Agate Pass Monthly Meeting

May 18, 2008

Attending: Anna Adams, Judy Brown, Ed Sheridan, Jim Rana Meadows, Dorothy Rana Meadows, Virginia Hoyte, Eric Hoyte, Karla Zimmerman, Jan Prichard Cohen, Beverly West, Kathryn Keve, Diane Carle, Diana Sheridan, Barbara Wolf, Judith Larson, Paul Larson, Bob Royce, Michael Moore, Rebecca Hudson, Peter Damento, Patty Damento

Opening:
The Meeting was clerked by Ed Sheridan who read the monthly Query followed by a period of silence and contemplation. All were invited to participate and discuss and comment on the Query.

What are we doing about the injustices, which are part of our social and economic life?
How do we help those who suffer from discrimination?

Minutes: The minutes from the April Monthly Meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

  • Over all we are doing well. We are spending less than the budget but this does not include the upcoming rent for Seabold Hall.

  • The Friends Center in Philadelphia is undergoing a renovation and has already received 95% of its $4 million budget. Contributions are welcome.

  • There has been a request from the Quarterly Meeting for a contribution of $1.00 per active member. This would be in addition to our yearly dues of $40.00 per member. A discussion followed. It was approved by Friends to send $35 dollars to the Quarterly Meeting.

  • The Treasurer’s Report for April was approved.

Announcements:

  • Friends Committee on Washington Public Policy (FCWPP) and Carol Estes have offered to present and discuss with Friends the state of criminal justice in Washington State. It was suggested by the Committee for Social Concern that this presentation and discussion could be offered to the community at large. We may also invite the Freedom Project. Further details to follow about time and location for the presentation.

  • Friends approved of a $50 donation to help cosponsor George Kunz and his presentation on the work of Emmanuel Levinas. The presentation will take place on June 3rd at Seabold Hall.

Nominating Committee:

  • Karla Zimmerman will assume responsibilities for the editing of the Agate Passage Friends Meeting Directory of Member and Attenders

  • The Committee is reviewing the possibility of staggering the terms for members of Offices and Committees.

Ministry and Counsel:

  • Diana Sheridan’s letter to apply for membership was read. The Visiting Committee has recommended Diana for membership. The membership has been approved. Diana’s letter will be placed in the minutes. The Welcoming Committee will plan a gathering to celebrate. Further details to follow.

  • A series of discussions on Quaker Testimonies will begin this fall. Friends have agreed that the discussions and potluck should be held on Wednesdays. Further times details to follow.

  • The Meeting would like to bring forth a sense of community and fellowship by inviting us to become more actively involved in the issues surrounding social injustice and specifically to help relieve the suffering of illegal immigrants in the state of Washington. Northwest Immigrant Rights offers counseling to immigrants and could provide some insight their immediate needs. Judy Brown mentioned the need for “court watchers’ who are present during court appearance by immigrants as show of silent support. Other members mentioned the Tacoma Detention Center and the possibility of helping the detainees. Friends agreed to invite a speaker this summer who is familiar with the topic and can provide more information.

  • The Memorial Minutes for Roberta and Millie will go to the North Pacific Annual Meeting. They will also be sent out via e-mail on the Agate Pass Attender list.

The Meeting ended at 12:30 following a brief period of Silence. The next Monthly Meeting will be on June 15th following Meeting for Worship. There will be no Monthly Meeting in July.

Patty Damento

Recording Clerk