Details about past and future events

• Quarterly Meeting in Middletown
• Spiritual Formation Program
• Children’s Friendship Project for Northern Ireland
• Bucks Quarterly Meeting Outreach News
• Stop Executions in Pennsylvania
• Chandler Hall Hospice Weekend Fundraisers
• Help Clear A Minefield in Cambodia

The Spiritual Formation Program is a PYM nine-month program which begins and ends with a 3-day retreat. During the retreat regional groups of 7-15 members will decide on a reading list. Regional groups will then be further divided into local groups of 3-5 members and will meet monthly for spiritual friendship, centering on the spiritual discipline which each member chooses, and the effect on each person’s life. Possible spiritual disciplines might include prayer, journal keeping, Bible reading/study, meditation, movement/dance, art/music, walking meditation. The program will conclude with another 3-day retreat. Information: call Wade Wright at 570-925-5262.

Bucks Quarterly Meeting Outreach News

The Quarter’s new Outreach Committee has embarked on several projects since it began its work in April. One group is working on the new and revised version of "Quaker Meetings in Bucks Quarter" which will sport a new title: "Today’s Quakers in Bucks Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends." Many of the pamphlets will be placed, by invitation, at the Mercer and Michener Museums. The museums are doing special exhibits which tie into the Hicks exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum in the Fall. There will be an exhibit of early photographs, postcards, and prints of meetinghouses and related structures. Our pamphlets will also be placed in other strategic locations throughout the County.

We will again have a tent at the Grange Fair and this year provide balloons to our young visitors. The balloons will read: "Quakers are Friendly." Look for them at the Fair.

Reaching out to the media and providing them with information is an important aspect of outreach. There is a sub-committee which has begun its work in that area as well. Another sub-committee is planning a Quaker Art Show. Yet another sub-committee is making plans for a Quaker Speakers Bureau.

It is hoped that these programs will reach a wide range of new seekers to our Meetings. The BQM Outreach Committee has limited funds for these projects. To that end, the Committee needs support from our members and Monthly Meetings. Your check, small or large, will help pay for these events and projects. Send your check to Wally Evans, 330 Stevenson Circle, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. Thank you for supporting the work of the committee!

Stop Executions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has the 4th largest death row in the U.S., and a governor who has signed more death warrants than the last three governors combined, times three. Friends have opposed the death penalty for almost 300 years. There is currently a temporary suspension of the death penalty, but you should still call or write to your state representative or senator. Information: call David Rose, 610-253-2577.

Chandler Hall Hospice Weekend Fundraisers

Saturday, September 25th, is the date for the 8th Annual Gala Auction at Chandler Hall, with the Silent Auction from 5:30-7 pm, and the Live Auction from 7-9 PM. Donations for both the silent auction and the live auction are needed. Please scour your attic or out-of-the -way places in your home for art, antiques, glassware, furniture, curios, etc. Goods and service donations are also appreciated. Your donation is tax-deductible.

The Flea Market in a Tent fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, September 26th, from 9 am - 2 pm (rain or shine). You may be a shopper or a vendor (or both!). Needed are attic treasures, antiques, crafts, new merchandise, food. Look for the Tent at the Sycamore Street ballfield. For more information call Leigh Opper at 215-860-4000, ext. 247.

These two fundraisers supply a large portion of the support for families’ loved ones in the Hospice program.

Help Clear A Minefield in Cambodia

Every day people are still being killed and injured by buried landmines. The Bucks County Chapter of UNA-USA has agreed to raise $20-30,000 this year to clear a minefield in Cambodia under this United Nations program. Will you and your meeting help meet the challenge of removing some 60 million landmines around the world? Call Elizabeth Huberman (215-968-2913) or JoAnn Woodman (215-968-2134) for more information.