Dear Friends,

Before I was called to be your pastor, I was called to pray for your church.  I went to your website to see if there was anything that I could pray for specifically.  On the banner pictures rotated in and out.  One of the pictures was of people from the meeting carrying a sign that read, “Peace is Patriotic.”  I found out later that this was our stance in the town parade four or five years ago.  I liked the sign and thought a lot of reflection might have gone into it.  What is patriotic today?

Our responses to patriotism and the Fourth of July during this time of unrest in America reminds us of the early roots of Quakerism. Early Quakers in America viewed patriotism primarily through a lens of conscience rather than militarism. While they often supported the patriot cause non-militarily through boycotts and taxes, their absolute pacifism caused major internal rifts. They defined patriotism by pioneering civil rights, equality, and religious freedom. This early relationship with country was defined by the intersection of our religious testimonies and the demands of the American Revolution. Early Quaker beliefs explicitly forbid taking up arms, taking oaths, paying war taxes,  or participating in the war as a person in the militia. During the American Revolution, this put Quakers in a highly contentious position regarding traditional expectations for patriotism, to do all that one can for one’s country including fighting and paying taxes. Established meetings, like the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, heavily discouraged members from signing loyalty oaths, serving in militias, paying war taxes, or even accepting Continental currency.  This made them targets of people claiming Quakers were British sympathizers. Some Quakers were cast out and forced to live in Virginia by the colonists. However, they were in a dilemma. If a person in such a meeting that had taken  a stance on participating in the American Revolution did participate by paying taxes or serving in the American militia, they were frequently “read” out of the meeting, (had their memberships taken away and were shunned from fellowship) thus their communities.  These decisions had many harsh consequences.

It is no easier or less important today as our nation is at war and many of our Constitutional rights are being re-interpreted or ignored.  How do we as Quakers respond to the White Nationalism spreading in our country?  So many, including our meeting, avoid political stances where people are named or parties are designated.  But as we face these onslaughts, how do we stand for peace?  In what ways are we being patriotic?  In what ways are we avoiding or accepting a duty to respond?  How much reflection do we put into interacting with our nation today?

Today as in yesteryears, standing for peace, equality, integrity, simplicity, community and stewardship at a time when all of these tenets are being challenged, is one way to be patriotic.  It was patriotic for all of you who showed up for PRIDE community night last Saturday at the Lutheran Church. Because you showed up, equality, peace, integrity and community were all honored, and I very much appreciate your making that a successful night in Klamath Falls.  The children who participated learned what it means to be in community with all people.  A step towards community and equality was taken, and I thank all of you who participated in any way.  By  large, our SPICES directly impact how we show our patriotism.  Truly we can make peace patriotic, equality and community as well with our choices and what we support in our community.

There are many announcements this week as we go into a new month.  Don’t forget that our annual picnic is on August 16 at Moore Park.  There will be worship through play and through fellowship with one another.  It is always a very fun time, and it is fine to come to the annual picnic even if you haven’t attended a meeting for worship in years.

Attached is a newsletter for the local pantry of which we are a part.  Please bring kid-friendly foods to the church house and let’s fill the table again this month with these needed foods and laundry detergents or bars of soap.   The pantry does not use its donations to go toward hygiene items, and these are necessary for people from all around town. So your donation of meals for kids and hygiene products are greatly appreciated. (Kid-friendly foods include breakfast bars, cereal, peanut butter, jelly or jam, chunky soups and Chef Boyardee foods.)

Joe and I will be away next week.  We are going to the Sierra Cascades Yearly Meeting’s annual session.  (There is still time for you to participate.  You can register for in-person, but also zoom participation in the Portland event.  Go to https://www.scymfriends.org/sessions to find out more and to register.)  One thing I will be doing is presenting a proposal to be acted on in the business meeting.  The proposal is for a grant system of $500 – $2500 to be set up for church projects for help with churches that belong to SCYMF.  Please hold us in the Light as you pray this week.  Because we will be gone, Brion Pinkerton will bring the message.  Brion is a fantastic and interesting speaker, and you showing up for worship on July 12 would be very much appreciated!

We have several Friends who are dealing with depression, death in their family, job loss, and family and friends who are ill or in dire situations.  Many are also traveling during the summer break. Please take time to worship each day and hold them all in the Light.  Your prayers are appreciated.

With joy,

Leigh