October Newsletter

On the Calendar

• Oct 16:

1. Program on "How I Came to Quakerism" as part of annual Basics of Quakerism (Advancement Committee).
2. Post Program Program: Trip to Richard Schwallier's farm, 17537 40th Ave, Conklin, MI, meeting there about 2:00 p.m., to learn about habitat restoration, wind and solar power, wood heat and other earth-friendly technologies, & to glean apples. Organized by our Earth Care committee.

• Oct. 23: Anniversary committee meeting. 5:00 p.m. at the Miller-Seifs.
• Oct. 27: Annual Heartside Ministry Gala. 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. at Noto’s Old World Dining.
• Nov. 20: Program on AFSC Jail Ministries at the Browne Center, following Meeting for Worship, 11:45 a.m.

News & Notes

1. Recently many of you took part in a survey regarding meeting space. Here are the major findings from the survey.

• In an ideal world, a slim majority of 53 percent would favor owning a meetinghouse, while 37 percent favor renting space and the rest have no opinion. Notwithstanding our preference for owning, the Browne Center is well regarded. 90 percent rate it good, very good or excellent on both the amount of space it offers and the appearance, style or atmosphere of the space. Several Friends described it as “peaceful,” “quiet,” and “homelike,” and many appreciate its central location and abundance of free parking. A much smaller majority, 58 percent, rate its community outreach possibilities as good, very good or excellent, making outreach potential its weakest aspect.
• The Meeting is evenly divided as to whether we should be concerned about losing the Browne Center despite reassurances from Aquinas College. 47 percent say they’re not concerned, while another 47 percent say they’re either a little or definitely concerned. Similarly, there is no clear direction from the Meeting as to whether we should consider a change regardless of Aquinas’s plans: 21 percent say we should, 36 percent say we shouldn’t, and 37 percent have no opinion.
• Next year will be not only the GRFMM’s 50th anniversary year, it will be the Year of Interfaith Understanding in the Grand Rapids community, co-sponsored by Grand Valley State University, the Grand Rapids Press and other groups. Watch for tours of sacred spaces, study groups, speakers, interfaith services and other events.

2. Special (earmarked) donations to GRFMM during October will be directed to the Grand Rapids Food Bank. Contact Jana Norlin or Mark Post for details.