Seated at the Clerk’s table were Lamar Matthew (York), Presiding Clerk; Dave Lewis (Dunnings Creek), Reading Clerk for the day; Young Friend Phoebe Stern (Sandy Spring Friends School) Clerk of the Young Friends program; and Deborah Haines (Alexandria), Recording Clerk.

Y2004—3 Visitors. We welcomed guests Terry Stark (Harrisburg, PYM), Friends General Conference visitor; Vanessa Julye (Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, PYM); Jean Marie Prestwich-Barch (Schuylkill, PYM, sojourning at Valley Meeting, BYM); Traci Peterson (Clear Creek, Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting); John Barton, Virginia Council of Churches; and Sue Axtel, representing the Earlham School of Religion.

Y2004—4 Search Committee. Ann Marie Moriarty (Adelphi) presented the report of the Search Committee as follows as previously read at last Interim Meeting:

The Committee also noted the following name and Meeting change: Dorothea Musgrave (Washington) is now Dorothea Musgrave Malsbary (Sandy Spring)

Friends approved these recommendations.

Y2004—5 Dave Lewis read the Epistle from Britain Yearly Meeting, urging Friends to share the joy we find in our faith, and to be faithful in following our leadings and living out our testimonies.

Y2004—6 Epistle Committee. Clerk Lamar Matthew named the Epistle Committee for this year’s session. They are Justin Connors (Washington), Elizabeth DuVerlie (Baltimore, Stony Run) and Kathryn Smith (Maury River).

Y2004—7 Introduction of Baltimore Yearly Meeting Staff. Frank Massey presented the General Secretary’s report, and introduced the Yearly Meeting staff, including Phoebe Stern, part time officer helper, Laurie Wilner, Bookkeeper, Jane Megginson, Office Manager, David Hunter, Camp Properties Manager, Hope Braveheart, Youth Secretary, and Josh Riley, Camp Administrative Secretary. He also thanked the many volunteers at Friends House who help with mailing out the Interchange.

Frank spoke about how the staff see their work as holding the Yearly Meeting in their hands, and the joy they feel in helping us live into the love and Light that is our birthright.

Y2004—8 Dave Lewis read from the epistle of Little Britain Monthly Meeting. The two Preparative Meetings that form Little Britain—Penn Hill and Eastland—are very small, yet the few Friends who meet together continue to find joy in their shared work. The Clerk noted that both Penn Hill and Eastland are faithfully represented at our Annual Session.

Y2004—9 Program Committee. Elizabeth Hofmeister (Bethesda) introduced the members of the Program Committee. This large and hard-working committee has responsibility for putting together our annual sessions. One high priority this year has been to try to attract more first time attenders to annual sessions, by distributing certificates for first-timers through the Monthly Meetings.

Y2004—10 Trustees. In the unavoidable absence of the Clerk of Trustees, Howard Zuses (Sandy Spring) referred Friends to the written report of the Trustees in the Advance Reports, and offered to answer any questions.

Y2004—11 Friends House Moscow. Laura Nell Obaugh (Hopewell Centre) introduced the report of the board of Friends House Moscow. She thanked the Yearly Meeting for giving her the opportunity to participate in this exciting program, and introduced Marsha Holliday (Langley Hill) who is succeeding her on the board. Marsha described the challenges faced by Friends House Moscow, and some of the important projects it carries out, including an Alternatives to Violence Project, work with Russian COs, and work with orphans and the disabled. Greetings, Friends! After a fantastic 4 and a half-year experience as a sojourner with Friends in Paris, France, I am now happy to be home. [See the full Friends House Moscow report in the Organizations section of this Yearbook.]

Dave Lewis read a brief excerpt from Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s biography, "A Lady from Vermont" reminding us of the importance of attending to daily tasks.

Y2004—12 William Penn House. Byron Sandford (Washington) reported for William Penn House, our Quaker study and hospitality center on Capitol Hill. New developments this year include a closer relationship with Washington Quaker Workcamps, and the development of a peace studies curriculum workshop for high school and college teachers, to be offered in October. William Penn House also continues to bring together Friends from the Washington area for once a month potlucks, hosts lobbying weekends in cooperation with FCNL, and weekends for young Friends from all over the country. A healthy budget surplus this year will provide the opportunity for some long deferred improvements to the property.

Y2004—13 Washington Quaker Workcamps. Andre Israel (Washington) reported for the Washington Quaker Workcamps. He noted that WQW is one of only a handful of centers offering a Spirit-led workcamping ministry. He described how he was hired last September to revitalize WQW after a period of decline, and how the program has grown over the past year. He spoke about the powerful experience of bringing Quaker youth to poverty stricken urban and rural communities to learn first hand through shared work and worship. He encouraged all Friends to lift up and support this work.

The meeting closed with a period of worship during which we remembered Friends we will dearly miss who have died during the past year.

Lamar Matthew noted that Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee will be holding our sessions in the Light each day. Friends carrying this ministry today were Betty Brody (Alexandria) and Leo Pickens (Annapolis).

Y2004—15 Linda Wilk read from the State of the Meeting report from Hopewell Centre, focusing on the Meeting’s struggle to respond to the discovery that an active attender was a convicted child molester. The process of confronting this situation and making painful choices has left wounds and opened opportunities for ministry. Friends "pray that as we move forward into the next year, we will find that we have made an opportunity out of danger, and that we will continue to grow in the life of the spirit."

Y2004—16 Visitors. We welcomed guests Jan Dahn (St. Petersburg, Southeastern Yearly Meeting); Retha McCutcheon, executive secretary of Friends United Meeting, and Paul Smith, finance manager of Friends United Meeting.

Y2004—17 Camping Program Committee. Betsy Krome (Williamsburg), Co-Clerk of the Camping Program Committee, introduced the Directors of the camps, and noted what a wealth of experience they represent.

Linda Garretson, who has spent 16 years in the camping program, reported that the summer has been going well at Catoctin. She noted that the theme that emerged this year was loss and grief, because so many of the campers were dealing with personal tragedies, but that this only deepened their joy in being together in a place where it is safe to share their feelings. Linda read from a camper’s evaluation which concluded "I love camp with every atom of my soul."

Dana Foster, also with 16 years in the camping program, reported for Shiloh. She noted that some vehicle breakdowns led to offers of help from other Quaker camps and schools, and that she was grateful to be reminded of that hidden support network. An extended period of rain led the campers to originate a chant of "I like this!" ready to be put into use whenever a hike became really challenging, or things went wrong.

Y2004—18 Greg Tobin (Frederick), Co-Clerk of the Camping Program Committee, introduced the members of the committee, and expressed his gratitude for their hard work and faithfulness. He noted that the camping program is the largest program under the care of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and is growing. All Friends are urged to learn more about it, and help the Committee plan for the future.

Y2004—19 Josh Riley, Camp Administrative Secretary of the camping program, who has been with the program a total of 22 years, will be leaving in December. He described the sense of calling he felt when he first applied for his present job, and expressed the deep sense of gratitude he feels for all the years he has been able to serve. He thanked the Yearly Meeting staff, and the Yearly Meeting for their support, and noted that the camping program will always be part of his life. Josh spoke of the transforming power of BYM’s camping program, which offers children the chance to be truly loved for who they are.

Friends expressed their deep appreciation to Josh Riley for his wonderful service to the Yearly Meeting. The camping program is truly a ministry, a religious education summer program on an enormous scale.

Y2004—20 Camp Property Management Committee. Patty Nesbit (Hopewell Centre) reported for the Camp Property Management Committee. She thanked Friends for their wonderful support of the camps, and expressed special appreciation to David Hunter, who, as property manager, is taking on the responsibility for keeping all of our 900 acres and dozens of building safe and in good condition. Many improvements are planned, including replacing most of the cabins over the next several years. Friends are being asked to raise enough in contributions and pledges during these annual sessions to build at least one cabin. Friends are also encouraged to participate in volunteer work days at each of the camps.

Y2004—21 Camp Property Manager. David Hunter (Frederick) expressed his thanks to the parents and Monthly Meetings that have already contributed to the cabin campaign. He also introduced Becky and Jerry Coates who have returned to Baltimore Yearly Meeting after as the Caretakers at Catoctin.

Y2004—22 Long Range Property Planning Subcommittee. Sheila Bach (Langley Hill) reported for the Long Range Property Planning Subcommittee. She explained that the subcommittee has taken a broad view of its mission. It has undertaken surveys of the age distribution of the Yearly Meeting membership, and of the facilities owned by our local Meetings and Friends groups, as well as a detailed survey of the camp properties. A booklet has now been published that lists and describes the facilities available for retreats and gatherings within the Yearly Meeting. The subcommittee is recommending more effective marketing of the camp properties, so that they can be more fully utilized in the spring and fall. They have also projected improvements and expansion that will be required over the long term. Another area of concern is the difficulty of finding affordable housing within easy driving distance of the Yearly Meeting office, creating hardships for our staff members.

The subcommittee reported that it feels it has completed its work and is ready to be laid down. Clerk Lamar Matthew asked the subcommittee to bring to Interim Meeting a report on which pieces of their work need to be carried forward, and how this might best be done, either within the existing Yearly Meeting committee structure, or by the creation of a new standing committee. [See full report in the Committee section of this Yearbook.]

Y2004—23 Linda Wilk read from the State of the Meeting report from Goose Creek Meeting, reflecting on the passing of an older generation, and the tender need to be in harmony with the changing of the seasons.

Y2004—24 Friends General Conference. Trudy Rogers, (formerly Seneca Valley, now Chester River, PYM) reported for Friends General Conference. She thanked Friends for the opportunity to serve BYM as a representative to FGC Central Committee and noted that her move to the Eastern Shore means that she is now a member of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and will be wearing a new hat. She highlighted some of the exciting projects of FGC, including the Traveling Ministries Program, the Meeting web directory, <www.QuakerFinder.org>, the upcoming Religious Educators Institute in August in New York State, the Young Quakes program for high school age Friends, and new work in the area of the eradication of racism among Friends. She noted in particular a minute rising up in Friends General Conference affirming how we are enriched in our work by the Spirit-guided leadership of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer Friends.

Jean Marie Prestwich Barch (sojourning at Valley Friends) introduced herself as Co-Clerk, with her husband Frank Barch, of the FGC Gathering to be held in Blacksburg, Virginia in the summer of 2005. She spoke of the blessed community created during the week of Gathering, and shared the theme of the 2005 Gathering: Weaving the Blessed Tapestry. She described the pain the planning committee felt when the Virginia legislature passed a statute this spring invalidating any contracts involving persons of the same gender which might be interpreted to confer benefits associated with marriage. After deep searching, the committee agreed to go forward with holding the Gathering in Virginia as planned, with the understanding that we will use this as an opportunity to witness to our belief that we are all children of the Light.

Y2004—25 Friends World Committee for Consultation. Flossie Fullerton (Sandy Spring) described the work of the Friends World Committee for Consultation. She highlighted the work of the intervisitation committee, in which our member Anne Moore has been active. She spoke of the recent Triennial in New Zealand, which brought together Friends from countries and cultures from around the world. She noted how eager Friends are for the opportunity to get to know each other.

Donna Boyce Manoukian (Langley Hill) offered to bring a presentation on her moving experience at the New Zealand Triennial to any Meeting interested in inviting her. She noted how Friends from all types of Quakerism come together in FWCC, and how many Quakers around the world are in scattered, isolated Meetings with few opportunities to meet with other Friends. Groups like FWCC that bring Friends together deserve our wholehearted support. One special opportunity we should give support to is the World Gathering of Young Friends, for those age 18-35, planned for Lancaster, England in the summer of 2005.

Y2004—26 The time for adjournment drawing near, we agreed to reconvene at 1:15 this afternoon, for a brief session to address the remaining two items on the agenda: the Ministry and Pastoral Care Budget Recommendation Concerning FUM, and the first reading of the 2005 Budget.

Wednesday, July 28, 2004, 1:15-2:00 p.m.

Linda Wilk shared a further communication from Goose Creek Meeting, an appreciation of Ed Nichols, who recently stepped down after serving for forty years as Meeting treasurer.

Clerk Lamar Matthew announced that Betsy Wollaston (Deer Creek) has set up a writing table where Friends may send greetings to those not able to be here with us this week. She would be glad to receive the names of additional Friends who might like to receive such greetings.

Y2004—28 Friends United Meeting Concern. Lamar briefly described how several Baltimore Yearly Meeting committees have worked together over the past few months to develop a proposal to address concerns about our Yearly Meeting contribution to Friends United Meeting. Rosalind Zuses (Sandy Spring), Co-Clerk of the Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee, read the proposal developed by a joint meeting, on July 18, 2004, of the Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee, Stewardship and Finance Committee, and the Ad Hoc Committee on Gender and Sexual Diversity Concerns. Those present were: Marion Ballard (Stewardship and Finance), Margaret Stambaugh (Ad Hoc Committee), Rosalind Zuses (Ministry and Pastoral Care), Georgia Fuller (Ministry and Pastoral Care), Will Candler (Stewardship and Finance), Marcy Seitel (Advancement and Outreach), Marjorie Scott (Stewardship and Finance), Lauri Perman (Clerk) (Ad Hoc Committee), Donald Gann (Ministry and Pastoral Care), Aron Teel (Ad Hoc Committee), Howard I Fullerton (Ministry and Pastoral Care; FUM General Board), Lamar Matthew (Clerk, BYM), Deborah Haines (Recording Clerk) (Advancement and Outreach), Frank Massey (BYM staff).

Lamar asked Friends briefly to address the second recommendation pertaining to the budget. There will be an opportunity for more extended discussion in an interest group at 3:30 this afternoon and throughout the week.

Y2004—29 Stewardship and Finance Committee. Marion Ballard (Bethesda), outgoing Clerk of Stewardship and Finance, presented the proposed budget for 2005, projecting a 10 percent increase in revenues and expenses, and a surplus of $396. Apportionment revenue would increase 3 percent. This proposed increase in apportionments has been reviewed by the Monthly Meetings, and seems to be acceptable. The budget proposed increased reliance on individual contributions, in order to reduce pressure for future increases in apportionments. Marion noted that salaries paid to camp program and youth program staff now appear in the budget under those programs, leading to a substantial decline in the "office personnel" line item. She drew attention to the healthy growth of our camping program. She also noted that the continued draw-down of our reserves may be a cause for concern. After some discussion and clarification, Marion invited Friends with additional questions to come to the Stewardship and Finance Committee meeting this afternoon.

The session closed with a period of worship.

Y2004—30 Friends settled into a period of expectant worship. At the table were Lamar Matthew (York), Presiding Clerk, Deborah Haines (Alexandria), Recording Clerk, Margaret Stambaugh (Gettysburg), Reading Clerk for the day, and Young Friends Phoebe Stern (Sandy Spring Friends School; Clerk of the Young Friends program) and Rosie Whitney (Richmond).

We welcomed guests Karen Bauer, Iowa Yearly Meeting (FUM), and Gary Gillespie (Baltimore, Homewood), representing the American Friends Service Committee, Middle Atlantic Region, Baltimore Office.

Y2004—31 Manual of Procedure Committee. Howard Fullerton presented the report of the Manual of Procedure Committee. He explained the recommended changes approved by Interim Meeting. These relate to: the Yearly Meeting Counseling Service, now laid down; an expanded description of our relationship to Friends World Committee for Consultation, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, and the American Friends Service Committee; a correction in the name of the national Friends Committee on Unity with Nature—now "Quaker Earthcare Witness;" a clarification of the role of the "Naming Committee" which nominates the "Search Committee" to nominate the "Nominating Committee" and the Yearly Meeting officers; a corrected description of the work of the Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee; a corrected description of the area served by the Middle Atlantic Region of the AFSC; and replacement of the word "overseer" in one instance, in recognition of Friends growing uneasiness with that term.

Friends Approved these recommended changes.

Y2004—33 Nominating Committee. Ruth Flower (Takoma Park) presented the report of the Nominating Committee. She thanked the committee members for their hard work, and spoke about how talking to Friends about serving the Yearly Meeting can be a grace-filled process. She mentioned some of the issues the committee has considered in presenting this list of recommendations. Friends who have questions, concerns or corrections to the list are asked to speak to Ruth Flower or another member of the Nominating Committee. The nominations will be brought back to this body for approval on Saturday.

Y2004—34 Lamar Matthew asked us to hold in the Light our member Sara Satterthwaite (Friends Meeting of Washington), who will be undergoing serious cancer surgery tomorrow morning.

Y2004—35 Criminal and Restorative Justice Committee. Joan Anderson (Carlisle) presented the report of the Criminal and Restorative Justice Committee. The Committee is compiling a list of Friends within the Yearly Meeting who are involved in restorative justice work. To do this, they are asking Monthly Meetings to report the names of members who are working in this area, including those whose ministry has been embraced by the meeting through a clearness process, and those working on their own. The committee encourages all Friends engaged in restorative justice work to bring their concern to their meeting, if they have not so, and ask for a clearness committee and meeting support. The committee is also putting together a compilation of minutes relating to the death penalty and restorative justice adopted by our meetings. Meetings are asked to forward copies of their minutes to the Yearly Meeting office. The Committee called our attention to the terrible injustice of the juvenile death penalty, which exists in only five countries in the world: China, Pakistan, Iran, the Congo, and the United States.

The Criminal and Restorative Committee thinks it is valuable for the Yearly Meeting to know what work is being done in our Monthly Meetings to improve criminal justice, visit prisoners, worship with prisoners, help released prisoners or abolish the death penalty. This would include work in local jails, prisons and youth detention facilities. We think that most Meetings have at least a few Friends who are doing this work.

Please ask your Meeting’s Social Concerns Committee or Clerk to send us this information to share with others who are interested or who are already doing similar work.

Criminal and Restorative Committee is also interested in any minutes your Monthly Meeting has written concerning these matters and the names of Friends who have had Clearness Committees or Support Committees for this work.

For this information to be of any value, we need contact information so that Friends can communicate with others to make our work more effective.

You may send your information to Joan Anderson, 331Ernest Rd., Landisburg, PA 17047, or e-mail to joanwanderson@mac.com

Y2004—36 Margaret Stambaugh read from the Spiritual State of the Meeting report from Sandy Spring Meeting, calling attention to the need for us to rely on divine guidance in business meeting and committee work, and to seek loving resolution of conflicts, knowing that we are called to honor not our agendas, but God’s will.

Y2004—37 Working Group on Racism Among Friends. Pat Schenk (Annapolis), Co-Clerk with Neil Froemming (Washington), of the Working Group on Racism Among Friends, reported for the Working Group. She summarized the accomplishments of the past year, including preparing a report on the listening project, offering workshops throughout the Yearly Meeting, distributing resources, including a list of things individual European Americans can do to address racism. The Working Group would be glad to offer more local workshops, or to help more local meetings plan their own listening project. During the coming year, the working group hopes to give more attention to working with Young Friends, and with our retirement communities. Interested Friends are warmly invited to join the working group.

Y2004—38 Rosie Whitney announced that Young Friends will be engaged in a mindful eating exercise during lunch and dinner tomorrow, eating in silence, and chewing each bite fifty times. The YFs invite all interested Friends to join them in the downstairs dining room.

Y2004—39 Ad Hoc Committee on Gender and Sexual Diversity Concerns. Aron Teel (Charlottesville) presented the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Gender and Sexual Diversity Concerns. The charge of the Committee has evolved since 1991, to include discernment with regard to marriage equality, and more recently a commitment to undertake more advocacy efforts. Virginia’s recent legislation which would nullify all contracts between persons of the same gender that might appear to confer any of the benefits of marriage is of particular concern. Friends are asked to take back to their Meetings the sheets of background information on this and other legislative initiative distributed at the beginning of the session. All Friends are asked to hold in the Light whether we are in unity in opposing such discriminatory legislation.

Y2004—40 Clerk Lamar Matthew announced that holding these sessions in the Light today are Elizabeth DuVerlie (Baltimore, Stony Run) and Trudy Rogers (Chester River, PYM).

Y2004—41 Margaret Stambaugh read from the epistle of Great Plains Yearly Meeting, expressing Friends longing for peace in a time of war, and reminding us all that "a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James, 3:18).

Y2004—42 Friends United Meeting Board Representatives. Rich Liversidge (Sandy Spring) introduced the report of the Friends United Meeting Board representatives. He reviewed the important role BYM’s representatives to the FUM board have played in recent years in addressing budget and financial issues. They have also sought to communicate our Yearly Meeting’s concerns about gender and sexual diversity to the Board, which he feels is the right forum for these discussions.

He announced that the next FUM Triennial will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, from July 13-17, 2005, with the theme: "The Lamb Shall Overcome." Rich and Joan Liversidge will be offering a marriage workshop there. BYM Friends are encouraged to attend. He also called attention to a recent decision to consolidate the finances of the Ramallah Friends School and the Friends Theological College in Kenya into the FUM budget and financial statements, greatly increasing the stated value of FUM assets.

Rich called our attention to the FUM vision statement which has been widely distributed. He noted that this is not an approved statement, but a document under development. We will still have an opportunity to propose changes, so that the final version will more faithfully reflect the diversity with FUM.

Howard Fullerton (Sandy Spring) spoke about the efforts over the past five years to develop a clear vision statement for FUM, and to solidify its financial footing. He urged us not to exaggerate the conflict between BYM and FUM in our own minds, and to stay open to the possibility of reconciliation.

He reviewed the history of FUM’s relationship with the Friends Hospital in Kaimosi, Kenya, and FUM’s renewed commitment to playing a more active role in Kenya. He raised the question of whether we are in a position to ask FUM to change its hiring policies when so few BYM Friends seek to work for FUM.

Walt Fry (West Branch), our newest representative to the FUM Board, reported that he felt a new spirit of listening and openness on the Board in June, in response to the presentation of our concern for equal treatment without regard to sexual orientation. He believed that faithful and loving engagement with FUM will bear fruit. He strongly supports the proposed intervisitation program, and urges us to keep to the path of patience and tenderness.

Rich Liversidge reminded us that it would be arrogant to assume that we can impose our views on FUM as a whole. Within FUM, we are only one part of a very diverse mix. We need to attend to healing divisions and reaching for unity within Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and carry that same tender concern and sense of community to the unfinished task of engaging with FUM.

The meeting closed with a period of worship.

Y2004—43 Friends settled into a period of open worship.

At the table were Lamar Matthew (York), Presiding Clerk, Deborah Haines (Alexandria), Recording Clerk, Bill Carroll (Williamsburg), Reading Clerk for the day; and Phoebe Stern (Sandy Spring Friends School), Clerk of Young Friends.

Bill Carroll read from the epistle of Monte Verde Friends Meeting in Costa Rico, celebrating the beauty of human and natural diversity as an expression of the divine, and lifting up the ministry of nurturing the spiritual life of our children.

Clerk Lamar Matthew called the roll of our Meetings. Friends from 31 Meetings were present, with more expected over the weekend.

Y2004—44 Eric Uberseder (Dunnings Creek), Co-Clerk with Karen Cunnyngham (Adelphi), introduced the Friends who are leading our Youth Program during this week of annual sessions. He thanked especially Jennifer Morris (Washington), who takes pictures of Junior Yearly Meeting activities for display, and has created a wonderful archive of images.

June Confer (Adelphi) introduced the staff of the morning program for the K-5 children, and spoke about the importance of bringing up our children to be a full part of our community.

Ellen Johnson Arginteanu, State College, nursery co-coordinator

Jules Arginteanu, State College, nursery

Tori Bolton, Frederick, nursery

Mark Brabson, Little Britain, nursery

Karen Cunnyngham, Adelphi, nursery

Diane Eaby, Oxford, nursery

Melanie Gifford, Adelphi, nursery

Dorothy Habecker, State College, nursery co-coordinator

Joy Newhart, Adelphi, nursery

Carol Seddon, nursery

Elizabeth Zimmerman, nursery

June Confer, Adelphi, K/1 morning class

Susan Williams, Dunnings Creek, K/1 morning class

Eric Uberseder, Dunnings Creek, 2/3 morning class

Linda Uberseder, Oxford, 2/3 morning class

Norman Williams, Dunnings Creek, 4/5 morning class

Margo Lehman, Sandy Spring, 4/5 morning class

Anna Rain (Adelphi) introduced the staff of the afternoon program, which seeks to provide a good mix of activity and rest.

Diane Eaby, Oxford

Susan Williams, Dunnings Creek

Linda Uberseder, Oxford

Norman Williams (Dunnings Creek) introduced the staff of the evening program, and especially thanked the Young Friends and Junior Young Friends who give so much to the children.

Alessa Giampaolo Keener, evening program co-coordinator

Diane Eaby, Oxford

Jim Lehman, Sandy Spring

Margo Lehman, Sandy Spring

David Lewis, Dunnings Creek

Susan Vanderhoff, Baltimore Stony Run, co-coordinator

Linda Coates (Little Britian) introduced the staff of the Junior Young Friends program, which is a full day, week long experience for middle schoolers. She spoke about how the staff seek to integrate the Youth Program theme with the theme of the adult Yearly Meeting.

Jim Lehman, Sandy Spring

Michael Newhart, Adelphi

David Lewis, Dunnings Creek

Phoebe Stern (Sandy Spring Friends School), Clerk of Young Friends, introduced the FAPs (Friendly Adult Presences) who have helped with the Young Friends program this year, and thanked them for their awesome spirit.

Ted Heck, Richmond

Andrei Israel, Washington

Tom Horne, Takoma Park

Elizabeth Trail, Maury River

Ron Akins, Bethesda

Hope Braveheart, Sandy Spring

Anna Rain expressed special thanks to Kevin Lee of New England Yearly Meeting, who led the Junior Yearly Meeting retreat, and spoke of how the staff are uplifted by the awesome energy of the children.

Youth and adults jointed together in singing the tender affirmation: "How Could Anyone:"

This was followed by a rousing rendition of "He/She’s Got the Whole World in His/Her Hands" with verses celebrating the Sun and the Moon; the Black and the White; the Christian and the Muslim; and the Silent and the Programmed.

Y2004—45 Hope Braveheart, who joined the Yearly Meeting staff as Youth Secretary in March, spoke of the space Baltimore Yearly Meeting creates for the children to sit with their questions. She sees her job as being a guardian of that sacred space, and is looking forward with joy to serving the Yearly Meeting.

Friends minuted their deep appreciation of Eric Uberseder for his years of service to the Youth Program, and asked that the following minute be prepared for publication:

Y2004—46 Central and Southern Africa Yearly Meeting Epistle. Bill Carroll read from the epistle of the Central and Southern Africa Yearly Meeting held in the mountains of Lesotho. There are few Friends in this part of Africa, and they treasure their connections with the wider world of Quakerism. One "common endeavour has been the work carried out by Bulawayo Friends in distribution of maize meal to hungry people in Zimbabwe from funds held in Botswana and contributed by Friends from many countries. The epistle concludes: At times we can feel despair when we look at our world, at how few we are and at how powerful are the negative forces that confront the Light. Yet the sense of fellowship, spiritual upliftment and sharing experience in such a gathering give us the strength to go back into the turmoil with our tiny candle flame of love and hope and in the words of William Penn ‘not hide it under a bucket but set it upon a table in a candlestick.’"

Y2004—47 Spiritual State of Baltimore Yearly Meeting. Rosalind Zuses (Sandy Spring) and Miriam Green (Homewood), Co-Clerks of the Committee on Ministry and Pastoral Care, presented the report on the "Spiritual State of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 2003," drawn from the reports of all our Monthly Meetings. The report lifts up the centrality of meeting for worship, the need for a deep commitment to expectant waiting for divine guidance, our longing for community, our joy in the "vitality and moving sincerity" of our children, and the stresses we find ourselves under from events in the larger world and conflicts and troubles within our own meetings.

Friends proposed some changes in the paragraphs on issues of sexuality. These will be taken under consideration by the committee. The report will be brought back for a final reading tomorrow.

Y2004—48 Religious Education. Chuck Fager (State College) presented the report of the Religious Education Committee, which has had an active and productive year. He reminded us of the slogan written on the cakes at last night’s all-age celebration: "Share the Love: Teach First Day School!" He introduced two new teaching resources developed by the committee: a curriculum for middle schoolers on fundamentalism developed by Sally King, and a study booklet for adults on the peace testimony. Copies of both of these have been provided to all our Meetings.

Josh Humphries (Roanoke) described a project the committee is working on to develop a curriculum for Young Adult Friends. The proposed units would deal with: Finding your vocation; "Coming out of the Closet" and affirming your true self; Convincement; Finding love; and "When bad things happen." He noted that most churches provide study curricula for young adults, 18 to 35 years old. The Religious Society of Friends needs to reach out more effectively to this group.

Chuck Fager invited more Friends to join the Religious Education Committee and help it carry forward this important work.

General Secretary Frank Massey spoke briefly and movingly about his feeling of being led to seek work at the Ramallah Friends School, and his hurt at the way his application was handled. He no longer feels that he would be able to work at Ramallah, and grieves that his leading was not received with respect.

Y2004—50 Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee. On behalf of the Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee, Rosalind Zuses (Sandy Spring) read the draft epistle to Friends everywhere articulating Baltimore Yearly Meeting’s distress over the discriminatory personnel policies in place in Friends United Meeting. Out of deep worship, Friends voiced their support, and suggested changes in language that would make the epistle more clear and loving. The Committee will take these suggestions under consideration, and bring a revised draft back to this body tomorrow.

Rosalind Zuses directed our attention to the recommendations regarding BYM funding of FUM prepared by the inter-committee working group. [Y2004-28] She noted that the Advancement and Outreach Committee was also represented in the meeting which developed these recommendations and will be added to the heading.

She asked for our approval of the first recommendation: that we retain full membership and participation in Friends United Meeting. Friends united with this recommendation.

She asked for our approval of the third recommendation: that BYM establish a program of intervisitation, under the care of an ad hoc committee, to deepen our relationship with FUM. In response to a question, she explained that the purpose of the intervisitation program would initially not be to witness actively to our concern, but only to build the bridges between Friends that would make such witness possible in the future. We agreed that the ad hoc committee might be charged with enabling both intervisitation and traveling ministry as appropriate.

The Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee will take Friends’ concerns into consideration, and bring back a revised version of this recommendation tomorrow.

Y2004—51 Lamar Matthew announced that Friends in Unity with Nature will be collecting donations for Right Sharing of World Resources during lunch and dinner. Friends are encouraged to give generously, mindful of the bounty we enjoy.

Phoebe Stern movingly urged Friends to give all they can to the special collection for the camping program, so that we can build a new cabin, and nurture more young lives.

Y2004—52 Friends settled into a period of worship. At the table were Lamar Matthew (York), Presiding Clerk, Deborah Haines (Alexandria), Recording Clerk, Leo Pickens (Annapolis), Reading Clerk for the day, and Young Friend Deana Boyd (Stony Run).

Leo Pickens read from Psalm 91, reminding us that those who find refuge in the Lord have nothing to fear.

Y2004—53 Lamar Matthew brought a message about the diversity among us, and how meeting each other face to face can heal our differences and knit us together. He asked Walt Fry (West Branch) to lead us in singing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms."

Y2004—54 Spiritual State of Baltimore Yearly Meeting. Rosalind Zuses (Sandy Spring), Co-Clerk of Ministry and Pastoral Care, thanked the Friends who have been holding our sessions in the Light this week. The Friends carrying this ministry today are David Ross (Nottingham), Elizabeth Zimmerman (State College), and Betty Brody (Alexandria).

Rosalind Zuses then presented the report on the Spiritual State of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 2003 for a final reading. She called attention to the paragraph which had been changed. Friends approved the report as given here, with deep appreciation to the Committee for its work.

Y2004—55 Friends United Meeting Concern/Epistle. Rosalind Zuses presented the Epistle pertaining to BYM/FUM concerns for a final reading. Friends united with this statement of our concern and witness.

Y2004—56 Intervistation. Rosalind Zuses presented a revised recommendation regarding the establishment of an ad hoc committee for intervisitation and traveling in the ministry. Friends Approved this recommendation.

We recommend that an ad hoc group for intervisitation be convened by members of the Advancement and Outreach Committee, Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee, and the Ad Hoc Committee on Gender and Sexual Diversity Concerns. This group will use careful discernment as to who the visitors should be, and give thorough orientation of prospective visitors. We also noted that visitors should be sent in groups of two or three, and should be prepared to carry out repeated visits to build ongoing relationships with monthly and Yearly Meeting members of FUM. This group will also seek to reach out to the other Yearly Meetings to have visitors from them come to us.

Y2004—57 Friends United Meeting Funding. Rosalind Zuses read a revised recommendation regarding BYM funding of FUM:

We recommend that BYM continue to have a line item on the Budget for the next three years of $17,400 for FUM. Each Monthly Meeting will be asked to express its wish to either: have its apportioned share of the Yearly Meeting’s FUM contribution sent to FUM with use of the funds restricted to certain purposes by BYM, or have its share put into a Yearly Meeting escrow account. We recommend that option be available to include the last half of the 2004 budget contribution that has not yet been forwarded by BYM to FUM.

We recommend that Stewardship and Finance convene a group to decide what restricted uses for the funds that go to FUM least support the current policy of discrimination. We recommend that BYM determine the disposition of the escrow funds after three years with it understood that the funds will not necessarily go to FUM.

Out of the silence, one Friend challenged us to consider the possibility of "going the second mile" and raising more for the work of FUM, instead of cutting our contribution, to truly engage with the work of the Spirit among FUM Friends, while speaking our own truth. Another Friend proposed that we engage with FUM to find, in community, how the $17,400 in our budget might be spent creatively and in a manner consistent with our beliefs. Howard Fullerton (Sandy Spring) assured us that the FUM Finance Committee would be open to such exploration.

Retha McCutcheon, General Secretary of Friends United Meeting, assured us that Baltimore Yearly Meeting’s decision to withhold Yearly Meeting funds would not be perceived by FUM as punitive or coercive. FUM is very clear that it needs to reach Spirit guided decisions, not influenced by who gives the most money. She urged us not to feel guilty about allowing our Monthly Meetings or individual Friends make the decision about sending contributions to FUM. She told us that the money is not important to her; the community is. She feels that FUM needs BYM’s participation to help balance the views of very evangelical Friends, and enable FUM to hold to the center of a very diverse community. She noted that establishing the new East African office, to be staffed by Kenyans, would cost about $12,000.

Lauri Perman (State College) offered to commit to raise $17,400 between now and fall Interim Meeting from Friends willing to support FUM, freeing the $17,400 now in the budget for other uses.

Frank Massey added to this proposal the suggestion that the Yearly Meeting line item might be used to match the contributions raised, up to $17,400.

Riley Robinson urged us not to stay bogged down in discussions of financing, but to focus on clarifying our message, and taking on the kind of leadership role Tony Campolo urged on us last night in bringing that message to the wider Quaker and Christian world.

Clerk Lamar Matthew shared his sense that we have heard creative and imaginative solution to our quandary of what to do with the FUM line item in our budget. We have seen sparks that may, in time, bring light to our way. As for now, we stand in shadow. We have no unity at this time on how to proceed.

Lamar asked Rosalind Zuses to take this issue back to her committee, and work with Stewardship and Finance to bring a more seasoned proposal to Interim Committee.

Y2004—58 Retha McCutchen. We express our love and gratitude to Retha McCutcheon for her tender presence among us, and for her deep sharing at yesterday’s threshing session. We hold her in Light and love as she journeys home.

Rosalind Zuses thanked our Young Friends, who have been holding us in the Light today.

Y2004—59 Education Funding Resources Committee. Oliver Moles (Langley Hill) brought the report of the Education Funding Resources Committee, and introduced the members of the committee. He will be the new Clerk of this committee, which provides loans for BYM members attending high school and college. He called our attention to the report distributed yesterday, and highlighted some changes in the committee’s procedures, including those designed to address the problem of loans in arrears or default. The committee hopes to make more meetings aware of the existence of this loan fund.

Y2004—60 Peace and Social Concerns Committee. John Salzburg (Bethesda) reported for the Peace and Social Concerns Committee. He asked if Friends were ready to unite in the State College minute of support and encouragement for their dear Friend Shirley Way. Friends United with this minute.

Shirley’s address in prison is: Shirley Way, #92107-020 Danbury FCI, 33½ Pembroke St., Rt. 37, Danbury, CT 06811. Type or handwrite the return address since sometimes the prison removes return address labels making it impossible for the prisoner to reply. www.soaw.org makes it possible to send a message to all co-defendants if Friends would like to write other group or individual letters of support and encouragement.

Y2004—61 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Minute. He asked if Friends could unite with the draft minute on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, prepared by the Peace and Social Concerns committee. He noted that copies of this minute will be forwarded to members of Congress, and the presidential candidates. Friends suggested that copies should also be sent to organizations concerned with this issue, and that individual Friends should forward it to their congressional representatives.

The Peace and Social Concerns committee was asked to prepare a suggested distribution list in advance when bringing such minutes in the future. One editorial change was proposed. Friends united with this minute.

Clerk Lamar Matthew noted that all committees are asked to make their printed materials available the day before they will be brought up for consideration, to give Friends adequate time to study them.

John Salzburg reported on the Ramallah Meeting House restoration project, which is nearing completion. There will soon be a community center and peace program housed in the newly renovated building. John thanked the Baltimore Yearly Meeting staff, and the many Friends in the Yearly Meeting who have contributed funds and supported the project in other ways. The Ramallah Meeting House is truly an affirmation of life and peace in the midst of death and destruction.

Y2004—62 World Gathering of Young Friends. Rachel Stacy (Gunpowder) reported on the World Gathering of Young Friends, to be held at Lancaster University in England in the summer of 2005. Rachel serves on the national planning committee. She spoke of the long history of such gatherings, beginning with the Manchester Conference of 1895, and shared her vision of a revived Quaker youth movement around the world. She asked us all to carry this vision back to our meetings, and help raise the funds needed to pay for Young Friends from developing countries to attend, so that this World Gathering will truly represent the Quaker world. Baltimore Yearly Meeting has been asked to name two Young Adult Friends as representatives to the World Gathering. Those interested in carrying this project forward are encouraged to talk to Rachel to see how they might help.

Y2004—63 Naming Committee. Sheila Bach (Langley Hill) reported for the Naming Committee. This committee brings forward the following names of Friends to serve on the Search Committee: In the Class of 2005, Janet Eaby (04) (Nottingham); and in the Class of 2007, Helena Cobban (04) (Charlottesville); and David Hines (04) (Richmond).

Y2004—64 Search Committee. Ann Marie Moriarty (Adelphi) reported for the Search Committee. This committee brings forward the name of John Mason (Alexandria) to serve on the Nominating Committee, Class of 2007.

Y2004—65 Nominating Committee. Ruth Flower (Takoma Park) presented the report of the Nominating Committee for a second reading. She noted that the request for an extension of term limits in two instances has been withdrawn. She noted that several additional names are being brought forward at this time for a first reading. These include, in addition to those listed on the printed sheet: Carol Moragus (Maury River) for the Religious Education Committee; Chuck Fager (State College) for the Peace and Social Concerns Committee; and Ann Martyn (Floyd) and Dave Lewis (Dunnings Creek) for the Friends General Conference Central Committee.

Friends approved the slate of nominations brought back for a second reading. The names brought forward today for the first time will be brought back tomorrow for a second reading.

Y2004—66 Lamar Matthew thanked Jason Eaby (Nottingham) for his skillful management of the sound system, which has made it possible for us all to hear each other during these sessions. He asked us to reconvene at 1:15 for a brief session to consider the remaining items on this morning’s agenda.

Y2004—67 Friends gathered and settled into worship.

Leo Pickens (Annapolis) read from Romans 14:1-4, reminding us to be tender with each other, and to trust each one to learn from God in his or her own way.

Y2004—68 Stewardship and Finance Committee. Marion Ballard (Bethesda), Clerk of the Stewardship and Finance Committee, presented the budget for a second reading. She recognized the members of the Committee, and thanked them for their hard work. She spoke about all the progress that has been made during the past six years in planning for the future, and attending to our financial foundations.

She reviewed changes made in the budget since the first reading. The committee is projecting an additional $6,000 in income from individual contributions, primarily in support of the intervisitation project. The line item for intervisitation has been raised from $1000 to $7000, balancing the projected increase in income. The budget for Friends in Unity with Nature has been restored to $700 from $500, balanced by a reduction in the contingency fund. The contribution to Friends General Conference has been raised from $29,600 to $31,000. The committee recommends that the $17,400 now designated for Friends United Meeting be renamed as "undesignated". Marion also noted that adjustments have been made in the camping budget to abide by restrictions on the use of the Barry Morley scholarship fund.

Friends Approved the budget as amended.

Friends Approved the proposed schedule of apportionments.

Marion asked if Friends could unite with a minute stating that the Yearly Meeting will respect the wishes of those Monthly Meetings which have asked that their portion of the 2004 budget allocation to FUM not be forwarded to FUM. The Clerk asked that this decision be referred to Interim Meeting. The Meetings will be sent a letter explaining that Interim Meeting will decide in October whether to honor requests received from Monthly Meetings wishing to have their portion of the 2004 contribution withheld. If the Yearly Meeting agrees to honor such requests, Monthly Meetings would have to make their wishes known by December 1, 2004.

Y2004—69 David Hunter (Frederick) reported that $7,940 has been raised so far toward building a new cabin for our camping program. All Friends are urged to help us reach our goal of $15,000 by the end of these sessions.

Y2004—70 Faith and Practice Revision Committee. Sheila Bach (Langley Hill) reported for the Faith and Practice Revision Committee. The committee is thrilled to be welcoming several new committee members. Friends are asked to take the four draft pages of advices and queries back to their Monthly Meetings, and create occasions within the meeting to consider them carefully. Meeting responses, concerns, and suggestions should be forwarded to Sheila Bach.

Y2004—71 Yearly Meeting Epistle. Justin Connor (Washington) reported for the Epistle Committee. He thanked the members of the committee, who have given careful attention to their work, and thanked Clerk Lamar Matthew and incoming Clerk Lauri Perman for their support. He read the draft epistle, addressing our proceedings so far. Friends who have concerns should share them with the Epistle Committee, which will be meeting over supper this evening to complete its work.

The session closed with a period of worship.

Y2004—72 Friends gathered and settled into worship.

At the table were Lamar Matthew (York), Presiding Clerk, Deborah Haines (Alexandria), Recording Clerk, and Lauri Perman (State College), Reading Clerk for the day, and incoming Presiding Clerk.

Clerk Lamar Matthew thanked Friends for their care and support as he steps down as Presiding Clerk.

Y2004—73 Margaret Stambaugh (Gettysburg) brought forward a minute of appreciation for Lamar Matthew, who has traveled tirelessly and ministered tenderly and prayerfully to us during his six years as Presiding Clerk.

Friends joined in singing "Ode to Lamar Matthew" led by the Quaker Regime Change Gospel Choir.

Miriam Green presented Lamar Matthew with a photograph as a memento of his service, and a book in which Friends have written messages to him this week.

Y2004—74 Lamar Matthew read a message to Friends:

My Dear Friends:

It’s been six years since you have called me before you as your Clerk. We have done some wandering in that time. We’ve sent our tents at Chambersburg, Ashland, and now here, at Harrisonburg.

Like the Hebrew children, we have been showered with manna—holy refreshment—along our journey. I must admit, I have never felt big enough for the task of guiding this band of God’s children. It has been you my Friends who have carried me, pushing aside the brambles along those rough and rocky paths. Your prayers have made possible safe passage as we stepped through thorny issues. I am grateful for your tender mercy on your feeble servant.

Every Clerk should have a row of blessed crones, and I have had mine. They have been my mother, my sisters, my guiding lights. I am ever grateful for their steadfast love and care. Thank you Friends.

We are all strengthened by those who sit next to us, and I have been blessed with two able and eloquent Recording Clerks. Their clear words have been music to my weary ears.

Y2004—75 Nominating Committee. Ruth Flower (Takoma Park) reported for the Nominating Committee. Friends approved the names brought forward for a second reading:

Ruth Flower presented two names for a first reading, as follows:

Advancement and Outreach:  Deborah Haines (Alexandria)

Education Funding Resources:  J.E. McNeil (Washington)

These will be brought to Interim Meeting for approval.

Ruth Flower announced that the Nominating Committee has developed a process for naming Young Adult Friends to attend the World Gathering of Young Friends in England next summer. Baltimore Yearly Meeting will have two official representatives, and may send more. Travel funds may be available. Friends are asked to consider whether there are any young adults in their meetings who might be called to this service.

Ruth read the names being brought forward of Friends to serve on the Baltimore Yearly Meeting delegation to the FUM Triennial in 2005.

Howard Fullerton (Sandy Spring)

Rich Liversedge (Sandy Spring)

Walter Fry (West Branch)

Ron Akins (Bethesda)

Lamar Matthew (York)

Betsy Meyer (Sandy Spring)

Lauri Perman (State College)

Marcy Seitel (Adelphi)

Susan Vanderhoff (Baltimore, stony Run)

Rosalind Zuses (Sandy Spring)

Alternates:

Ken Stockbridge (Patapsco)

These names will come before Interim Committee in October for approval. Howard Fullerton reminded us that we will need to be prepared to name one of these delegates to the Triennial Nominating Committee, and another to the New Business Committee.

Y2004—76 Search Committee. Ann Marie Moriarty (Adelphi) reported for the Search Committee. Friends approved the name of John Mason (Alexandria) to serve on the Nominating Committee, class of 2007.

Y2004—77 Naming Committee. Sheila Bach (Langley Hill) reported for the Naming Committee. Friends approved the following names of Friends to serve on the Search Committee:

Y2004—79 Yearly Meeting Epistle. Clerk Lamar Matthew thanked Justin Connor (FMW), Elizabeth DuVerlie (Baltimore, Stony Run), and Kathryn Smith (Maury River) for their faithful service on this year’s Epistle Committee. Justin Connor and Elizabeth DuVerlie read the draft epistle. Friends asked that a closing paragraph be added thanking Lamar Matthews for his years of service as Clerk. Friends approved the Epistle with this addition, with a deep sense of gratitude.

Y2004—80 Young Friends Epistle. Linnea Meyer (Stony Run) and Analee Flower Horne (Sandy Spring and Takoma Park) read the Young Friends Epistle, recounting as a "madlib" their adventures during this past year. Friends received their epistle with thanks.

Y2004—81 Junior Young Friends Epistle. Callan Rain (Adelphi) read the epistle of the Junior Young Friends, who had a wonderful week here at our annual sessions. We received their epistle with gratitude.

Y2004—82 Program Committee. Liz Hofmeister (Bethesda) reported that the Annual Session will be held here at James Madison University next year, from July 25-31, 2005. [Editor's Note: Changed to August 1-7, 2005 after the Session.]

Dave Greene reported for the Bookstore that receipts were down slightly from last year, but expenditures per attender increased by ten cents, to $23.14 apiece.

Y2004—83 Rebecca Rawls (Langley Hill) presented the Registrar’s report. [See Program Committee Report]

Y2004—84 Friends expressed their thanks to Norman Williams for the beautiful gladiolas that have graced the dining room. We expressed our warm appreciation to the cafeteria and conference staff, and to our own Yearly Meeting staff who have kept these sessions running smoothly.

Y2004—85 Sheila Bach (Langley Hill) reminded Friends to carry back to their Meetings a copy of the booklet on Meeting facilities, and the compilation of Meeting minutes prepared by the Ad Hoc Committee on Gender and Sexual Diversity Concerns.

Frank Massey, General Secretary, reminded us that the next Interim Meeting will be held at Goose Creek Meeting on October 30, 2004.

Y2004—86 Closing Minute. Lamar Matthew read the Clerk’s closing minute:

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Haines, Recording Clerk