Committee Reports

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Overseers Committee Reports

Annual Report for Calendar Year 2007 of the Overseers Committee to the Third Haven Friends Meeting for Business first month thirteenth day, 2008

During the year 2007 Overseers, consisting of members Dee Rein, Doreen Getsinger, Norval Thompson, Betty Jean Wheeler, Ann Williams, Nancy Mullen, Helen Womack, Katherine Johnson, Marsie Hawkinson, Irene Williams and Candace Shattuck, attended to pastoral care, keeping in touch with members via a calling tree by dividing the membership directory alphabetically and also responding to answering machine and website messages. Should inclement weather take place it was agreed that the clerk of meeting and communications clerk will e-mail closing information to the meeting and Overseers will contact local computer free members and attenders.

Bereavement and burial processes were reviewed and Declarations of Intentions solicited from all members and filed by Nancy Mullen. We were saddened by the death of William Lane on December 26, 2007 .

The clearness process as detailed in Faith and Practice was reviewed by the committee and used in membership requests and marriages under the care of the meeting. Clearness committees may also be used to resolve issues between members in conflict.

Happy events included the weddings of Kelly Beakley and Matt Lane , Katherine Stromson and James Goss, and Susan Dabney and Stephen Gerni who were under the care of the meeting, and welcoming with joy new members Peter Howell, Leigh Ann Dodge, Rob Weiland, John Todd, and Mark Beck.

Pending is the use of building for the wedding of Stephen Escher, son of Jane Escher, and Patricia Haefeli, already approved by the meeting for June, 2008.

A new members and attenders luncheon was well attended in March. Friendly Eights created three groups for January-June 2007. Members were contacted intermittently throughout the year in an effort to keep in touch as well as update the directory and encourage participation in the aforementioned events.

All members and attenders are encouraged to allow Overseers to be of service in times of need. We stand at the ready to help and welcome your ideas for future efforts on behalf of the meeting. We thank all Friends who minister to each other as that is the essence of the Religious Society of Friends, which eschews a hires minister and ministers to each other.

Respectfully submitted, Dee Rein, Clerk, Overseers with the able support and dependable attendance of Doreen Getsinger.

List of overseers alphabetically assigned to directory of members and attenders of Third Haven Friends Meeting

Doreen Getsinger 410-745-3485 A-Cl
Marsie Hawkinson 410-822-0589 Co-Fi
Betty Jean Wheeler 410-822-2126 Fl-Gr
Norval Thompson 410-745-6837 Ha-Jo
Nancy Mullen 410-822-1616 K-Me
Helen Womack 410-745-9589 Mi-Ow
Cyndy Browne 410-763-6762 Pa-Sh
Dee Rein 410-819-0529 Ansmac
Katherine Johnson 410-820-5103 Si-Wa
Ann Williams 410-770-3237 We-Z
Candace Shattuck 410-226-5787 asst clerk
Irene Williams 410-819-3355

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Worship and Ministry Committee Reports

Annual Report for Calendar Year 2007 of the Worship and Ministry Committee to the Third Haven Friends Meeting for Business first month thirteenth day, 2008

The Worship and Ministry Committee met regularly throughout the year with active participation of its members: Bob Marshall (clerk), Paige Bethke, Tom Corl, Tatiana Harrison, Jim Paul, Jim Rouse, Cathy Thompson and Meredith Watters.

The Committee continued its work and discernment on: 1) the quality and character of the meeting for worship, and 2) the religious education of the adult members at Third Haven Friends Meeting. In this connection the Committee continued to reflect on its role and responsibilities with respect to these two matters. Consistent with the guidance in Faith and Practice, the Committee seeks to nurture the corporate spiritual life of the Meeting and the spiritual journeys of its members and attenders.

The Committee developed and communicated a proposed list of readings for Friends. The Committee organized and offered Quakerism 101, a religious education course supported by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and taught by Thomas Macaluso and his wife. Attendance was good, ranging from 6 to 36, averaging about 20, with the fewest attending the Friday night session and many more at the rise of meeting on First Day. The Committee evaluated Quakersim101 course and found it to be very successful, with a thoughtful survey of the Faith and Practice of the Religious Society of Friends and good participation among Third Haven Friends. The Committee revisited and reviewed its own 1998 “Advice on Worship and Ministry” and finding it still useful will continue to make copies available to those attending meeting for worship at Third Haven.

Throughout the year, the Committee spent a good deal of time assessing and discussing the quality and character of the meeting for worship. Overall the Committee finds that the vocal ministry and the spiritual character of the meeting for worship have been spirit led over the last year. Seasoned Friends and seekers newer to the meeting for worship have contributed to inspiring vocal ministry and led to gathered meetings for worship. During the late autumn meetings for worship addressed the theme of gratitude with additional inspiration and power. Several meetings for worship passed entirely in expectant silence. The Meeting continues to be well served by the invitation to offer afterthoughts and news of Friends.

While the Committee does not keep an accurate count, attendance of adults ranged between 40-75 most of the year, with fewer attending in the summer months and stronger attendance toward the end of this calendar year. The Committee notes with sadness that some members have been long absent from the meeting for worship and happily notes that a few have returned recently. The presence of all adds immeasurably to the quality of the meeting for worship. The historic Third Haven site and the Quaker meeting for worship attract many traveling Friends and visitors. The Meeting is always grateful for such visitors and welcomes them warmly.

The Committee reminds Friends that the meeting for worship is the heart on the life of Third Haven and the Religious Society of Friends, and encourages all Friends to attend as often as possible, with heart and mind prepared, in expectant silence, open to the leadings of the Spirit, and open to offering and appreciating vocal ministry. The Worship and Ministry Committee also encourages Friends to seek spiritual nourishment continually throughout the week, through reading and reflection preparations, not just in the minutes immediately preceding the meeting for worship.

Respectfully submitted,
2007 Worship and Ministry Committee
Bob Marshall 2007 Clerk, Tom Corl interim Clerk from 10/07 to 12/07

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Testimonies and Concerns Committee Reports

Annual Report for Calendar Year 2007 of the Testimonies and Concerns Committee to the Third Haven Friends Meeting for Business eleventh month eleventh day, 2008

T & C revamped itself a bit this year, choosing to divide into smaller categories in an attempt to better manage the myriad of information we sift through regularly in order to present to the Meeting a coherent view of the issues with which Quakers are dealing locally and globally. Our members took on roles as overseers of various subject categories with the idea that at our monthly meetings we would hear from one another and all get an overview of these topics.

Our members: Norman Hackland, Jamie DuHoffman, Lorraine Claggett, Cindy Browne, Tania Harrison, Ralph Young, Robert Wieland, Chris Polk and Nancy Mullen, clerk

Due to our members' diligence, we were regularly apprised of situations ranging from global and local peace efforts, United Nations (specifically QUNO) initiatives worldwide, and military actions in several countries. Quaker organizations such as FCNL and AFSC were regularly covered, and the meeting was frequently advised to contact their congress members regarding issues ranging from the environment to social and political issues. PEACE, TACL. The Hunger Coalition, Marilla's Lunches, the Prison Action program, and the Talbot Interfaith Social Justice Coalition are some of the local organizations in which our members are involved. When they report to the Meeting of the efforts of these groups, it is hoped the Meeting will take interest and perhaps a few more members will be drawn to work or give.

Irrespective of the effort and passion of the members of T & C, the committee has recently had occasion to reexamine its mission and standing in the Meeting. It is with some frustration that our members speak of their work on the committee as somewhat unfocused and without specific goals. To pay attention to and report on the various areas the broad title “Testimonies and Concerns” covers has not, it seems, proven to be satisfactory vis a vis the interest and involvement of the Meeting at large. It is felt, for instance, that there is so much to tell that the Meeting cannot possibly know what to look at first (such as regarding the materials placed for perusal on the table in the Common Room). In being spread so thin, it is felt there is little opportunity to involve the Meeting in active projects which make our testimonies and values tangible to us. Therefore the committee would like to ask the Meeting's indulgence as we contemplate a renovation of the committee such that we might be a more active force and not simply a conduit of information which may or may not be relevant to Third Haven members. This concept would be one whereby the committee would come up with projects in which the entire Meeting could be involved, gather facts and put together a plan for each project, and facilitate the Meeting's real-life association with Quaker Testimonies. Comments and questions are welcomed.

Respectfully submitted – Nancy Mullen, clerk

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First Day School Committee Reports

2007 First Day School Annual Report-Third Haven Monthly Meeting June,2007 First Day School has been enriched by many friendly adults who take the time throughout the year to learn with our children. To enlighten and to be enlightened by our children. Our children in First Day are enriched and spiritually fed; and it is because of these adults that Third Haven has the spiritual foundations it has and allows our children to grow. I now name these wonderful Quaker adults who have helped in the 2006-2007 year: Helen Womack, Lorraine B. Claggett, John Hawkinson, Molly Burgoyne, Susan Leibman, Amy Crump, Janice Shreve, Christin Dickey, Paige Bethke, Mary Cotton, Cathy Thompson, Sam McCall, Cindy Browne, Larny Claggett, Candace Shattuck, Jamie duHoffman, Beth Mufson, Jessica Rice, Lorraine T. Claggett, Stephen Gerni, Susan Dabney, Margaret Small, Dawn Ferguson, Mark Beck and occasionally I, Susan Claggett, go up. Each of the adults listed above bring their own gifts and the children drink it up and draw from it.

First Day School was held every First Day (except New Year's Eve) starting around 10:20 . Attendance averaged anywhere from 13 kids to 23 with our largest gathering happening only one month ago on April 20. 25 young people and around 10 adults took tarps and blankets out to the poison ivy patch and became captivated by our guest speaker that day, Dawn Ferguson. Dawn taught those present a song she wrote called, "Children Singing Peace." It was a very moving First Day School and it got me thinking, hmm, l)Guest Speaker 2) music 3) outside. . could be worthwhile guidelines for future FDS lessons.

Other issues and classroom topics the FDS tackled were Bible Stories, Growing in the Light, a PYM curricula, storybooks from our upstairs library, other religions, Faith & Practice and of course Godly Play stories told by our 4 storytellers: Amy Crump, Cathy Thompson, Susan Claggett and Candace Shattuck. Special events from throughout the year included: hearing about the then upcoming mission trip to Panama by Molly Burgoyne, creating homemade flower cards for the entire Meeting's use, making Christmas crafts and sending homemade Christmas cards to older members of Meeting, performing a Christmas play and having a Christmas sing-a-long with Susan and Stephen and our UU guests. In January, FDS working closely with PYM Children's Religious Ed staff in hosting Southern Quarter Meeting. The theme was multi-generational with a format called Share Shop. In February, Cathy Thompson shared a Godly Play story with parents only called "The Great Family" and Candace hosted a Godly Play workshop for a group of PYM Friends. THFDS decorated peace puzzles that were sent to Annual Session at 4th and Arch in March. A query was sent-Where does our piece (peace) fit in? April brought Easter, Earth Day and Dawn Ferguson. Meetings were held regarding the implementation of the children's garden. The work there is ongoing. In May the children helped in 3 different booths at the Carriage Shed sale. FDS also hosted a welcoming breakfast for our newest attender, Maeve Mufson, and presented her with a homemade pillow. And under the leadership of Christin Dickey, some FDS families supplied salads to hungry volunteers working on the Idlewild Park Project. Finally, last week on June 3, FDS presented Faith & Practice to our rising 8th graders and graduating Seniors. This year our Rising Up day honored Sarah Thompson, Robert Burgoyne, and Norval Thompson Jr.

First Day School will only be as rich as the adults who take the time to be a part of our children's spiritual lives. We were all kids once.

Submitted,

Susan B. Claggett, THFDS Clerk

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Library & Outreach Committee Reports

Annual Report of the Library & Outreach Committee for 2005

The Library and Outreach Committee met most months in 2005 on the Wednesday before Monthly Meeting. The Committee was composed of Frank Zeigler, Lorraine Claggett, Peggy Walbert, Mike Mullen, Tylor Wrightson and Anne Rouse.

In the past year, the library has received several donations including books from the estate of Manila McCarthy. A Friend gave several titles she felt should be in our collection and we received a couple of "historical" volumes. We also purchased two books to initiate our shelf on parenting. We are very grateful for these additions; however, space continues to be an issue and limits what we are able to display.

We established the Library Table in the front of the meeting room to display new accessions, Friends Journal, the most recent Pendle Hill Pamphlet and newsletters from other Quaker organizations. From time to time, we have placed articles in the newsletter.

Our biggest project under outreach was the Poster Day open house. We are grateful for the enthusiastic participation of the rest of the Meeting, especially the Ministry and Worship Committee that developed the various posters used during the event. We anticipate that this year's focus will be marking the 350th anniversary of Friends in Maryland . We also set up a schedule for corresponding with visitors who sign the guest book.

We hope to assist the Meeting in growing inwardly through our library and outward through outreach.

Anne Rouse, Clerk January 8, 2006

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Hospitality Committee Reports

2007 Annual Report of the Hospitality Committee

We have been blessed with many hospitality offerings throughout the year. We sincerely thank all friends who have provided both food and generous effort on First Days and for special occasions - most notably on Christmas Eve and for Southern Quarter on January 21st. It is helpful to schedule hospitality providers in advance. This past year, we implemented a new program of sign-up, assigning one committee per month to be primarily responsible for hospitality for their assigned month. Since there are 12 committees at Third Haven, each month is a different committee's responsibility. A list of committee assignments is posted on the refrigerator in the Common Room. Cathy Thompson will be contacting committee clerks shortly before their month begins, as a reminder. The program began last May and seems to be working fairly well. Non-committee members, families, and attenders continue to sign up spontaneously.

We recently welcomed a new member to our committee, Jacob Mullen, and are delighted to have him join our efforts. We have managed to stay within our annual budget of $400 and project similar activities, as well as a similar budget, for the next year.

We still encourage ALL members and attenders to participate in this wonderful program at Third Haven. Reach out - it is a delight to work with one another.

Ann Williams, Clerk 410 770 3237 Cathy Thompson, Co-Clerk 410 714 3657

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Property & Grounds Committee Reports

Annual Report for Calendar Year 2007 of the Property & Grounds Committee to the Third Haven Friends Meeting for Business tenth month fourteenth day, 2008

Some Background: It's been over 10 months since the last full report from our committee. Today, I'll give a brief rundown of the significant activities in this duration…both big & small, completed or in process… plus a word or two concerning the future of our property & grounds.

Current committee make-up: At the end of December I'll be stepping down as clerk having served 3 consecutive 2year terms, 6 years in all. I'll continue as a member in January. Currently serving are: Larny Claggett, Leigh Ann Dodge, Butch Kemp, Bob Kemp, Craig Smith, Sally

Vermilye, Rob Wieland, John Carr, Joyce Zeigler, and Clay Owens. Most have said they'll stay on.

Activities and accomplishments: Roofing – As most know, nearly new roofs are on the old meeting house (cedar shake), south side of the brick meeting house (composition) and the implement shed (ribbed metal). Roofs for the caretakers cottage, Annie's house, and the north side of the brick meeting house are in good serviceable shape and should not need attention in the next couple of years.

Meeting involvement: at the last Spring Spruce-up day was satisfying to all. Rob Wieland led a team, planting 25 white oak and 25 red oak seedlings along the western perimeter of our 7 acre property. To date some 80% have survived. Larny Claggett spearheaded a team to install washed stone and drainage along the north sides of the brick meeting house and common room to mitigate water splashing and mildew build-up in those areas. Butch Kemp and Winslow Womack double handedly painted the exterior of the newly roofed implement shed. Winslow also carved and painted a classy looking new entry way sign while Sam Webster painted the wood and metal post and hardware. Many others pitched in to rake, and weed and plant and prune and wash windows to brighten up our building and grounds. Craig Smith provided a front loader tractor to help move things around and he also bush-hogged a few acres that needed it.

Ken Wells fixed the faulty chimney and connections in the Caretaker's cottage donating his skill and materials for the work.

Caretaker's stove: was replaced. Once was the Webster's; the new $600 gas cook stove belongs to the meeting.

Common Room heat pump: The second heat pump went and was replaced, funded by the trustees; a big, but not totally surprise, hit.

Brick Meeting House furnace: after involved and lengthy effort, Wise Oil finally got our new furnace out of an electronic funk. It's working well for now.

Brick Meeting House: now better insulated w/ the 2nd floor windows sealed in plastic film each winter and with newly blown-in ceiling rafter insulation, future fuel bills should reflect this work.

Annie's House exterior: Now refurbished thanks to work done by John Carr (myriad of small repairs and replacing 2 upper window frames) and painted by Bill Frampton. I encourage you to take a look. This attractive old building, besides housing Sam's tools, adds character to our landscape. We've stemmed the decay at the least possible cost… a delicate balancing act.

Thanks to the trustees for covering that effort's cost and to John C. for his careful work.

Other small but important items – We now have automatic door closures on both the widely used common room exit doors… to keep out the cold or heat; and also on the outside front door to the Brick Meeting House. A new, and safer panic bar was installed on the fire escape exit for our 1st Day School folks. We are now purchasing fuel oil on a prepaid contract basis which limits the per gallon price we pay in the ensuing year. The use of our facilities by the Unitarians for about 9 months went smoothly and we benefited from their $100/wk contribution. Vicky kept a keen eye out for any problems.

Caretaker Relations: Job description reviewed prior to development of new compensation package (involving a raise as well as direct payment of utilities). Communication (between Websters and P&G clerk) now centered on weekly e-mail updates of “to do” items not routine to the job. List kept short and timetable expectations are made known. This seems to work most of the time. Big fete honoring the Webster's 25 year… just this last week enjoyed by all; wide participation and warm and grateful appreciation by the Websters. With the Websters in possession of THF credit card for incidental purchases, delays and paperwork in getting needed supplies is minimal.

Future Plans and Concerns: The common room roof -- especially the south side and cap is showing signs of fatigue and shingles are coming off. This roof should probably be replaced within a year to avoid leakage and further deterioration. This will not require removing old composite shingles.

Still to be done by John Carr: are two items: 1) repair de-lamination at base of Common Room main entry door; and 2) replace rotted clapboards and a window sill on north side of Old Meeting House

Site tree cataloging and marking – begun but not completed by Leigh Ann Dodge and Rob. The idea here is to have all feature plants properly mapped on a site plan and key features marked for visitors. This will become the basis for any future plantings and serve to create a proper boundary for the burial grounds.

John Schreiner and Butch have teamed up to plan and install extensive shelving in the 1st day school rooms and for Third Haven's books in the Common Rm hallway.

Burial survey and policy review – begun by John Schreiner in conjunction with the Clerk of the meeting and the clerk of Overseers. The purpose to accurately record known burials; set forth a precise grid and boundaries and available plots for future burials; a code for headstones and markers, encourage cremations and bronze wall plaques, and establish new memorial scattering garden. Meeting ideas and input are sought and welcomed.

Driveway and parking area resurfacing-- has been postponed until next year… due to lack of strong need and budget constraints.

Caretaker health insurance costs -- legacy'd to the meeting need to be reviewed since they have increased recently by nearly 50%. Presently they are designed to cover Vicky as supplemented by Sam's health insurance via his job with the state. They now are approaching $5,000/year. Should they be capped in some way? How could this be fairly done?

Summary: I want to thank my committee members for their willing and skillful participation and the Meeting as a whole and trustees for their support these past tumultuous six years. New members are sought and welcomed. Any questions or comments?

Respectfully submitted by John Schreiner 10/14/07

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Budget & Finance Committee Reports