PB 23-1: Opening Worship
Friends opened with a period of worship.
PB 23-2: Clerk’s Welcome and Introduction
Leslie Manning, PB Clerk, noted this is a Zoom-only mtg; Kathleen Wooten is serving as Tech Host. The PB Clerk reminded Friends that we aspire to practice taking note of patterns of oppression and of faithfulness. Leslie also recalled the cards from YM Sessions several years ago showing Jan Woods list of gifts and characteristics that the Spirit uses to work through us. She stated that one card comes to mind as especially helpful to our practice of noticing: the gift of “Exorcism- the ability to liberate from systemic oppression.” Leslie urged PB Friends to lift up patterns into our awareness that will help us to be liberated from systemic oppression.
PB 23-3: Roll Call
The roll was recorded via the Zoom Attendees List
Present on Zoom: Leslie Manning, PB Clerk; Susan Davies, PB Recording Clerk; Tom Brenner; Deana Chase; Darcy Drayton; Martin Forsythe; Christopher Gant; Beth Hansen; Ian Harrington; Newell Isbell Shinn; Carolyne Lamar Jordan; Frances Lightsom; Christopher McCandless; Jean McCandless; Carole Rein; John Reuthe; Aaron Sakulich, Martha Schwope; Liesa Stamm; Willa Taber; Eleanor Warnock; Diane Weinholtz; Donn Weinholtz; Morgan Wilson; Kathleen Wooten; Mary Zwirner
Ex-Officio: Scott Drysdale (Finance Clerk); Rebecca Leuchak (Presiding Clerk), Noah Merrill (YM Secretary); Robert Murray (Treasurer); Elizabeth Reuthe (Secretary’s Supervisor);
Regrets: Peter Bishop; David Coletta; Joyce Gibson; Roger Jasaitis; Meg Klepack; Bruce Neuman; Anna Radocchia; Nia Thomas
Absent: Kimberly Allen; Ed Mair; Bob O’Connor;
Visitors: Polly Attwood; Melody Brazo; Betsey Cazden; Marian Dalton; Melissa Foster; Sarah Gant; Kenneth Glover; Andrew Grant; Lisa Graustein; Mey Hasbrook; Janet Hough; Becky Jones; Kristina Keefe-Perry; LouAnne MacDonald; Frederick Martin; Phebe McCosker; Kathy Olsen; Robb Spivey; Jackie Stillwell; Carl Williams; Maille Wooten
PB 23-4: Approval of the minutes from the PB meetings of November 5, 2022
Minutes from the November 5, 2022 PB meeting were distributed in advance documents for review. No changes or edits were made.
Friends Approved
PB 23-5: Presiding Clerk's Report (Report appended)
Rebecca Leuchak, YM Presiding Clerk, reported as described in her appended report. The 2023 Sessions Plenary presenters and Bible Half Hour speaker have been confirmed. The Presiding Clerk reported she is striving to offer sustainable and effective engagement with the Tribes that are responding to the NEYM Letter of Apology.
PB 23-6: YM Secretary’s Report #1 (Report appended)Noah Merrill, YM Secretary, spoke of his experience that discernment arises from abiding in the Spirit, listening through the chaos around us, to hear beyond the distractions, to hear the ‘still small voice’ of clarity, experience, freedom, and joy. He is praying that we orient our hearts towards that Voice. Noah called attention to several important items that are found in his appended report, including several actions for the approval of PB.
Noah requested the approval of PB for NEYM to expend $2,500 from the Mosher Book and Tract Fund, to cover the cost of publication and distribution of two manuscripts at FWCC. These publications address issues and concerns that arise at the end of life for Friends Meetings.
Friends Approved
Noah further conveyed Weare Monthly Meeting’s request that PB take responsibility for disposition of the South Pittsfield meetinghouse; and that PB direct the YM Secretary, and other designated individuals, to investigate the best disposition of the meetinghouse, and to bring recommendations back to PB for approval.
Friends Approved
PB 23-7.1: YM Treasurer’s Report (report appended) and Report on Restatement of Fund balances
Bob Murray, YM Treasurer, reported that he and Frederic Martin, YM Accounts Manager, have been working on a restatement of funds balances to correct errors from the past. He strongly encouraged Friends to read his appended report. The values of pooled funds are incorrect and must be corrected. The Finance Committee cannot do this without PBs assent. No money will go out, or come in, but the values will be journaled internally to be accurate.
The YM Treasurer requested that PB approve correcting the pooled funds balances as recommended by Bob Murray and Frederick Martin.
Friends Approved
PB 23-7.2: Treasurer’s Discussion of Fiscal Year ’22
Bob Murray, YM Treasurer, explained some of the reasons for a shortfall in FY 2022 as explained in the appended report. The YM Treasurer emphasized that the shortfall has resulted in YM reserves falling to about half of recommended, prudent levels. He stated that adequate reserves are important to create stability for staff and programs.
PB 23-8: Preliminary Budget presentation (letter from Finance Committee appended)
Scott Drysdale, Clerk of the Finance Committee, Noah Merrill, YM Secretary, and Frederick Martin, Accounts Manager briefed Friends on the many factors, and the discernment processes influencing the preliminary budget, as described in appended documents. Of greatest consequence in the Finance Committee’s recommendations was their suggestion to reduce the line item, “Support of Other Organizations” to zero for one year. This recommended action, for PB’s consideration, can balance the budget.
Friends raised many concerns about suspending donations to sister Quaker organizations. One Friend noted that the suggested budget remedy would result in a request for increased donations from NEYM monthly meetings, while at the same time recommending a one-year suspension of donations to major Quaker organizations. Other Friends reflected on what such a remedy would imply about YM’s existing commitments and values.
The Finance Committee, hearing these concerns, stated they would offer a Listening Session for ongoing discernment of the budget.
PB 23-9: YM Secretary’s Report #2 (Report appended)
YM Secretary Noah Merrill directed PB’s attention to the mid-year report from YM Program Director Nia Thomas (appended). Noah expressed gratitude for Nia’s contributions to nurturing the life of NEYM with creative and well-designed program offerings. Noah then briefed PB on the status of the Friends Camp Governance Review, as described in documents appended to these minutes.
PB 23-9.1 Governance Review update, Phases 1 and 2
NEYM shepherds the operation of Friends Camp (FC) as a separate, unincorporated organization. FC manages their property, resources, and staff under a governing board. Periodic review of the governance and operation of FC by YM is healthy. The appended reports are responsive to a 3-part review process affirmed by PB. Noah is reporting on Phase 1: Consult with involved Friends, under the leadership of Anna Hopkins Buller, to update FC Good Governance framework. The review resulted in a revision of parts of the appended framework.
The PB clerk then asked if Friends accepted the revisions in the updated Interim Governance document.
Friends Approved
PB 23-9.2: Phase II-Friends Camp Visioning Charge (appended)
The Phase II Charge directs that a visioning process be convened to answer questions related to FC’s mission, purpose, programs, and governance, and to report back to PB in May 2023.
The PB clerk asked if Friends were ready to approve this charge.
Friends Approved
PB 23-9.2: Approval of Names, Friends Camp Visioning workgroup (nomination document appended)
Noah Merrill noted that the charge includes the need for 3-4 Friends with a concern for youth and brought forward the slate of nominations for the Friends Camp Visioning Working Group: Jessica Eller, Sam Gant, and Newell Isbell Shinn.
Friends Approved the slate of names
PB 23-10: Noticing Patterns Report and Discussion (Slide presented appended)
Polly Attwood, Clerk of the Noticing Patterns working group (NPwg) and NPwg member, Melody Brazo reminded PB of their full report brought to the November 2022 PB meeting. Their November report was followed by small group sharing of their impressions of the “noticing practice” among PB members and visitors. Melody and Polly noted that NPwg members are simply NEYM Friends called to this work but they are not experts, or uniquely qualified. They are Friends seeking to end systemic patterns of harm, whether harm is intentional or not. A slide presentation about the noticing practice included the following queries for PB:
- What have been the unmet needs that are starting to be met by the noticing practice?
- What is being lost or disrupted in the noticing process?
- What can we learn from the answers to these questions?
PB members were invited to respond in chat to “what’s coming up for you” in response to these questions. Friends responded with observations and reflections.
The debrief of this PB mtg will be Monday 2/13/23 at 7:30 p.m.
PB 23-11: PB clerk update
Leslie Manning, PB clerk read the following statement to the Permanent Board:
Nominations Update to the Permanent Board by Leslie Manning, PB Clerk, and approved by Jackie Stillwell, Clerk of Nominating Committee, February 11, 2023 (as read to PB in the Clerk’s verbal report).
As we indicated in November 2022, there were significant concerns related to the raising of Lisa Graustein's name to appointment (by me as clerk) to the Right Relationship Resource Group, (RRRG) which is under our care.
Since our November meeting, Jackie Stillwell, as clerk of the YM nominating committee and I have met individually and together with those who held these concerns. We have also met with Lisa and a member of her support committee in response to what we initially heard. Jackie and I determined that these concerns had weight and merit and sought, by meeting with Lisa and her support committee to convey that to them. It now appears that some of you may have received a response prepared by Lisa and her care committee, unsolicited, that offers their perspective on our subsequent work.
Jackie and I met with Lisa and her care committee twice, and with her care committee without Lisa once, at her suggestion. We have also followed up with those who brought concerns forward, including some who had labored with Lisa to make her aware of those concerns. One Friend's concerns were allayed by learning that Lisa, although not a member of a monthly meeting, is worshiping with Three Rivers WG under the care of Fresh Pond and has a support, care and accountability committee that meets regularly. That concern was withdrawn.
In each other case, we invited them into a mediated or facilitated conversation and these Friends were clear to say No. We honor those decisions. With regard to confidentiality, the nature of the concerns and care for the entire body of Friends, it is clear to both Jackie and me that the best way forward is not to appoint Lisa to the Right Relationship Resource Group. We have also heard from the clerk of that group that the group feels that Lisa can and has contributed to their efforts, so Lisa will be allowed to attend their meetings at the invitation of their clerk.
We further brought our concerns and discernment to Coordinating and Advisory, where we heard some additional concerns and a willingness to trust our discernment. Let us move forward in a deliberative manner to move toward resolution and, if possible, healing.
Over the next three months, Lisa has agreed to a series of guidelines involving her contact and engagement with other service within NEYM. She will remain a member of the NPWG. In three months, Jackie and I will meet with Lisa and her support committee to review this agreement.
I ask you all to hold this tenderly, that we may be led by Spirit in what is in the best interest of our beloved community and consistent with Divine will.
There was a prolonged period of discussion in response to the Clerk's remarks, which included the following reflections:
- feelings of distress and discomfort at hearing this announcement
- comments that publicly presenting this outcome of a nominations process has the effect of “shaming” Lisa, and that such an effect cannot be right
- distress expressed that Friends holding strong concerns over Lisa’s nomination were not willing to engage in dialogue about their concerns
- members of RRRG expressed support for Lisa’s involvement thus far, stating that the RRRG still welcomes her in their work
- a Friend noted that this important (but largely opaque) situation falls at, and illustrates, the “cutting edge” of the Noticing Patterns work
- Lisa Graustein noted that Friends have a tradition of “rebuke” to address Friends who are not in “good order.” This involves stating, from a place of loving Truth, the specific behaviors that constitute excursions from “good order,” and then stating how the Friend might be restored to full honoring and welcome in the community. Lisa stated she feels the current process has not done that and she invited PB to formally rebuke her.
- A Friend felt that YM lacks a well-functioning process to reconcile deeply conflicting views.
Jackie Stillwell, clerk of the Nominating Committee, stated that “two people’s concerns alone could not have created this outcome.” The concerns expressed resonated with concerns heard from others. She reviewed the 1st and 2nd reading process when bringing forward nominations. She stated that the transparency of 1st and 2nd readings, to hear affirmations or concerns in nominations, is a healthy process, but it can conflict with what seems like a kinder, more conventional confidentiality. Yet this is our agreed process, and it may seem messy and like a violation of confidence.
A Friend offered two noticings: We as Friends do not like conflict or messiness, especially about individuals; and this Friend named a pattern of faithfulness in the care with which Leslie and Jackie had held the concerns.
General announcements from the clerk:
The Living Faith Gathering will be held on April 1 at the Friends School of Portland in Cumberland ME.
Max Carter will be offering a seminar on Life in Palestine and Israel Palestine Concerns over Zoom, Feb 26 at 7 p.m.
PB 23-12: Boarding School Involvement Scope of Work Report (report appended)
Janet Hough and Andrew Grant verbally summarized their appended, written report concerning the charge to ascertain NEYM’s “… engagement with and support for Indian Boarding Schools, including involvement of individual Friends and meetings, and to present a plan, including an estimated budget, to the Permanent Board…”.
Andrew and Janet expressed how they have been personally moved, and troubled, during their review of historical documents and monthly meeting minutes about Friends involvement in Indian Boarding Schools.
Friends expressed appreciation for the work.
Leslie Manning, PB clerk, asked for Friends approval of this Scope of Work, explaining that the next step will likely involve a reconstituted working group and re-statement of their charge.
Please send ideas about what should go into the new charge to conduct the research.
Friends Approved the Scope of Work
PB 23-13: YM Nominating Committee Report and approval of names
PB 23-13.1: Jackie Stillwell presented two names for second reading and the approval of Permanent Board. The first reading of these names was via written communication from Jackie Stillwell to PB.
- Ministry & Counsel clerk: Carl Williams, Plainfield Friends Meeting to begin immediately
- Permanent Board clerk: Susan Davies, Vassalboro Friends Meeting, to begin September 2023
Friends approved both names
PB 23-13.2: Jackie then brought forward five names to serve on the new Meeting Accompaniment Group, clerked by Sarah Gant. These Friends are to begin serving immediately:
- Gretchen Baker-Smith (Westport)—Friends approved
- Hugh McArthur (Hanover)—Friends approved
- Dorothy Grannell (Portland)—Friends approved
- Morgan Wilson (Framingham)—Friends approved
- Honor Woodrow (Putney)—Friends approved
PB 23-13.3: Jackie then brought names for approval as Friends United Meeting Triennal representatives to the July 2023 meeting in Kenya; to begin immediately
- Donn Weinholtz (Hartford)—Friends approved
- Diane Weinholtz (Hartford)—Friends approved
- Hal Weaver (Wellesley)—Friends approved
- Stefan Walker (Northampton)—Friends approved
- Ruth Heath (Concord)—Friends approved
PB 23-14: The meeting closed following worship, at 3:25 p.m.
Next PB mtg, May 20th and, if specially called, will be July 15, 2023.