Dear Friends,

Like the blooms opening up on the trees, the activity level at Klamath Falls Friends Church is reviving as well.  Yesterday Jay and I saw a kite being flown in Medford.  It made me appreciate the beauty of spring and heightened my regard for the wind.  I was in the car and did not feel the moving air, but I could see the kite afloat and watched its beautiful tail of ribbons slap in the breeze.  Like Spirit we may not see the wind, but we can see the kite and know that there is a breeze.  That is similar to watching the growing activity in the church.  As spring begins, we begin being busier and more active, anxious even, to get out and do things or go places.There are several very important items that need your attention and many activities in the church that need your participation.

              This Sunday has several things that you can be a part of and that need and rely on your participation.  The first is Bible Study this week at 9 AM.  We are going through the book of Philippians, briefly discussing what comes up for us as we read the texts.  There is no judgment or judgmental language.  Just an upbeat scripture that calls on us to hear it, each in our own unique ways.

              This Sunday is also worship at 10:00.  The bulletin is attached.   This is Palm Sunday, and we will nurture feelings of the freshness of spring and the joy of little children playing near the street.  Come and enjoy with us as we worship.

              This Sunday we will also have a letter writing session that will be held at 11-12.  We will be writing letters to our senators and representatives about how our local issues are being impacted by the changes in the new administration.  There will be at least three different models of letters, if you need one to help ease the writing process.  Or maybe you already know what you want to say.  Each person will write to the person they want to write to and discuss the issues that affect them the most.

            There are ongoing activities as well that need your attention.  Attached you will also find a copy of the minutes from the last Monthly Business Meeting.  

           You may notice that we are putting together a new directory.  Do you have any strong feelings about wanting to be included or excluded from a public directory?  In it will be names, addresses, phone numbers and emails.  Let me know by responding here if you want to be included or excluded from the new directory.

              It is also time for Pastor Evaluations.  The evaluations are on paper this year and need to be returned to the church.  There is a green box with “Evaluations” written on it in big black letters for you to put your confidential responses in. You will find both the forms and the box on the blue covered table next to the pastors’ office at the church. The evaluations themselves are quite simple —  eight questions to scale 1-5 for both pastors, and one place each for comments.  It is very important that you let us know what is and what isn’t working for you so that we can best serve you.  It is important to have these back by May 11 for M&C to go over and make a report for the May Meeting for Business.

              As the weather beckons us to come outdoors and walk, we can do so for other people.  There is a packet of information on this year’s NAMI Klamath Walk.  NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI provides support and information for families affected by mental illness.  Maybe we can have a group from the church to walk together this year.  The walk itself is not very long. It is from the courthouse to the Commons Park. It will take place on May 17 from 11-2.  The forms are out on the entry table so that you can get sponsors for the walk.  So please sign up.  Get sponsors.  Let’s together make a difference in our community.  The forms and more information are on the entry table at the church.  (Please read and listen to Sue’s words on this wonderful event below.)

              Also, The Ross Ragland Theater is offering a free Western Heritage event in the evening of Friday, April 18th, and all day Saturday April 19th. It will include Klamath Art Association artworks, the Oregon Poet Laureate, dancing, traveling and local musicians, artists, speakers, films and Cowboy Poet Rick Steber. Check the RRT website for more information and the event schedule!!

              As I have said, I want to let this newsletter also be about other people’s voices than my own.  Today I ask you read and listen to the following words by Sue Graves.

Blessings, Sweet Friends,

Leigh

     Hello! This is Sue Graves. 

     I have been on the Board of our local National Alliance on Mental Illness affiliate since 1993. This cause is important to me because I have friends and family members who have struggled with mental illness, and I was employed as a Case Worker at Klamath County Mental Health for 21 years. 

      NAMI is a grass-roots organization, founded in the 70s by parents seeking services for their loved ones. NAMI promotes and provides support, education and understanding for the public. It is an all-volunteer organization; we teach classes, work with law enforcement and local agencies, offer support groups and share information at public events. One of NAMI’s platforms is to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

      NAMI’s worldwide annual fundraiser is called the NAMI WALK, taking place in Klamath Falls on Saturday, May 17th. Registration will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Klamath County Courthouse. From there we will walk with signs as a group to the Klamath Commons Park at 1112 Main Street. Once we arrive at the park, we’ll enjoy ice cream sundaes and guest speakers, and we’ll be awarding lots of prizes!

      I have placed NAMI WALK information on the table in the KFF lobby. Please consider creating a walking group (each walker needs to complete an application form), seeking donations from those you know, or donating to NAMI yourself. All donations are tax-deductible.

      Thank you! Sue Graves

Other Announcements

·       April 20 – 9:00 — Peace and Social Concerns

·       April 20 – 10:00 – Easter

·       April 27 – 11:00 – Meeting for Business

·       May 4 – Circle of Friends – “Growing Our Community”

(You may come in at 11:00 if you are not coming to open worship)

·       May 11 – Pastor Evaluations are Due in the Box

·       May 19 – Sarah to Lead the Book Group – Quaker Ecology