volume 47, number 7 March 2001

And there he came to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the people of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thy altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." And he said, "Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. I Kings 19:9-12.

Since all human beings are children of God, Friends are called to love and respect all persons and to overcome evil with good. Friend's peace testimony arises from the power of Christ working in our hearts. Our work and lives should testify to this power and stand as a positive witness in a world still torn by strife and violence.

The Society of Friends has consistently held that war is contrary to the Spirit of Christ. It stated its position clearly in the Declaration to Charles the II in 1660:

"We utterly deny all outward wars and strife and fighting with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretense whatsoever; this is our testimony to the whole world ... The Spirit of Christ, by which we are guided, is not changeable, so as once to command us from a thing as evil, and again to move us unto it; and we certainly know, and testify to the world that the Spirit of Christ, which leads us into all truth will never move us to fight and war against any person with outward weapons, neither for the Kingdom of Christ nor for the Kingdoms of this world ....Therefore, we cannot learn war any more." from Faith and Practice, pp. 76-77

Query 7, from Faith and Practice, individual queries:

Am I mindful of how my lifestyle and my investments can contribute to the improvement of the human condition, or to the exploitation of others?

Am I open to seeking clearness on matters of conscience and to assisting others in doing so?

How do I respond and support one who acts out of a clear leading when I am under the weight of another?

What am I doing to work for the betterment of my community to assure the maintenance of effective public services which do not rely on funding from gaming?

Do I fulfill my civic responsibilities when they do not conflict with divine leadings?

World Day of Prayer

Jayne Stokes

Childrenís classes will meet on the first, second and fourth Sunday this month from 11:15 to 12:15. Adult FDS is open to high school students as well as adults. March 4: Worship Sharing Circle in the auditorium.

March 11: The Sayings of Jesus. The start of a five-week course led by Howard McKinney. See article below.

Faith &Practice will meet in the library.March 18: Haddonfield Friends School is inviting school families to attend Meeting for Worship. Adult First Day School will be an introduction to Quakerism. Children ages 7 to 14 will meet in the sewing room for cooperative games. There will be child care provided for children under the age of seven.March 25: The Sayings of Jesus. Second session of a five-week course led by Howard McKinney.Faith & Practice will meet in the library.

Howard McKinney

Catherine King

The Children's Inclusion Committee would like to remind everyone that childcare during Meeting for Worship and First Day School is available for children up to seven years old. Children who are older than seven are encouraged to attend Meeting for Worship with their parents or caregivers.

In an effort to help children stay in Meeting for Worship contentedly and to encourage a broader sense of community within the Meeting, the Children's Inclusion Committee would like to facilitate seating younger children with older children or adults during Meeting for Worship. If you or your child would be interested in being partnered or being a partner, please contact Gary King via E-mail at gary.king@westlakeplastics.com. or by contacting any one of the Children's Inclusion Committee members: Pam Moench, Maria Shivers, Louise and Steve Senopoulis, and Catherine and Gary King.

Childcare is also available during the monthly Meeting for Business.

Paul Shallers

We are seeking an Admissions Director to take over as Virginia Ritchie retires. The classified ad we placed in newspapers and on the FCE website reads as follows:

Admissions Director, part-time, for a Quaker day school of 200 students, prek-6th grade. Experience in admissions and early childhood development required.

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to Haddonfield Friends School, 47 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033

David Marshall

The Haddonfield Council of Churches "World Day of Prayer" Service is being hosted by our meeting this year. The liturgy and theme were developed by the women of Western Samoa. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend. The date is Friday, March 2 at 1:00 PM. Refreshments follow.

Priscilla Adams

Snow canceled our January program and it is now rescheduled for:

March 18, 2001

1:30 - 4:00

at Newton Meeting House

(in Camden, on Cooper St. between Haddon & 8th)

Please come and bring others. We will provide a simple lunch at 1:30 followed by a program. The program will start with three members of the DC Peace & Economic Justice Program of American Friends Service Committee explaining their work, followed by a discussion of what insights we can gather from their experiences as we in Haddonfield Quarter plan for a more visible Quaker presence in Camden. The DC program started when Friends Meetings in that area wanted to strengthen the Quaker presence in Wash. DC., not unlike our situation, in which many Friends from Haddonfield Quarter would like to be more involved in Camden. Like us, it was not easy to discern the next steps to make it happen. We are hopeful that learning about the experience of the DC program will offer us some guidance in how to proceed. Sponsored by Haddonfield Quarter Peace & Social Concerns Committee.

Call Priscilla with questions.

Christmas 2000, Poems by Lyle Tatum

This small booklet of works by one of our own contains, as does his past collections, a number of hauntingly memorable pieces. This reader was especially taken with "In Memory of Bud" and "To Skylar."

I Have Always Wanted to be Jewish---And now, Thanks to the Religious Society of Friends, I Am, by Claire Gorfinkel (Pendle Hill Pamphlet #350)

The author traces the spiritual journey on which she found her way home to Judaism through her involvement with the Society of Friends. She is now a member of a Temple community, and still worships as well at Pasadena's Orange Grove Meeting.

Jacob Boehme: Insights into the Challenge of Evil, by Ann Liem (Pendle Hill Pamphlet #351)

Explores some of the parallels between this heretical German Lutheran mystic and the first Friends.

The Radiance and Risks of Mythmaking, by Gilbert H. Kilpack (Pendle Hill Pamphlet #349)

Share the Care: How to Organize a Group to Care for Someone Who Is Seriously Ill, by Cappy Capossela and Sheila Warnock

Offers a sensible and loving solution for helping when a family member or friend is affected by a serious illness and you are determined to help, but feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities: a unique group approach that can turn a circle of ordinary people into a powerful caregiver team. Contains valuable guidelines, compassionate suggestions, and a simple-to-use workbook section that together offer support to help free the patient from worry and the caregivers from burnout.

Walt Whitman, Quaker Poet? Walt Whitman's Use of Quaker Beliefs by Lyle Tatum

While not a member of the Society of Friends, Whitman came from Quaker lineage and his writings reveal that Quaker ideas did impact his work. In this work, Lyle Tatum examines "seven Quaker ideas used by WW." These, along with several quotes by and about him, substantiate Quakerism's influence on him.

SEWING ROOM

Louise Heritage

It is the room where small groups of Friends meet to sew together the many pieces of our religious society. Pieces could be peace, social concerns, religious education, money, property, food (coffee/covered dish). All of this and more requires many pins, needles, thread, opinions and time.

Seriously, when this part of the building was added there were a number of sewing machines and supplies in the room. Many of our members sewed/mended every week for the American Friends Service Committee and other causes.

Ann Miller

The next Young People's Peace Group meeting will be Monday, March 13. The group is open to all 1st through 6th graders at Haddonfield Friends School and Haddonfield Friends Meeting. It is sponsored by Peace and Social Concerns Committee of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. We welcome any newcomers and interested parents to join us for our next meeting. The kids meet the group leaders in the School library at dismissal time (between 3:00 and 3:20) and walk together down to the Meeting House. Pick up time is 4:45 PM. Children will be taken to the after-school program if not picked up by 4:50 PM.

At our January meeting, we played the game "The Big Wind Blows" and then spent the remainder of the meeting on the Elephant Game. The group had to work together to get everyone through a maze. Only one member, "the Eyes", could see the obstacles and "the Eyes" could not communicate with speaking or words. The group had to choose "the Eyes" and decide together how to communicate to each other. It was a challenging exercise in group cooperation and we learned from the experience.

The dates for the meetings for the remainder of the school year are April 3 and May 15. We will be doing a service project during each of the remaining meetings as well as other activities that will help us learn about bringing peace to our world.

We would love to have others join us for the remainder of the year. Please feel free to contact any of the adult leaders, Priscilla Adams, Ann Miller, Kitty Taylor Mizuno or Sal Scafidi if you would like to participate in the peace group. We would be glad to have any parents attend the meetings as their schedules permit. You are welcome to call with any ideas, both kids and parents, for the group.

Teacher JoAnn Rell is our Physical Education Teacher. Her family is expanding! Listen:

"We are in the process of adopting a child from Russia and plan to travel there sometime this spring. The orphanage has asked adoptive parents to bring donations for the children when they come to visit. It would be wonderful if you and your family could share in our experience by donating one of the following items: small stuffed animals, small toys, jigsaw puzzles, coloring books, stationary items, small hair items, stickers, small Legos, cartoon videos. There will be a box in the upper building hallway labeled ëRussian Orphanageí.

"The Service Committee will help me collect these items and we will package them to bring with us to Russia. We will be sure to take video and pictures to show the HFS family that their contributions will make a big difference to children at the orphanage. Thank you in advance for your support."

(Note deadline on toothpaste contribution has passed)

After a good monthís rest, the Service Committee is back on its feet and ready to get involved in the next project. As you know, earthquakes have struck, not only in El Salvador, but in India. Many people are homeless and in urgent need of basic supplies. Under the aegis of AFSC we will be putting together "Hygiene Kits" for the victims in El Salvador. We are collecting toothpaste (4.5 or 6 oz. tubes). We already have toothbrushes and will be buying the rest of the components of the kits. There will be a collection box in the main building (downstairs hallway), and another in the foyer of the Meeting House. Deadline for donations is February 16th, 2001. No collections are being made right now for India as they are figuring out the needs, but if you wish to make a cash donation you can do it directly to the American Friends Service Committee. Checks should be made to AFSC-India Relief and sent to:

AFSC Development Office

1501 Cherry Street

Philadelphia PA 19102

Thanks for your caring and generosity.

Tr. Therese for the Service Committee

Sandy Marshall

Religious education is at the very center of Quaker education. It is pervasive in the school day rather than compartmentalized into instructional periods, and teachers "teach" it by example as well as by precept. We believe Haddonfield Friends School has a certain atmosphere about it that grows out of the basic Quaker tenet: "There is that of God in every person."

Teachers of three, four, five, and six year olds contribute to this atmosphere as they help students to share, as they teach them nonviolent methods of resolving conflict, and as they introduce them to silent Meeting for Worship in the classrooms and, once a month in the Meeting House proper. These classes celebrate Christian holidays and recognize other religious holidays, especially as class members represent those faiths.

Teachers of older students build on this foundation as they continue to promote nonviolent methods of resolving conflict, as they strive to affirm each individual class member for his/her particular talents and strengths, as they hold daily classroom Meetings, and as they attend mid-week Meeting for Worship with their classes in the Meeting House. These teachers enhance silent Meeting experiences with various preparatory and follow-up experiences: Bible stories, stories that pose moral dilemmas, poetry selections that stress feelings, etc. First through sixth graders are introduced to Bible verses, study Quakerism and Quaker "heroes," trace the rise of Christianity, and study the life of Christ.

We have recently modified some formalized aspects of religious education at these grade levels. Formal religious education at HFS now includes:

-Discussing and learning Bible quotations.

- Attending midweek Meeting for Worship regularly (beginning at second grade level in January/ February)

- Attending shadow Meetings, writing experiences on Meeting thoughts, class discussions, etc.

- Discussing (at third grade) what famous Quakers believed and did.

-Studying (at third grade) Elizabeth Haddon in conjunction with the study of local history.

- Visiting Yearly Meeting (at third grade)

- Participating in Peace Fair (at third grade)

- Studying William Penn - his life, ideas, and contributions to society.

- Visiting Pennsbury Manor

- Researching Quaker "heroes," with particular attention to notable figures in Pennsylvania and New Jersey history.

- Participating in Peace Fair

- Comparing Old Testament stories to Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations

- Studying the life of Christ and rise of Christianity (Greek & Roman Civilization, Allyn & Bacon; The Bronze Bow, Elizabeth Speare)

- Studying major religious viewpoints in the world (Four World Views, Allyn & Bacon) - Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.

Harley Williams

The Ad Hoc Property Committee completed its brainstorming sessions on January 28, 2001, and decided to wait on hiring, or asking the School to hire, architects and engineers, for guidance on cost and feasibility of the various suggestions, until the Meeting was clearer on where it was going with the 7th and 8th grade expansion. Just a reminder, however, that regardless of whether the School adds a 7^th and 8^th grade, it needs more space.

Several new ideas, and modifications of prior ideas, were discussed. We identified an old school building in Lawnside that could be used. However, because of the distance from the current school, the near-impossibility of either purchasing it or entering into a long-term lease, and prior parental dislike of the suggestion that we utilize classroom space at the much closer Lutheran Church on a temporary basis, we thought this an unlikely candidate.

One idea, involving the existing pre-k wing, was to tear down the existing building, build a new building, and angle it along the parking lot. It would be constructed with usable basement space, where offices and art/computer type classrooms could be situated. The first floor could have four classrooms and a library, and the second floor four to six rooms, not necessarily all classrooms. The footprint would extend out farther than the existing building.

Another alternative would be to finish the basement under the auditorium, in conjunction with the previous suggestion of adding a second floor, with classrooms, on top of the auditorium.

Another alternative with the current kindergarten wing was suggested. It would involve redoing the basement to create classroom and office space, though, because of light and other considerations, the classrooms would be for art, computers, etc., rather than regular, "all-day" classrooms, so children would be in the basement rooms for only a limited period of time. We would also add a second floor, and "bump out" the existing building, to get 6 classrooms on the second floor. As an alternative, depending on price and zoning, we would not "bump out", but would add a third story, with three classrooms on each floor. We talked about extending the playground into the dell, but thought that an unlikely possibility, because the dell might contain wetlands, was a nice area to keep as is, and was recently improved.

Another alternative, at the upper building, would be to construct a free-standing four classroom two-story building, at the end of the kindergarten wing, which would extend into the current concrete play area, with or without a usable basement. The playground would then be redesigned in conjunction with a playground consultant.

Finally, I received an e-mail from an interested member making the following suggestion: We would put a semi-free-standing building at the upper building past the end of the library wing. There is slope to the ground going down to the playground and it seems possible that a 2 or 3 story addition with a basement that is partially underground (I envision windows in the basement) could go there. The building would be a nice length (the length of that current wing to the edge of the art room wing). I imagine we could leave a narrow courtyard between the current and new building so the classrooms and library would not lose their windows. I am picturing a hallway connecting the new building to the Lake St. end of the existing building where there is a stairway now. An elevator could go in the Lake St. end of the new building. This would eat up some of the playground space, but some of the current area is taken up by bushes and a wall. This seems to be using the full length of the available space and less playground by making that direction the width. I would think this kind of addition would be less costly than tearing down and rebuilding at other locations on the property as well as less disruptive to the classes at school. I think with some renovation, we could significantly improve the useable space in the playground area, even if we would lose some to the building. The entrance to the school could be moved to the Lake St. end of the buildings and we could use the current back entrance as part of the addition.

At previous sessions, we identified the following possibilities: at the lower building, adding four rooms above the pre-k wing; adding these four rooms, and then by cheating through dormers and an extra-high second story, adding two more rooms as a kind of 2 ‡ story; and adding rooms above the auditorium. At the upper building, adding two rooms above the existing kindergarten wing.

Our last session was really productive, and left us with the feeling that there are a number of options worth exploring which all might find acceptable, or even beneficial.

Bob Turrin

After reading Patís suggestion that the school be separated from the meeting, I felt compelled to share my views about why I believe the Meeting and the School should remain as one. Let me start by saying that I agree with Pat that a legally separate corporate structure would tend to insulate the Meeting from the financial misfortunes that could befall the School from the addition of a 7th and 8th grade program. However, such a legal separation would not begin to address many of the other overriding concerns that many of us feel about the addition of a 7th and 8th grade. Moreover, I believe that a corporate separation would raise a host of thorny problems resulting in more conflict between the Meeting and the School than ever.

Independent of its impact on the finances of the Meeting, the addition of a 7th and 8th grade program could cause the school to experience significant financial damage in the event that the subcommitteeís optimistic enrollment projections do not materialize. While a separate corporate structure would likely insulate the Meeting from any impact, I have a separate and independent concern about the financial health of the School. A financially impaired HFS is a legitimate concern to members of the meeting since it would negatively impact the school, its reputation, and its ability to continue its mission without steep tuition increases. The Schoolís legal separation from the meeting would not insulate the School from any financial fallout, and for that reason separate incorporation does not solve one of the largest problems of the 7th and 8th grade proposal.

There are problems with the 7th and 8th grade proposal that extend beyond the financial realm, and that are likewise not addressed by the separate incorporation of the School. For instance, many members believe that the physical space of the Meetingís property is not large enough to accommodate the buildings and athletic fields necessary to a Middle School education. If the 7th and 8th grade moves forward without these facilities, then there is a concern about the adequacy of the education that would be provided in their absence. Many are concerned about adding more traffic to Lake Street and Friends Avenue, even if the Borough would approve the added volume (not a safe assumption). Many are concerned about the intensity and duration of fund raising activities necessary to produce the vast sums of money necessary to construct needed classroom space. I am concerned that an all consuming drive to raise money for mortar and bricks will detract from the basic mission of the school, which is to educate students in a manner that is consistent with Quaker values. Many are concerned about the construction process itself and its impact on the Meeting property. Larger buildings will necessarily diminish the amount of open space available to the meeting and the School, and the construction process itself would result in a level of chaos and inconvenience that many do not want to experience.

I believe that the physical interconnectedness of the meeting and school necessitates joint rather than separate decision-making. I canít imagine a separate HFS deciding to erect or demolish structures on Meeting property independent of the Meeting. Separate incorporation would only raise a multitude of issues surrounding which entity has authority to make decisions that impact both.

Finally, the School has operated under the care of the Meeting since 1786, and the fact that some Friends disagree on the issue of whether to add a 7^th and 8th grade program should not be sufficient to justify terminating such a longstanding historical relationship. In addition, the Meetingís failure to arrive at a consensus around this issue is not a reason to throw out the Quaker process that requires consensus in the first place.

Pat Williams

What would governance of the School be like if it were separately incorporated from the Meeting?

The certificate of incorporation would list the initial Board members, presumably the current members of School Committee. Bylaws (and the certificate of incorporation) would have to state the purpose of the corporation, perhaps "To establish, maintain and operate a Quaker school and other programs for children" (to cover the summer program). Other legalese would be included; the organizationís mission statement is typically not written into the organizing documents.

The Board of Trustees would have full authority to manage and control the business and affairs of the School. At least a majority of the trustees would have to be members of the Religious Society of Friends. Perhaps we would want a specified number to be members of Haddonfield Meeting or to be chosen by Haddonfield Meeting. Perhaps we would want the Clerk of Meeting or other Meeting officer to serve on the School Board ex officio. Otherwise, the Board would be self-perpetuating, i.e., each Board, working through its own Nominating Committee, would choose people to fill vacancies. The Board should be large enough so there are enough people to do the work which has to be done, but not so large as to be unwieldy. Initial terms should be staggered (e.g., one third of the terms expire in one year, one third in two years and one-third three years) so that the entire Board is not changed at any one time. There should probably be term limits, e.g., two three year terms and then a mandatory year or so break in service before the individual returns to the Board. The Bylaws can recite that, although each member of the Board has one vote, it is expected that business will be conducted in the manner traditionally used for the conduct of business by the Religious Society of Friends.

The Board may establish committees to carry out designated duties. The School Committee already functions with a number of subcommittees. It is not necessary that

committee members be Board members. In fact, service on a committee is often a good way for a Board to "try out" a potential member, as well as vice versa.

The Board would choose officers. The Chairmanís role would be that of the current School Committee Clerk. The chief executive officer would be the Headmaster. (Some nonprofit organizations do not appoint the most senior staff person as an officer; I think it is better governance to do so.) The chief executive officer is often an ex officio member of the Board.

A conflict of interest policy should be adopted, so that all officers and trustees identify transactions involving the School in which they (or a family member or business interest) may have a financial interest. Interested officers and trustees should not participate in decisions approving such transactions.

I also recommend that the certificate of incorporation contain limitation of liability language to protect officer and trustees. The Bylaws should also contain an indemnification provision so that officers and trustees who incur costs or liabilities because of such service are protected by the School. Finally, directors and officers insurance should be purchased.

Harley Williams

At the last Ad Hoc Property Committee meeting, someone raised the issue of whether HFS had as long a waiting list as other Quaker schools. Bill Schmidt indicated that we did not, although the school certainly had a waiting list. We indicated that we would ask Virginia Ritchie, the HFS admissions director, if she could account for the difference, although I think we indicated that we thought she had recently said that the lack of a 7th and 8th grade was probably a major reason. When we talked to her on January 31, she indicated that although her information was anecdotal, many parents, upon learning that HFS did not go through 8th grade, did not come in for interviews; many affirmatively mentioned the lack of a 7th and 8th grade, and the necessity of a transition after 6th, as a reason not to enroll their child in HFS. She reminded us that the minutes of the December 6, 2000 School Committee meeting noted her concern that "lacking a 7th and 8th grade is a big negative in the minds of many who visit with us."

As in many other areas, if HFS does not move forward, it will move backward.

David Marshall will host the World Day of Prayer on March 2^nd at 1:00 PM. We appreciate his help with this project.

Harold Heritage

Being impeccable means to make the best use of your energy: using your resources to the best of your ability, and perhaps discovering ones you did not know you had. It means to touch the world around you sparingly. Keep your material needs simple: not poverty or in extravagance. Don't squeeze people. Avoid exhausting yourself and others. And, not to worry. When you worry, you cling to everything out of desperation, exhausting yourself and whoever or whatever you cling to. Use your world with tenderness in whatever you deal, Be intimate with your world, yet not consumed by it.

"Be still and know that I am God." Go deeper and experience your essence: the spiritual, what you came into this world with. When you begin to experience the calm and the quiet of your world, sounds become softer and softer. Notice the softest sound you can find: your breath, your heart beat? Feel the energy around your solar plexus or heart area. This is the energy of your body awakening, the true love inside you, the higher love.

Margaret Ierley

Seated man stiffs his brush.

Motion and mind murmur black gold

while a gentle hand calls to a gentle art.

The silkworm's creed fosters the humble voice

of rule.

A. E. Housman

Along the field as we came by

A year ago, my love and I,

The aspen over stile and stone

Was talking to itself alone.

"Oh who are these that kiss and pass?

A country lover and his lass;

Two lovers looking to be wed;

And time shall put them both to bed,

But she shall lie with earth above,

And he beside another love."

And sure enough beneath the tree

There walks another love with me,

And overhead the aspen heaves

Its rainy-sounding silver leaves;

and I spell nothing in their stir,

But now perhaps they speak to her,

And plain for her to understand

They talk about a time at hand

When I shall sleep with clover clad,

And she beside another lad.