202nd Session (2022)

The 202nd session of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting was held June 8-12, 2022 on the campus of Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. The theme was “Embrace the Healing Power of Community”.


Sixth Month 16, 2022, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

1. Opening Worship: Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting gathered in centering worship at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio for its 202nd annual session.

2. Welcome: The clerk, Rachel Ernst Stahlhut, greeted Friends assembled for the 202nd session of the Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting, expressing appreciation for being able to meet in person again.

3. Land Acknowledgement: The clerk acknowledged that the land where we are meeting once belonged to the Shawnee and Miami peoples, with prayers of sorrow for the genocide of these peoples and for the well-being of their descendants. She also acknowledged the stolen profits incurred by our nation and our community at the expense of the enslavement and discrimination against people of African descent, which sustains a persistent gap in wealth and well-being. She asked the Divine Light that is in each of us to illumine and transform this body as we undertake the work of decolonization and anti-racism.

4. Clerk’s Introduction: The clerk introduced the theme of this year’s sessions, Embrace the Healing Power of Community, and noted the great challenges in our world that have prevented our meeting in person for the past two years as well as the hardships and grief that have touched all our lives. The clerk noted that part of our work as a community this week will be to rediscover how Quakers do our work together. Friends may need to be reminded of the Quaker processes during business meetings as we have not met in person for so long. Challenges of meeting in a hybrid manner were acknowledged, and Friends were asked for patience as the technology is worked out.

5. Roll Call of Representatives: The recording clerk called the roll of monthly meetings. A list of Friends who identified themselves over the course of the sessions as designated representatives of their respective monthly meetings is appended to these minutes. [Included on page 17.]

6. Introductions: The clerk asked Friends to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom. She then explained the color-coded method for Zoom attenders to indicate approval, a wish to speak, a question, or a stop.

7. Gratitude to Youth Workers: The clerk expressed gratitude to Adam Funck who will be working with the youth group, and the staff (Lupe Witte Raab, Maria Hernandez, and Paz Santana) who will be working with the younger children.

8. Appointment of Visitor to youth business meeting: The clerk asked for a volunteer to visit the youth during their business meeting. Nikki Coffey Tousley volunteered.

9. Agenda Review: The clerk presented the agenda and noted that adjustments may be made as needed. Friends approved the proposed agenda.

10. Epistle Summary: Rick Boyce noted that the full text of the epistles received by Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting over the past year are on display for interested Friends. He presented the summary of Epistles received by Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting. The summary highlighted some common themes including the challenges faced by Quakers today, and what our Quaker faith can provide in an uncertain world. Some yearly meetings met in person while others were online or hybrid. Issues that were frequently addressed included racism, acknowledgment of land formerly inhabited by indigenous peoples, challenges of declining membership, and human impacts on the environment and climate change. The full text of the Epistle Summary will be included in the Minute Book. [Included on page 19.] Friends accepted this report.

11. State of Society: Nikki Coffey Tousley presented the Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting State of Society report, which summarized the individual reports of the monthly meetings. Meetings have faced both challenges and opportunities of online and hybrid meetings. Hybrid meetings have allowed isolated Friends to participate in worship, but some had difficulty feeling connected through technology. Many have worked to name the role of race and privilege in our lives. Several meetings experienced growth in numbers, but welcoming families with children has been a challenge. Meetings with declining numbers experienced difficulty with upkeep of meetinghouses. Working through conflicts in meetings has been painful, but Friends lifted up the importance of integrity and truthfulness. Friends accepted this State of Society report. [Included on page 94.]

12: Nominating Committee Initial Report: Paul Buckley presented the initial report from Nominating Committee, and asked for additional volunteers to write the Yearly Meeting Epistle. He noted that the Assistant Treasurer position has been extremely difficult to fill, but that Cathy Habschmidt has agreed to step in as an assistant treasurer, while David Garman is willing to convene the Budget and Finance Committee to fulfill these responsibilities. Paul asked for volunteers to serve on the Epistle Committee with Jane Stowe. Barry Zalph and Peter Hardy volunteered. Paul noted the great need for more Friends to serve on the Young Adult Committee, the Children’s Committee, the Planning Committee, and the Youth Services Committee. He emphasized the importance of our youth committees to the future of the Religious Society of Friends. There are no continuing members serving on the Friends Music Camp committee, which has been an important ministry of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting for our youth. Susan Lee Barton also made a plea for Friends to consider others in their meetings who could serve as a representative to one of the Friends organizations.

13: Statistician’s Report: Frank Huss presented the report, and asked that statisticians at each monthly meeting review the report and make sure the numbers are correct. There is a discrepancy of one member that was not identified. The total number of members of the Yearly Meeting has decreased from 492 to 472 in the past year. There are two meetings that have dual membership with another yearly meeting, Eastern Hills and Campus meeting. It was noted that Rex Sprouse worked with Frank to prepare the report. Friends accepted the report. [Included on page 30.]

14. Introduction to the Consent Agenda: In order to free up space on the agenda for business meeting sessions, the clerk introduced a recommendation to accept a number of written reports that appear in the Reports in Advance without discussion on the floor of the Yearly Meeting. If there are concerns or a need for discussion regarding any of the reports, Friends are advised to let the clerk know ahead of time. These reports included the following:

  • Abuse Prevention Policy (Susan Lee Barton)
  • Web Administrator (Daniel Day)
  • Earthcare (David Duvall)
  • Children’s Committee (Hannah Branson)
  • Personnel Committee (Steve Angell, Dinah Duvall)
  • Braddock Fund (Christine Snyder, Wilhelmina Branson, Steve Angell)
  • Quaker Quill (Cecilia Shore)
  • Friends for LGBTQ Concerns (Beth Rosen)
  • Quaker Earthcare Witness (Allen McGrew)
  • Friends World Committee for Consultation (Anne Hutchinson)
  • Executive Committee (Rachel Ernst Stahlhut)
  • American Friends Service Committee (Jana Schroeder)

Friends were asked to read these Reports in Advance and contact the individual who wrote the report if they have any questions.

15. Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes for this session were read, corrected and approved.

16. Closing Worship: The session closed at 4:41pm with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene Sixth Month 9, 2022, at 10:00am.

Sixth Month 9, 2022, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

17. Opening worship: Friends gathered at the appointed hour in centering worship.

18. Clerk’s Introduction: The clerk welcomed Friends to the second day of annual sessions, with some reminders that our business meetings are a spiritual process and that we are seeking divine guidance in our proceedings. She also reminded Friends to say their name when they are recognized to speak.

19. Roll Call of Representatives: The clerk called for representatives from monthly meetings not previously recorded to introduce themselves. A list of Friends who identified themselves over the course of the sessions as designated representatives of their respective monthly meetings is appended to these minutes. [Included on page 17.]

20. Introductions: The clerk asked all those in attendance to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom.

21. Travel Minute: The clerk read a travel letter for David and Susan Hyde, who have a travel letter approved by Yellow Springs Meeting, their home meeting. They plan to travel to visit Grange Friends Meeting in Northern Ireland. David Hyde shared that Susan has family history with Hinshaw ancestry from 1716 connected with Grange Friends Meeting. Friends approved Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting’s endorsement of the travel minute.

22. Agenda Review: The clerk reviewed the agenda for the morning session, and noted a small change. Friends approved the agenda as revised.

23. Youth Services Committee Report: David Hyde presented a report from the committee. After a diligent search and interview process, the committee made the recommendation to hire Adam Funck as Youth Secretary for the Yearly Meeting. David noted that the Youth Services Committee is seeking additional members. A concern was raised about the recent reduction in paid hours for the Youth Secretary position, especially since the youth program has suffered during the past two years. It may be necessary for the Youth Secretary to visit monthly meetings to rebuild the youth program. It was also noted that reviving the youth program is the responsibility of all monthly meetings by encouraging children and youth to attend yearly meeting, not solely the Youth Secretary’s role. It was also clarified that the number of hours assigned to this staff position was based on data collected from the previous employee’s work hours before the pandemic. The committee will take this concern under advisement. In response to a question, David reported that there are currently four youth in attendance at Yearly Meeting sessions this year. The revised Youth Services job description is available for review in the Reports in Advance. [Included on page 32.] Friends enthusiastically approved hiring Adam Funck as the Youth Secretary for Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting. Friends also strongly supported the importance of strengthening our youth programs, and a heartfelt plea was heard for additional Friends to step up to join the Youth Services Committee.

24. Religious Nurture and Education: Nikki Coffey Tousley reported that part of the committee’s role is to support local meetings when struggles or conflicts occur. Many meetings need support with nurturing leadership, and a clerking workshop is planned for September 17. An annual retreat was held on the topic of Cultivating Joy and Delight, with 25 people participating. Several virtual “Front Porch” sessions were held on various topics to support the spiritual life of meetings. Friends accepted the report

25. Minute of Appreciation: Friends approved a minute to express our great appreciation for Nikki Coffey Tousley’s nine years of dedicated service on the Religious Nurture and Education Committee, including several years as clerk of the committee.

26. Records Coordinator: Susan Hyde reported that she has collected the names of the archivists at each monthly meeting, and sent out a packet to each monthly meeting. Each meeting is responsible for sending in their records to the Wilmington College Watson Library archives. The new co-coordinator for yearly meeting records is Karen Campbell. They plan to be in better touch with Wilmington College’s Quaker Heritage Center and the Clinton County Historical Society in the coming year. The report was accepted.

27. Minute of Appreciation: Friends approved a minute of heartfelt appreciation for Christine Snyder’s decades of service as Records Coordinator.

28. Friends General Conference (FGC) Visitor: Sally Weaver Sommer (Broadmeade Monthly Meeting, Lake Erie Yearly Meeting) introduced herself as the Friends General Conference Visitor. She noted that Friends General Conference is our larger Quaker body that includes many yearly meetings. The FGC annual Gathering is a time for spiritual renewal, engaging in important topics, singing, workshops, and plenary sessions. The last two Gatherings were virtual due to the pandemic, and this year’s Gathering to be held Seventh Month 3-9 will also be virtual, except for the programs for youth and young adult Friends, which will be in person. FGC’s Ministry on Racism holds a pre-Gathering retreat for Friends of color, and supports Friends in attending the White Privilege Conferences. On-line worship opportunities are available which can be found on the FGCquaker.org website. There is a Spiritual Deepening library online with many resources for meetings, including Weaving a Wider Welcome, Building a Meaningful and Connected Life, and White Supremacy resources. Year-round programs for youth are available, as well as Quakerbooks.org for many Quaker book titles. A few years ago, a structural racism assessment was completed, and an implementation committee is working on carrying out the goals. The Quaker Cloud is available for monthly meetings needing an internet presence, and Quakerfinder.org provides locations of meetings for travelers. The Friends Meetinghouse Fund is available for meetings that need to borrow funds to build or repair meetinghouses. Sally noted that during the pandemic it has been very difficult for FGC to seek nominations to FGC Central Committee, and she is available for anyone to talk with about getting more involved in FGC. The report was accepted.

29. Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes for the morning session were read, corrected, and approved.

30. Closing worship: The session closed at 12:08 pm with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene Sixth Month 9, 2022, at 3:30pm.

Sixth Month 9, 2022, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

31. Opening Worship: Friends gathered at the appointed hour in centering worship.

32. Clerk’s Introductions: The clerk welcomed Friends to the third business session of these yearly meeting sessions. She reminded Friends to wait for recognition from the clerk before speaking, and to state their name and monthly meeting when called on to speak.

33. Roll Call of Representatives: The clerk called for representatives from monthly meetings not previously recorded to introduce themselves. A list of Friends who identified themselves over the course of the sessions as designated representatives of their respective monthly meetings is appended to these minutes. [Included on page 17.]

34. Letter of Introduction: The clerk read a letter of introduction for the staff of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) who are visiting Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting sessions, Abi Rahman-Davies and Alex Frandsen. Abi and Alex are working with FCNL to strengthen connections with Friends meetings around the country to offer opportunities for action on issues of concern to Friends.

35. Introductions: The clerk asked Friends to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom.

36. Agenda Review: The clerk reviewed the afternoon’s agenda. Friends approved the agenda as proposed.

37. Faith and Practice Committee: Paul Buckley reported that the revised Faith and Practice book is currently available for free from the Yearly Meeting, but that the remaining balance in the Faith and Practice fund will be rolled over into the General Fund at the end of this fiscal year. The committee considered if it would be useful to maintain a standing committee structure for future revisions of the Faith and Practice, but felt that this discernment should be left to the gathered body. It was noted that there are steps laid out in the text of the Faith and Practice for future updates or revisions as needed. One Friend suggested that minor changes could be made to the electronic version without reprinting the book. Changes could be made with or without the oversight of a standing Faith and Practice Committee. We were reminded that the Yearly Meeting is discerning possible restructuring, and it may be in good order to wait to see how this process evolves. The clerk’s sense of the meeting was that the question of whether or not to keep a standing committee should be delayed and taken up by the Ad Hoc Restructuring Committee, and Friends approved this recommendation. Friends also approved that the current Faith and Practice Committee will be laid down with gratitude at the end of this year’s sessions.

38. Ad Hoc Restructuring Committee: Paul Buckley reported that the Ad Hoc Restructuring Committee was created at the Second Month Executive Committee meeting because of the great difficulty in filling committee positions. The current structure and staffing of the yearly meeting committees is not adequate to accomplish all the work currently before us. The Ad Hoc Committee brought forward a proposal that two or three Friends be sent to visit each constituent monthly meeting (in person or virtually). The purpose of these visits would be to listen deeply to identify the themes and priorities for the yearly meeting that emerge, and to gain a clearer vision of the work that we are genuinely called to undertake. The goal is to bring a final proposal to annual sessions in 2023. It was noted that the Religious Society of Friends, like the rest of the nation, is at a crossroads, and that the next generation needs to have a greater role in determining our future, and we need to be open to that. Friends approved the proposal that the Ad Hoc committee should initiate this listening project as well as designing the form that the visits to monthly meetings should take. The report of the Ad Hoc committee was accepted.

39. Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL): Abi Rahman-Davies and Alex Frandsen from FCNL reported that the new General Secretary of FCNL, Bridget Moix, is carrying on the important work of this organization, including anti-racism and policy work. Friends Place, formerly known as William Penn House, has re-opened and dozens of groups have scheduled use of the building. One of this year’s achievements has been the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which lapsed in 2018. FCNL worked closely with tribal leaders as this act is essential to indigenous communities. Local advocacy teams have been active in working to repeal the 2002 Authorization of Military Force, which has yielded good progress, and FCNL is active in advocating against the war in Yemen. They successfully lobbied to support the American Rescue Plan, which had a positive impact on low-income families with children through the child tax credit. A spring lobbying event was held both in person and online, and successfully brought many young adult Friends into conversation with congressional representatives. Abi and Alex welcomed questions about their work and can discuss ways to get involved in local lobbying teams. They will be leading a workshop on FCNL’s work tomorrow. Friends accepted this report.

40. Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes for this session were read, corrected and approved.

41. Closing worship: The session closed at 5:03 pm with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene Sixth Month 10, 2022, at 10:00am.

Sixth Month 10, 2022, 10:00 am – 12:15 pm

42. Opening worship: Friends gathered at the appointed hour in centering worship.

43. Clerk’s Introduction: The clerk welcomed Friends to the morning’s session. She shared some personal reflections about her preparations for the role of clerking, and invited Friends to recall the spiritual grounding for participating in a Quaker business meeting. She reminded us to listen empathetically, to be open to new truth, to be patient, to be willing to let go, and to support the decisions of the meeting.

44. Roll Call of Representatives: The clerk called for representatives from monthly meetings not previously recorded to introduce themselves. A list of Friends who identified themselves over the course of the sessions as designated representatives of their respective monthly meetings is appended to these minutes. [Included on page 17.]

45. Introductions: The clerk asked Friends present to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom. Jennifer Chase, a member of Community Friends Meeting, introduced herself as a representative from the Europe and Middle East Section of the Friends World Committee for Consultation, and she brought greetings from Swiss Yearly Meeting.

46. Agenda Review: The clerk reviewed the morning’s agenda with reports expected today. She reminded Friends about the reports on the Consent Agenda that are available in the Reports in Advance. Friends approved the agenda as presented.

47. Treasurer’s Report: Wilson Palmer noted that the yearly meeting depends primarily on the contributions from monthly meetings to meet our budgeted expenses. He noted that this will be his 14th year as treasurer of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting, and he pointed out there are a few organizations to which we contribute which have been failing to cash the checks he sends to them. These organizations will not be receiving further contributions until we hear from them. Wilson invited questions about the treasurer’s report that was provided in advance. It was noted that the new name for William Penn House is now Friends Place on Capitol Hill. In response to a question, Wilson explained that the yearly meeting currently uses two banks for our funds, PNC for a checking account, and First Merchants, where some remaining funds are being held and where we still have checks for that account. He also noted that our investments gained 33% last year, but this year the downturn in the stock market will result in a loss. The treasurer’s report was accepted with gratitude for his continuing valued service.

48. Budget & Finance: Wilson Palmer reported that the initial draft 2022-2023 budget in the Reports in Advance is based on actual income and expenses for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, and it was sent out to the Budget and Finance Committee, but never formally adopted by Budget & Finance Committee. David Garman noted that he plans to convene the Budget & Finance Committee in the coming year beginning today, and that they hope to support the treasurer’s work going forward. David Garman recommended that the treasurer’s draft should be considered the proposed budget for the coming year. The budget does include a $10,000 deficit, but we have funds in reserve which will cover deficits for a few years, so deficits do not pose an immediate problem. A question was raised about the work of Development Committee, and it was clarified that this committee has not been able to meet this year. A concern was raised about the decline in yearly meeting membership, which apparently was not taken into consideration on the income side of the budget. The current statistical report was not available to the treasurer when the initial budget was drafted. A question was raised about the recommended assessment amount (proportional share) and how that amount would be approved. The treasurer clarified that currently the proportional share is $120, and it was decided in the past not to increase that amount but to ask Development Committee to raise any additional needed funds. The treasurer explained that the final fiscal report will include income and many expenses of annual sessions (depending on when bills come in). The final report will also include expected income from monthly meetings based on the actual statistics of meeting membership. Friends approved accepting the budget in Reports in Advance [included in the Treasurer’s report beginning on page 23] as a provisional budget with the understanding that Budget and Finance Committee would finalize the budget, send it to the monthly meetings for review prior to the August Executive Committee meeting, and bring it to Executive Committee for final approval.

49. Planning Committee: Ben Griffith, Peter Hardy, Martha Viehmann, and Gloria Stearns-Bruner reported that the committee persevered in hope that yearly meeting would be able to meet in person this year. Since Earlham College was not available, they identified Mount Saint Joseph University as our site. They struggled with developing a COVID safety policy in the face of many differing perspectives, and also with the change in plans of two plenary speakers, one who withdrew, and one who will be joining us virtually. The committee continued to work faithfully through countless obstacles, supporting one another through this emotionally exhausting process. Friends expressed heartfelt and enthusiastic gratitude for the committee’s hard work and deep commitment to bringing us together in person again during this time of uncertainty. This work was a gift of the heart to our gathered body. The committee noted that there is an evaluation form, either on paper or electronically, that Friends are encouraged to complete. The committee has not heard back from Earlham College about whether the campus will be available next year. The prior work of previous Planning Committee members was lifted up and recognized with gratitude. The report was accepted with tremendous appreciation.

50. Personnel Committee: Steve Angell reported that the Personnel Committee has written contracts for the Administrative Assistant and the new Youth Secretary. A concern was raised that it has been 15 years since the yearly meeting has revised the terms of compensating our staff, and there have been great changes in the employment market since then. The job descriptions may also need to be revised to better reflect the work actually needed. Steve Angell clarified that the Youth Services Committee and Personnel Committee have indeed worked together to review and update the job description for the Youth Secretary, and that they plan to work together to consider additional changes to better meet the needs of the yearly meeting. It was noted that the Youth Services Committee also needs a better process for evaluating the work of our staff. Friends were reminded that the transition to a new Administrative Assistant included an updated job description that continues to be kept up to date, and that the Personnel Committee is doing good work. The report was accepted.

51. Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes for this session were read, corrected, and approved.

52. Closing Worship: The session closed at 11:51 am with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene Sixth Month 11, 2022, at 10:00am.

Sixth Month 11 2022, 10:00 am – 12:15 pm

53. Opening worship: Friends Friends gathered at the appointed hour in centering worship.

54. Clerk’s Introduction: The clerk welcomed Friends to the morning’s sessions. She reminded us that it is our intention to listen deeply for what is true, and to be praying for a spirit-filled outcome to our work together.

55. Roll Call of Representatives: The clerk called for representatives from monthly meetings not previously recorded to introduce themselves. A list of Friends who identified themselves over the course of the sessions as designated representatives of their respective monthly meetings is appended to these minutes. [Included on page 17.]

56. Introductions: The clerk asked Friends who were not present at the previous sessions to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom.

57. Agenda Review: The clerk reviewed the morning’s agenda, and Friends approved the agenda as proposed.

58. Whitewater Quarterly Meeting: Christine Carver reported that Whitewater Quarterly Meeting began the year with a new clerk and recording clerk. Joint Quarterly Meeting was held in Tenth Month 2021, and meetings were held in First Month and Fourth Month. All quarterly meetings were held via Zoom, and business meetings had 12 to 18 Friends in attendance representing 3 to 5 meetings. Business agendas focused on sharing inspirational activities, and following up on the nuclear weapons minute from the 2021 annual sessions. There was attention to the concern about vendors selling confederate flags at the Levi Coffin Days in Fountain City, IN, and the quarterly meeting worked in cooperation with the local NAACP to contact the Fountain City Lion’s Club, the organizers of the Levi Coffin Days event, regarding this concern. An opportunity was made to support the religious freedom appeal to the Supreme Court being brought by the Green Haven Prison Preparative Meeting in New York State for the right to hold business meeting in the Quaker manner. An effort was made to engage meetings in a concern about the reorganization of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). The quarterly meeting looks forward to strengthening a commitment to the truth in one another and in their local meetings. The report was accepted.

59. Miami Quarterly Meeting: Peter Hardy shared that the role of quarterly meetings is to provide education and counsel to constituent meetings, and to help Friends get to know one another across our monthly meetings, and that in former days an important role of the quarterly meeting was to be an opportunity for young people to find an appropriate spouse! Another role is to encourage Friends and monthly meetings to take part in greater opportunities for service, and to create opportunities for clerks of each monthly meeting to meet and support one another. Peter noted that in response to the concern raised about the selling of confederate flags at Levi Coffin Days, the Fountain City Lion’s Club has changed their contracts with vendors to prohibit such sales. In response to a question, Peter asked if there was interest in holding a Joint Quarterly Meeting in the fall. Several Friends spoke in support of holding Joint Quarterly Meeting, but there was concern expressed about the heavy responsibility of planning this event. It was clarified that the program for Joint Quarter is planned by an Ad Hoc committee, and the children’s program is planned by the children’s and youth committees, not by the quarterly meeting clerks. A suggestion was made for interested Friends to contact the quarterly meeting clerks if willing to serve on such an ad hoc planning committee. Peter stated that the next clerks’ meeting will be held in September. The report was accepted.

60. Nominating Committee Final Report: Paul Buckley presented Nominating Committee’s proposed slate of officers, committee members, and representatives to other bodies. He noted that there are still a few conversations taking place, and there may be a few additional nominations for approval on Sunday. Friends approved Barry Zalph as the incoming assistant presiding clerk, Cecilia Shore as the assistant recording clerk, and Cathy Habschmidt as assistant treasurer. Paul noted again that the role of assistant treasurer has been divided this year, and another Friend will convene Budget and Finance Committee. Paul presented names for new nominations to committee positions, and pointed out that additional volunteers are needed for the Young Adult Committee, the Children’s Committee, Peace and Social Concerns, and Youth Services Committee. Friends approved the committee nominations. Paul then presented the named representatives to other Quaker organizations, and Friends approved these nominations. A concern was raised that it is very important to name at least one official representative from OVYM to Friends General Conference Central Committee. Paul then presented a nomination to serve on the Braddock Fund Board, and this nomination was approved. There is still a need for five members to serve on the Friends Music Camp Board. The final approved slate of nominations is attached to these minutes. [Included on page 36.] Appreciation was expressed for the intense and faithful work of Nominating Committee this year, as well as for the work of Friends who have completed their terms of service to the yearly meeting.

61. Report from visitor to youth business session: Nikki Coffey Tousley reported that she attended a meeting with the youth yesterday, and she noted that three of the four youth present this year are 18 years old and will be aging out next year. The business meeting was quite short and focused on their plans for the week. They planned a rafting trip, a movie night and a ghost tour. Another Friend noted that the youth planned to visit a farm as a service trip, facilitated by a former member of the OVYM youth group. A question was raised about the Quaker focus of the youth group, and it was noted that teens are very interested in social justice issues and service work, they have worship sharing groups, and often adults meet with the youth to share about their ministries. There was discussion about our responsibility to encourage school-aged children to engage in yearly meeting youth activities to support development of friendships across monthly meetings, and to help meet the great needs among our youth who need our ministry. Friends accepted this report.

62. C:onsent Agenda: The clerk asked for acceptance of all other reports submitted in advance without discussion:

  • Abuse Prevention Policy (Susan Lee Barton)
  • Web Administrator (Daniel Day)
  • Earthcare (David Duvall)
  • Children’s Committee (Hannah Branson)
  • Braddock Fund (Christine Snyder, Wilhelmina Branson, Steve Angell)
  • Quaker Quill (Cecilia Shore)
  • Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns (Beth Rosen)
  • Quaker Earthcare Witness (Allen McGrew)
  • Friends World Committee for Consultation (Anne Hutchinson)
  • Executive Committee (Rachel Ernst Stahlhut)
  • American Friends Service Committee (Jana Schroeder)

Friends accepted these reports. A concern was raised about the reorganization of the American Friends Service Committee, and an opportunity for discussion was requested. It was suggested that an interest group could be offered this afternoon to discuss this concern.

63. Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes for this session were read, corrected, and approved.

64. Closing Worship: The session closed at 12:18 pm with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene Sixth Month 12, 2022, at 10:00am.

Sixth Month 11 2022, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

65. Opening worship: Friends gathered at the appointed hour in centering worship.

66. Clerk’s Introduction: The clerk welcomed Friends to the final session of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting’s 202nd annual sessions.

67. Roll Call of Representatives: The clerk called for representatives from monthly meetings not previously recorded to introduce themselves. A list of Friends who identified themselves over the course of the sessions as designated representatives of their respective monthly meetings is appended to these minutes. [Included on page 17.]

68. Introductions: The clerk asked Friends who were not present at the previous sessions to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom.

69. Agenda Review: The clerk reviewed the morning’s agenda. Friends approved the agenda.

70. Registrar’s Report: Eric Wolff reported that there was only one child under age 14 present, and 3 teens from ages 15 to 18. There were a total of 111 people registered including 22 who participated on Zoom only. This is comparable to 2019, except for the small number of children and youth. The staff at Mount St. Joseph University were very helpful and easy to work with. New this year was the ability for registration fees to be paid by credit card, which has been very convenient for the registrar. Total receipts for the sessions were about $17,500. Children and staff attended for free, and young adults attended for half price. Overall registration was better than expected. The report was accepted with gratitude.

71. Nominating Committee Report: Paul Buckley reported that the Ad Hoc Committee on Restructuring was added to the report, and that these names have already been previously approved. A few new names have been added to committees. Paul noted that Friends can still offer to serve after the end of sessions, and these names would be brought to Executive Committee for approval. Friends approved the new nominations with great appreciation. The final report is attached to these minutes. [Included on page 36.] There was some discussion about the process for seeking nominations to replace Friends who have served in some important positions for an extended period of time. The clerk suggested that ideas for new ways of filling certain positions could be shared with visitors from the Ad Hoc Committee on Restructuring.

72. Epistle from the Children’s Program: Susan Hyde presented the epistle from the Children’s Program:

Greetings to Friends Everywhere! Children of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting met at Mount St Joseph University June 8-12, 2022 “To Embrace the Healing Power of Community” was our theme. The children consisted of one child age 2, but the committee itself took up the slack and participated in the activities of t-shirt design and hat painting and card designing and book reading. We joined in with the youth and combined activities as they joined us in arts and crafts and we joined them on the rafting trip and the trip to the Holocaust museum.

We are concerned about the future of the children on OVYM. We are excited to think of the possibilities of our future with the children of OVYM. We hope there will be more children at OVYM in the future. We dream of a day when we are swamped with children at OVYM. We have learned that we can’t have active participants without the vaccine.

Our message is to get vaccinated so the program can be accessible to the children of OVYM and they can join us in the fun!

Love to all, The Children’s Program of OVYM

Friends accepted this epistle.

73. Epistle from the Youth Program: Max Dean, Bryan Rivera, and Tobias Dean presented the Epistle of the Youth Program:

To Friends Everywhere,

On the eighth day of the sixth month of the year 2022, OVYM Youth gathered at Mt. St. Joseph University. Cecilia Branson, Elana Branson, Max Dean, Toby Dean, and Bryan Rivera were all in attendance. Our first activity was a group walk to get to know the campus since it was our first time gathering in that space. Meeting for Worship with the entire Yearly Meeting centered us for the week ahead. We stayed up for a good part of the night playing UNO where Max reigned victorious.

On the ninth day of the month, we started our day with silent worship and business meeting. Our main activity for the day was visiting the Holocaust and Humanity Center at the Cincinnati Museum Center. We were joined by Peter, Lupe, Paz, Maria, David, Hannah, Adam, and Alondra, and were led through the exhibits by Martha. The museum’s more local survivor stories gave a more vivid and tangible connection to what would otherwise remain an abstract tragedy of the past. We then attended Gloria’s thought provoking musical plenary. That night, we settled down for another round of UNO, where Max and Cecilia proved their mighty UNO abilities.

On the tenth day of the month, we continued the tradition and went rafting on the Whitewater River in Brookville, Indiana. We were joined by Yoshiya, Hannah, David, Paz, Lupe, Adam, and Alondra. We took three rafts down the quickest 7 miles in youth history, finishing moments before rain came down. This trip proved eventful, as Max was bonked in the head and Yoshiya left his license in the raft. Afterwards, we took a quick trip to the convenience store where David very kindly treated us to some snacks. Cecilia and Elana left for the airport to visit with family. That evening, Max and Bryan, along with Adam and Alondra took a very ominous and educational ghost tour of the historic Over the Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. Post-tour, Bryan enjoyed his first Skyline Chili experience.

On the eleventh day of the month, we volunteered at Bahr Farm. Lupe joined us for this trip, and Dylan Cahalan gave us a tour of the farm. We weeded some beet rows, and enjoyed some delicious mulberries and farm-fresh cucumbers. Max saw some bunnies. Overall, we learned about sustainable agriculture along with the importance of the hard work put in for the food we eat. After supper, we attended and performed at the variety show. Our ensemble was called “Circus Boyz” (with a z) led by Adam Funck, we performed various circus acts to the motionpicture soundtrack of FunkyTown from Dreamworks’ hit masterpiece, Shrek 2, followed by a profound and emotional solo performance of the song Francis Forever by Mitski, by Maximum Dean.

On the twelfth day of the month, we prepared the epistle while Max drew. After the close of Annual Sessions, the youth will be taking an educational and highly-beneficial trip to Jungle Jim’s International Market. We enjoyed our time together, and enjoyed reconnecting after a 3- year hiatus. We plan to see each other again throughout the coming year and once again gather for OVYM in 2023.

The Epistle was warmly accepted!

74. Epistle of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting: Barry Zalph presented the 2022 Epistle of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting of Friends.
With a few changes, Friends approved the text of the epistle with much gratitude. There was a request to post the epistle on the OVYM website. [The full text can be found on page 18. It also appended separately to this web page.]

75. Minutes of Appreciation: Friends approved heartfelt appreciation to Martha Viehmann for serving an extended term as Presiding Clerk and other roles in times of need, to Rex Sprouse for his faithful service as our recording clerk, to Paul Buckley and other members of Nominating Committee for their heroic work in identifying Friends to serve the yearly meeting, to Ben Griffith and other members of Planning Committee for faithful and heroic service including the technology necessary to bring our plenary speakers to us virtually, and to Peggy Spohr for stepping into service with the bookstore.

76. Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes for this session were read, corrected and approved.

77. Announcements: Bruce Heckman shared some recommendations for addressing concerns regarding American Friends Service Committee’s reorganization at the monthly meeting level. Cecilia Shore requested that Friends send photos from yearly meeting to her for the Quaker Quill. Susan Lee Barton announced that copies of the Book of Faith and Practice and the Yearly Meeting Directory are still available.

78. Closing worship: The session closed at 11:06am and Friends moved to the sixth floor for meeting for worship. The Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting will reconvene in Sixth Month 2023 for the 203rd annual sessions.

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