Annual Session | June 19, 2021
SCYMF 2021 Annual Minutes
Gathering Business Meeting Agenda Overview
We are gathering on the traditional lands of the Klamath, Kalapuya, Molalla, Multnomah, Chinook, Paiute, Cowlitz, Yakama, Snohomish, Nisqually, Snoqualmie, Duwamish, Suquamish, Siletz, Coos, Tillamook, Umatilla, Tulalip, Lummi, Makah, Kathlamet, Quileute, Quinalt, Wahkiakum, Clackamas, Willapa, Umpqua and many, many others.
Juneteenth Statement
Juneteenth is a holiday to commemorate the events of June 19, 1865. On that day, a Union Army general announced the end of slavery in Texas. In remembering the end of slavery, we acknowledge its profound and lasting harm on our society, and we commit ourselves to living more equitably.
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Opening
The Annual Session of SCYMF opened for Business at 1:33 PM PDT on 2021 6 19. Gil George, Assistant Clerk invited the assembled to center down with a short meditation.
1:41: Next Quarterly Session is planned for October, date to be determined. Annual Meeting in 2022 is scheduled for June at Canby Grove.
Assistant Clerk, Gil George (GG): I want to acknowledge that today is June 19, the day a Union Army general announced the end of slavery in Texas, the final state. We acknowledge that slavery has generated lasting harm in our society, and we converge in our commitment to move beyond racial divisions.
Guests: Guests were invited to introduce themselves:
Barb Luetke: an attender at N. Seattle FC and at a Pentecostal Church Madeline Mesplay, woman attending Klamath Friends Church
Jade Eaton: Adelphi MD of BYM, and on the BYM intervisitation working group Lori Jean Sherlock: Brea Friends church and attender at Camas Friends.
Charity Sandstrom: Member of Emporia Friends Church, moving to Seattle
Jo Lee Robinson: A member of Adelphi FM and part of the intervisitation working group
Alissa McBride, Member of Sandy Spring MM in MD Elisa Dale: Member Salem MM, NWYM Friendly Visitor
David Albert: Member of Olympia MM/NPYM, Friendly Water to the World Wildflower, Caroline, Port Townsend MM/NPYM, she/they
Doreen Cornwell, NPYM, tech help and cheerleader.
Judy Peyton: We also had Earl Smith (Ohio Conservative) earlier and Lloyd Lee Wilson from NC.
Co-Clerk Mike Huber (MH) thanked the visitors for enriching our proceedings, and welcomed the new pastor at N. Seattle FC, Charity Sandstrom.
We send blessings to Lorraine who is retiring. Charity Sandstrom is the new pastor, coming from Emporia Friends in Nebraska. She finished her masters from Portland Seminary and has 16 years of experience in the pastorate, with a wide range of interests and accomplishment
CS: I am looking forward to a fruitful ministry at NSFC.
The Comte for Nurture of Ministry wishes to record Jazmin Miller-Price as a minister in SCYMF.
Lorraine Watson: In most denominations, ordination is a milestone that marks the beginning of ministry. Among Friends, we believe that anyone may be called to pubic ministry and when we are clear that their ministry is consistent with the testimonies and practices of Friends. It is not just for pastors. We are recording the public ministries. Today we are recommending Jazmin Miller-Price. She is a hospital chaplain.
JMP: I live in Portland, I am clerk at Camas Friends. I am a chaplain resident at a trauma hospital. I was introduced to chaplaincy by a personal loss in my own family. Masters of Div. It has been a great gift to be present with others in these moments of uncertainty. I’ve been drawn to Quaker practice through a Quaker Buddhist and I enjoy sitting in holy silence together. I sought out Camas Friends which has helped me accept the beliefs of other people. I seek to take care to other in ways that reflects their unique experience and the Light that shines in all. It is gratifying to find this community that values my experiences over my productivity.
Co-clerk Mike Huber (MH): Are you ready to affirm the recommendation of the Nurture of Ministry Cmte to record Jazmin Miller-Price?
Many: Approved.
Coordinating Cmte recommends an appointment to Nominating Cmte
Judy Maurer: Clerk of CC: CC recommends the appointment of Patty Federighi to Nominating Committee. Patty has been on staff at N Seattle FC for 20 years, in charge of a quilting ministry which produces 120 quilts a year. “Peace through Pieces” helps women to sew and quilt in Burundi for income and for treatment. She has been recorded as a minister by SCYMF.
MH: Can we affirm the recommend of CC for PF to serve on NC for one year?
Approved.
Coordinating Cmte report on the Story Project
Assistant Clerk Gil George (GG): Coordinating Cmte has endorsed a project that comes from my desire to pause and reflect on what has brought us together. What are the stories that have drawn us in and get to the heart of who we are as a people? About a year ago, I came up with a proposal, which you should have in the advanced documents. The project would involve identifying a team of people to conduct interviews and collect information, with representation from each member meeting. This might be held monthly.
The team would:
refine the queries and interview process,
recruit interviewees,
conduct the interviews and
prepare some published material and videos for the SCYMF website. The proposed budget is for consultants who are people of color, LGBTQ, to provide equity and inclusion. My budget is $3K total. We would thereby document our history as it develops.
Phase 3: we would introduce everyone to the SCYMF community at scheduled business sessions.
Phase 4: recruit, interview,
Phase 5: data analysis, and preparing the stories, edit, share with the interviewee and seek feedback from consultants.
Phase 6: Consolidate the stories in a book form and work with Barclay Press. Phase 7: Celebration of the publication with recognition of the people who brought the project to completion
What I am seeking here is approval of the project and an outlay of $3K to hire consultants.
MH: What input do we have for Gil?
Doreen Cornwell: I had two comments: 1) I find myself in lots of spaces saying that disability is part of diversity and inclusion. 2) When the books are prepared, I would want to know if they would be available on-line through Barclay Press.
GG: Barclay Press produces E-books on a regular basis. I would also hope to make it available as an audio book
Dove John of N Seattle: Why are we writing this book?
GG: We spent the first 3 years setting up the YM. I think we need to pause and reflect on our stories so they are not lost, in order to have a history.
Jade Souza: $3K seems large. Do you have people in mind as consultants?
GG: I put out feelers to some consultants for setting up the program: People of Color, Indigenous….
Judy Maurer/Camas: The formation of questions is very important. If they assume that the questions have a particular answer, it will cut off communication. That’s where the consultants come in.
The idea started with Appreciative Interviewing, what they perceived and learned.
Barbara Luetke: Is there a development editor and copyright editor? Has this been included in the budget?
GG: That’s in our proposal. It depends on how many interviews are conducted.
Julie: I would like to see 4 consultants: including disabled, along with PoC, Indigenous, and GLBT
Reba: I want to affirm this project and mention that people in other denominations that went through separations such as NWYM, too , would be able to hear out stories. I went through the split in the S Baptist Convention.
MH: I think we are at a place of adding disability. There may be some questions for Barclay Press on copyright. There is input on the accessibility of the project and how to meet the project goals. I have not heard anyone reject the proposal.
I think we can approve the funds and continue to seek input. I want to state where I think we are. Is there anyone who feels there is something vital to add?
CBock: I think there are human subjects research projects. It’s important to record the interviews, but typing in real time may interfere with accuracy.
GG: I deeply appreciate input on these matters. We could have a conversation
Dianne Beebe of W Hills, I think there could be problems down the road in sharing with BPress, in the event that we don’t produce a product that generates income. I see some great benefits in this, but the planning budget may have gaps.
Doreen: I think there are others who want to ask questions in the chat.
MH: We have found that chat conversations may interfere with attention to the matters before us.
MH: How would you feel about gathering more information over the next months? If you have expertise, could you bring your concerns to Gil?
Jo Boswell: I think this is an exciting project. I think there is a lot of space given to
concerns, I want to express my enthusiasm. I’ve published a book without making
money and it was not about making money. We should create a group to support Gil
MH: Can we minute our appreciation for the work that Gil has done and the support that we feel for the direction of the project with attention to more details?
Many: Approved.
People Care Cmte invites Cherice Bock to report on her trip to MN.
Cherice Bock: Thank you for supporting my sense of calling regarding climate justice. I went to Minnesota from June 3–10 to participate in the Treaty People Gathering to draw attention to stopping the Line 3 Pipeline. As a recorded minister with financial support from SCYMF for this trip, I represented you all in this work. I lead Oregon Interfaith Power and Light and worked with GreenFaith to organize an interfaith delegation to the gathering, at the invitation of the Anishinaabe tribe in northern MN. I organized Quakers around the country and others in Oregon. We had 400 people join the interfaith delegation, and there were over 2,000 people at the Treaty People Gathering overall. It was called the Treaty People Gathering as a way to remind us that we are all treaty people if we live in the US, and it's up to us to honor the treaties made with Europeans and the United States. We live on land that was agreed upon by treaties. As Friends, it is important we pay attention to living with integrity to the terms of these treaties. The Line 3 Pipeline would transmit tar sands petroleum from Canada to the US, facilitating the emissions of 50 coal-fired power plants. There are 3 levels of concern: treaty rights for hunting, spiritual ceremonies, and wild rice that is sacred to the Anishinaabe and only grows in that region of northern Minnesota; environmental impacts of oil spills that would jeopardize these lands; and greenhouse gas emissions from the tar sands that should remain in the ground. I was humbled by the welcome that we received. Two nonviolent direct actions took place. One action shut down a pump station, where activists locked themselves to equipment, halting pipeline construction for over 24 hours, with close to 200 protesters arrested. A second action, which I participated in, was a march of about 1500 people, then about 100 of us crossed the marsh out to a boardwalk being built so that heavy equipment can be transported across the marsh to drill and place the pipeline under the headwaters of the Mississippi River. We participated in a prayer ceremony. Anishinaabe water protectors invited whoever could stay to occupy the boardwalk and continue prayer ceremonies there, and this shut down construction of the pipeline at that location for 8 days before activists were required to leave; one person chose to be arrested in order to pursue legal rulings on the violation of treaty rights, while other activists left voluntarily at the behest of Anishinaabe leaders. Video: water protectors and allies participate in a march and water ceremony at a boardwalk for construction equipment across wetlands.
The Line 3 Pipeline has received all permits from the State of MN. Please call Pres. Biden daily to ask him to cancel it. A number that will connect you to a White House office is: 888-724-8946.
Travel Fund Report
Norma Silliman, Clerk of People Care Cmte: It was gratifying to watch the ministry to MN mature. We also provided a scholarship for a native person to attend, too. We also support the individual members who are not associated with an SCYMF member mtg.
We also have a fund for ministry travel expenses. People Care will assist people to travel among SCYMF congregations to build community and to speak truth. You don’t have to be recorded minister to access these funds.
Judy Maurer: we are gathering ideas on how to support travel.
Norma Silliman: The People Care Cmte supports people who feel an affinity to be a part of SCYMF. We spend time helping them through a discernment process, and we also help people who are not part of a meeting to learn about Quakers and SCYMF.
GG: I want to avoid having someone join SCYMF then never hear from SCYMF again. We get membership requests after our larger gatherings.
Application for membership in SCYMF from Andy Comfort
Norma Silliman: Andy Comfort is a member of Wayside Friends; he has applied for membership in SCYMF. Wayside is still undecided about joining SCYMF, so he wants to move forward himself. Andy is part of a group that works in Quito, Equador, where he plans to return. I would like to recommend Andy for membership.
Andy Comfort: I live in Newberg, OR. I hope we can move forward.
MH: Can we approve this application for membership from Andy Comfort?
Many: Approved.
Nominating Cmte Report
Matt Boswell: The philosophy of NC is that we try to keep ourselves attuned to people in SCYMF. We see ourselves as facilitators rather than recruiters. We invite nominations. We start with gifts and talents and consider which cmtes need new members. Currently, there are needs on Finance, Coordinating, Youth, an Assistant Recording Clerk, and a Co-Clerk along with Mike and Sarah. In February, NC took on choosing reps to FWCC and FCNL.
NC recommends the following positions for renewal:
Jade Souza for a 3-year term on Abuse Prevention Taskforce. This was APPROVED.
Eric Muhr for 3 years on the Communications Cmte: This was APPROVED.
Judy Maurer renewed for 3 years on Coordinating Cmte. This was APPROVED.
Jed Karosari approved for Faith and Practice: This was approved.
Lorraine Watson and Johan Maurer of Camas for Nurture of Ministry Cmte: APPROVED.
Ruba Byrd to People Care for a 1 yr. APPROVED.
Judy and Johan Maurer for 3-year terms on Prayer Cmte: APPROVED.APPROVED.
Rachel Hampton for a 1 yr term for Quarterly Gathering Cmte.: APPROVED
Gil George as Assistant Clerk for 3 years: APPROVED.
New Recommendations:
Johan Maurer feels prepared to write for the Faith and Practice Cmte. We recognize his writings and gentle approach. This was APPROVED.
Representatives to Friends Committee on National Legislation: (to join Tom Stave and Anna Scott Hinkle) Kendra Purcell of Camas. She is bold in promoting the needs of poor people. Her appointment as rep was APPROVED.
Representatives to FWCC: (to join Julie Peyton and Gil George): NC recommends Cherice Bock of N. Valley who is a voice for human rights and ecological care. She is also an adjunct professor in the dept of theology. APPROVED.
Anna Baker of N Valley for FWCC Rep; she has worked with FWCC for 20 years. APPROVED.
Slide show. BREAK
Report from the Equity Cmte
Promise Partner, Co-Clerk of the Equity Committee:
I am sharing the screen with the text of my report. [Note: the Recording Clerk could not see the screen.]
Over the past 6 mo, the Cmte has explored anti-racist giving in the spirit of reparations. We recognize the unequal burden on Black, Indigenous and (other) People of Color in this racist society. We had two Sessions to discuss reparations. We sense that there is an interest in this, but we have no clear strategy for making these reparations. How do we minimize the harm we do now? How do we make antiracist education a priority for SCYMF? How do we cooperate with people of Color? We shifted from where and how much to we give to ….
MH: Thank you, Promise
Prevention of Abuse Cmte
Mark Pratt-Russum: At the 1st YM we made a policy proposal but we recognized that it was a place-holder policy, adopted from the deliberations at N. Valley FC. Our task force consists of Jade Souza, Erin Wilson and Mark P-R. We decided that outside help was needed. It requires a lot of work and attention to detail. I want to recommend partnering with Safe Communities (SC), which I encountered 11 years ago. SC works with Oasis which tries to reduce sexual abuse of minors in faith communities. We would like to partner with Safe Communities to develop an abuse prevention policy.
Jade Souza is looking for internship credits at the Earlham School of Religion. She would work up to 40 hours with Safe Communities beginning in July to develop the Abuse Prevention Policy to be completed before Annual Sessions 2022.
Jade Souza: I just finished my first year at ESR in Pastoral Ministry. I have an interest in preventing sexual abuse.
Mark Pratt-R: Here is a slide of the categories of the proposed policy: children, vulnerable adults and sex offenders in the church. We will provide 5 training sessions starting in Sept that are required for SCYMF clerks, and adults who are involved with child care at member meetings within SCYMF. We are hoping to avoid a long approval process in 2022. We want to provide 2 training sessions beforehand, covering 1) what we need to know to protect children from harm, and
2) why children do not tell. In NWYM, there was a training session for anyone working with children; they also were required to complete a quiz. We will maintain a record of such trainings with Safe Communities. The cost will be $7500, which would include an initial deposit of $3000. It will be an asset for all of our member meetings. The research shows that child sexual abuse is the top reason that involves churches in legal difficulties. Our goal is to protect our children.
MH: I want to frame this proposal. We asked this task force to take this matter on. We asked them how to protect children and the most vulnerable (adult) members from abuse.
Julie Peyton: Does this include emotional and physical abuse, such as name calling?
Souza: It focuses primarily on sexual abuse but the policies also apply to other forms of abuse. The policies will be customized to SCYMF; we will be open to input from our membership.
Johan M: I hope the list of topics will include vulnerable adults.
Robert Wade (Treasurer): Does Safe Communities have some official approval? Could SCYMF get a discount on our liability insurance company for participating in this training program?
Unidentified woman: I am excited that the yearly mtg is taking this on; in NPYM, each meeting functions independently, and with different levels of commitment.
MH: The question is not whether we are approving a policy. It is that we are asked to approve a request for funding to work with an agency that the committee has determined will be helpful. Is this funding approved?
[APPROVED]
Epistle Report
Julie Peyton: my report is in the advanced documents. It is not urgent to review at this time.
Faith &Practice Comte Report
Julie Peyton: I felt called to step down from the CMTE. The remaining members will choose a clerk.
Communicatons Cmte
Lorraine Watson: CC started at Eugene before SCYMF was formed. Eric has done most of the work with weekly newsletters. Recently the cmte acquired new members and has looked at other matters. 3 Queries: What structures help people connect? What would make your message feel like a joy? Lorraine is stepping down after this meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Robert Wade: I want to emphasize, as we expected last year, everything is fine, financially. There are 4 documents in the supplementary documents on the website. My email is treasurer@scymf.org. We initiated an insurance policy for employees of member churches. Our assets increased by $20,000. Donations have stayed sound at 98% of the expected income. A number of donations are made by checks generated monthly by member church.
Report on Insurance Benefits for Pastors:
Lorraine Watson: At the Last Quarterly Meeting we approved working toward an insurance program for employees of member churches who work more than 20 hours a week. The cost has been split with member churches. It has been made available for $29/employee/month, since May 1, 2021. It includes $50K in life insurance and disability insurance that would cover payments to the age of 65. It would apply to incoming new employees.
Financial Committee report
David Cundiff: We will continue to try to serve the YM and member churches this next year. We invite participation. We have an email list to provide updates from our cmte. The main work of our cmte is focused on translating our values into expenditures.
We have had visitors join us today from around the county because they are interested in our progress. We have a ministry to offer them.
Meg Rice: The next SCYMF gathering will be in October, 2021, perhaps in person. Hopefully it will be a hybrid meeting. If there is a meeting that could host this, we would like to hear from you. My email: gatherings@scymf.org
Norma Silliman: Small breakout session will soon follow.
Introduce yourself, and share something that makes you smile, hopes and expectations, how have you experienced Spirit working together today.
Silence
MH: Help us not be complacent or self-congratulatory as we extend this work that comes to us.
Ended at 4:41 PM
