June 1998 Building the Western Quaker Community Volume Number 66 8 Since 1929 a ^ Friends Bulletin Ways and Whys From Edte of Service The official publication of Pacific, North Pacific and People have various motives for volunteer service. Some want to “feel good about Intermountain Yearly Meeting themselves.” Others want to “give back” to the community. Others see service as a ofthe Religious Society of spiritual cal—ling, a way of connecting with God. In Hinduism, such service is called Friends (Quakers) karmayoga literally, “connecting [with the Divine] through action.” Medieval monks (Opinionsexpressedarethoseofthe authors, notnecessarilyoftheYearly expressed a similar concept when they said, Laborare est orare: “To work is to pray.” Meetings.) There are of course many ways to be of service. Some, like Harold Confer, serve by going to troubled areas and showing by their sweat and commitment that God is real Editor/Publisher and God cares. Others, like Simone d’Aubigne, freely contribute their time and talents Anthony Manousos 5238 Andalucia Court to raise funds and help others to help themselves. Whittier, CA 90601 Others serve simply by their patience. When workaholic John Milton went blind Phone: (562) 699-5670 from writing too many polemical pamphlets (the activists’ nightmare!), he wrote his Fax: (562) 692-2472 famous sonnet with the line, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Ironically, [email protected] [email protected] Milton’s blindness forced him to s—low down and do what he had always felt called to Website: www.quaker.org/Jb do in the deepest part of his being write the great English epic. But before he did so, IMYM he had to learn to serve by waiting, being silent, and trusting utterly in the Divine. Corresponding Editors Maria Krenz, 10107 Gold Hill Rd, Quakers often serve by “sitting and waiting.” When I first became a Friend, I Boulder, CO 80302 couldn’t understand how Friends could sit through long, dreary hours on Committees. W Doris Tyldesley, 703 Meseto, Now I realize that committee work is a form of patient service without which our Mesa, AZ 85210 Quaker activism would be impossible. aPhyllis Hoge, 213 Dartmouth SE, * — Albuquerque, NM Much of the most spiritually significant service we perform is utterly private NPYM matter between us and God. This aspect of service is illustrated by a tale from a book Corresponding Editors Marie Oesting, 27501 U Street, by Saul Bellow entitled IfNot Further: Ocean Park, WA 98640 There was once a rabbi in a small Jewish village in Russia who vanished every (360) 665-4723 Friday for several hours. The villagers boasted that during these hours their rabbi @ oesting aone.com ascended to heaven to talk with God. A skeptical newcomer arrived in town, deter- Carole Lindell-Ross 4873 Townehee Ct, mined to discover where the rabbi really was. Salem, OR 97302 One Friday morning the newcomer hid near the rabbi’s house, watched him rise, say PYM his prayers, and put on the clothes ofa peasant. He saw him take an axe and go into the Corresponding Editors Bobbi Kendig forest, chop down a tree, and gather a large bundle of wood. 3275 Karen St, The rabbi proceeded to a shack in the poorest section ofthe village in which lived an Long Beach, CA 90808 old woman. He left her the wood, which was enough for the week. The rabbi then (562) 420-1155 quietly returned to his own home. Friends Bulletin The story concludes: The newcomer stayed on in the village and became a disciple Board ofDirectors of the rabbi. And whenever he hears one of his fellow villagers say, “On Friday Arden Pierce, Clerk 3498 South Court, morning our rabbi ascends all the way to heaven,” the newcomer quietly adds, “If not Palo Alto, CA 94306 further.” Lucy Fullerton, Treasurer This rabbi did not need to preach or advertise his spirituality. His life spoke more N 411 90WthASt, #402, compellingly than words. This aspect of service was also illustrated by Quakers who Seattle, 98103 MaryLouCoppock,RecordingClerk did relief work in Germany after World War II. They labored on behalf of displaced 514 E Colgate persons (DP’s) with such devotion and dedication that someone asked them about their Rob Roy Woodman religious beliefs. After Friends explained as best they could what Quakerism is about, D2a5v3i2s,WeCsAte9m5e6s1s6e Rd, the German DP exclaimed: “You Quakers should preach what you practice!” Annis Bleeke In light of this tradition of Quaker service, which many Friends are seeking to 3540 SW Corbett, revive, we would do well to consider the following query: Portland, OR 97201 Cynthia Taylor Ifa skeptic were tofollow me around andobserve my life today, would he or she 962 26th St be inspired to become a Friend? Ogden, UT 84401 Jeannie Graves tA */w\Ar<rr 2960 Dorn Ct, Coverphotos by Mike Gray, IMYM Laguna Beach, CA 92651 • FriendsBulletin (USPS 859-220) is published monthly except February and August by the Friends Bulletin Corporation ofthe Religious Society of Friends at 5238 Andalucia Court, Whittier, California 90601-2222. Telephone (562) 699-5670. Periodicals postage paid at Whittier, CA 90601-2222. Printed by Southeast Graphics, 12508 E Penn St, Whittier, CA. • SubscriptionRates: $24 peryear for individuals, $19 peryear for group subscriptions through your local Friends meeting. Check with editor for a student or low-income subscription. First class postage $10 additional. Foreign postage varies. Individual copies: $3.00 each. • Postmaster: Send address changes to Friends Bulletin, 5238 Andalucia Court, Whittier, CA 90601-2222. — Page 117 Friends Bulletin June 1998 , you talk to the elders of the Society tractor. By teaching our youngsters now, such as Bob and Sally Cory, they how to work with modem tools, how recall with enthusiasm their early work- to build by modem methods, how to camping in the 1930’s. work safely so that there are no I believe that we lost these youth tragedies, we give them tools of this programs because we were unable to ministry. There are thousands of com- articulate to the AFSC the importance munities all over this world that need of this ministry to the Society of people with the right values who also Friends. Perhaps this is because as a have the knowledge oftools, materials, Society of Friends without clergy we and building principles so that they can are not comfortable talking about min- minister in these communities, a min- istry. Yet we know that both disciple- istry of physical work. As the Habitat ship and ministry are parts of a spiritual poster says, God's people can still use Photo by Jon Thresher response to God’s love and we have a good carpenter. seen through the universal Christ mes- By Harold Confer, sages of Fox and our subsequent his- Ministry ofBeing With Adelphi (Maryland) Meeting tory that discipleship and ministry are not confined to Christianity. This is another facet of this gem we L et me express my thanks for this Let me assert that there is a ministry call workcamping. In every workcamp invitation not just because of my in workcamping and, like a beautiful there is a host community. Whether it joy in being asked to give this lecture gem, it has different facets. is the new homebuilders in a self-help but to the honor you give to Quaker housing project or the chronically Workcamps International and the Ministry ofPhysical Work mentally ill inhabitants of a shelter or many Friends from near and far who transitional housing, our workcampers have become involved in what I have Early workcampers moved a lot of are working side-by-side with others. come to call the Interfaith Ministry to earth with pick and shovel. Workcamp- Quaker volunteers have worked beside Burned Churches. ing predated earthmoving machines. the orphans of Romania and the AIDS The early stories of Pierre Ceresole and street orphans of Tanzania. Our work- The Ministry of Workcamping his flood relief workcamps in the flood campers are carrying out a ministry of plain of the Loire River are a testament work in which they get a chance to Today I feel led to share with you to strong backs and many blisters. But interface with the real world. what I have for years called the min- the work got done and a ministry got This ministry of accompaniment al- istry of workcamping. accomplished and was recognized. lows our volunteers to feel what John Why is it that our primary service Early critics of workcamping said that Woolman must have felt when the arm, the AFSC, had no mechanism to now that we have earth moving equip- slave owner asked him to write a bill respond to the church burnings? The ment, there are no other tasks for work- of sale for the young female slave and AFSC laid down workcamping for campers to do. I wish such critics could Woolman refused, saying, “As broth- various reasons in 1961, but more have seen the amazing work done by ers and sisters we should not be buying importantly, they laid down their en- church rebuilding volunteers in rebuild- and selling each other!” It was said tire youth services division. This divi- ing 48 of the 146 churches rebuilt over that the young slave looked up in his sion was a ministry to the Society of the last two years! From floor to roof, face and said, “You give me hope!” Friends in that it allowed young Quaker volunteers and others have built We work to give hope. Friends and others to “practice” disci- whole churches working side-by-side I cannot tell you how powerful it pleship in real world situations. When with the church members and their con- (“Workcamping ” continued on page 119) JTfach year BoulderMeeting sponsors a “Gottlieb Lecture” (see p. 128). This year’s lecture was given on March 1 by Harold Ej Confer, member ofAdelphi (Maryland) Meeting. Harold is Director ofQuaker Workcamps International, Washington, DC. QW1 was instituted in 1997 by Baltimore Yearly Meeting to provide workcamp volunteers for rebuilding African-American churches burned by arsonfires. As a conscientious objector, Harold spent two years doing voluntary community development work in Tanzania for the AFSC in 1963-65. In 1973-76, he held the position ofHuman Rights Legislative Secretaryfor the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Harold is the recipient ofthe USA Racial Justice andDomestic Tranquility Partners in AchievementAward, given by National Council ofChurches ofChrist. In 1996 he received the Southern Christian Leadership Council’s Kelly Miller Smith Interfaith award. Both awards werefor his efforts in the rebuilding ofburned churches. — FriendsBulletin June 1998 Page 118 , (“Workcamping, ” cont.fromp. 118) with the following queries: such that we are willing to sacrifice to was when the FBI and ATF removed assist them? This identity crisis was the yellow tape screaming “Fire Line! • Do we really believe that Jesus best illustrated to me when I sent an Do Not Cross!” from around the ashes has more clearly delineated the na- appeal to every Friends Meeting and of the Full Gospel Powerhouse Church ture of God in one person than Friends Church in North America. Ten of God in Christ, and allowed the anyone else? Are we as willing as per cent replied. One of them was the parishioners, pastor and Friend Laurie Berkeley, California Friends. The Clerk early Friends to put on the mantle Williams to sift through the ashes and wrote that Friends could not find a of that discipleship? recover a twisted trophy for gospel convenient place in their budget and singing and another plaque for first • Are we willing to set up and were ready to lay my appeal aside when financially support workcamp pro- place in the church basketball league. an elderly Friend raised the query that grams that teach our youth about Tears flowed quickly as these remnants since they had a large building fund in of the devastation were recovered. The such discipleship in concrete ways? their budget, could they not spare $500 hugs and the agony shared by Laurie • Can we see the hand of God as this was certainly “building?” are shared again today if we feel even a clearly calling Friend Woolman In my thank you letter, I praised them small measure of compassion for these and others to respond to Native for searching for a way, even given people. Americans and African Americans their daunting budget process, to re- Workcamping is notjust a ministry of down through our early history not spond affirmatively to their African physical work. It is not just a ministry just because of our testimony on American brothers and sisters. Then I of being with. It is also a compassionate equality but also because they felt shared with them the following letter sharing in the spiritual journey of a the clarity of that call to disciple- from a man I have never met. Realize, people as we appropriately can, bring- ship? Friends, he is talking to me and thee: ing our skills such as they are, bringing ® Do you see continuity in that our hearts which are God given and DearMr. Confer, calling not just in the rebuilding of which allow us to serve as disciples, the 33 Mississippi churches in 1964 doing the work that needs to be done. After reading so much in the paper but the rebuilding of 146 (phase 1) We should always be happy to exercise about hate, my throat knotted up in churches in the last two years? such discipleship and to encourage our tears as / read the article in the Wash- youth to exercise such discipleship as a ® Do you feel such a call to disci- ington Post tonight about how you and mark of becoming mature. pleship that you are willing to your organization are reaching out to Susan Hills and I were not the first move this meeting and other the people in Alabama to help them Friends to respond to burned African Friends into the awareness that we rebuild their church. All 1 can say is, American churches. Lawrence Apsey’s are now facing another 160 burned thankyou. Thank you very much. memoirs, privately published in 1991, churches (phase 2) that have not yet You might would think that it was my recount the work of the joint committee started to rebuild? church that you were rebuilding the of Philadelphia and New York Yearly • Are you willing to serve as way 1 am carrying on like this. Well, in Meetings that took on the leadership in staff, as volunteers, or as contribu- a sense you are rebuilding my rebuilding 33 out of 44 destroyed tors to see these final churches re- “church. ” You see, Mr. Confer, l am a churches in the summer of 1964 in built? Black man. And 1 remember reading Mississippi, led and facilitated by one how Harriet Tubman used to pray, and of the former Gottleib lecturers, Ross The crisis we face is that we are how it was the Quakers who helped her Flannigan. This is the perfect time and looking at a larger universe of burned along the way. It always intrigued me place to say that when I say “I” in this churches than ever before. This is com- how the “Quakers” kept popping up in lecture, I am often referring to the hun- pounded with the reality that (1) the history supporting the abolition ofslav- dreds of interfaith volunteers who have media and public attention is no longer ery. So yes, you are rebuilding my come to help rebuild burned churches on burned churches and (2) churches “church. ” And, you are helping to re- from around this country and around continue to burn. As proofofthat, when build your ch—urch too, because all of the world. I first wrote this Lecture, less than a God’s people you, me and all of us, The question we face as Friends is month ago, there were 150 phase 2 are his “church. ” whether we want to continue to follow churches that had burned. Today, there in the steps of the lead carpenter of are 160. Yours in Christ, 2,000 years ago. And, of course, But the crisis is deeper. Jeremy Mott whether we want to continue Friends’ wrote me a letter a short time ago in William TPowell, Sr. involvement with the African American which he said, “Friends in 1964 were quest for freedom and equality that more concerned then than now.” Is this The clerk of Berkeley Meeting read stretches back to the time of John true? Or do we, as Friends, continue to William Powell’s thanks at the next Woolman and beyond. share early Friends’ concern for our meeting for worship and they then took I would like us to wrestle as Friends African American brothers and sisters (“Workcamping ” cont. on page 120) — Page 119 Friends Bulletin June 1998 ! (“Workcamping, ” cont.frompage 119) rience. A headmistress who had a life- “In the shared context of a Quaker up a spontaneous free will offering and long disability with MS told me she workcamping in which hard work, sent us another $2,000. wanted to bring her senior class on a peaceful consensus, and respect for di- The economics of church rebuilding Quaker workcamp on the strength of versity are paramount values, people is deceptively simple! The NCCC esti- one she did decades ago in Yellow with elsewhere intractable differences mates that well organized and led vol- Springs, Ohio. She said, “Somewhere worked in concert with one another, unt—eers save a burned church between in this house, there is a picture of me as hammering nails, stuffing insulation, 40 60% of the total cost of rebuilding a teenager, ecstatically digging a cutting sheet rock, sharing modes of a church. This is because Friends and ditch!” These elders perfectly under- worship, singing 1960’s worksongs and others have been willing to shoulder stand the same metamorphosis when 1980’s pop rock and timeless hymns, these costs themselves either through the returned church rebuilders talk eating grits and catfish, playing basket- direct donations or through indirect about their amazing experiences as ball, praying silently and out loud, ex- purchase of services such as the air or workcampers. They understand that pressing gratitude, laughing endlessly, train or car fare to get to the site as a when young people respond to real hu- and living in peace.” volunteer or working as volunteers man need in workcamping, they gain themselves. And our volunteers are the intuitive insight into the ultimate power I ask you, dear Friends, is that not true unsung heroes as they all pay $150 of that experience not as a picture of a one of the best contemporary expres- a week for the privilege of working! life eternal somehow off in the future sions of what Jesus called “life abun- The labor to rebuild a burned church but what Jesus talked about when he dant?” God is calling us to be peace can cost between $90,000 to $225,000 said in the Gospel of John, 10:10, I making disciples like Tim McCarthy depending on the size ofthe church and come so that you may have life more and his interfaith compatriots.... Dare the paying volunteers themselves raise abundant!” This is the transforming ex- we not follow? half those costs. perience of the Spirit led life, lived in a We know that down through history, community of service oriented people Quotation by Tim McCarthy is from Christians and others who hear God’s from a variety of backgrounds in which “From Ashes Comes Hope,” Columbia call to discipleship respond. It is often they suddenly realize they are partici- Daily Spectator March 27, 1997. , that in so doing, discipleship becomes pating in that new community, now, a way of life and one of the ways to today respond is through workcamping. Hear it in the words of Tim Mc- When our most elderly Friends today Carthy, a student from Columbia Uni- For more information about QWI: NW speak to me or write to me about their versity who tried to express this intu- 1225 Geranium St, early experiences as workcampers after itive insight into what life is really all Washington, DC 20012 the war, they speak about the clear call about, in an article he wrote about his 202-722-1461 to them to discipleship and about their workcamp experience in Greensboro, [email protected] workcamp as a life-transforming expe- Alabama: www.quaker.org/qwi Meetings Foster Quest the answer is probably yes. QUEST is Service Opportunities a self-supporting project. Operating on T QUEST he internship program, a budget of about $60,000 a year, the B oulder Friends allocated $600 for a sponsored by University Friends program is funded by the organizations Right Sharing project developed Meeting, is six years old and going and agencies that receive the services by the Service Committee in conjunc- strong. So far, thirty-five individuals of a QUEST intern. In this way, tion with Gerald One Feather, a Lakota have worked as QUEST interns, each QUEST is very similar to other elder from the Pine Ridge reservation. giving a year of full-time volunteer ser- church-based internship programs such Gerald is also Project Director for vice to an organization supporting as the Jesuit and Mennonite volunteer' AFSC’s Lokota Oyate Oaye Program. Friends’ areas of concern. The values corps. This year, participating agen- His mission is to enhance cultural iden- of Quaker service in the context of cies are paying just under $10,000 for tity and pride among young people on spiritual community have been nurtured a full-time intern. Approximately two- the reservation. The Service Commit- and strengthened as the program has thirds of that amount is used for the tee asked Boulder Friends to offer matured. intern’s living expenses, and one-third needed skills, such as writing, teaching, Many Friends have asked how covers QUEST’S administrative over- repair, or art. QUEST is organized and supported, head, including funds for a half-time The Service Committee also planned and wonder iftheir Meeting could repli- program coordinator. The coordinator a work project to help repair a camp cate our program. While University works under the supervision of the ground at Pine Ridge on May 16-25. Meeting provides some unique support, QUEST committee, and is responsible (“Quest, ” continuedonpage 131) — FriendsBulletin June 1998 Page 120 AFSC Eugene Friends Aid and Visit Projects in Haiti n 1997 AFSC tried a new goal. approach to fundraising On October 31, 1997 and donor involvement. The Lou Enge and arrived I Haiti Program needed to arrived in Miami to meet build a new health center, with the AFSC Fund- and we decided to make a raiser’s Tour of Haiti special offer to people who Group. This group con- wanted to help raise money sisted ofthree AFSC work- for the new clinic in the ers and ten volunteer fund Grand’Anse region ofHaiti raisers who had been and travel there with the working to collect money AFSC to help inaugurate it. for a health clinic and This challenge was taken up emergency medical boat by two Eugene, Oregon, for the rural community of Friends: Lou Enge and Si- Les Irois in Haiti. The goal mone d'Aubigne. Both had been $5,000 per fund wrote letters, made presen- raiser, which meant — tations, raised money and $20,000 for the building, Vividly colored collage art by Simone D’Aubigne reflect the beauty ofHaitian traveled to Haiti in Novem- $20,000 for the boat, and culture. Simone is the motheroftwo, as well as an architectural/designer, ber, 1997. living in Eugene, Oregon $10,000 for the trip. The Simone wrote an extended purpose of the trip was to report on her experience, if I raised $5,000. I knew I could get learn about Haiti, to be excerpts of which follow (they were away the 10 days. And never having present for the dedication of the clinic, originally published in the winter edi- been a fundraiser, $5,000 seemed like and to be inspired to continue fund tion of the Pacific Northwest Region an easily obtainable goal. raising for Haiti after the trip. AFSC News Update.) Simone is an I pondered the brochure for a week. I The group consisted of the AFSC artist who did a series of postcards went to friends and asked what they Associated Director ofthe Latin Ameri- basedon herHaiti trip. These cards are thought. They all supported me. So, I can, Caribbean desk, the AFSC also being used to help raisefundsfor filled out the application and received Fundraiser from the North Central AFSC work in Haiti. To order these notice that I was officially a fundraiser. States, five people from Colorado, three cards, write to the AFSC, 1501 Cherry Armed with naivete, I started asking my of whom were medical doctors, two St., Philadelphia PA 19102-2372/ family for donations. This was my first psychologists, one from Chicago and reality check. They didn’t want to give. the other from Boston, a Frenchman Visiting Haiti So after sufficiently licking my presently living in California, and an wounds, I went back and to—ld them this AFSC volunteer worker from New Jer- time there were no options they were sey. Of the thirteen of us, five of us by Simone d’Aubigne, going to support my endeavor! Once were Quakers. We Eugene Meeting (NPYM) they closed their stunned mouths, they spent that first night together wrote the checks. dealing with logistics, expectations, and ItpesntaerdtedufpoornmeHer1b0eyretarsGoalgdo’.sI Bhaeps-t myI wfausndleraarinsiinngg.toBubte umnodreersatsasnerdtiinvge oinf Wacequawionutlidngmoaunrasgelevewselwlitihn tehaechcoomthienrg. Nightmare on Earth. As I read the book why I was doing the project came for days because of the good planning and I was appalled at what had been done to me at Quarterly Meeting when a the group’s ability to flow with what- Haiti. But I was also intrigued with the woman came up to me after a presenta- ever happened, and a lot of unexpected things happened.... spirit that Gold portrayed. I wanted to tion and said, “I can’t afford to give go there. anything now, but I will hold the The years passed. I moved to Oregon. Haitians in the Light.” Up to that point, On November 1st we flew into Port- Then one day in Meeting I noticed a all my efforts had been towards how au-Prince where we were greeted by ptoosateFrraibeonudtaHnadittiolodnhtihem wIalhla.dIatluwranyesd mmuycheffmorotnseywerIecopurlidmarraiilsye.diArfetcetredthatto,- GAeFrSalCdinJeHaani-tiF.raHnecoiwsaes,otuhregudiidree,ctionrteor-f wanted to visit Haiti. “You can,” he wards educating people to become preter, driver, and friend throughout the replied, and handed me a brochure say- aware of the situation there and secon- trip. His ability to deal with the traffic ing that I could spend 10 days in Haiti darily towards attaining my monetary ("Haiti, ” continuedon page 122) — Page 121 FriendsBulletin June 1998 (“Haiti, ” continuedfrompage 121) All that day while we were visiting from Port-au-Prince, Pastor Richie, traffic while explaining Haiti in an the groups, the Haitian AFSC staff had Gerald, the Mayor ofLes Irois, Dr. Paul overcrowded van with underinflated been working on preparing a feast and Beach, and Eloise Chevrier, AFSC fund tires was impressive. party for us. There were many local raising coordinator from Chicago. The most memorable site in Port-au- delicacies for us to eat, there were sodas There was even a skit depicting the Prince was the slum. There was not a and beer to drink, and best of all there difference between going to a western single person in the group that was not was local Haitian music for listening doctor and Voudun doctor. We all lis- sobered by the sight of poverty, and dancing. Gerald was available to tened as Denise Davis, AFSC Associate sewage, and overcrowding that existed teach anyone who wanted to learn how Coordinator ofthe Caribbean Desk, and there. Everything was gray. The only to dance in the Haitian way to the mu- Dr. Paul Beach translated the Creole vegetation consisted of oranges, beauti- sic. into English for us. fully arranged to sell. The sights were The next day was the trip to Les Irois This health center will serve 60,000 overwhelmed by the odors of sewage, and the dedication of the clinic. The people, around 80 to 100 people per charcoal smoke, burning tires, and food first viewing ofthe clinic was a moving day. The people were overwhelmingly cooking. experience. To actually see what we all grateful for this gift of a site to educate After several days touring Port-au- had been working for brought tears to and heal the local populace. Prince and surrounding areas and hear- our eyes. We toured it in the chaos ofits As we returned to Dame Marie know- ing from different groups and people being decorated and having the finish- ing that the trip was coming to an end, about the politics of Haiti, we took a ing touches put on. We met with more there was a subdued feeling to the charter flight to the rural area in the groups and then were fed and enter- group. Each ofus wondered in our own Grand Anse, the southwestern part of tained for the evening. way what we could do with the knowl- Haiti. We were greeted in Dame Marie, The next day was the peak experi- edge and experience we had gained in the village that houses the AFSC office ence of the trip. The dedication cere- Haiti. I had a thousand pictures and in the Grand Anse Region, by Pastor mony consisted of people from miles words in me about Haiti and I knew Richie Andris, former AFSC director. around coming to this new white build- most people would want only a few. He showed us the school that he ing that rivaled the local church in pres- presently directs. It is the size of an tige. People packed into the building in When I walked off the plane in Eu- average American elementary school, their finest clothes. Children peeked gene, my children ran towards me with but it houses 1700 students by having through the tarps protecting the court- hesitant looks on their faces. They two shifts a day in overcrowded class- yard from the noon day sun. Speeches knew something was different. rooms. There are very few books. There were given by the Minister of Health is virtually no paper or pencils. While in Dame Marie we visited some of the base groups that AFSC has HAVE YOU EVER WISHED helped to form. In these groups people THAT YOU COULD BE INVOLVED come together to discuss their problems and possible solutions. AFSC philoso- IN THE VERY BEGINNING phy there is to teach the people how to OF SOMETHING TOTALLY COOL? AFSC help themselves. All of the staff there is Haitian. The staff acts as coor- dinators and facilitators for the people. In Dame Marie we met with two THIS COULD BE YOUR CHANCE. women’s groups and saw the Pig Cen- ter. The pig project is an effort to pro- vide every family in the area with a pig /\group of adults and teens from PYM will spend the week of July which is the same as a savings account. — 12-19 exploring a possible permanent site for Yearly Meeting Bill The three doctors plus Lou Enge went and Elizabeth Lovett’s farm, “Quaker Oaks,” in Visalia, California. with Dr. Paul Beach to a village in the We’ll do a work camp project on the farm, possibly painting and interior. That trip involved a long and reroofing. We’ll camp and cook together. We’ll imagine and experi- arduous walk up a mountain. After they ence how a community of all ages could grow together in a place of arrived and had been served refresh- our own. In addition, there’ll be swmming, hiking in the mountains, ments, they met with the local base perhaps even white water rafting and a sweat lodge. Organizers: group to discuss the pressing issues. Mark Koenig and Alan Edgar. For more information, contact Alan The issues involved a contaminated wa- at 4200 Fairway Dr, Soquel, CA 95073 (408) 475-8649 or e-mail ter supply, immunization for the chil- [email protected]. Cost: around $100. dren and proper design and placement of latrines. - - — FriendsBulletin June 1998 Page 122 What's Unique About Quaker Service? T he following is an ex- IHlSSi Quaker service is that cerptfrom a talk given Friends help people when it at the Arizona Half-Yearly is not popular to do so, and Meeting in March, 1998, by expect nothing in return. Anthony Manousos, who is F not only the editor of TODOS Teaching ESWRA Friends Bulletin, but also AMOR Self-Reliance and the coordinator for the Self-Worth AFSC/SCQM Youth Service Volunteers at the Project. The second characteristic Rev. Carl Bean D AIDS Center in of Quaker service is that it’s uring the 1997 Burling- about helping others to be- Los Aneeles. Californ ton Conference on come self-reliant. Nothing Quaker Volunteer Service makes a Quaker happier and Witness (see Friends than for a group not to need Bulletin June 1997), the question arose: proportion ofus unprogrammed Friends his or her services any more. One of the , “What is unique about Quaker ser- have had formative experiences of be- best examples I can think of is Self- vice?” ing outsiders. Some were CO’s, some Help Enterprises. This project was I’d like to talk about some unique were involved in the anti-war move- started in the early 1960’s in the Central characteristics of Quaker service and ment, others got involved in the Valley of California. Friends and the then conclude with some comments women’s movement or environmental AFSC went to farm workers and asked about Gilbert White’s article and the causes before they were popular. I think them what they wanted. The answer unique situation ofWestern Friends. it’s safe to say that we Friends have they got was, “Homes.” Many farm tended to be out of step with main- workers were living in shacks, or just Identification with Unpopular stream opinion. sleeping in the fields. So Friends raised Causes and People By identifying with the Outsider and money to start a pilot project. They the Enemy, Quakers have turned their provided interest-free loans to farm Let’s begin by looking at some of service into a kind of witness. We are workers to purchase land and materials the well-known examples of Quaker saying, in effect: “God requires us to to build homes. Technical expertise was service in the 20th century. After World love our enemy, and love means ser- also provided. The farm workers built — War I, Quakers went into Russia to help vice service from the heart, and not the homes themselves. the Russian people during their Civil simply ofthe lip.” This project was so successful that it War. During WWII, many Quakers The results of this heart-felt and eventually became an independent, went out of their way to help the Jews Spirit-led service may not be immedi- non-profit corporation called Self-Help and the Japanese in the face of govern- ately apparent, but can have long- Enterprises. In 1995, Mike Gray led a mental indifference or hostility. After standing effects. When I went to the project with Self-Help Enterprises in WWII, Friends helped the Germans Soviet Union in the 1980’s, there were Visalia. I participated along with some along with other victims of war in Eu- Russians who still remembered with Arizona Friends, Gerry Theisman and rope. In recent times. Friends have of- gratitude the relief work that Quakers his two teenagers, Mindi and Ben. To- fered help to the North Vietnamese, the did 70 years ago. The Germans are gether with a dozen Mexican-American Cubans, the North Koreans, and most equally appreciative, as you can tell if families, we helped build not just recently the Iraqis. Quakers have been you’ve had the opportunity to watch houses, but a community. It was a fan- leaders in prison ministry, particularly the recent award-winning German doc- tastic experience. during times when the general public umentary, “Love Amidst the Ruins.” Helping others to become self- has had a very negative attitude towards This powerful documentary commemo- sufficient is based on the idea that each lawbreakers. You don’t have to be a rates the relief work that Quakers did in person has a spark of the divine within. WW rocket scientist to detect a pattern. One Germany after II when many peo- Even when we give homeless people of unique characteristics of Quaker ser- ple were suspicious of the Germans. bags of food, as we did recently in San vice is that it is often directed towards Over the years I’ve encountered Jews, Diego, we don’t expect people to agree those that are unpopular, those who are Japanese, Native Americans, and with our religious viewpoint, or pray seen by many as the enemy or as out- African Americans who appreciate the with us, or “grovel for food,” as one casts. fact that Friends cared when others homeless person put it. As Friends, we Nowadays most Friends tend to be didn’t. want to uphold the dignity and worth of comfortably middle class, but a large One ofthe unique characteristics of (“QuakerService, ” cont. on page 132) — Page 123 Friends Bulletin June 1998 — V Memory Bob In of oeel Bob Vogel’s Last N, Meeting Worship for Friend was more beloved, or more loving, than Bob Vogel. His sud- den and unexpected death on April 15, It was Easter Sunday, a shining, beautiful three days after Easter, was a blow to day. Bob stood at the foot of the front those of us who knew and loved him. stairs to the Orange Grove Meetinghouse. He will be deeply missed. He had a warm smile above his natty bow For over forty years. Bob worked tie and a firm handshake for each of us as tirelessly on behalf of peace, justice, he declared, “I’m the official greeter.” and Friends’ organizations such as the “It’s nice to be greeted,” I said, respond- AFSC, FWCC, and PYM. Bob cared ing to the subtle radiance I sensed in him. deeply about children and youth, and it As I mounted the stairs, I thought, “I’m seems fitting that his last message was glad that Bob knows how much he is loved. addressed to the children of Orange Shortly after our children came into the Grove Meeting. Meeting room, he rose, looked at them, and When I learned of Bob Vogel’s pass- said, “I always feel happy when I see our — ing through the Internet, I asked Friends children come in to Meeting. I won’t be around much longer I guess I won’t be at to share their memories. What follows my memorial service [this caused a gentle ripple of smiles and laughter throughout is a kind of “electronic memorial meet- the room in which Bob shared]. But you’ll be around much longer. As William ing” honoring a beloved Friend who Penn said, I believe the immortality any of us will have lives in the memories and enriched our lives with his humor, in- love that those remaining on earth carry for us. You are our assurance of sight, and commitment. Bob’s actual continuity.” memorial service was held at Whittier Bob was wrong about one thing, I believe. He will be present at his own First Friends Church on May 17, —memorial service in spirit. And the Spirit was the most important part ofhim. 1998. Editor. Catherine Langston, Orange Grove Meeting (PYM) A Life of Service Based on Camp at Campton, New Hampshire and East, and East Africa. Spiritual Commitment then was transferred to fight forest fires Locally he organized the first Peace R near Lake Tahoe, California. Later he March in Los Angeles (1960), taught obert Vogel’s spiritual roots were was assigned to the National Service the first course on nonviolence at in the Salem Evangelical and Re- Board for Religious Objectors in Wash- UCLA, and witnessed weekly against formed Church in Rochester, New ington D.C. and then back to Syracuse the Vietnam War. Bob was also active York, where he was baptized in 1917. to replace Norman Whitney. From in the civil rights movement and other He was confirmed at age 13, making a 1944-46 he was reassigned to the fund- programs of socialjustice. commitment to live his life following raising unit for CPS which was con- After becoming a member of the Re- the example ofJesus. The life and Spirit nected to the American Friends Service ligious Society of Friends, Bob’s of Christ, which he felt shone brightly Committee in Philadelphia. monthly meeting was his spiritual in others as well as Jesus, were the basis Bob joined the Pasadena staff of the source and support community. He for his lifelong commitment to paci- American Friends Service Committee served in many capacities, including fism. After the draft was instituted in in 1946 as Peace Education Secretary Clerk of Orange Grove Monthly Meet- 1940 Bob became a conscientious ob- and Director of the AFSC-sponsored ing. Bob was active in Southern Cali- jector with the support of his parents, Institute of International Relations at fornia Quarterly Meeting, served as minister, and Friends at Syracuse Meet- Whittier College. Later he served as Clerk of Pacific Yearly Meeting from ing which he joined. His spiritual men- Executive Secretary of the New York 1982-85, and as the Brinton Visitor for tor became Norman Whitney, who was Regional office, National Coordinator Pacific and North Pacific Yearly Meet- a leading Quaker, chairman ofthe Syra- of the Middle East Peace Search Pro- ings. cuse Peace Council, and head of the gram of AFSC’s International Division, Bob was committed to the Friends local Fellowship of Reconciliation. and as Finance Secretary of the Pacific World Committee for Consultation and From 1942-44 Bob served as Norman Southwest Region. During these years served as its first Development Secre- Whitney’s assistant. In 1943 Bob was he visited AFSC projects in India, Hong tary. He traveled widely among the ordered to the Civilian Public Service Kong, Thailand, Japan, the Middle (“Bob Vogel, ” continuedonpage 125) — FriendsBulletin June 1998 Page 124 — . (“Bob Vogel,” cont.frompage 124) held weekly around the country world family of Friends promot- throughout the Vietnam War). ing cooperation and understand- Week after week, year after ing between programmed and year, we stood in silent worship unprogrammed Quakers. Believ- before the post office, attempt- ing in the importance of religious ing to communicate a simple education, he served on the Pen- message of compassion. Deri- dle Hill General Board and as a sion by passersby was not un- Friend in Residence at Wood- usual. Once a critic leaned brooke College, in Birmingham, close to Bob Vogel’s face and England. asked aggressively, “Don’t you Bob’s non-Quaker service in- have anything better to do than cluded leadership positions on stand here?” Bob stepped out the boards of the Southern Cali- of the line, touched the man’s fornia Affdiate of the American arm, and gently replied, “No. I Civil Liberties Union, the don’t have anything better to Pasadena Chapter of the United Bob and Etta Vogel, 1952 do than to stand here and call KPFK-FM Nations Association, radio for peace.” station, Fellowship of Reconciliation, In February of this year, Bob sent me Town Hall of Southern California, the Friends*Memorials a news clipping that described a similar Pasadena Healthy Start school program weekly vigil sponsored by AFSC, and a neighborhood association. Bob first met the Vogels when they were among others, to call for nonviolent served as a member of the Los Angeles Iguests in my family’s home forty solutions to the stand-off with Iraq. For County Grand Jury Association where Bob Vogel, peacemaking was indeed a years ago, soon after their return from a he reviewed programs for children and tour of AFSC projects in Asia. They way of life. families. Although twenty-six years have conveyed both joy and the seriousness Beginning as a Boy Scout, for over of the needs toward which AFSC pro- passed since I last worked directly with 70 years Bob served his community and jects were directed, and they spoke en- Bob Vogel, I still see his face and hear worked for peace and social justice. He his voice often when a challenge con- thusiastically of the Village Develop- considered himself lucky that he could ment Project in Barpali, India, whose fronts me and I struggle to find my way lead a totally focused life, integrating hand-loomed textiles Etta Vogel and toward right action. I think of his min- his employment with his spiritual life. Gladys Gray imported and sold for istry and his clerking skills when busi- He was a gentle person full of wisdom many years to benefit the Barpali coop- ness meetings drift into confusion or and playfulness. A man ofgreat convic- erative. Many Friends in Pacific Yearly contention. It would be difficult to tion and steadfastness, he believed in guess how many others in Pacific Meeting still display these fabrics in the innate goodness of the human Yearly Meeting and throughout Quak- their homes. species and the sustaining power of It was my privilege tojoin Bob Vogel erdom carry within some of this legacy love. in AFSC’s peace education work from given to us by Bob Vogel. Jamie Bob’s wife, Etta, to whom he was Newton, PaloAlto (PYM) 1967 through 1972, during the Vietnam married for 34 years until her death in War. He was a patient mentor and a 1978, was his companion in Quaker model for me and for many other young In the mid eighties I was startled, service and traveled with him to many activists. As important as skills are to sitting at the back of a plenary at — PYM parts of the world. They raised four peacemaking and he was a highly at Chico, to see the most amazing children: Jan, David, Jonathan, and orange and blue apparition slowly rise skilled analyst, strategist, and organizer — Russell. from ahead of me, like one of those Bob’s teaching and practice revealed I once gave Bob a calligraphy of the much more fundamental importance organs in old movie theatres that rose Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God each of attending to one’s deepest leadings, straight up into the stage from nowhere. time of think of you.” I know that is and of searching always for the light in The apparition untangled itself into a how Bob felt about his friends and all head and an amazing Hawaiian shirt. others regardless of their position in a people who follow their spiritual lead- conflict. Bob acted with steadfast con- It was Bob Vogel, Clerk of Yearly ings. Let us in turn thank God for Bob’s Meeting. He had taken, when in office, viction and courage, and sometimes in life, the example he provided, the to wearing the most wonderful tie-dyed principled confrontation, while he lessons he taught us, and the love he colored shirts. He was standing to ad- spoke gently and with consistent open- gave us. Let us all carry on the work of dress the plenary. ness. the Spirit as he would have us do. In about 1966, Bob Vogel was an I had seen th—e promised shirt. This — Jeanette Norton, Orange County initiator of the vigil for peace in was California. Keith Wedmore, San Meeting (PYM) Pasadena (one of hundreds that were Francisco (PYM) (“Bob Vogel,” continuedonpage 126) — Page 125 Friends Bulletin June 1998