Newsletter

From the Pastor's Heart

Magnificat to the God of Dawn

My being proclaims the wonders of light

as it slowly penetrates the ebbing darkness

And my spirit bows to the beauty of the One

who gives life to all that has existence

Oh, vibrant green stems of life sing out

your praise to the Heart who draws you forth

Bird songs rejoicing in the breath of dawn,

warble your joy in view of the morning star

Dew drops radiant upon the wetness of grass

give glory to the Wise Creator who sustains you

Flower gardens, rushing streams, silent deserts,

sing, sing, for the Dancer who rejoices in your midst

Peoples of the planet, creatures of the universe,

play before the Enlivener who delights in you

And my soul, my soul, rise up and greet this day

with gratitude, in a stance of humble remembering

For all I am, and all I am called to be, is held

in the hands of a Creator who daily loves me into life.

Joyce Rupp

From the Library

A review by Eleanor Ray

This book is an exploration of the practice of Quaker silence and the reasons why it is so meaningful for those who do it. J. Brent Bill is a Friends minister, and his understanding of and experience with silence is profound. He grasps the strength of spirit that comes from expectant listening, and he describes it beautifully. While he is writing to a broader audience than just Quakers, he had a lot to teach, at least me, about waiting in a silence that is not dull, but alive and active in its stillness. He speaks eloquently of the benefits to the soul of this type of listening.

This book is best read slowly, and savored page by page. It is an excellent devotional guide, deep but easy to read. The best thing about it from a devotional point of view is its series of Quietude Queries. Every few pages he gives you a question to ponder, to lead you into the spiritual discipline of silent, expectant listening for God. Taken by themselves, they would be a course in silence. Placed as they are in the midst of his reflections on Quaker spirituality, they are softened, made more accessible to us, easier to learn from. I have found these especially fulfilling exercises when I had time to stop for these, and really ponder them in silence for 10 or 15 minutes. Even if you don't have that long, give them a try. Your spiritual ears will hear things that are new and fruitful to your mind and soul. This book is a gem!

President Herbert Hoover will be speaking in Meeting for Worship on Sunday, August 3rd. He will stop by during Hooverfest to bring us a message. We look forward to his visit!

Mr. Hoover came to see us a couple of years ago, and was a pure delight. He will speak to the children, and bring the morning message, as well. (Mr. Hoover is also known as Carl Christiansen, and he always brings his lovely wife Jan to Meeting with him!) We can't wait!

Friendly Flashes from Friends Women

Iowa Yearly Meeting Friends Women’s Literature Secretary, Ethel Watson, was traveling in the area and offered to meet with us if we could arrange a time within her time window. We managed this and she met with those who could come on Wednesday morning, June 4. She gave short informative previews of the 19 books on this years Reading list—

3 Fiction;

4 Biography;

5 Devotional; 4 Growth and Challenge; and 3 By or About Quakers.

In fact, she said, all of this year’s books touch on Quaker themes or history in some way. Also regular reading in THE ADVOCATE counts as reading a “book” from the reading list this year.

Besides the adult books which Ethel previewed, she also had a copy of each of the 18 recommended children’s books for those interested to browse through. Ethel had books available for purchase and will also have them available at Yearly Meeting in August.

Each year some of the books from the previous year’s Reading List are added to the general Library collection. All church members are invited to read these books which have been carefully selected by the National USFWI Literature Secretary and her committee. Suggestions of books for consideration are always welcome. Your suggestions or comments can be sent to:

Jennifer Hodge

7966 South Country Rd

1025 East Cloverdale, IN

46120

E-mail: Mhodge@ccrtc.com

The next regular West Branch Friends Women’s meeting will be held at the home of Lisa Baum on July 8th at 7:00 pm. Lisa will also lead the devotions. Kathleen Darling will be the program leader on the theme of “THE THREAD OF CREATIVITY.” There will be no August meeting.

---Grace Davis

“Cast your bread upon the waters; for after many days you will find it again. You do not know what disaster may come upon the land. If clouds are full of water, they pour out rain upon the earth.” Ecc. 11:1

Most major disasters happen in far off places, however, in the past weeks the Epic Flood happened to our neighbors. During this time we have read and heard of many ways this scripture has been fulfilled, as those who have been blessed are passing it on to others.

“I believe I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Ps. 27:13

Celebration Iowa strives to reflect the quality of Iowa high school music programs. Together with a talented staff of teachers and professionals, the members of Celebration Iowa present an action-packed show that includes song, dance, and jazz band favorites for audience members of all ages to enjoy. "Every year, cast members agree that their experience with Celebration Iowa is truly "the summer of a lifetime."

During the course of the summer, Celebration Iowa cast members are offered the opportunity to perform over 30 shows in all corners of the state. In it’s 26th season, Celebration Iowa’s 2008 show will open with an exciting Broadway Review set featuring selections such as “There is No Business Like Show Business,” and “Oklahoma”. The opening set is followed by How Does Your Garden Grow?, a children's musical featuring "Planting Seeds", and "Garden Hoedown".

The show will conclude with an invigorating The Beatles & More set that will include "Can't Buy Me Love," and "Ticket to Ride." The Celebration Iowa Jazz Band will perform many great selections throughout the performance representing various jazz styles. Some of the selections are: "Night Train", "Spain" and "Anything Goes".

If you are able to host any of the Celebration Iowa musicians overnight, please contact the church office. Take them home after the fireworks, and bring them back in the morning to meet up with their tour group! Thanks!

Mark your calendars now for our Hooverfest Hymn Sing and Pie and Ice Cream Social!

Saturday, August 2nd is the date, and you don't want to miss it! Friends from far and wide will be joining us in the Meetingroom for a chance to choose their favorite hymn, and ring the rafters with song! Then everyone will join us outside for a slice of pie and a dollop of ice cream. Yum! A wonderful evening with Friends! Carolyn Meisner will be coordinating the Pie and Ice Cream Social - what a treat!

The young man entered the Ice Cream Palace and asked, "What kinds of ice cream do you have?"

"Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry," the girl wheezed as she spoke, patted her chest and seemed unable to continue. "Do you have laryngitis?" the young man asked sympathetically. "Nope," she whispered, "just vanilla, chocolate and strawberry."