to reach out to the Nominating Committee directly between now and December. Friends received the report.@

Cai further shared a list of interim nominations to address immediate needs of committees (such as those created by resignations) for IMM approval as follows:

  • Barbara Chase for Ministry & Worship
  • John Lewis for Third Street Meetinghouse
  • Michelle Brimage for Third Street Meetinghouse

Friends approved the nominations.@

2020.11.5 Closing Worship

11 Friends settled into silent worship at 2:23 P.M. before adjourning. Our next regular Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business will be held at 12:30 P.M. on December 13, 2020.

Respectfully submitted,

Blair Jennings