Dunnings Creek Friends Meeting Interchange Reports
Spring 2020 Interchange
Life chugs along here at Dunnings Creek. Our little Quaker Museum, at the former Fishertown Friends Meeting House, brought us to light for many folks in the area. There were quite a number of people interested in seeing what we are all about.
Because of that we have welcomed a new member, Roxy Stigers. We are more than happy to have her join our little Quaker community, and Roxy returns the feeling. Also, we enjoy the faithfulness of attenders and a sojourner couple, from Falls Monthly Meeting, PYM, all of who enlighten and lighten our little Meeting.
Our Christmas Eve Service once again is a special time for many who don’t usually come to meeting—if at all, but find this magical night to be a yearly pilgrimage. As the years go on, some feel freer to share their vocal ministries. We collected substantial funds to be used for buying healthy, organic food supplies from a distributor for children in need in the local school districts for the holiday time while not in school. Our sojourner Friend, Cheryl Vieth organized, and facilitated this endeavor.
Dunnings Creek worked along with other churches in the area that are trying to bring a truthful awareness of the immigration situation to our very conservative county. In particular, we concentrated over the holidays on the tragic situation of children separated from their parents or guardians. There is a Peace Tree, a white pine, in our county seat that quietly grows next to the courthouse. At times it has been decorated by our Meeting with doves and other peace symbols for the holidays. This year we strung little toy cars on the tree with a sign that said, “If you really want a car, please take it, play with it for a while, and then give it to a friend.” We also strung many gold and silver painted wooden stars amongst the cars. Another sign said,” These stars are for all the children who will not be spending Christmas with their families. We hold them in the Light.”
We are aware that this may be a subtle message to many of you, but for us in a very conservative, rural county in Pennsylvania, it is a step toward awareness.
Winter 2013 Interchange
We mourn the loss of our dear Friend, Jeff Leber, who came to our Meeting with a love for seeking and learning. He was an inspiration to us all as he dealt with his cancer, and then gracefully passed on.
Dunnings Creek Meeting has been busy reviewing new and different avenues for outreach in the surrounding community. We are also in the process of planning and getting ready to construct a meditation labyrinth on the side of the Meeting House that is rarely used. All are welcome to come and explore our new project when it is completed. Stay tuned for the “grand opening” announcement. Who knows, “if we build it, they may come.” Christmas Eve came with snow and ice, but several families braved the elements for a cozy and intimate Meeting, sharing musical gifts and reading and of course good food.
Winter 2012 Interchange
We have enjoyed a healthy attendance accompanied with interesting and though-provoking adult discussions for First Day. Even though many of our long-standing members were away for the holiday, our Christmas Eve was small but warm and intimate. We will miss our long time Friends of Holly and Gene Coia who have headed off to New Orleans seeking their new chapter in life. However, we are very happy to welcome our newest addition, Bennet Elizabeth Spitzer-Koontz, born January 18 to Heather Koontz and Todd Spitzer.
