Although the day was rainy and windy, Friends gathered at Pinafore Park for a potluck supper. We then put the finishing touches on the lanterns. Before placing them on the water, a Friend spoke about the tragedy of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and also of the threat we all face as these weapons continue to proliferate around the world. After a minute of silence, we placed them in the water. A friend played the theme music from the movie, Schindler’s List on his violin. It was a peaceful and reflective experience. Thank-you to everyone for adding their gifts to the day, organizing the event and making the lanterns.  

Join us at the meetinghouse in Sparta for three evenings this winter. We will provide a documentary film and facilitate a short discussion and offer up a list of concrete actions that you can do to make a difference.

January 21, 7-9 pm. Seed: the Untold Story

February 18, 7-9 pm. World Beyond War

March 18, 7-9 pm. What about the water (Local Indigenous Focus)

Tea and healthy snacks will be available.

Admission is free or by donation.

October 2, 2022 is World Quaker Day and you are welcome to join us at the Meetinghouse in Sparta to celebrate! Curious about what Quakerism is? Find out today with conversation, a look at the historic Meetinghouse, a welcoming worship experience, meet the Quaker Oats man, share a meal and bring the kids to join the activities created for them. Mask wearing indoors is encouraged to respect our vulnerable members. Also a reunion of Friends new and old - we'd love to see you. 

SCHEDULE 10am-2pm 
10:00-10:45* Coffee & Conversation: Small groups to ask all your questions about Quakerism
10:45-11:00 About silent worship & why it's awesome!
11:00-12:00 Worship Together
12:00-1:30 Potluck Lunch
1:30-2:00 Socializing or join a conversation circle

*Programmed Children's Activities 10:30am until 12 noon.

Meeting for worship continues each Sunday from 11 AM - 12:00 noon.

Mask wearing is optional. However, maintaining distance of 2 meters (except persons from household)  and use of hand sanitizer is strongly recommended for the respect and safety of of our elderly and vulnerable population.

Please join us next Sunday at 11AM at the meetinghouse.

Meeting for worship continues each Sunday from 11am-11:30am using Zoom. Afterwards we have about 20 minutes for visiting with each other.

Our current guidelines from Southwestern Ontario Health are that in-person religious services are permitted as long as they only have 30% of capacity of the room. Friends who would like to meet at the meetinghouse are welcome to do so. Masks and social distancing are required. Hand sanitizer will be available and is recommended. The number of people that can meet inside the building should not exceed 12. Protocols are often changing so check back here for any updates.

Please join us next Sunday at 11 am, either using Zoom, or by visiting the meetinghouse. Send us an email if you need the link to join virtually. All are welcome in both places!

As of January 2021 we will be holding meeting for worship in our individual homes until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in our area. Weekly virtual worship and sharing is being offered currently as an alternative option, contact us for details.

KAIROS Blanket Exercise Teaching & Sharing Circles

Building Positive Relationships between Indigenous & non-Indigenous Peoples                                              ~ FALL 2020 PUBLIC SCHEDULE ~ Led by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers with extensive experience facilitating the KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE), these 2-hour interactive online sessions aim to build positive relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through truth-sharing and open dialogue. Based in Indigenous worldviews and using Indigenous teachings and protocols, this new series addresses both historical and contemporary topics in an honest and personal way. The number of participants is limited, so please register early to ensure your spot. The fee is $25 per session. A Zoom link will be sent a few days before the event to those who have registered.

 

UPCOMING SESSIONS  
Tuesday, November 24, 2020 – Social Injustice in the Court Systems 

Here is the link which provides details of each session and the respective presenter as well as the registration links:

“Registration is Open” KAIROS Blanket Exercise Teaching & Sharing Circles

For more information, please contact Carole Umana at cumana@kairoscanada.org.  

Pendle Hill    CARY LECTURE NOW AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING

Over 200 people registered to watch author and historian Tom Hammdeliver this year's Stephen G. Cary Memorial Lecture entitled "The Road to Pendle Hill." Tom's presentation was recorded and will debut on our YouTube channel, PendleHillUSA, If you weren't able to "attend" the lecture via Zoom last month we hope you'll check it out!

Please join us at St. Thomas City Hall on Monday, February 10 at 7 PM.

Climate Strike St. Thomas will be presenting a deputation to city council outlining why declaring a climate emergency for the city is the essential first step to developing a meaningful climate action plan. The citizens of St. Thomas and the surrounding area want to join other communities as we work to ensure the health and well-being of all life on this planet. Your presence will send an important message to all the council members, and also to the media who will report to the rest of the community if our numbers are large enough!

A better world is possible.