Third Haven Monthly Meeting 2018
State of the Meeting Report
Third Haven Monthly Meeting continues to thrive in community and activity. We currently have 163 members. Weekly we have 40-65 present during our First Day meeting for worship and a devoted smaller group on Wednesday evenings. We have many active attenders and always welcome visitors, who appear regularly.
This year, two impressive programs should be acknowledged. The first program, spearheaded by our Outreach committee, brought in outside participation from our community and received acknowledgment from Talbot Clergy and Laity Association (TACL) for community service. A series of Film/Discussions were held around the topic of Race Relations. This kicked off in January with a Coming to the Table forum and continued into April with film viewing, simple shared meals and discussions. Each session filled our Common Room to capacity.
First Day School developed new exciting comprehensive programs beginning in the summer. Two summer sessions for children ages 5-10. In conjunction with River Forest School program using our beautiful grounds to explore "that of God" in nature, wesponsored a successful "Mommy and Me" and "Tiny SPICES" program for kids ages 2-5 and their mothers on Friday mornings. The focus of these programs has been to help children settle mindfully and teach our Quaker values in a setting that is fun and accessible to children. The energy and enthusiasm generated in these programs has allowed our community to welcome new families and plan new outdoor spaces for all ages to enjoy.
In addition, Pastoral Care held special programs with guest speakers on the topics of end of life care and PYM services for the elderly. Property and Grounds obtained a grant allowing us to restore the stream bed on our property. In cooperation with the Trustees we also had bricks repointed and steps rebuilt with new railings on our Brick Meeting House. Our Facilities Use Committee restructured our facilities use policies.
Because of these initiatives, we have been moved to discussing our long-range plans, including possible changes to our campus. We are exploring ways to include everyone in discussion as we hope to preserve our history and embrace our future with a welcoming space.
While these new initiatives have been energizing, our committees have also continued their good work with the multiple ongoing programs listed below:
- Inward Bound Spiritual Retreats (Worship & Ministry)
- First Day Conversations (W&M)
- Spiritual Journeys (W&M)
- A Course in Miracles (W&M)
- Midweek Meeting for Worship (W&M)
- Jungian Dream Group (W&M)
- PEACE vigils (Testimonies & Concern)
- Marilla's Lunches (T&C)
- Weekly Donations to local Food Pantries (T&C)
- Talbot County Detention Center Library (T&C)
- SMART Recovery (T&C)
- Family Fun Nights (Outreach)
- Talbot Clergy and Laity meetings (Outreach)
- Multicultural Fair (Outreach)
- New Member and Attender Luncheon (Pastoral Care)
- Easter Egg Hunt (First Day School)
- Moving up day (FDS)
- Christmas program and wreath decorating (FDS)
- Spring and Fall Clean up Days (Property and Grounds)
- Scholarships awarded ($4500) (Scholarship committee)
We are truly blessed having a community full of love, passion and joy. The foundations of our history and our hope for the future are helping us grow in spirit to embrace "that of God" in all.
Molly Burgoyne Brian, clerk