Order deadline March 25, 2012 Please place ____lily plant(s) in the Meeting House on Easter Sunday, April 8, at $7 each.

In memory of________________________________________

In honor of _________________________________________

Name______________________________________________

Phone_____________________Amount enclosed $_________

[ ] I will take after worship [ ] Deliver to shut-ins.

The Living Light “...and Christ shall give thee light.” Ephesians 5:14

Volume 51, Number 3 First Friends Church of Whittier Third Month, 2012

The Grapefruit Bowl

Service Project

February 5th turned out to be an amazing day to pick grapefruit from the bounty found in Jean Sponsler’s backyard. While many went off following Meeting to the festivities surrounding the Super Bowl, the Jr. High and High School youth groups headed off for lunch at Carl’s Jr. From there we traversed the back roads to Jean’s house, where we were aided in our fruit picking by the resident Sponsler beagle, Snoopy, who can eat a tangelo right out of its skin. The fruits of our labor resulted in a super-bowl amount of grapefruit, filling the entire trunk of Jack and Sharon Huffaker’s car. Jack & Sharon then delivered the bags of fruit to the Interfaith Food Center for distribution to needy families within our community. Those participating in the first-ever Fruit Bowl Service Project deserve special acclaim: Lisa Albanez, Austin Allen, Olivia Allen, Raquel Allen, Katerina Ryder, Jasmine Sturr, and Cedric Woirhaye. Good work, young Friends!

Easter Worship Plans In Place Music greatly enhances the joy of the Easter Season. We look forward with anticipation to a rich music-centered worship program. On Palm Sunday, April 1, our Worship Choir will present compositions by classical church music composers Michael Praetorius, Andr÷ Gouzes and Heinrich Schütz. On Easter Sunday, April 8, the choir will sing two pieces by 20th Century Welsh composer William Mathias: “Alleluia,” and a piece based on Christopher Wordsworth’s poem “Alleluia, Hearts to Heaven and Voices Raise.” Mathias (1934-1992) is considered to have created a distinctive and enduring contribution to sacred music. This year Music Director Russ Litchfield and the choir are planning a third “Easter special,” an April 15 Music Sunday featuring the cantata “The Green Blade Riseth” by contemporary composer M. Searle Wright. Readings from Scripture will be interwoven with the substantial organ and challenging choral parts of this work. The youth groups are beginning to plan our annual Easter Breakfast. Serving will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue through 10:30 a.m. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children aged 5-11. There is no charge for children under the age of 5. Please make your reservation by adding your name to the signup sheet or by calling the church office. Potted Easter lilies in memory of and honoring beloved Friends will adorn the Meeting room that day. Come, Friends, and bring your friends to contribute to a blessed Eastertide!

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Friendly Fare by Lea Wright School and Work News: On Friday, February 10, two young members of First Friends were recognized at their school as “Wildcat of the Month.” Amara Overmyer (5th grade) and Cedric Woirhaye (6th grade) were independently awarded this honor due to their scholarship, perfect attendance, and educational focus in class. Both children were surprised and appreciative of the recognition. Cassie Caringella and Lynda Ladwig shared an informative day at a seminar on Autism, Aspergers, SPD and ADHD behavior, in Fullerton. It was good to see Sarah Singleton in Meeting for worship on the 12th. She got the day off from work. “Yay” to days off. Friends Travel: Bob & Sabron Newton spent a week in January driving up the California coast with their grandchildren, Amanda and Noah, their daughter Miriam, and her husband, Chris, who were taking a winter break from Minnesota. Highlights of the trip were the waterfront and museum at Morro Bay, 3,000 elephant seals on the beach near San Simeon, the historic San Antonio Mission near King City, crashing surf and o l d c y p r e s s groves at Pt. Lobos, and the Aquar iu m in Monterey. Here they are with the Living L ight continuing our tradition: “The Living Light Travels”

showing the ocean view from the Eggletons’ house at Cambria where they stopped to ask how to get around a new landslide blocking Highway 1. (Remember, your submissions are welcome and needed.) More news about Gwen & Mahlon Woirhaye’s recent trip to London: they saw 14 plays in 15 days. Gwen’s favorite is still “War Horse” which she saw for the second time. She is telling everyone to skip the movie and get tickets to the Ahmanson between June 13 and July 22. “It is incredible theatre–a show not to be missed! (ages ten and up.)”

Friends About Town: Lyn & Frank Gruber’s daughter Karen started cosmetology school in late January. She is again living with them until she graduates next November. Jon Gruber was deployed to Misawa Japan in January and will be there for about six months. He is on a base, not on a ship. His wife, Carrie and their son, Jack are staying in Washington while he is gone. Japan is 17 hours ahead and Lyn is trying to become proficient on keeping track of time zones with son, Jeff in London and Jon in Misawa. In February Jo Nita Beede attended “Winter Songs” at Camp Ocean Pines in beautiful

Cambria (just blocks from the home of Anne & Harry

Eggleton, who often come to watch one of the coffeehouse performances). It was there that she fine-tuned the song she wrote that she and Norm, Ben, Tina, and Lyn presented in Meeting for Worship. honoring their mother, Ruth Beede, on the first anniversary of her passing. Friends Celebrate: Special birthday wishes to Alice

Newsom who celebrated her 98th and to Agnes Douglass who celebrated her 92nd. Carol Marshburn’s family from Maine and Paul Marshburn’s family from Phoenix as well as local families of David and John were on hand to celebrate Mary’s 80th birthday. Nathaniel Murrilo turned a year old in January. His mom, Stephanie reported that they celebrated with two parties. One that was space themed with crescent moon sandwiches, galactic grubs and milky-way dip (veggies with ranch), star berries and meteors (strawberries and blueberries) and crater salad (potato). The other party was a joint party celebrating Nathaniel turning one and cousin Clayton

Votaw (Chris Votaw’s son) turning two. That one had a football theme. It was a “1-2 hike!”

Friends Visit: Special prayers, holding Jeananne Coop in the light as various family members visit from out of town. Kirk & Allison Wright, from Washington, recently visited and also attended church with his parents, Bill & Marygene Wright. Visiting from Texas, on her birthday was Betsy Wright. Friends Remember: Samuel Calvin Edinger lived to see his 95th birthday and died in a comfortable hospice. He had been in declining health for several years. His daughter, Linda and son-in-law, Jim Flournoy, cared for him in the home that Cal built in South San Gabriel. Son Fred reports “Dad was at peace and comfortable in his last days. Nancy and I spent a good weekend with him out there at the end of January. We all miss him very much.” Cal’s daughter, Sue Edinger Marshall reports “One of Dad’s last wishes was to have his ashes scattered with those of our mother, Ruth Esther. We will probably have a service for him later this spring. Cherish your elders, follow their wisdom and faith, forgive their faults.” Joy

(Basham) Creelman reported on her father’s passing, “We are saddened by the passing of John Basham on February 10th in Prescott, AZ.” John was the husband of of 50 years of Lavelle Basham, both long time members of the Friends Church. Lavelle Basham is the sister of Klane Robison (former pastor of First Friends). Friends were sad to hear that Ed Holland passed away from heart failure. His wife, Linda and sons, Tim, Daniel & Joe, planned his memorial and reception so that friends and family could all celebrate Ed’s life in a way he would want, with lots of great memories, laughs, and music. Friends Sharing News: Help to keep the Friendly Fare going. Email me a quick note and tell me your news. Send to Lea at lealouw@gmail.com, or deliver to me at church on Sunday. See you next month!

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World Conference of Friends

to Convene in Kenya

The Sixth World Conference will be held at Kabarak University, near Nakuru, in the Rift Valley of Kenya, from

April 17 to 25, 2012. The Western Association of the Religious Society of Friends has named delegates to this conference. It will be the most representative World Conference of Friends ever with delegates registered from over 100 yearly meetings and groups of Friends in 42 countries. Friends have responded

gererously to the Travel Fund with over $82,000 to support Friends coming from around the world. Purpose: Although there is some business to be addressed, primarily the conference is not a business meeting. It is an opportunity for the delegates to bring their concerns and leadings to a global Quaker table and consider new possibilities by Friends near and far. The World Conference is for all Friends. It is for Friends to get to know one another, to recognize our differences, to be open to being stretched and challenged and to reaffirm our common roots. It is a opportunity to learn experientially what it means to be part of the channels of Universal Love. Theme: The theme for this World Conference is Being Salt and Light: Friends Living The Kingdom of God in a Broken World. The International Planning Committee drew inspiration from several Bible passages, including Matthew 5:13 (“You are the salt of the earth…”), Matthew 5:14-16 (“You are the light of the world…”), Matthew 6:33 (“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God…”), Matthew 6:9-13 (the Lord’s Prayer), and Micah 6:8 (…And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”). This is supplemented by a passage from Luke 17:20-21. “The Kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed… the Kingdom of God is among you.” The theme will be explored through worship, small group discussion, by speakers from across the globe and working groups looking at how Friends can respond to aspects of the theme, including attention to peace work, poverty and the environment. Preparation: The Holy Spirit will be with those who gather and those who stay at home. All Friends can be part of the conference by using the Study Booklet “Being Salt and Light” individually and in groups. Sharing with delegates joins those at home with those attending the conference. This conference also is using current media opportunities with a well maintained and informative

website: www.saltandlight2012.org.

First Friends should consider how we can support our delegates through prayer and support groups. and how to use the delegates when they return. Are there others in the Association that have experience in Kenya or participation in prior World Conferences or Triennials? Can we tell these delegates what we would like to know about when they return? Daily schedule: Worship will be central during the World Conference. Before breakfast each morning there will be multiple worship opportunities in different venues with opportunities for stillness, prayer, singing and experiencing the diversity of Friends worship. Following breakfast, there will be a 90-minute plenary that combines worship with reflection on the theme, organized in turn by each Section. The final plenary will be a “mosaic” of worship, growing out of all that has been experienced during the previous week. Each day will end with Epilogue. The time, energy and financial resources put into the World Conference are an investment in our spiritual lives and our religious community. The message from this conference can energize the next generation of Friends and be relevant to the wider world. There will be follow-up events. Delegates are encouraged to notify the local or regional media that they are going to Kenya to represent local Quakers at an international gathering and that they are willing to be interviewed when they get back. Can Friends help them draft a press release to tell their story to their local newspapers or radio station? Publications and materials of the FWCC World Conference will be displayed in the First Friends Library during March and April. — Bill Wright

Olney Gathering Planned

We welcome you to attend a potluck gathering of alumni, friends and others interested in the Olney Friends School on March 3, 2012. The gathering is informal and offers an opportunity to visit with old friends and get to know others in your area with connections to this 133-year-old boarding school in eastern Ohio. If you have relatives or friends with children who are potential Olney students, please encourage them to join in the fun and learn more about the school and its current very international student body. Come at 12:00 p.m. to the fellowship hall at Whittier First Friends Church. Bring a dish to share and your own place setting. Coffee and tea will be provided. — Lyn Gruber

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to receive only three. Anesthetics available at the time were chloroform, ether and opium. Many field hospitals had none of these and whiskey was substituted. The rooms are furnished from the period although not from the actual building. Bunk beds on display accommodated four soldiers, two below and two above sleeping head to toe. The officers enjoyed much nicer sleeping quarters. As in every war, many changes were brought about. For the first time the government was committed to rehabilitating veterans. Women were used as nurses in the military. New weapons such as torpedoes, repeating rifles and rapid-fire guns were invented. H. L. Hunley, a supporter of the Confederacy, knew it was important to keep supply lines open with Europe. He visualized the possibility of a submarine attack on the U.S. blockade of Charleston. Working with a steamboat captain who owned a machine shop in New Orleans, Hunley raised the funds to build a submarine. The first two submarines were failures, but the third one, which bore Hunley’s name, successfully sank a Union ship in the Charleston Harbor. However, soon afterward, the Hunley also sank to the bottom of the harbor. In 1995 it was found and later raised in a sling. In a memorial service held in April 2004, horse-drawn caissons, followed by a procession of local citizens in nineteenth century dress, carried the bodies of the crew through downtown Charleston to the Magnolia Cemetery. They were laid to rest next to the crews who had lost their lives in the first and second submarine launch attempts. After the tour the Sneaks enjoyed a scenic ride through Signal Hill before having lunch at a Denny’s restaurant. Thank you, Don and Shirley Votaw for organizing this very interesting tour.

— Mary Raymond

Friends Feed Homeless

Thirty-five members of Whittier’s homeless community were grateful for evening meals during the week in January when First Friends cooked for the Interfaith Council’s Cold Weather Shelter. Food cooked in our kitchen was served at the Methodist Church next door. Those who prepared the dinners or assisted with cooking and cleanup were Carrin Bouchard; Allison Coop; Barbara Cóte; Pat and Sarah Garland; Lloyd Kaneko; Ted, Mary, David and Viki Marshburn; Bob and Sabron Newton; Becky Overmyer-Velasquez; Carla Ruiz (Whittier College student); Carol Urner; and Darrell Warren. Thank you all!

Sneaks Visit

Drum Barracks Museum

The Drum Barracks Civil War Museum in Wilmington was the destination for 17 Senior Sneaks on January 26. As we gathered at the gate the docent informed us that when California entered the Union as a free state, the balance of power between North and South was upset, contributing to the Civil War. However, much of the population of Southern California was sympathetic to the South. By order of the Union War Department, the army set up tent camps in the Los Angeles area to house Union soldiers. In 1862 Phineas Banning and B. D. Wilson, Union sympathizers, sold a large tract of land to the U.S. Army for one dollar. Of the 22 structures built on the site, only one, the junior officers’ quarters, remains. This building, set to be demolished in the late 1960s, was saved by a group of citizens and opened to the public as a museum in 1987. In the first room we saw what was probably the first machine gun, an original Gatling Gun that looks more like a cannon. It took three men to operate it: one to load it, one to crank the barrels, and one to aim. Next we viewed a small-scale model of the complex as it appeared in 1863. These buildings included the commanding officer’s home, junior and senior officers’ quarters, five barracks, a hospital, and support buildings. When we first arrived we noticed a rather dilapidated life-size figure of a camel on the lawn. The docent explained that Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War for the United States, received funds from Congress in 1855 to import camels to the American Southwest. In June 1861 camels arrived at Camp Drum. They were used for boundary surveys, dispatch service, and to carry freight from Wilmington harbor to Los Angeles. After the war the herd of 37 camels was taken to Benicia Barracks, north of San Francisco, to be sold at auction. Three camels ended up in a circus. The rest went to Nevada to carry freight. On the second floor there are many relics of the Civil War including an artificial leg. The leg’s owner was allowed a new one every three years, but during his 92-year lifetime he chose

1 7:00p Choir Rehearsal

2 6:30p Movie Night

3 12:00p Olney Friends Reunion

4 9:30a First Day Classes 11:00a Meeting for Worship 12:15p USFW Bake Sale/Box Lunch

5 1:30p Writing Class

6 6:30a Spiritual Growth & Quaker Men 7:00p WFS Science Fair & Open House

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8 7:00p Choir Rehearsal

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10

11 9:30a First Day Classes 11:00a Meeting for Worship 12:15p Monthly Meeting

12 10:00a Quiltmakers

1:30p Writing Class

13

Friendly

Fare

Deadline

6:30a Spiritual Growth & Quaker Men

9:15a Trustees

7:00p M&C

14 6:00p AFFN

15

Living Light

Deadline 7:00p Choir Rehearsal

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18 9:30a First Day Classes 11:00a Meeting for Worship 12:15p Quarterly Meeting of Clerks

19 1:30p Writing Class

20 6:30a Spiritual Growth & Quaker Men

21

Living Light

Layout Day

22 8:45a Senior Sneaks 7:00p Choir Rehearsal

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25 9:30a First Day Classes 11:00a Meeting for Worship 12:15p Friendly Pinch

26 10:00a Quiltmakers

1:30p Writing Class

27 6:30a Spiritual Growth & Quaker Men

28

Fold and

Mail Living

Light

29 7:00p Choir Rehearsal

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Sara Adams Marsha Allen Megan Bates Thomas Boles Carole Borries Estelle Bushaw Claudia Bushaw

Jack Carlisle Helen Carlisle

Amy Christensen Micah Eggleton Patrick Foley

James Garland Clinton Harris Eric Haynes

Deborah Hays Sheri Hendrix

William Hockett Timothy Holland

Pati Jackson Rex Jones

Mary Kappmeyer Allison Lew

Susan Marshall Lauren Marshburn Jonathan Moody

Rose Nedrow Debi Nelson

Sabron Newton Gavin Peterson

Willie Wiley Charlene Root Sue Settlage Paul Smith

Trevor Snyder Emlyn Torres Jason Ullyott

Lara Wemmerus Gerry Wolfe Emily Wood Dan Wright

If we've missed your birthday, we apologize (and happy birthday)! We're working hard to keep our bir thday calendar up-to-date so please let us know if we're forgetting anyone. Thank you!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

March 2012

What Does the Bible

Have to Say About …?

Beginning on Sunday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m. Friends are invited to participate in a weekly Bible study that was developed by Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) for use as a part of the priorities-setting process for the 113th Congress. Discussions will start with readings and queries prepared by Ron Ferguson designed to further the spiritual grounding of Friends. Ron and his wife, Pam spent most of the 1990s working in Uganda and Sudan under the Mennonites. Please bring your Bibles as we study these areas of interest: “Setting Wise Priorities”, “Seeking a World Free of War and the Threat of War”, and “Seeking a Society with Equity and Justice for All”. Take this opportunity to gather for the next 8-12 weeks in Sharpless Lounge as together we seek God’s spirit and direction in helping to address these societal concerns.

— Lynda Ladwig

Photo Sessions Scheduled Photo Sessions Scheduled Photo Sessions Scheduled Photo Sessions Scheduled

For New Church DirectoryFor New Church DirectoryFor New Church DirectoryFor New Church Directory

Our first pictorial church directory in many years is coming this summer. Make your appointment now for your photo session in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on Sunday, April 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Following your session, photos can be reviewed immediately and will be available for purchase in a wide variety of formats with prices starting as low as $25. Purchase is not necessary to be included in the directory, and all families will receive a complimentary directory and an 8x10 portrait regardless of purchase. You may also use your session for additional creative portraits, including portfolio headshots and photos with props and even pets! Best of all, portraits will be available in time for Mother’s Day gifting. Discounts include 20% for seniors over 60 and quantity discounts for photo packages. Photography and production services are being provided by Lifetouch, a national company that supports charity giveback programs and will assist us in making contributions to local food banks. Important information for out-of-area and non-resident members and families: you may attend a photo session near your home, thanks to Lifetouch’s extensive schedule of church photo sessions around the United States. Your photo can be taken at a site near you for inclusion in our new directory. You will have the same purchase opportunities, and receive a complimentary directory and an 8x10 portrait. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Lifetouch at 1-800-521-4611 to make arrangements. Members who cannot attend a photo session may, as in the past, submit a photo for inclusion in the directory, and then be eligible to purchase a copy of the directory for $10. Photo session appointments can be made online: just fo l low t he l ink f rom our webs it e a t www.firstfriendswhittier.org. You may also make your appointment in person after Meeting for Worship, or by calling the church office Tuesday through Friday at 562-698-9805. Please allow an hour for your photo session. Families will be contacted by phone with reminders to schedule their appointments and with appointment confirmations, but members may opt out of these reminders. A $10 discount is offered to members who choose to receive their reminders by e-mail. We look forward to having Lifetouch visit our meeting and to our comprehensive new church directory!

— Michael Elliot

Visit the Ice Age On Next

Friday Movie Night

February’s Friday Community Movie Night screening of Cars 2 was attended by 65-70 happily entertained, popcorn-munching viewers. This very good turnout following the holiday hiatus is partly in response to invitational flyers sent to the elementary schools in the Whittier City School District. Mark your calendars and begin alerting your friends and neighbors for the March 2 screening of Pixar’s Ice

Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Ice Age 3). This comic animated film presents prehistoric characters Manny and Ellie and friends in an adventure that leads to an underground world. Come watch them rally to become a family despite the fact that they are not really related. We begin the evening’s entertainment at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The admission, popcorn, and drinks are free. Come join in the fun!

— Alene Burke

Former Pastor Announces Wedding Rex Jones and Paula Cardoza plan to be married on Saturday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Speedway IN. (Speedway is a little north-west of Indianapolis.) Whittier Friends are warmly invited to attend. Reception will follow at the church. “Please — no gifts but contributions to church’s food pantry are welcome.”

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WFS To Hold Open House

Body systems, an egg drop contest and craft-filled classrooms will be on display at Whittier Friends School’s annual Open House and Science Fair on Tuesday, March 5. The elementary students have been hard at work on their body system reports and can’t wait to share them with visitors. The oldest elementary students will also have an egg drop activity to see who best protects their egg from a tumultuous drop from the upstairs balcony. Families, friends and potential students will have a chance to tour the classrooms and get more information about the various programs WFS offers, from preschool through eighth grade. During the Open House WFS officially begins to accept early bird applications for the upcoming school year. Early bird applicants who pay their $100 registration fee and their $100 supplies fee by March 30 will get a $250 discount off their tuition. This year the open house will also be held the night before the end of the Spring Fundraiser. Visitors at the Open House will have the last minute opportunity to preorder See’s Candies and flower bulbs and plants, which will arrive before Easter. The Science Fair and Open House is one of many fascinating events occurring this spring. WFS will continue to be involved in community events, such as Whittier’s Founders Day and the “Eggxtravaganza” at Parnell Park. They will also be planning their own exciting programs, such as field trips to Mission San Gabriel and Riley’s Farm and their Spring Event (dinner, show and silent auction) in May. We hope to see you on March 5 at 7:00 p.m. so you can see all of the great things happening at Whittier Friends School. — Cassie Caringella

No Snow For Youth Weekend

In The Mountains

The Young Friends Fellowship (YFF) and Junior High Fellowship (JHF) went to Lake Arrowhead to Don and Shirley Votaw’s cabin in the San Bernardino Mountains for the weekend of January 20-22. Although it was cold, there was no snow. The cabin was really nice. I especially liked that the heaters gave some light when it was dark. Their cabin, built in 1980, has two wooden decks. The boys’ room was upstairs and had a table tennis table and the girls’ room was downstairs. Jasmine Sturr, Olivia Allen, Katerina Ryder, Raquel Allen, Austin Allen, Wes Van Dorn, and Jasmine’s friend Shelby came with me to visit Shirley and Don, accompanied by Mel Sturr, Lynda Ladwig, and Brendon Woirhaye. On Saturday, we played games, went ice skating, explored the town of Lake Arrowhead, and talked about God in our hearts and in our environment. The ice skating trip was great because I got to see many talented skaters like Olivia and Shelby. Shelby was the fastest skater and I really enjoyed skating a lap with Olivia. This trip was special because I tried some new things with my friends. I would like to give a special thanks to Don and Shirley Votaw, Mel, Lynda, and all the JHF/YFF group for inviting me on this trip. — Cedric Woirhaye

WFS Elementary Students

On The Move

February 2, 2012 was “Opposite Day” for Whittier Friends School elementary students. First, we went to the Anaheim Ice Palace for a thirty-minute ice-skating lesson and some time on the ice to practice. We ate our lunch at Newport Beach where the seagulls tried to steal our food. Then we played in the water and found seaweed and crabs ready to pinch. Although the water was cold, we all had fun. On February 8, 2012, the WFS elementary students walked to the Whittier College Shannon Center to see the play Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not

Going to Move. The main character, Alexander, did not want to move away from his friends. His parents brought home pizza and had a family meeting to tell him about the move. He thought he would find a new place to live on his own. Eventually, he had to go with his family. In the end, the neighbors planned to get rid of their dog so he got to keep it. Alexander was happy about that and about his new room. It was a funny play and we all liked it. We learned that home is about the people who love you the most.

— Katerina Ryder

Youth Groups on Deck at Votaw Cabin

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Ruth Beede’s Memory

Honored By Her Musical

Children

The five musical Beede siblings gathered at Meeting for Worship on Sunday, February 12, to remember the passing of their mom, Ruth, almost exactly one year before. They delivered Jo Nita Beede’s original composition “Winter Fires” as the offertory music. Jo Nita’s guitar, Ben Beede’s mandolin and Norm Beede on the piano accompanied the exquisite three-part ballad. Jo Nita wrote the piece only two weeks before. She enjoys considerable local fame as a songwriter and performer. Friends have heard her musical contributions in Meeting for Worship and also at Peace Café, where she periodically arranges and emcees an evening of peace-oriented music by local artists to benefit the Meeting’s peace effort activities. Norm Beede is Head Staff Musician in the Dance Department at the University of California at Irvine. He is also a composer, having written many piano pieces recorded on CDs. He has contributed original piano pieces to our Meeting for Worship and Peace Café. Tina Buell, with Jo Nita, is a mainstay in our Worship Choir. She and her barber-shop quartet “Hot Topic” have enriched our Meeting for Worship and delighted Peace Café audiences. Ben acquired and learned to play his beautifully-crafted mandolin only a year ago. His proficiency was demonstrated by a solo passage in “Winter Fires.” Lyn Gruber, the “youngster” of the Beede siblings, rounds out the extraordinary group. The five musical Beedes remained after the rise of Meeting to play hymns and other songs on request for Friends who joined in to honor the memory of Ruth Beede.

— Bob Newton

Clean Our Windows!

Young folks did it all at Meeting for Worship on February 19, Youth Sunday. Olivia Allen welcomed worshippers. Emma McIntosh read the Scripture, Mark 9:2-9, telling of the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain top. Samantha Cramer and Amanda Cramer each contributed a prayer that our worship offering go towards building peace on earth. The Worship Choir sang the offertory hymn, Berthier’s “The Lord is My Light,” discreetly from the pews while Ethan Purkiss, Katerina Ryder, Bella Sturr, and Cedric Woirhaye collected the offering. Raquel Allen led the children’s message. Her discussion object from the Wonder Box was a spray-bottle of glass cleaner, and her theme was that our personal windows need to be cleaned by God every so often so we can see the world as God sees it. The children who gathered around her, including the youth from the facing bench, readily understood Raquel’s analogy. Following the contemporary song “If God Was One of Us” by Eric Bazilian, sung by a vocal ensemble consisting of Samantha Cramer, Amanda Cramer, Bella Sturr, Olivia Allen, Katerina Ryder, and Jasmine Sturr, and accompanied by Russ Litchfield on the piano, Jasmine Sturr, Wes Van Dorn, and Jacy Purkiss each described in their own way how God speaks to them. Jasmine stated that God speaks in small ways through music, e v e n t s , a n d interactions with p eo p l e , a n d stressed the need for openness. Wes emphasized that our own windows become clearer when we give others the opportunity to shine forth. Wes earlier had unveiled yet another musical talent — he accompanied the call to worship hymn on his new bass guitar. Jacy sees God in the beauty of Nature—the mountains, a sunset, or a beautiful flower, and also when performing a useful task, such as cooking for her family. She tries to hold on to inspiring moments to maintain her awareness of God. During silent worship several Friends spoke gratefully of the contribution of our Young Friends to the life of the Meeting. Austin Allen’s short prayer closed a Meeting for Worship that was suffused with love for our young folks and hopes for their future.

— Bob Newton

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“Dignify those who are down on their luck; you’ll feel good — that’s what God does. God looks after us all…” “Happy are those who are concerned for the poor; the Lord will help them when they are in trouble. The Lord will protect them and preserve their

lives…” “God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He… publicly honors them…” “Happy is he who is thoughtful of the wretched; in bad times may the Lord keep him from harm. May the Lord guard him and preserve him…” “Happy is the person who thinks about the poor. When trouble comes, the Lord will save him.” Five different versions of Psalm 41:1-2a (The

Message, Today’s English Version, The People’s

Study Bible, The Jewish Study Bible, New Century

Version) — which do we choose? Some might choose the version which is most scholarly, or directly translated from the Hebrew. Some might choose the one which is easiest to understand. On different days, one version might “speak” to us more than on others. Does it matter? I would say yes. I think it matters to our faith journey to be aware and questing; to know that the words we read and use to guide our daily lives are important. If you read them carefully, the emphasis in each version is ever so slightly different. Dignify, concerned for, kind to, thoughtful of, thinks about the poor. Which of these is more passive or active? Feel good, happy, blessed, honored, looks out, help, protect, preserve, keep from harm, save. Which of these are rewards and activities of God that encourage us to be more like our loving God? Finally, is this meant to be advice, a warning, or a benediction from the psalmist? What do you hear? Isn’t it wonderful that God has given us each other to puzzle out these issues of translation and interpretation, faith and life together? Isn’t it wonderful that God is so eager to seek relationship with us in every moment that God speaks in so many ways? I am grateful for each opportunity I have to hear how God is speaking through each of you.

Loletta’s Lines Remembering Jay Sponsler

Known to all as Jay, Gerald J. Sponsler was born in 1929 on the family farm in Humeston, IA, fifty-some miles south of Des

Moines, the second of four boys. He attended a one-room school through 8th grade, and graduated from high school in a class of six. He kept up ties with Humeston, going back for annual visits as long as he was able to travel. In 1957 he and his first wife, Karolyn (Kay) Airy, left the farm for Whittier, where his younger brother Bill had settled, and where he found work in a

chemical plant. His family now included a daughter and a son whom he and Kay had adopted from an orphanage Jay had visited while stationed as a serviceman in Japan. These children, Jeanne and Scott, who now live in Brea and Ontario, were grown by the time Jay married Jean (Triplett) Hopkins in 1977. Jay acquired as step-children Jean’s son Jim, 16, and daughter Connie, 14, who now live in Whittier and Diamond Bar. He became a grandfather in 1979, and at the end of his life had five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. During the 20-year career with the U.S. Post Office from which he retired in 1989, Jay made friends with people on his delivery route. This, in fact, is how he met Jean. Between his retirement and hers in 1991, he worked as a crossing guard, getting to know another generation of Whittier residents. After both of them had retired, they traveled in a motor home and took tours and cruises. Jay was a master story-teller and loved to chat with the people he met wherever he went. Locally, he never missed meeting for breakfast with his fellow postal worker retirees. Jay was an accomplished wood worker and loved to refinish furniture, build grandfather clocks, and repair things that were broken. He was a diligent recycler. Until almost the end of his life, from 1959, when he and his family transferred their membership from Smyrna Friends Church in Iowa and joined First Friends, Jay was a faithful attender, and for many years an usher. Jay died of congestive heart failure following a week of hospitalization and eight days of hospice care at home. Jean especially appreciated the hospice nurses who came to the house, the caregivers sent by Visiting Angels, and the sister-in-law, who had recently lost her own husband, who came out from Iowa to be with her during this time. On Friday, January 13, Thomas Boles presided at both the Rose Hills burial service, with a Marine honor guard, and at the service at First Friends which followed, with Becky Memmelaar assisting, Russ Litchfield at the organ, and Jean’s New Century Singers contributing. Women of the Meeting set up the reception which followed in Fellowship Hall. “It was being a Christian that was the center of Jay’s very existence. A soft-spoken Quaker, he modeled his Christian beliefs. While Jay personally lived a life that demonstrated his

relationship with God and Jesus Christ, he also brought as many people as he could with him in the same direction. He was probably one of the lowest key missionaries you will ever meet.” This is from the eulogy Jim Hopkins gave for Jay, the step-father of whom he was very fond.

8

The Living Light USPS 316-320

Issue Date: March 1, 2012

The Living Light is published by First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia Street, Whittier, Califor-nia, 90601-4303. Periodical postage paid at Whittier, California. Send address changes to First Friends Church at above address.

Becky Memmelaar .........................Pastor Bob Newton...................................Editor Mary Raymond ...............Advising Editor Lynda Ladwig......................................... ..............Christian Education Coordinator Russell Litchfield .................................... ......... Dir of Music Ministries & Organist Mary Boltz.............. Office Administrator Lorenzo Mora ..........................Custodian

Telephone 562-698-9805 FAX 562-698-1127

www.firstfriendswhittier.org

Whittier Friends School Staff Marie Kaneko ... School Committee Clerk

562-945-1654

The Living LightThe Living LightThe Living LightThe Living Light First Friends Church 13205 Philadelphia St Whittier, CA 90601–4303

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Peggy Anderson Arden Bode

Audine Coffin Monica Dean

Ruth Esther Durham Gerry Jansen Esther Morris Alice Newsom

Alice Rosenberger Ami Troedsson Mary Wanner

Senior Sneaks Head For Redlands

The March Senior Sneaks outing has been in the making since 1997 when Ernie Wells first proposed it. He provided an article from the San Gabriel Valley News

about the Smiley Library in Redlands, built by and named for Albert and Alfred Smiley, Quakers from New York State who came to California around 1890 and did much to develop and landscape the city of Redlands. During our exploratory visit we discovered at the back of this property the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, built by Robert Watchorn, the only Lincoln museum west of the Mississippi. It has a new exhibit that we will see. After our guided tour of the two facilities, we will have lunch at a popular local restaurant called The Eating Room. If you want to join us on Thursday March 22, call Shirley or the church office so we will have a space for you. We will meet in the church parking lot at 8:50 a.m. and should arrive back about 2:00 p.m. — Shirley Votaw

Gardeners! “Friendly Pinch” Coming

Join in the 3rd annual Springtime Plant Sharing in the patio following worship on March 25. Bring a “pinch” or cutting of a geranium, chrysanthemum, marguerite daisy, fuchsia or other easily rooted plant to exchange with other green thumb friends. Of course succulents are easy even for “un-seasoned gardeners.” Some may want to share already sprouted veggies in pots or bulbs or seeds. What a good Sunday to invite a gardening friend to worship with us, enjoy coffee hour and take home a growing gift. — Mary Marshburn, Fellowship Committee