by steve.olshevski | Oct 20, 2021 | Past Events
Ben Pink Dandelion presented a forum on November 7 at the rise of meeting for worship on the ideal of Quaker worship. Ben is a Professor of Quaker Studies and Programmes Leader at the Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies, Woodbrooke, and University of Birmingham, England. He worships at Sawley Meeting in the shadow of Pendle Hill. He has written numerous books and articles about Quakerism and Quaker history. The recording is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C4JrMq2D0M
by steve.olshevski | Jun 15, 2021 | Past Events
This Committee is hosting a training session (of interest to 18-26 yr. olds) for how to register as a Conscientious Objector via Zoom, on June 12, 2021 from 10 am – 11:30 AM. Prior to this training session, registrants must complete a 4-hr. asynchronous training Zoom training session, the link to which will be made available to them. A second training session on how to advise and assist individuals wishing to become conscientious objectors will take place also via Zoom on June 19, 10-11:30 AM.
Individuals interested in the June 19th session must: a) attend the June 12 training session; and b)complete a separate 4-hr. asynchronous training session. Quarterly Meeting will pay for the costs of such training, with potential monetary assistance from PYM if more people than anticipated register for these sessions. Similar training will take place in the fall, for those interested who cannot attend in June.To register for one or both training sessions and the 4-hr. asynchronous sessions, and to receive the accompanying manual, please contact Winnie Shaw Hope at [email protected].
by steve.olshevski | Jun 15, 2021 | Past Events
On May 23rd the Carbon Busters (Carbon Net Neutral Committee) facilitated a forum to explore the committee’s progress four months in, and offer ideas and food for thought.
We spoke about the potential value of several ideas:
- Mowing less area or less frequently, while turning our thoughts to how we might nurture carbon-absorbing native flora. Climate impacts of mowing are direct (fuel for mowing) and indirect (as native plants help to sequester carbon).
- Shifting to plant milks and vegan baking for Fellowship, in the spirit of celebrating harmony with our environment, other living beings, and our health. An avid baker requested vegan baking tips. Lee (climatelaw[at]me.com) sent resources and is always available for support and resources.
- Offering a continued Zoom option for Meeting. Optional attendance by Zoom is one way to limit gasoline emissions. The hybrid meeting, with some attending physically and others through Zoom, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and also provides a way to expand connections and include family and friends from other states and internationally. A round of thanks was given to David C. for making it happen!
- Having committee meetings on Zoom as far as practicable. The benefits include less driving and the way Zoom supports the goal-oriented purposes of committees. Some noted that in-person committee meetings have social value; each committee will have its own perspective.
- Other ways we can we cut driving emissions. Carpooling has the benefit of cutting per-person emissions, and also of increasing the time members and attendees spend together.
- Weatherproofing the building and considering geothermal heat pump options. Further discussion involved the potential of the First Day school building’s south-facing roofs to collect solar power for the heat pump and use the energy for charging EVs in a few years’ time.
- Switch to renewable electricity. Individual homes can stay with PECO yet switch easily and seamlessly to renewably sourced electricity. An example option is Green Mountain Energy. You can see options and compare costs at www.papowerswitch.com or call PECO.
We enjoyed some discussion time together. We found that some of these ideas are immediately practical, and others have good potential over the longer term, as we learn more.
The Clerk of Finance requested that the committee put together detailed proposals with cost estimates and work with the appropriate committees to budget the expenses over the next couple of years. The resulting plan should be presented to the Meeting for approval.
Collectively, we know the challenge presented to us by climate disruption is urgent and must be addressed. A recurring theme of our conversation was the importance of decisive action in our community, individually and together, if we expect our greater society to act. We reaffirmed this at the conclusion of the forum, and then enjoyed the rest of a gorgeous May Sunday.
by steve.olshevski | Apr 30, 2021 | Past Events
On June 5, the Radnor Friends Men’s Group volunteered in support of Habitat for Humanity (Montco-Delco) by cleaning up a block in Norristown where Habitat is actively supplying affordable housing. It served as both a fundraiser and a clean-up effort.
by steve.olshevski | Apr 23, 2021 | Past Events
The members of Radnor Meeting adopted the following minute in April 2021:
“A minute of concern over the events of January 6th and the increasing culture of violence in our country.” As Friends, it is our understanding that we are not meant to conform to the ways of the world but to listen attentively and act in obedience to the Light Within. At this time, we are called to bear witness to our commitment to the Quaker testimonies of peace and equality. It is our deeply held belief that we are all equal in the eyes of God. We embrace the practice of mutual respect and caring for the welfare of all humanity, and when we have differences, we address them peacefully, in a spirit of love and understanding. Conversely, we stand resolute against violence in all of its forms including racial and economic injustice. Violence, hate, and bigotry, regardless of the cause or rationale, should have no home in our hearts or in our society. Let us be guided in our actions by love of one another and in our shared belief that there is that of God in every person. In direct response to our concern regarding the growing culture of violence and injustice, we as Quakers are led to speak truth to power and to bear witness through our actions that the way forward is through an unwavering commitment to peace, equality, and the power of love to transform.
by steve.olshevski | Mar 28, 2021 | Past Events
The group to help Radnor Meeting be carbon net neutral has been meeting since the beginning of the year to develop strategies and plans to eliminate
or offset the greenhouse gases our meeting adds to the atmosphere. We are currently talking about the depth and
breadth of the problem and why we are led by the necessity to work together to find solutions at our
personal, community, and national levels.
We are assessing our carbon impact by evaluating not just the fossil fuels we use to maintain our
buildings and grounds, but also the fuel we use to drive to and from our Meeting House and the food we
eat while there. We are exploring ways to reduce waste and efficiently reduce consumption where
possible. To this end, the property committee has had a specialist seal cracks and gaps in the
meetinghouse walls, windows and doors to reduce the electricity and natural gas we consume to heat and
cool our building.
On March 21, we presented a forum as an opportunity to learn more about climate change and what we
are doing at Radnor. More important, we wanted to provide an opportunity for all of us to discuss how
we are led by our Quaker values, as embodied by the SPICES testimonies, to take personal and
community action to stop climate change. We will next focus on the actions we are
taking and what else we could be doing to find solutions at our personal, community, and
national levels.
