The Acorn of LOFM

Adult Education Series: the Wheel of Non Violence

The Wheel of Nonviolence was introduced to members and attenders during a First Day School presentation, “A Quaker’s View of Gandhi’s Approach to Nonviolence,” by Victoria Albright on November 21.  Of those in attendance, nine have already committed to the 12-week worship-sharing and action series.  We have room for up to 30 individuals and hope that Friends will consider participating, if so led.  The following description is provided for those who were unable to attend:

Our Meeting is filled with individuals who are doing positive work in many areas of their lives – personally, with their family, within the Meeting, as volunteers, and professionally.  Yet what many of us seem to lack is a powerful over-arching vision within which all the pieces of our life fit.    There is another, often missing, aspect to our search for meaning and service; that is, the desire to know that the work we are doing is part of something larger, part of a combined effort that is creating a positive change in the world.

The Wheel of Nonviolence is a tool that can help us see the bigger picture. It identifies the components of a nonviolent life (and a nonviolent movement) so that we can begin to see our contributions and discern how we can make a difference in the larger scheme of things.

This personal and social change model, developed by Chris Moore-Backman (a Quaker and student of Gandhi’s teachings), was inspired by Gandhi’s three-fold approach to nonviolence:   1) personal transformation, 2) constructive program (community and social uplift/renewal), and 3) political action.  It was designed to be studied and explored both individually and collectively.  As a community, we will learn that each of us has strengths and weaknesses, but that an empowering balance can be created through mutual encouragement and the sharing of our knowledge and strengths with each other. 

 This series is sponsored by the Peace and Social Action and Earthcare Witness Committees.   The location will be determined by each group.   Regular attendance is requested. Call or email Victoria to enroll (albrightv@yahoo.comDownload Adult Education Series for 2010).  The dates and times are:

Tuesday            7-9pm      Jan 12,19,26       Feb 2,9,16,23      Mar 2,9,16,23,30

Saturday                3-5pm      Jan 9,16,23,30    Feb 6,13,20,27    Mar 6,13,20,27

Thursday              7-9pm                  Feb 4,11,18,25    Mar 4,11,18,25    Apr 1,8,15,22

What books have helped you or your children better understand Quakerism?

Quakers are Readers!      What books have helped you or your children better understand Quakerism?    I would like to compile a list of the books that have been meaningful to Quakers and their families in their quest to deepen their faith.      We might  share the list with newcomers to the meeting or maybe ask the library committee to have some of these favorites on the new cart in the prefunction room of the meeting house.  

 My first two books would be:   The Berenstain Bears and the Big Question  by Stan and Jan Berenstain and Alice Walker's Finding the Green Stone.

 Please respond on the blog or send your favorites to joan@sunbody.com.      Thanks.

First Day School on Colonial Quakers, 9:30 am, Nov 8

From Kathryn: This coming First Day is our First Day on Colonial Quakers in America.
This will be for children and adults at 9:30 a.m. 

People will dress , wear a sign, or bring a prop of an early colonial Quaker and share what they have learned about their person.

If they haven't chosen a person, come to First Day anyways to see and enjoy the fun.

First Day School 11/01/09: Alternatives to Military for Youth

Bob Henschen of the War Resistor's League will discuss military recruiting in the high schools at our Adult's First Day School on 11/01/09.

Adults needed to help out in Children's First Day classes

Spend time with the Children helping in their First Day classes this year.  We need three volunteers each First Day to help in each of the younger three classes.   Join Peggy MacDonald with the Elementary class, Kathy Brooks with the Pre-K, or Maria Hernandez in the nursery.  We are committing to having 2 adults in each group of younger children to improve the supervision and safety of both the children and adults. Watch for Janet Williams with a sign-up sheet or contact her directly to volunteer at mactexan@earthlink.net.