Ithaca Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
February 13, 2022
(The @ signifies that the minute has been read and approved during Meeting. Please note that copies of all annual reports provided during this Meeting are on file with and available from the Clerk or Recording Clerk.)
2022.2.1 Opening Worship
Ithaca Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends met on-line, via Zoom remote for Monthly Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business on February 13, 2022. Clerk reviewed the agenda for Monthly Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business and recognized Shirley Way for holding the Meeting in the Light.
At 12:30 PM, Friends present settled into worship & by 12:35 they numbered 14.
2022.2.2 Memorial Minute: Beth Jolles
Steve Mohlke read the memorial minute. Friends listened deeply then settled into worship to reflect on what was shared. Friends shared memories & ministry about Beth’s life, her work, her service to IMM, her spirit-driven practicality, her abundant generosity & love.
Friends received the report @
2022.2.3 Memorial Minute: Martin Jolles
Mike Simkin read the memorial minute. Friends again listened deeply then settled into worship to reflect on what was shared. Friends shared memories & ministry about Martin’s wisdom, his steadfastness, his support for Friends during difficult times at IMM, his willingness to playfully engage both children & elders in demo work at TSMH, as well as his overall ability to make things happen – including an unexpected smile from a Friend just waiting for the school bus.
Friends received the report @
2022.2.4 Annual Reports
Friends presented annual reports and answered questions for committees as follows:
Karen Friedeborn read the report of the Ithaca Monthly Meeting Pastoral Care Coordinating Team (IMMPaCCT), sharing highlights & details about members, initiatives and plans both practical & spiritual the group has made for the year. After a moment of reflection, Friends shared gratitude to the folks building community through pastoral care & connection
Pat Sewell read the report of the Finance Committee, sharing highlights & details related to the financial life of IMM; he recognized the passing of two valued committee members, and the newly assembled group that serves on this committee. Friends reflected silently, then shared their appreciation for the group’s flexibility and continued good work in the face of many changes.
Karen Friedeborn read the report of the Burtt House Committee, sharing the committee’s immense gratitude to long-time member, Tom Brown as well as a list of maintenance tasks – both anticipated and emergency – that have been undertaken by various Friends through the year. After silent reflection, Friends shared their appreciation.
On behalf of the Peace & Social Justice Committee, Garry Thomas, Ruth Yarrow & Margaret McCasland each read a section of the lengthy report. They shared details that illuminated the varied & impactful work of this committee – from peace advocacy & social justice activities to the research for & distribution of 16 IMM Witness Grants, as well as 11 Peace & Social Justice grants. Friends again entered a period of silent reflection, then shared the following:
1. Clarification of specifics related to the Cayuga Share Farm’s eviction risk (not negligence, but consideration of sovereignty) & IMM’s support
2. Clarification of specific years requests
3. Acknowledgment of the wonderful work of women in India that is supported by this committee
4. Recognition of Elizabeth Schneider’s two decades of service on this committee
Friends received these four reports.@
2022.2.5 Closing Worship
At 2:08 PM, 17 Friends settled into worship before adjourning. Our next regularly scheduled Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business will be March 13, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Blair Jennings