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

Volume 50, Number 9 First Friends Church of Whittier Ninth Month, 2011

May We Be Wise And Well

The Journey to Ohio

From July 27-31, five of our meeting’s teenagers—Austin Allen, Olivia Allen, Emma McIntosh, Jacy Purkiss, and I—attended the youth session of the 2011 Friends United Meeting Triennial. Our journey started with the plane ride there, leaving Tuesday night at 11:00 p.m. on a “red-eye” flight. We arrived, very tired, in Wilmington the next day and registered for our session. That evening, after being transported to the Quaker Knoll campgrounds, we began to get to know the others, including Bethany Marshburn from Maine, granddaughter of Ted and Mary Marshburn, and the missionary kids from Belize. We then went back to Wilmington College for an ice cream social, but returned to the camp for the first of our nightly campfires. It was a full 36-plus hour day and our journey had barely started. The next day the triennial really began for us. We ventured to Cincinnati to see the Freedom Center, a museum dedicated to the

Summer was a great time of travel, adventure and freedom. As our idyllic moments recede into pleasant memories, Friends return with renewed energy and optimism to the serious work of education, business, and community and church activity. An ambitious schedule of events for the coming months has been laid out by the staff and committees of First Friends.

Sept. 7 Whittier Friends School reopens. Alicia Atkinson will return as Preschool Director and elementary school teacher. Cassie Caringella will be the school’s Acting Administrator.

Sept. 11 Meeting for Worship reverts to the normal 11:00 a.m. schedule. The Worship Choir will return from summer break. At 9:30 a.m. adult and youth Sunday Schools will resume.

Sept. 17 The Youth Fellowship groups will present a gala evening of theater and hors d’oeuvres in Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m. This fundraising event will feature “The Will”, a mystery-comedy.

Oct. 1 The first-ever First Friends Wellness Fair will take place in Founders’ Court. The Whittier community has been invited to participate and will find exhibits and booths on health-related themes. Friends are urged to support this novel outreach event.

Oct. 14-16 Friends will gather at Dana Point for the All Friends Church Retreat. Scott Wagoner, a pastor in N. Carolina Yearly Meeting, will lead the retreat.

Oct. 23 Whittier College Sunday. Rebecca Overmyer-Velazquez, who teaches sociology at the college, will speak on this important renewal of our historic ties with Whittier College.

Oct. 29 Annual pumpkin carving and game night will be held in Fellowship Hall starting at 6:00 p.m. Bring Your Own Pumpkin!!

Nov. 19 An All-Friends workshop on clerking and committees is planned by the Ministry and Counsel committee.

Friends will again participate in the Whittier area community Thanksgiving service at the end of November and the Interfaith Council Cold-Weather Shelter. Keep reading The Living Light for notices and reports on all of the above activities.

— Bob Newton

Whittier Friends at FUM Triennial

Continued on Page 3

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Friendly Fare by Lea Wright Dear Friends, It seems to have been a month of reconnecting with absent Friends both on the road and through correspondence. Friends Visit: When Randy & Lynda Ullyott from Atascadero visited Don & Shirley Votaw recently, the family filled up an entire pew at church. Ron

Memmelaar’s niece Becky of Des Moines, Iowa visited Ron & Becky and she brought two friends along, each named Courtney. Ted & Mary Marshburn’s granddaughter Meredith recently visited them from Phoenix along with her mother. Ted & Mary visited their daughter Carol and family in Maine after attending the FUM Triennial. Friends Travel: In July George, Carrin, Stacy, and Matt Bouchard traveled to Presque Isle, Maine to visit G eor g e’ s p a r ent s , Adrain & Leana

Bouchard. In July, Bill & Marygene Wright drove 3100 miles to see family and friends in Oregon and Washington. They joined Allison & Kirk Wright on the coast at Nahalem Bay to welcome the Texas Wood family, Betsy & Michael, Sarah, and Emily on their return from a cruise to Alaska. They visited the Seattle area for time with grandsons (who grew up in Whittier First Friends) and families, Ben & Jen, Hannah and Nelson Coop; Ted & Christina and Mary Coop. They also attended University Friends Meeting. Time was spent in the Portland area with Kirk & Allison. Worship at Bridge City Meeting included a visit with active members Chris Cradler (daughter of Jim & Liz Cradler) and her husband Larry Ferguson. Homeward bound on the coast highway, they stopped at Bandon, OR for dinner with

another former Whittierite, Susie

Cush (daughter of Martha Cush). Susie loves hearing about First Friends, enjoys The Living Light and had it with her for a picture with Bill & Marygene. Here they are with the Living Light continuing our tradition: “The Living Light

Travels.” (Remember , your submissions are welcome and needed.) Marilyn Fant and her sons David and Josh spent two weeks in Europe seeing London, Amsterdam, and Rome. Rob & Sue

Settlage traveled to Disney World to enjoy a week with grandchildren Alex (and his parents) and Maggie and Robbie (and their parents.) Bill Ryder spent 6 weeks in Iowa working on his father’s estate and visiting family and friends. Back in California he and daughters Ashley, and Katerina, attended the 111th annual Iowa picnic in

Long Beach. Ken & Joanne Camp drove to Roseburg, OR in August with their daughter Colleen to visit some former Lake Arrowhead neighbors. Friends About Town:

The August 3 issue of the Whittier Daily News ran an extensive article about Ted Marshburn and his family who have been involved in the medical profession in Whittier dating back to 1903 when Dr. William Valentine Marshburn moved his family to Whittier. In July the Marshburn Eye Center celebrated its 50th year since Ted opened his ophthalmology practice. Ted is retired, but sons David, John, and Paul are currently carrying on the tradition of practicing medicine. Jim & Carina Sass and his mom, Helen and more than 800 other walkers took part in “5K Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.” A photo on Facebook showed them going over the old train bridge at Whittier Blvd & Washington Blvd. Tom Van

Dorn has been doing platelets donations for 11 years. In August Tom made his 600th donation. His daughter, Tammy has recently joined him and made her third platelets donation. Judith Austin and Alene Burke recently appeared before Norwalk and Whittier city councils to protest the proposed cancellation in September of the Norwalk No.7 bus line, which has served Whittier. A lot of changes are in store for Lyn & Frank Gruber. Their eldest, Jon has joined the Navy and is currently at bootcamp in Great Lakes, IL. Their daughter Karen has moved to Huntington Beach to live with Jon’s wife, Carrie, and to help with baby Jack during Dad’s time away. Their youngest son, Jeff is moving to England for two years, leaving for his adventure in September. Friends Celebrate: Anthony Manousos introduced Jill

Shook at Meeting for Worship and announced that they planned to be married in Pasadena in September. She has written a book called Making Housing Happen about faith-based affordable housing. Anthony has recently edited a collection of articles by several authors, including himself, called Quakers and the Interfaith Movement. He has donated a copy to our library. Happy birthday to John Basham who turned 85 in August. His daughter, Joy Creelman wrote with an update, “We all have been long time members of this loving church. Even though most of us have moved away, this church will always be close to our hearts. It has been almost a year since my Dad (John Basham) was in a car accident that broke his back. He has had 7 surgeries since then and has been in and out of hospitals. We are hoping that he will come home again soon and our family asks for continuing prayers.”

Special prayers to these Friends during difficult times: Wendy Overin’s husband, Bill Rhodes died in August. They had only recently retired and moved into a new home in northern California. 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, by the 13th or deliver to me at church on Sunday. See you next month!

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Journey to Ohio continued…

Underground Railroad and the anti-slavery movement. There was a lot of Quaker history in the exhibits, and it was nice to see how the principles of the Quakers were put into effect to stop the injustices of the time. After touring the museum, we attended a Cincinnati Reds game. It was hot, probably 115 degrees, but a chance for us to get to know our fellow Quaker teenagers. The next two days we spent more time at Wilmington College. We attended morning devotions, took a campus tour, and visited the Quaker Heritage Center. On Friday night we volunteered at the local soup kitchen, a meaningful experience for us all. Saturday was by far my favorite day of the whole trip. We started by going to the FUM memorial service. Then Jacy Purkiss and I were permitted to take some time to look at the tri-fold presentations by Quaker bodies, such as FCNL, FWCC, the Belize Friends School, and Olney Friends School, while the others were attending a workshop of Grow Food Grow Hope, a local initiative to better the community. We attended meeting for business, where we got to experience the “Quaker Process” in action. We got to see Bob Secord nominated as assistant clerk of the FUM Board for the next triennium, and to approve the decision. Then we welcomed a new yearly meeting into FUM, and heard the new FUM General Secretary, Colin Saxton, speak. After this, we shopped at the Triennial’s global marketplace and met people who have played a big part in Quaker missions, such as Eden Grace. We also attended the final session of the Triennial. The next morning we said goodbye to our new friends and left for Los Angeles. Some of the highlights of our trip were making new friends from around the world, meeting other Quaker teenagers with the same values, and sharing some very interesting conversations. We also enjoyed the various speakers, including Margaret Fraser from FWCC, Sylvia Graves from FUM, and Melissa Peagler, who wrote The

Lost Creek Saga, a book about Quakers in Tennessee during the Civil War. Even though we were happy to come home, we all had a wonderful time at the Triennial and are very thankful to the people of our meeting who made it possible for us to go.

— Jasmine Sturr

Campers Learn To

Use Peace As An

Approach To Life

“I’ve never had to use my armaments,” stated Whittier Police Department Officer Bradley White to an entranced group of 25 Peace Campers assembled in Fellowship Hall. Instead, Bradley and his fellow officers have usually been able to restrain would-be trouble-makers by talking calmly and respectfully to them. “This is the best possible means of control—the one we strive for.” Bradley showed his police armaments, which included a revolver, a taser (“stun gun”), a police baton, handcuffs and a police radio. By request from the campers, Bradley demonstrated the action of his taser (without the 50,000 volt beam attachment!). He followed up his very pertinent Peace Camp message by giving the children small model police cars and colorful booklets on the subject of countering bullying without resort to violence. Participants in the 16th annual First Friends Peace Camp, held August 15-19, engaged in many enjoyable and stimulating craft projects, including making peace kites, tie-dyed Peace Camp tee-shirts, and peace-message bumper stickers. They heard the story of the California boy whose bumper sticker private enterprise attracted the attention of President Reagan and Secretary Gorbachev. Six-year-old Tommy Tighe collected loans and donations to print his message “Peace Please! Do It for Us Kids—Tommy.” Campers also concentrated on concern for the less-privileged members of society. They found out about the activities of the Inter-Faith Food Center in Whittier from Carlos Solarza, a volunteer worker who visited Peace Camp one morning. Campers were impressed to learn that the Food Center helps to feed 1800 low-income families in this area. Carlos’ visit was followed up with a visit to the soup kitchen at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, where supervisor Dottie Andersen explained their meritorious service for Whittier’s homeless population. One day campers made decorated cardboard “change banks” to collect bus fares for people of inadequate income. Following Officer White’s visit, the Peace Camp group paid a visit to the Whittier police station, where they were cordially received by Bradley White himself and given a tour of the facilities. They also visited City Hall and the Public Library next door. On the last day of camp (Friday the 19th) the group went to the Whittier College athletic field to fly their peace kites (some actually flew!). Then the campers, their parents, the Peace Camp organizer Lynda Ladwig and her volunteer counselors all gathered in Fellowship Hall to hear the campers relate their week of adventures and sing the Peace Camp songs taught them by Russ Litchfield and Marilyn Fant. Many volunteers helped put together this very successful Peace Camp session. In addition to Russ and Marilyn, volunteers Judith Austin, Cassie Caringella, John Healy, Becky Overmyer-Velazquez, Barbara Sprague, Darrell Warren and Philip Wright gave generously of their time and expertise. Former Peace Campers Austin Allen, Olivia Allen, Raquel Allen, Jasmine Sturr, and Jasmine Warner revived pleasant memories as volunteer counselors. — Bob Newton

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Bill Miller Sees Modern

Parallels In Jesus’ Three

Temptations

Visiting message-giver Bill Miller substituted in Meeting for Worship on July 31 for Pastor Becky Memmelaar who was in Ohio, attending the Friends United Meeting Triennial sessions. A retired Methodist minister, Bill is well-known for his ability to interpret stories from the Bible in terms of modern human issues. His message centered on the temptation of Jesus by Satan narrated in Matthew 4. Bill sees modern parallels in the destructive impulses of humans in quest of easy benefits. Jesus, though hungry after fasting in the wilderness, resisted Satan’s challenge to turn stones into bread. Humans today face an analogous temptation to rely on synthetic materials, such as petrochemicals, to create everything, even our food, without regard to adverse consequences to our most precious resources, soil and water. Bill admits that he participated in the same neglect when he was growing up on his father’s farm in the Central Valley—he and others used to dispose of refuse in the local river. Bill likens Jesus’ second temptation, to cast himself from the temple top to prove his power over nature, to the reckless pursuit of vain goals by so many people. Their mindless and futile consumption of materials and energy shows lack of concern for our fragile environment. Finally, Satan’s offer to give Jesus great worldly wealth and power was rebuffed: the earth and its treasures belong to God. We should be merely the conscientious caretakers thereof. Bill served various Methodist churches as pastor in Southern California and the Bay area before he retired in 1997. His subsequent career has been in serving the community of Whittier. He is active in the Interfaith Council, the U.N. Association, the Whittier Area Coalition for Peace and Justice, and Transitions, an international movement to convert the world’s waste-oriented economy to a sustainable conservation-oriented basis. — Bob Newton

Wellness Fair To Provide Wellness Fair To Provide Wellness Fair To Provide Wellness Fair To Provide

Healthy OutreachHealthy OutreachHealthy OutreachHealthy Outreach

“Healthy Friends, a Wellness Fair for All Ages,” will be held Saturday, October 1 in Founder’s Court and Fellowship Hall. More than a health fair, Healthy Friends will feature a variety of interactive exhibits and demonstrations presented by organizations from all over the Whittier area. “We’re going to inform, entertain and deepen our sense of community all at the same time,” says planning committee clerk Jamie Benjamin. “We’ll be sharing a wealth of wonderful information focusing on health at all ages, from children dealing with eating and fitness challenges to parents and grandparents seeking preventative and maintenance advice. It will be an event we all can enjoy together, and we’re really looking forward to this brand new outreach opportunity.” Exhibits and demonstrations will include complimentary body mass index analysis, diabetes and blood pressure checks, vision exams, local urban farming, all kinds of exercise and fitness demonstrations (including step and tai chi), healthy cooking, mental health and stress counseling, communicable disease prevention methods, bicycle safety and organized ride opportunities as well as sustainable food sourcing, including chickens and other farm animals. For this event, we are delighted to welcome the American Friends Service Committee Friends Peace Gardens, Santa Maria’s Children and Family Center, The Whole Child, City of Whittier Public Health and Community Services, local farmer Jollen Sprawls and fitness teacher Becky English, Whittier Wheelmen, and Uptown and East Whittier YMCAs. Healthy Friends gets underway at 10:00 a.m. and continues into the afternoon. Bring your family and friends for a wonderful, healthy day of fellowship with our community right in our own courtyard! — Elisabeth Graham

All Church Family Retreat

Save the dates October 14 - 16 for the All Church Family Retreat that will be held at the Marina Inn at Dana Point. Scott Wagoner, pastor of Deep River Friends Meeting in High Point, North Carolina for 10 years will be our leader for the weekend. He is an experienced retreat leader and we look forward to having him with us in October. There will be a separate program for the children. The theme for the retreat is: “Living Fully Alive – Exploring Personal and Corporate Spiritual Transformation”. We will explore what

this means to us as individuals and as a faith community. This will be a special time to get to know others in our meeting better and to provide an opportunity for spiritual growth. We look forward to this retreat. More information and sign up forms will be available in the church patio. Please plan to join us for what we expect to be an enjoyable and fulfilling weekend. — Ted & Mary Marshburn, of the Retreat Committee

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1903, and knew at once that he must have a solar observatory there. He talked the Carnegie Institution of Washington into funding its construction on 40 acres of Mt. Wilson mountain-top leased from the Toll Road company for 99 years. Management passed in 1989 from the Carnegie Institution to the newly formed Mt. Wilson Institute. In 2003, the Observatory’s 99-year lease was renewed by the Forest Service, which currently owns the land. Hale moved west to be director at Mt. Wilson and held that position until 1923. Although he became an authority on the sun, credited with many discoveries, our docent believed Hale’s greatest talent was in “getting money out of rich old men” for his projects. Many other astronomers have done notable work at Mt. Wilson, the most famous among them Edwin Powell Hubble (1889-1953) for whom the modern telescope in space was named. In the 1920s he measured distances to other galaxies, “connecting the dots” to prove that the universe was larger than our Milky Way and that it was expanding. Also notable was work of German astronomer Walter Baade, who made significant discoveries on Mt. Wilson during World War II while under house arrest as an enemy alien. Our docent took us inside the dome and up three flights of stairs for a close-up look at the 100-inch Hooker reflector telescope, completed in 1917 and named for a donor. This is considered one of North America’s most “historically important” telescopes. It was the world’s largest until 1948 when a 200-inch one started by and named for Hale was completed for Cal Tech’s Palomar Observatory in San Diego County. Today, astronomers go to the Chilean Andes to use the newest and largest telescopes. But the Hooker is still in use and has been ever since 1917 except for the management transition years of 1985-1989. Viewing is best when low cloud cover and the inversion layer that traps the smog block out the urban light pollution. Astronomical research also continues using Mt. Wilson’s other instruments, which include the 1904 Snow solar telescope; the 1908 USC solar telescope; the 1910 telescope used by UCLA’s solar cycle project; and a the 1908 60-inch reflector telescope. Operational since 2002 is Georgia State University’s CHARA Array, the world’s largest optical interferometer, measuring the size and luminosity of stars in our galaxy. If you missed this tour, or want another, a two-hour public tour is given at 1 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday, April through November. The tour starts from the pavilion above the parking lot, where a National Forest Adventure Pass is required. The Cosmic Café with souvenirs to sell is open weekends, and there are picnic tables nearby.

—Sabron Newton

Senior Sneaks Tour

Mount Wilson Observatory

Two years ago, Don and Shirley Votaw started planning a Senior Sneak to Mount Wilson. Then came the worst wildfire in L.A. county history, and the Angeles Crest Highway had to close for repairs. After it reopened this June, the planning resumed and on July 28 a van full of Sneaks finally made it to the Observatory. Approaching the parking lot, we passed the television towers which identify Mt. Wilson from below. Looking down through a thin layer of haze from 5,700 feet we could see the foothill towns a mile below. The mid-morning temperature was 72. Meeting us at the gate, our volunteer docent from Pasadena, Nick Arkimovich, guided us along a pleasant National Forest walking trail to the Astronomical Museum, stopping to tell us a story about each dome and tower we passed. We were relieved to see for ourselves, after ascending past so many dead charred trees, that the Station Fire of 2009 never reached the Observatory grounds. Mount Wilson was named for Benjamin David Wilson (1811-1878), who came west in 1841 from Tennessee intending to make his way to China. However, he liked California so well he stayed, marrying to political advantage. After living in the Riverside area, then serving two terms as mayor of Los Angeles, Wilson became the owner of much of today’s Pasadena. The scientific community was well aware that the mountains of California offered superior astronomical sites. Mt. Wilson’s special virtue was its stable air, which meant less “twinkle” in what a telescope saw. In 1889 a team of astronomers from Harvard worked briefly with a 13” telescope on the peak now called Mt. Harvard, but they abandoned their site after a winter of unusually heavy snows. It was George Ellery Hale from Chicago (1868-1938) who made Mt. Wilson a major center for astronomical research. Hale visited adjacent Mt. Wilson in

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WFS Gets Ready for Fall

Whittier Friends School students, parents, and teachers brought their cleaning supplies and elbow grease for the annual back-to-school work day on Saturday, August 13. The participants were Jennifer, Glenn, and Jim Tucker; Elise, Anathea, and Brendon Woirhaye; Chloe Krebs and Monica DeLise; Candice and Ashley Ryder; Dale Karr, Cindy Edmunds, Cassie Caringella, Alicia Atkinson, and Sara Cooper. This year they really had their work cut out for them as it was the last day for repair and repainting of the preschool room to fix the damage from the unfortunate hit-and-run accident in the parking lot behind the Christian Education Building on May 5th. Much of the work was centered on cleaning the preschool furniture, books, and toys to allow the teachers to move back in the next day and resume summer session class on Monday, August 15. During the work, preschool was held in the Sharpless Building. The elementary classroom furniture also got scrubbed, and the sink and counter were cleaned and organized. The work was followed by a pizza lunch and parent meeting to preview the highlights of the upcoming year. Earlier in the summer, the playground wood chip ground covering had been replenished. After a disappointing day waiting for a delivery that never came the previous week, 90 bags were dropped off the morning of July 25. On hand to help were Milton, Dan, and Philip Wright; Cassie and Landon Caringella; Brad Harmer, Alicia Atkinson, and Candice Ryder. They toted the bags and used rakes to evenly spread the new chips. The sandbox sand has also been refilled, so the playground is ready for another year of use. The fall term at WFS starts on Tuesday, September 6 for preschool and Wednesday, September 7 for elementary school. Anyone interested in volunteering to help in the office, classrooms, or on special projects is welcomed and appreciated. Contact Cassie Caringella or Alicia Atkinson at 562-945-1654. — Candice Ryder

I Am Whittier Friends

School—Part 3

At age 16, Jasmine Warner has a bright future ahead of her, but also already has many accomplishments of which to be proud. She recently contacted Lynda Ladwig to offer to volunteer as a Junior Counselor for Peace Camp. Jasmine attended Whittier Friends School from Kindergarten through 3rd grade and said she wanted to “get back to her roots” by helping out. She said the philosophies of Peace Camp and WFS are similar with goals of helping the world, respecting others, and of course, teaching about peace. She remembers her years at WFS fondly, saying that the teachers really made learning fun. Her favorite part was the use of arts-and-crafts as part of the learning process. She is a talented and accomplished artist now doing painting, sculpting, and drawing. She even had her work featured in an art show at age 9 and attributes her current love for art to that early encouragement. She says the teachers also helped the students develop their performing arts skills. When asked to recall a vivid memory from those days, she cited the performance of “A Christmas Carol” in Fellowship Hall. Jasmine also remembers her teacher Jeanne Love and classroom aide Alice Martin with great fondness. She says, “Alice really got me into art, but sadly, she died of cancer. I went to her funeral. It was really sad.” Jasmine feels it was that early foundation of making school fun that accounts for her current school success. She attends California High School where she takes AP

a n d H o n o r s classes; her foreign language is Latin. J a s i mi n e ha s played the flute for the past five years and is a member of the school band. She still keeps in touch with five or so of her friends from her WFS

days. Jasmine also does a lot of volunteer work and states, “Whittier Friends School was a great transition for me, not only as a student, but in life as well.” WFS is trying to build an alumni list, so if you or anyone you know attended Whittier Friends School, even for a short time, kindly send your contact information to us at: whittierfriendsschool@gmail.com or call 562-945-1654.

— Candice Ryder

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SundaySundaySundaySunday MondayMondayMondayMonday TuesdayTuesdayTuesdayTuesday WednesdayWednesdayWednesdayWednesday ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursday Fr idayFr idayFr idayFr iday SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday

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4 10:00 a.m. Meeting for Worship

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6 6:30 a.m. Quaker Men 6:30 a.m. Spiritual Growth Group

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8 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

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11 9:30 a.m. First Day School 11:00 a.m. Meeting for Worship 12:15 p.m. Monthly Meeting

12 10:00 a.m. Quiltmakers 1:30 p.m. Writing Your Memoirs

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Friendly Fare Deadline 6:30 a.m. Quaker Men 6:30 a.m. Spiritual Growth Group 7:00 p.m. M&C

14 6:00 p.m. AFFN

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The Living Light Deadline 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

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17 6:00 p.m. Dinner Mystery Theater — Youth Fundraiser

18 9:30 a.m. First Day School 11:00 a.m. Meeting for Worship 12:15 p.m. Committee Clerk Meeting

19 1:30 p.m. Writing Your Memoirs

20 6:30 a.m. Quaker Men 6:30 a.m. Spiritual Growth Group 9:15 a.m. Trustees

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22 Senior Sneaks 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

23 10:00 a.m. Rio Hondo Symphony Guild Concert Preview

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25 9:30 a.m. First Day School 11:00 a.m. Meeting for Worship

26 10:00 a.m. Quiltmakers 1:30 p.m. Writing Your Memoirs

27 6:30 a.m. Quaker Men 6:30 a.m. Spiritual Growth Group

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29 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

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October 1 10:00 a.m. Healthy Friends Wellness Fair

First Friends in Act ion September 2011

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Lavelle Basham Mary Boltz Helen Borg

Dorothea Boyd Joanne Camp

Landon Caringella Anne Eggleton Martha Fopiano

Lyn Gruber Randy Hays

Sharon Huffaker Bonnie Lowenstam-Grace

Preston Mitchell Susanne Mitchell

Esther Nelson Alpha Overin Lea Thirkettle Ella Tiffany Julie Urner

Mindy Van Dorn Christopher Votaw

Gwen Woirhaye Mahlon Woirhaye

David Wright

Our apologies and happy birthday to August Birthday Friends

John Basham and Philip Wright. If we’ve missed your birthday, we

apologize (and happy birthday)! We’re working hard to keep our lists up-to-date

so please continue to help us out.

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Friends Enjoy Summer

Ice Cream Social

The Easy Puzzle was done in an hour. The Hard Puzzle didn’t get finished. Many games were played. Large quantities of ice cream were consumed. 30 Friends had a grand time at our traditional summer Ice Cream Social in Fellowship Hall on August 13. Donna, Marygene, Milton, and Philip of the Wright family assembled the beautiful 300-piece “Greek Isles” jigsaw expeditiously while Bill Ryder, Don and Shirley Votaw, Gary Wemmerus, and Dan Wright tackled the colorful but confusing 1000-piece train-yard called “Whistle-Stop!” Meanwhile, Dottie Andersen, Mindy Van Dorn, Tammy Van Dorn, and Leah Wright matched wits in the demanding game of “Scattergories” where contestants get points for original responses in quiz categories of people, places, sports, etc. Tammy showed why she is an honor student going into her third year at Mount San Antonio College. Judith Austin challenged Sabron Newton to “Rummikub,” a game with complex strategy and scoring. Judith, an acknowledged master at this game, swept two matches before quitting time. “Mexican Train Dominoes” occupied Teresa Ford, Diane Wemmerus, Brendon Woirhaye, and Philip Wright. Philip, who knows how to do everything, had to coach the others in this convoluted version of a familiar game. Lara Wemmerus and Anathea Woirhaye took time away from their improvised exercise gym to participate. Gamesters and puzzle-builders periodically returned to the treats table to replenish their ice-cream dishes. A splendid array of toppings was contributed by attendees: nuts, berries, chocolate and caramel bits, syrups of various kinds. One browser inadvertently topped his ice cream with a colorful salsa that was present in the syrup line-up! By the 9 p.m. closing time, the 1,000-piecer was in a state of several sizeable but mutually unconnected areas. The assembled portions and remaining pieces were carefully laid away in their box pending resumption on New Years Eve. Participants in the Ice Cream Social expressed their gratitude to Dan and Leah Wright for the lovely evening of fellowship.

— Bob Newton

JHF/YFF Fellowship Summer

Retreat Held in Mountains

On August 12th at 2:30 in the afternoon an excited group of junior high and high school youth gathered in the church parking lot for a weekend retreat to the Woirhayes’ cabin at Green Valley Lake. They were Austin Allen, Olivia Allen, Raquel Allen, Katerina Ryder, Isabella Sturr, Jasmine Sturr, Weston Van Dorn, and Cedric Woirhaye. We were chaperoned by Lynda Ladwig, Mel Sturr, and Deanna Woirhaye. After stopping for pizza and arcade games, the group arrived at the cabin before sundown. The excitement was very high on that first night. On Saturday, the group headed up to Big Bear Village for shopping and a stroll. After returning, everyone was ready for a hot dog lunch. Next it was time for paddle boating and a swim in Green Valley Lake. For the evening devotion Lynda asked us to name all of the animals that we remember being in a box or bag of animal crackers. Then she gave us a bag of the cookies so we could see what we got right or wrong. After some discussion about our skill in eating and describing the animal crackers and the packaging, she asked us to think about our experience with the Bible. Is it easier to describe the packaging than the contents? Lynda asked us to recall our favorite part of the Bible and asked us to think about what the Bible means to us. Since the boys fixed lunch, the girls made dinner. The evening ended with a view of the meteor shower. In the morning, a tired but happy group returned just in time for the meeting’s silent worship time.

— Katerina Ryder

Clerking Workshop

Save the Date of November 19th for a Quaker Clerking Workshop. Learn how to make Quaker meetings work for everyone, not just for those clerking. Accomplish more in less time when everyone is working together. Look for more information in the next issue.

— Sue Settlage

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was going to make an earth and populate it, there was great bickering in heaven among the other gods and goddesses about who should play important roles in the creation. The older campers served as narrators to describe the actions of the Sun Goddess, the Moon Goddess, the Rain Gods (chacs) and the other characters, who acted out their roles in mime. Because of his virtue and intrinsic power, the Maize God showed himself to be the favored deity (second only to Hunab Ku), and so bestowed his great gift of nutrition on the new people of earth. That put an end to all acrimony. The WFS day camp was a great learning experience for the twelve participants owing to the skill, energy and enthusiasm of organizers Alicia and Cassie Caringella. — Bob Newton

Whittier Friends School —

“Pain-Free Fundraising”

The following programs help our school raise funds while causing you as little “pain” as possible. Every time you shop at your usual stores, we get a percentage!

Target — enroll your Target Red Card to their “Take Charge of Education” program on www.target.com/tcoe and we get 1% of your Target

purchases.

Ralphs — enroll your Ralphs card i n t h e “ R a lp hs C o m mu n i t y C o n t r i b u t i o n P r o g r a m ” o n

www.ralphs.com and we get 1% or more of your Ralphs purchases

Staples — tell them our phone number 562-945-1654 when you check out and your purchase will go toward free school supplies for our students.

Fresh & Easy — turn in receipts with a total of $20 or more dated from September 15, 2011 through December 31, 2011 and we will get $1 per receipt

Don’t shop at any of the mentioned stores? Purchase Scrip (gift cards) for the stores at which you do shop. These gift cards aren’t just for gifts. Purchase cards for groceries, restaurants, vacations and gas stations!

— Cassie Caringella, Acting Administrator WFS

Campers on Field Trip to the Vedanta Temple

WFS Day Campers Learn About

India And The Mayans

Did you know that salsa was invented by the ancient Mayans? They called it “xni pec” (pronounced “shnee peck.” Sounds spicy!) Whittier Friends School students and their guests from the community learned to appreciate the cultures of Meso-America and India at the second annual WFS Summer Day Camp, held August 1-12. Day campers made salsa and bonda (Indian fried banana tidbits), hand-printed saris, tie-dyed tee-shirts, and wove Mayan comfort-fetishes on hand-made cardboard looms. They went on field trips to the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood and to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to look at art objects made by the Mayans and other Meso-American civilizations. Justine Whitehead brought an Indian video movie about a superhero named “Krrrish.” Both week-long sessions ended with plays. On Friday August 5, the campers, attired in their hand-colored saris and tee-shirts, presented a classical drama, known to all children in India, about the heroine Princess Savatri who saved her husband from Yama, the god of death. The story from the Mahabharata was narrated by Anathea Woirhaye and Katerina Ryder. Beautiful and good Savatri, played by Ashley Ryder, was born to a worthy but childless king (Cedric Woirhaye) and queen (Lara Wemmerus). When it came time to find a husband for her, no man worthy enough could be found, so Savitri herself went in search of one. The good and handsome man she found was a respected prince, but she was told by the fortune-teller Narada (Shreeya Dhawal) that he would die within a year. Undaunted, Savitri married the prince. After a year, the dreaded Yama appeared and claimed Prince Satyavan (played by teacher and coach Alicia Atkinson). Refusing to be intimidated, Savitri pursued Yama and his captive so relentlessly that, just to get rid of her, he agreed to release her husband, and, moreover, promised them a baby heir forthwith. On Friday August 12, twelve campers again took to the Fellowship Hall stage, this time performing the classical Mayan creation story “Why There Is No Arguing in Heaven.” When the creator god Hunab Ku (Avon Dhawal) announced that he

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Last year I attended a conference called “Big Tent Christianity.” Phillip Clayton and Tripp Fuller cosponsored this event. As many of you recall Philip is a Quaker from Claremont Friends and a former dean of theology at Claremont Theological School. (Currently, he serves as vice-president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty at CTS). He spoke to us

last year during meeting for worship. Clayton described Big Tent this way: “‘Big Tent’ evokes the image of the revival tent that folks used to set up just outside of town. Here differences were (in theory) set aside while people sought transformation and a new direction in their faith… ‘Big tent’ is also a prophetic challenge to the rancorous debates and condemnations that are the public face of religion today.”1 While there were numerous speakers and many of them renowned theologians of our time, the words that struck me were offered by my classmate and friend from divinity school days, Tripp Fuller. (Tripp is currently working on his PhD in theology at Claremont Theological School and youth pastor at Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes Estates). Tripp talked to us about his faith journey. He said: “if we’re going to do Big Tent Christianity it has to be inclusive of every version of you as you’ve attempted to follow Jesus.” For example, Tripp said that he grew up as a Baptist preacher’s kid singing hymns and loved them until he discovered that “you could play guitars and praise Jesus at the same time.” As he has grown and studied and some of his beliefs have changed, he recognized that there was no point in his life where he was outside the love of God. Tripp’s words struck home with me, because I, too, have studied, grown, and changed in my understanding of God. I grew up in a Quaker parsonage. I’ve worshiped with people from a variety of faith traditions. I recognized years ago that I was Quaker not because of my grandparents, parents, or by tradition, but because of my own convictions. My understanding of God was experiential, rather than through spoken creeds, liturgy, or music. My exposure to people was deepened as a flight attendant. My co-workers were from a variety of faith traditions, with a variety of political perspectives, and with differing sexual orientations. Sometimes I feel that the most important ministry I’ve participated in was sitting on the jump seat along side people, as we shared our stories. Having been a flight attendant certainly keeps me from being easily shocked. For over a year, I have been thinking about this idea of Big Tent Christianity, and thinking about my own understanding of Big Tent Quakerism. If I were going to build a Big Tent Quakerism, or a place for spiritual transformation where we could set aside differences, I’d need to include all of my past selves — the young child who grew up in a Quaker parsonage, a divorced

Becky’s Byline Pastor Becky Interprets

Beloved Bible Narratives

Meeting for Worship at First Friends Church was a unique experience this summer. The familiar stories of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Reuben, and Joseph were told in narrative as Becky Memmelaar, dressed in period costume, impersonated characters from the Book of Genesis. Becky interpreted their attitudes, conflicts and inspirations as real people, with insight and acting skill that transported worshippers.

The worship messages were delivered in reduced l ight in g b es ide a simulated campfire. Michael Elliot and Dan Wright created the amazing facsimile from f la me-s hap ed c lot h fluttering in an air stream over colored lights. The

congregation gathered close in the front pews, as if around the campfire, and some of the children sat close on the platform. Lasting images will remain of the summer worship of 2011.

— Bob Newton

single parent, a flight attendant, and a self-acclaimed Bible nerd. My Big Tent would need to include myself as a conservative who is never quite conservative enough to be considered conservative nor liberal enough to be considered liberal. I’d want a tent big enough to include my friends with differing political views, religious understandings, and lifestyles, because I don’t believe that there was a time in my life or theirs where we stepped outside the love of God. My understanding of faith is through the lens of the Quaker understanding that there is that of God in everyone. My understanding of my calling as a pastor is not as the gatekeeper of heaven or hell. My understanding of ministry is that I am called to preach the radical love and hope of Jesus to one and all; this is my idea of Big Tent Quakerism and the tent I hope to pitch. 1 Clayton, Philip. “Seeking Common Ground in ‘Big Tent’

Christianity.” Huffintonpost.com. Web. 17 Aug. 2011. <http://www.huffintonpost.com>

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The Living Light USPS 316-320

Issue Date: September 1, 2011

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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Sneaks Plan to Ride Balloon

Senior Sneaks could be a lot of fun Thursday September 22 if you come. We have reserved a time to ride the balloon at the Great Balloon Park in Irvine. It is very safe and we go up in the air 400 ft. The view should be great; it spans up to 40 miles. After our balloon ride we’ll head down to our favorite picnic spot in Dana Point. Everything will be provided – chicken, potato salad, a vegetable salad, things to drink, and cookies for desert. What could be better than food, fun, and friends? All you need to do is meet in the church parking lot promptly at 8:45 a.m. Better bring a sweater just in case, and a little money to help pay for the chicken. Just call Shirley Votaw to save a spot. Hope to be back by 2:30 p.m.

AFFN Begins Season of Gatherings

On Wednesday, September 14, Ted and Mary Marshburn, Bob Secord, and others who attended the Friends United Meeting Triennial sessions at Wilmington College in Ohio will talk briefly about the conference and more about some of the projects and new developments around the world especially in Kenya, including “Seeds for Peace.” We will meet in Fellowship Hall for dinner at 6:00 p.m. with the program to follow from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.. This month will be a ‘complete pot luck’ dinner. Sign up in the church patio to bring a main dish, salad or dessert. Drinks and bread will be provided. Please bring $1 per person and food to share or $3 per person if you don’t bring food. Please come. All are invited.

— Ted Marshburn