All posts by Ken Stockbridge

Memorials

Memorial Meeting for Susan Rose, 1938-2009

On 5/10/2009, Patapsco Friends Meeting held a called meeting for worship to celebrate the life of Susan Norris Rose, a founding member of our Meeting and our first clerk.  The picture banner at the top of our website is from that memorial, held in front of Hebron House.  A memory book was prepared for the occasion, and a special issue of the Quaker Heron was also published on that day.  Introductory remarks will be added to this post as way opens.  Also her memorial minute by Patapsco is below.

Susan Norris Rose, May 4, 1938-April 1, 2009

On May 10, 2009, three Meetings—Patapsco Friends, Sandy Spring Friends, and South Mountain Friends Fellowship—celebrated the life of Susan Norris Rose. We have been enriched by her loving energy, and study, practice, and teaching of Quakerism. While she is missed, her gifts to Friends will remain.

Susan Norris was born in Pittsburgh, to Lois Ashworth and Frank Newkirk Norris. In her early years, Susan was an avid and enthusiastic Girl Scout. After nine years of Scouting she was honored by her selection to All-States Encampment in Wyoming, and after ten years of Scouting she was sent as an international Senior Scout to Jamaica.

She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in philosophy. Jim Rose, another Cornell graduate, entered her life, and they married in 1964. After a year and a half in India, they moved to Baltimore, where Susan continued her education. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s degree in psychology. Her career was full of change and variety, as she advanced from historian to scholar, to world traveler, to researcher in language acquisition, to real estate agent, to owner of and artisan at Artists and Framers, to publisher.

Susan brought great energy and joy to mothering her two sons. Joshua was born in 1966, and Andy in 1967. Andy introduced Quakerism to Susan when he attended Camp Onas. Joshua and his wife Renata O’Conner-Rose gave the Roses a grandson, Benjamin, in 2002.

In 1990, after attending a Quaker wedding, Susan started attending worship at Sandy Spring Friends Meeting in Sandy Spring, Maryland. Her life was changed. Of Friends meeting she wrote, “Nowhere else in my life am I so present, so alive. I am lifted up, better than I ever was. This is God and His People’s gift to me: the gift of preemptive love that gathers and binds me to the people called Friends.” Her studies of Quaker history and practice led her to offer instruction to others as her spirituality blossomed. In 1996, Susan joined several others to form a new Howard County Friends Worship Group and she served as its first clerk. That group grew and matured to become Patapsco Friends Meeting, which became a Monthly Meeting in 2002.

Serving Quakers became first nature to her. Within the framework of Patapsco Friends Meeting, she taught many sessions of Quaker 101, served on committees, cooked lunches, began a library, organized retreats, created a labyrinth from clothesline and stakes, and nurtured the meeting with regular messages during worship. Over her sixteen years of Quaker activity, Susan served on the board at Friends House; edited newsletters for Friends Peace Teams and the Sierra Club; studied and taught AVP at Patuxent Institution in Jessup.

One attender shares his first impression of Susan: “I saw her huge smile, and was nearly knocked down! I witnessed integrity, open mindedness and a willingness to think long and hard about her own beliefs. I was impressed. I figured if she could do that, so would I.”

In April 2004, an inmate from Maryland Correctional Institute in Hagerstown, MD wrote to Patapsco Friends requesting aid in starting a Friends Meeting at the prison. Susan was led to take on this ministry, as, she reported, “I woke up thinking about [him] and it was clear to me that [he] had made a very simple request…it was clear and compelling.” Deeply committed to the new South Mountain Friends Fellowship, Susan spent uncountable hours in her final years on the prison ministry. After organizing a group of Patapsco Friends to volunteer for the visits to the Hagerstown prison, two by two each Saturday, Susan herself was one of the two more often than not. In addition, she supported “the guys” by writing inspirational letters to them between visits.

Susan was an ardent reader, and her spiritual life was reflected in the writers she loved and quoted at Meeting. She had a deep respect for the life and writings of John Woolman and was instrumental in starting a Woolman discussion group which met for 4 years. Susan delighted in sharing her knowledge of Woolman’s life and his approach to dealing with a wide range of life’s situations, and his diligent application of Quaker values. In particular, Susan is remembered as beaming and rejoicing during the reading of the following passage from Woolman’s epistle for Friends in the back settlements of North Carolina:

“Where people let loose their minds after the love of outward things, and are more engaged in pursing the profits and seeking the friendships of this world, than to be inwardly acquainted with the way of true peace, they walk in a vain shadow, while the true comfort of life is wanting. Their examples are often hurtful to others; and their treasures thus collected do many times prove dangerous snares to their children.

“But where people are sincerely devoted to follow Christ, and dwell under the influence of His Holy Spirit, their stability and firmness, through a divine blessing, is at times like dew on the tender plants round about them, and the weightiness of their spirits secretly works on the minds of others. In this condition, through the spreading influence of divine love, they feel a care over the flock, and way is opened for maintaining good order in the Society….”

Susan loved the poertry of Hafiz:

When one can surrender the illusion, the crutch,
of Free Will,
Though still live—for the benefit of others–
The highest of moral
Codes

She loved Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount from Matthew:

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they
shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God….”

And Paul from First Corinthians: “Love is patient and kinds, envies no one, is never boastful, never conceited, never rude, never selfish…”

Her diagnosis of lymphoma and attendant trials of treatments and disabilities began in 1994, soon after her discovery of Quakers. Of this, Susan said, “Without doubt, these 15 years I have been given are the most important years of my life. My diagnosis…awakened [me] to the joy of being on a spiritual journey, a journey to the Center…I have been blessed to learn to seek the loving kindness that binds us each to the other. I have been blessed to feel its power to bring me peace. All is well.”

Patapsco

Spiritual State of the Meeting Report, 2007

On March 10, Patapsco Friends Meeting received the Spiritual State of the Meeting report from the South Mountain Friends Fellowship, which meets at Maryland Correctional Institute-Hagerstown under the care of our meeting. The report indicated that the Fellowship was celebrating its second anniversary, with nine MCI attenders who are joined each Saturday by some of the nine members from PFM who support the Fellowship. The report included the query:

“How does a man in the dark prison environment follow his leadings, adhere to the foundations of his faith and live in the Light? . . . The men at South Mountain Friends Fellowship are grateful for the path that has remained lit for us, and for others to follow.”

The first wedding under the care of Patapsco Friends was held in good order on March 17 at Sandy Spring Friends Meeting House. Jamie Moloney and Carolyn Boylan were wed before a gathering of more than 100 friends and family. This was a profound opportunity for us to learn the ways of Quaker practice, and it was an emotional and spiritual introduction to Quakerism for the many guests and attenders at that meeting.

In April, PFM held its spring retreat at Sandy Spring Community House featuring a “Leadings Workshop” presented by Pat Schenck from Annapolis Meeting to help explore paths that our lives may take. We had opportunity at that gathering to get to know each other better in worship sharing, in playing games, and in attempting yogic postures.

Interest in writing, be it poetry or prose, grew out of this workshop. A Friend was led to begin a “Writing as Worship” group in the hopes we would be led spiritually deeper in our writing, as well as to explore the intersection of writing and spirituality.

Led by the spiritual rewards many garnered from meditative walking, two Friends completed a 50’ diameter model of the Santa Rosa Labyrinth, constructed of clothesline and nails, on the lawn adjacent to our Meeting at Mt. Hebron House. Not only was this a gift to Patapsco Friends, but served to make a connection between the Presbyterians and ourselves on a common project.

With the assistance of our Religious Education Committee, our young Friends have requested individual clearness committees focusing on the beginning of their life’s journey as Quakers. Each committee consists of a combination of young and older PFM participants, and the young Friends are given a copy of our Faith and Practice as a suggested guide.

Following on the theme of supporting the youth in meetings, we hosted Chesapeake Quarterly Meeting in September. Adult and youth members from several meetings in CQM participated in the afternoon session entitled “Nurturing Young Quaker Lights—Beyond Religious Education.” Participants were encouraged to address four queries: How do children and youth fit into Friends Meetings? What activities do our Meetings provide for our youth outside First Day School? How do we integrate them into the full life of the Meeting? How do we prepare young people to move out into the world as Friends and become part of the larger Quaker community?

In September PFM held a day of silent meditation, prayer and fasting for peace and social justice at Mt. Hebron House. This is a time of spiritual significance and renewal for many traditions, marked by Yom Kippur, Ramadan and the United Nations International Day of Peace. While attendance was limited, Friends who were able to come had occasion for deep centering.

Under the care of the meeting, a Friend’s leading called “Cooking for Peace” combined the essential ingredients of vegetarian/vegan cooking instruction and fund raising for causes centered on global peace. These workshops have provided a focus for work that feels both meaningful and valuable to others. Cooking for Peace has been a way to acknowledge that none of us can do it alone, but by working together we can make a difference.

The Quaker Crafts Group grew out of a successful prayer shawl ministry class. Those few who participate find it to be a warm, friendly environment to work on projects and visit with Friends.

Encouraged by our Peace and Social Justice Committee we considered major world issues. The topic of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict revealed divisions and cleavages within the meeting which require deep spiritual searching for resolution and healing. That process continues.

Patapsco Friends Meeting’s Bible Study, initiated in 2003 with Friends in Christ, meets twice a month at a member’s home. The group studies a parallel text version of the three synoptic gospels, and using Approaching the Gospels Together by Mary Morrison as a guide, Biblical commentary and additional translations bring Light to Jesus’ life and words. Numbering about six members, the group has become cohesive and caring, with discussions that range far and go deep.

On the second and fourth Sundays after Simple Meal several Friends gathered to read and ponder John Woolman’s Journal. This is truly a spiritual journey into the mind of a Quaker saint who challenges us to live in the Light.

In October and November Patapsco Friends met once a week for a discussion of the six Quaker Quest pamphlets on God, Worship, Pacifism, Evil, Simplicity, and Jesus. Each pamphlet collected the thoughts of twelve ordinary British Quakers. We spent an hour discussing the ideas presented in the pamphlets and a second hour in rich worship sharing reflecting on how our lives were touched by the messages in the pamphlets. Those in attendance at these sessions felt we began to ‘know each other in that which is eternal’.

The Nominating Committee spoke to all members and attenders in the autumn to discern both how they felt they could serve the meeting best, and how the meeting is serving their spiritual needs. While there was heartfelt affirmation of the care of the meeting, some Friends wished for more. We anticipate that our Spring Retreat in 2008 will focus further on how the meeting can function as a spiritual community.

South Mountain

Spiritual State of the Meeting – South Mountain 2007

For three continuous years South Mountain Friends Fellowship has provided a source of Light for both those imprisoned at the Maryland Correctional Institution of Hagerstown (MCIH), and for those visitors who attend SMFF at this Maryland state prison located in Washington County, Maryland. This is the third Annual Report by South Mountain Friends Fellowship.

Friends from Patapsco Friends Meeting at Mt. Hebron House, Ellicott City, Md., (PFM), were led to establish a place of Quaker Worship & Fellowship at MCIH based on a request by a prisoner confined at the prison. Now three years later PFM continuously provides the support, care and guidance required for the meeting to exist, which is held every seventh day (Saturday) from 9:30 – 11 AM. A viable place of Quaker Worship & Fellowship has sprung forth in this prison of over 2100 men.

As South Mountain Friends Fellowship entered 2007 discussions focused on an agenda (goals) for the year. Some members proposed that the meeting allot specific time for reading Biblical scripture while the majority was moved to designate at portion of the meeting to read and review a segment from the Religious Society of Friends Faith and Practice each weak. The experience has proven to be beneficial, enabling the members at MCIH to be more knowledgeable and identify with the ways of the larger Quaker (Friends) community. Many of the prisoners who attend SMFF seek to know more about the Quaker (Friends) community and combined with the reading and follow-up dialog with those Friends from PFM, this is being accomplished as these visitors bring an extensive wealth of knowledge. The reading and reviewing of the Faith and Practice will continue through this calendar year. Some members have expressed interest in forwarding input to the Faith & Practice revision committee in reference to the Queries, Advises and Listening for consideration. South Mountain does accommodate and welcomes biblical scripture and/or passages as members are lead to share. An equal opportunity remains available for discussion of issues and topics important to the meeting. One such lingering query is if SMFF attenders could become recognized members of PFM, or other meetings.

During the Summer of this past year SMFF was unable to assemble from mid-June through July due to a combination of a lockdown of the prison following disturbances on the compound and residual concerns for security by the Warden. Each individual had to endure the lengthy lockdown and struggle with the absence of meeting to which all have become accustomed to for their spiritual growth. The lockdown and suspension of meeting for SMFF also affected those from PFM. Fortunately, SMFF worship resumed and everyone shared their own experiences which facilitated a time to heal and permitted the inner light to shine.

As a diverse group in this prison environment, SMFF members attempt to make a better community with their daily lives and contributions. Support for activities and interest include, Meeting on seventh day (Saturday) for SMFF, Prisoners Against Teen Tragedy, (a youth diversion and community education program), Recycling, Teaching others via the Luabach Literacy Tutoring program, the Jaycees, A.V.P., and the Veterans group at MCIH. In addition, each man maintains a prison job assignment some-where within the prison compound.

On February 2, 2008, in recognition of the 3rd Anniversary a celebration was held at the prison. Once again the prison administration permitted everyone to assemble for this special gathering. In attendance were six visiting Friends from Patapsco Meeting, one visiting Friend from Deer Creek, and seven men from the prison who regularly attend. Silent worship, AVP based activities, singing and the availability of refreshments made for a memorable celebration.

As the fourth year gets underway here behind the imposing stone walls of this prison, surrounded by miles of chain-linked fences topped with razor wire, we hope that SMFF is able to provide a prominent beacon for others. The journey is one of enlightenment and can indeed be life changing for all those who are able to experience Quaker worship and fellowship.

And finally, closing out 2007, SMFF would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all who help to make this experience possible at the Maryland Correctional institution of Hagerstown.
Thank You.
South Mountain Friends Fellowship Attenders
March 15th, 2008.