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Simply Speaking Jamestown Friends Meeting – 509 Guilford Rd – PO Box 2163 – Jamestown NC 27282

January 2017

Light Workers......................................By Frank Massey, Pastoral Minister 336.301.0082 Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations wherever you come; that your carriage and life may preach among

all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone; whereby in

them you may be a blessing, and make the witness of God in them to bless you. ~ Statement of 1656, from The Works of George Fox

(1831)

The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals. ~ Melody

Beattie

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. ~ Hal Borland

Here we are the end of 2016 and the beginning

of 2017. Moving from the old to the new is what a life is

all about as we continue to grow and develop as

individuals, as followers of Christ, and as Quakers seeking

to live responsibly in the world. Transitions are a fact of

life. But these transitions are never easy, for most of us

anyway. We know the old patterns, and just are not sure

about what lies ahead in the unknown, in the “new” that

presents itself to us.

Sometimes we just have to trust. We undertake

our discernment, we listen for the “still small voice of the

divine,” and we move forward. I have this image of

standing at a threshold, of crossing from the past to the

future. There is a small ridge, a small barrier, at the

threshold, that I must put a little extra effort into making

the movement across. The barrier might be my own

resistance to making a change, or my comfort with the

way things are now, or fear of the future. Regardless of

how many barriers I try to throw up, I actually hold

myself back, I know deep down that it is the correct thing

to do to move forward. Move forward in faith.

The same is true for our meeting. I’ll begin full-

time ministry with Jamestown Friends Meeting the first

of February. I must admit that this is both exciting and

frightening. There are those little barriers that I must

overcome as I cross this threshold into full-time ministry

with the meeting. I say “little” because they are, really,

and it is only in my imagination that they become “big.”

But then, I think of this meeting, its strong witness to

encouraging all attenders to be, and become, the

ministers that they are. I think of how we welcome all to

our fellowship and worship, encouraging everyone to

seek the Light, the pre-existing Light that resides in

everyone and in every situation. Jamestown Friends

Meeting is truly a “gathering of seekers,” seekers of, and

for the Light, as it guides us to live and witness in the

world.

Yes, I’m looking forward to the opportunities and

challenges of 2017. I’ll push across the threshold,

entering with expectations of the work and rewards of

the new day. As we keep watch (watchkeepers), God will

continue to make The Way clear to us as we witness to

God’s Love and Peace and Grace in the days ahead.

Happy New Year!

In the Light,

Frank Massey, Pastoral Minister

336.454.3813 (o)

[I’ll be in Belize with twelve Guilford College students

volunteering and tutoring at the Belize Friends School, 4-24

January. If you have questions or concerns during these dates,

please contact Mark Farlow, Wallace Sills, or Martha

Mattocks.]

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By Beth Massey

On 18th Day Twelfth Month 2016 Jamestown Friends Meeting’s Choir shared “Carols from Near & Far.” The following is the introduction to that program of carols. In these days when it seems many around us would cast aside anything different from ourselves, let us always open our own eyes and ears to the evidence that God loves diversity. Can you imagine the world with only shades of black and white? What if all birds sang the same song and we could not identify the different kinds by their call from the trees? What if we could not identify each other by the different sounds of our voices - if we all sounded like the accepted standard of a TV news show host?! Artists and scientists have imagined some such scenarios and brought them to life in dramatic fashion on stage and screen. Those imaginings do not present desirable images. They do not even present sustainable images. We need each other with all our differences to generate and sustain life - both biological and spiritual. So often the root reason given for efforts to eliminate our differences is that we must conform to be accepted, or that the only way we will be safe is if we eliminate the evil we fear. Often, we fear what we do not know or understand. Therefore, let us get to know “the other.” Let us practice the art of facing the differences we don’t understand, that we fear. Let us practice looking for that of God in the differences - the different people, the different beliefs, the different practices, the different voices. Isn’t that what George Fox preached and practiced? Didn’t he take his cue from his study of Jesus’ life and words? Granted, we will sometimes find evil, and we must not accept it. But perhaps the way to get rid of evil is not to stamp it out with more evil, but to overcome it with good. . . . . Didn’t someone we all claim to know and love already say that? To that end, hopefully, the choir’s Christmas Collection of Carols from Near and Far presented Christmas music from many lands and times. Many of these songs we commonly accept as our own - without thinking about where they came from. How much this diversity enriches

our lives! How much poorer we would be if we had not opened our lives and our worship to these creations of beauty and emotion, of sincere awe and faith. The message in this Collection is intended not just to increase our appreciation for our past, however. It is also hoped that we will use it as instruction for our living forward. We must continue to look for that of God in new creations -- even when we don’t like

them! The song the choir sang on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, “Come, come, Emmanuel!” with its jazz rhythms echoing the sounds of Dave Brubeck, would have created discomfort and disapproval in audiences of Handel’s time in England. Yet the evolution of ideas and sensibilities in the years since 1742, when Handel wrote his Messiah, has allowed us today to feel God’s message in both art forms. Drums in meeting for worship would have been unthinkable for early 20th century Friends, yet in the past few years we here at Jamestown Meeting have on more than one occasion found power in drumming as an expression of praise and worship. We still value the quiet and the “traditional,” (whatever our traditional is) but have learned we are capable of expanding our expressions of worship to find meaning in the traditions of others as well. A common thread in all faith traditions seems to emphasize the importance of listening - to God, to each other, and to ourselves. Let us continue to courageously look for that of God in each other, in new people we meet, in new music and art and forms of worship. Let us also honor time-tested truths and practices and incorporate the new with them. Let us recognize the moments when we touch God in all people, places, times, and things. Let us use our energies to nurture that good, and help it grow. Let us celebrate our search for the Christ Child. Let us celebrate when we find that Spirit in ourselves and others. O Come! Let us adore him - Christ the Lord!

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Monthly Meeting Minutes

Summary

Twelfth Month, Fourth Day, 2016 Submitted by Kate Suko, Recording Clerk (To be approved First Month, Eighth Day, 2017) Treasurer’s Report, presented by Ron Hicks

The Cora Lee Hudson College Scholarship Fund sold some stocks.

As the Budget Revenues vs. Budget Expenses report shows, Jamestown Friends Meeting is on track and in good shape.

The cost of the chicken for the chicken barbecue dinner has not been donated.

Stewardship & Finance Committee, presented by Ron Hicks

The proposed budget for 2017 still needs some work by the committee. Friends approved delaying budget approval until First Month 2017.

A question was raised about whether the Ministers’ Compensation Undesignated funds could be combined with the receipt of grant funds from NCYM. If it could, pastor’s compensation would be funded for 2 or 3 years, rather than one year.

Ministry & Counsel, reported by Mark Farlow

Friends approved the Memorial Minute for Helen Stanfield. M&C will forward it to Deep River Quarter and to Quaker Life.

Friends approved that Frank Massey begin as full-time minister at Jamestown Friends Meeting on Second Month, First Day, 2017.

Christian Education, presented by Wallace Sills

Clarence Mattocks has agreed to facilitate the forum sessions on “The Surprising Quakers in Christian History, Issue 117.

House & Grounds, reported by Mark Farlow

Our gratitude to Charlie and Mary Routh for the acoustic tiles and light fixtures in the Fellowship Room.

The old lights from the Fellowship Room will be installed in restrooms.

Peace & Social Concerns, reported by Wallace Sills

Investigative reporting is needed before the media re-tweets Twitter posts, and we need to hold the media accountable.

Nominating Committee, reported by Mark Farlow

The officers of the meeting have agreed to serve

another one-year term. This includes the

Presiding Clerk, Assistant Presiding Clerk,

Recording Clerk, and Treasurer. The committee

is awaiting responses for other openings.

NCYM, reported by Mark Farlow

Goldsboro and Hood Swamp Meetings may affiliate with the Autonomous Group. Randleman and Spring Meetings refuse to choose and consider themselves unaffiliated and not part of NCYM. Mark Farlow met with Southern Quarter, and Frank Massey met with Contentnea Quarter.

One hundred seventy-three pastors will be bought out of the retirement fund at the end of the fiscal year, June 2016.

Jamestown Friends Meeting is very grateful to Hadley Robertson for his diligence in shepherding our grant request through the NCYM Extension Committee.

With hearts and minds clear, we adjourned until First Month, Eighth Day. 2017.

Name That Quaker By Linda Willard

I supported the publication of Benjamin Franklin’s

papers on electricity and wrote the preface for

them. Who am I?

(Answer on a different page)

January Message Schedule January 1 Frank Massey January 8 Linda Willard January 15 Wallace Sills January 22 Wendy Mattocks January 29 Open worship

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I think we are all looking forward to a new year and new beginnings! We will experience changes at Jamestown Friends Meeting in the new year and we all need to step up to carry out those changes.

Frank Massey will be gone most of the month of January while he leads a group of Guilford students to Belize for the J Term. When he returns, he will begin his full time ministry at Jamestown. This will be a change for him as he devotes his time to visiting, ministering and nurturing our congregation, and it will be a change for us as we depend on him more to be a part of our lives. This does not mean that we expect him to take on all the responsibilities of the meeting; we all still need to do our part as ministers.

By doing our part, we need folks to agree to serve on the various committees of the meeting. Being a member or active attender of a church group means giving the "Three T's" to your meeting ... your TIME, your TALENT, and your TITHE! So, please, when asked to serve on a committee or participate in a project, accept willingly!

With the unexpected death of charter member Louise Richardson, several niches need to be filled... newsletter editor, bulletin board coordinator, table decorator, flower provider... We often under-appreciated Louise for all her 'behind the scenes' labors of love. We will miss her.

We are grateful that Jewell Farlow's shoulder surgery went well and wish her a speedy recovery. John and Ruth Hancock had a wonderful Christmas as they gathered with all of their family at their granddaughter's wedding. Many of us spent Christmas with our grandchildren and extended families, making the time

even more special.

My wish for you in the coming year is that you will enjoy happiness, be content, and find peace in all things. Happy New Year!

And now you know!

January Birthdays

5 Lynne Gray 9 Janet Wright 10 Bob Russ Dwight Roberts 13 Agnes Frye 16 Sarah Charles 21 Cindy Jackman 27 Nathan Charles 30 Al Mercadante 31 Beth Massey

Answer to “Name That Quaker”

I am John Fothergill, (March 8, 1712 – December 26, 1780) a Quaker botanist and physician from England.

Did You Know…? By Martha Mattocks

Treasurer’s Report (as of December 2016)

Compiled by Ronnie Hicks, Treasurer

Contributions/Revenues (actual) $57,398 Contributions/Revenues (budgeted) $58,975 Expenses (actual) $57,708 Expenses (budgeted) $59,006

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What’s your talent? Do you cook, tell jokes, dance, mime, paint?

Do you sing, play an instrument, tell stories?

Show us what you can do!

Put together an act and be prepared

to share it.

When? February 11, 2017

Where? Jamestown Friends

Why? Just for fun

According to Susan… (Bulla, that is)

Just for Fun—

Biblical Theme Songs Noah: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head Adam and Eve: Strangers in Paradise Lazarus: The Second Time Around Esther: I Feel Pretty Job: I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues Moses: The Wanderer Jezebel: The Lady Is a Tramp Samson: Hair Daniel: The Lion Sleeps Tonight Esau: Born To Be Wild The Three Kings: When You Wish Upon a Star Jonah: Got a Whale Of A Tale Elijah: Up, Up, and Away Methuselah: Stayin' Alive Nebuchadnezzar: Crazy

Jamestown Friends Meeting’s Christian Education Committee invites you to

participate in Quaker Study 102!

Using Christian History Magazine, Issue 117, entitled “The Surprising Quakers: Heralds of Peace in a World of Conflict” as a resource, we will explore Quaker history, its evolution, and its place in current events. We will meet every other week in the Fellowship Hall at Jamestown Friends Meeting from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. The discussion for each session will be independent of other sessions, so if you miss a week, you can attend the next one without feeling left out. Additional readings and resources will be suggested and are available but not required. Scripture and other resources will be used to help understand Quaker thought and actions. This will be a time of learning, sharing our Quaker experiences and stories, and discerning what we believe Jamestown Friends Meeting should be. Please invite individuals who may be interested. All are welcome! Facilitator: Clarence Mattocks Dates: January 8, January 22, February 5, February 19, March 5 and March 19 Flexible Outline: January 8—What Motivated Quakers January 22—Distinctives: Testimonies and Beliefs February 5—Ministries through Time February 19—Divisions and Splits March 5—Quakers Then and Now March 19—Issues Today (Final Exam—Open Book) If you need a copy of the Christian History magazine, please contact Wallace Sills at 336-685-4789.

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Quaker Memorial Minutes For centuries, Quakers have written memorial minutes for Friends who have died. Memorial minutes are written to help Friends benefit from the spiritual lessons of the life memorialized, to comfort the bereaved family and the Meeting by honoring their beloved Friend, and to give thanks to God for the Friend's life. Memorial minutes of Friends who have been active among the wider fellowship of Quakers are often forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting and to the Yearly Meeting.

Memorial Minute for Helen L. Stanfield

Long-time Quaker and active member of the Jamestown Friends Meeting, Helen Stanfield, died at Friends Homes-Guilford on September 10, 2016. She was 91 years old.

Helen was born in New York City to Robert Ernest and Helen Scarlett Lewis. She spent her childhood years living in the seven-story church house of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. Among its nationally recognized ministers were Henry Sloan Coffin, George Buttrick and David Read. Helen’s father was the business manager of this famed church. Among her childhood activities was roller skating in Central Park nearby. When 12 years old her family life was disrupted by the unexpected death of her father due to a heart attack. At the same time her mother who suffered serious heart problems was placed in “the home for incurables”. For the next five years Helen was shunted about to live among Sunday School teachers and family members.

Helen graduated from the Julia Richman High School (associated with Hunter College’s program for exceptional students) in 1941. She enrolled in Guilford College because her father, a Greensboro native, graduated there in 1905. On the way by train to Guilford College, she met her future husband, David O. Stanfield. Upon his graduation, they were married and moved to Hartford, Connecticut to attend the Hartford Theological Seminary in preparation for his calling to become a Friends (Quaker) minister. For the next eight years her loving and enabling attention was given to raising their four children: David Ernest, Judith Eleanor, Thomas Jesse and Mary Louise Stanfield.

In addition to her loving and ingenious skills as a spouse and mother she also gave her spirit of supportive service outside the home. She served as a teacher in the Farmland Nursery operated by Edith Mattocks in High Point. She next served on the Peace Education staff of

the American Friends Service Committee in its High Point office.

When the family moved to Richmond, Indiana in 1961 she served as the office secretary of the First Friends Meeting. Shortly after the Earlham School of Religion was created as a Quaker seminary she accepted the call to serve as administrative assistant to its founder and dean, Wilmer Cooper. For the next nine years she thoroughly enjoyed the stimulating atmosphere of spiritual development of the students’ preparation for Christian ministry.

In 1974 she moved to Greensboro, NC with her husband when he was employed by Guilford College to head its Planned Giving program. She became the Director of Admissions and Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director of the newly launched retirement community Friends Homes. She endeared herself to its residents and staff for twelve years until she retired in 1986. She also served ten years as treasurer of the New Garden Friends School during its formative years.

When David Stanfield retired from Guilford College in 1992, they moved to their cottage on Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, Virginia. Here they continued their avocation as sailors, racing in regattas and cruising along the eastern seaboard. In 2004 they became residents of Friends Homes-Guilford.

Throughout much of her adult life, Helen contended with heart problems and diabetes. In 1982 she was among the first to undergo a heart vein by-pass procedure at the Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. 24 years later she died of congestive heart failure.

Helen L. Stanfield is remembered as a personification of the best Of Quaker values and service to others. (This memorial minute will be forwarded to Deep River Quarterly Meeting and to Quaker Life magazine.)

Simply Speaking is published monthly for

Jamestown Friends Meeting 509 Guilford Road, PO Box 2163

Jamestown NC 27282 Phone: (336) 454 3813

E-mail: JamestownFriends@aol.com Interim Editor: Kathy Adams; Managing Editor: Wallace Sills

Columnists: Frank Massey, pastor; Beth Massey; Martha Mattocks; Wendy Mattocks

February deadline – January 27