December 9
Meditation Workshop. Marc Robinson talked briefly about forms of meditation. Then those present, with Marc's guidance, practiced some of the meditation forms together. Later we shared our experiences. Friends agreed Marc had brought worthwhile meditation techniques to our attention.

November 11
Who Do You Think You Are?. Minta Kenney led a discussion on this enticing topic, it was a warm-up for her plan to offer to conduct such discussions for community groups. The purpose of this session was to help participants to determine gaps between their perceptions of themselves compared with how others view them. Minta believes that many of us form views of who we are early in life, views which are often inaccurate. Through group study and discussion, she believes we can detect notions we have of ourselves that may be dealt with in constructive ways. Those present found Minta's presentation interesting and enlightening.

October 28
United Nations. Sister Pat Kenoyer, well-known in Kansas City for her peace and justice activities, discussed the monograph prepared by members of the Interfaith Peace Alliance (including our own Brenda Funk) entitled Faith Communities and the United Nations. Pointing out that the Charter of the UN begins: "We, the PEOPLES of the United Nations," she went on to explain that Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) furnish a way for us all to participate in the work of the UN. She urged us to contact our own NGO, the Quaker UN Office, to help that organization in its determination of the will of its constituency and to find what is happening under the auspices of the UN. She said the UN is the existing organization most suited to serve as the peacekeeper of the world. She hoped that faith communities would be more mindful of the activities of the UN and do what they can to encourage more understanding its real and potential position in the world. Pat Kenoyer is very knowledgeable about the UN, having recently served in an NGO of her own faith community. We were fortunate to have her for a speaker. If you wish to have a copy of the monograph, consult with Brenda Funk.

October 14
Quaker Education discussion. The follow-up discussion of the Quaker Education (ad hoc committee) was held. Fewer were present than at the previous meeting. However, there was the same intensity and interest in the subject The idea of having one program time a month (the last Sunday in the month) devoted to a subject related to Quakerism appealed to people in the group. Some topics were discussed as possible relevant programs. The results of the discussion were to be sent back to the committee for further refinement.

September 23
Ed Chasteen, retired sociology professor at William Jewell College, spoke about an organization he helped found called Hatebusters!. Those in the group go to help mediate when disputes arise within groups or between individuals. They go only when they are asked and will work with any kind of situation where there is discord. Although Ed Chasteen has had MS for years, he has chosen not to dwell on illness; instead he has ridden over 100,000 miles on his bike, often for a cause. His presence at Penn Valley Meeting was appreciated and evoked good discussion and admiration.

September 9
Middle East Travel. Jim and Ginger Kenney told of their three weeks in the Middle East. Much of their time was spent at the Friends School in Ramallah where they worked at the school with a small group of other Friends. In addition to their labors, they also were privileged to hear guests speak about the Israeli/Palestinian situation from varying viewpoints. Since their return they have written articles and spoken at a number of places on what they learned on their journey. The meeting is fortunate to have Jim and Ginger in our midst to help interpret and inform on this serious crisis in our world.

August 26
Education Discussion. Following up on an earlier discussion of how to proceed with First Day School for children and youth, the ad hoc committee asked to discuss the issue and bring back suggestions to the meeting, summarized their four meetings for the well-attended group session. A basic suggestion was that education for adults as well as youth should be part of the consideration. Then a discussion of some of the survey questions prepared by the committee took place beginning with the question of how important it was for Penn Valley Meeting to be strong in Quaker values and to be aware of Quaker history. Answers ranged from "very important" to "essential." As the group examined ways of "being Quaker," it became clear another time for discussion would be needed. The decision was that the ad hoc committee and others interested would meet to analyze the group suggestions and prepare a summary for further discussion for the first available program date in October. Rarely have we had such a participatory and well-attended program discussion.

July 29
Spiritual Formation Croup. Terry Matz reported on the current status of the Spiritual Formation Program born last year at Yearly Meeting.

July 8
Program about Peace Poles. Amy Zeh Rommel presented information she had gathered concerning Peace Poles. A Peace Pole is a pole which is erected, usually outside a building. Peace messages written in several different languages are attached to the pole. While it is permissible to make your own Peace Poles, there is a company called Peace Pole Makers USA from which they can be purchased. Those present listened with interest and suggested the idea of a Peace Pole for Penn Valley Meeting be discussed further at the next monthly meeting for the purpose of business.

June 24
Goodbye, Kent, Barb, Breeze, Hannah, Mary Pat, Marcy. It was the Luetke-Stahlmans day for official goodbyes. All five of them spoke expressing their affection for the meeting and their hopes for their new lives in North Carolina and elsewhere. They plan to remain members of the meeting. Penn Valley folks spoke supportively of them on their move, wishing all of them the very best in this life change. The farewell occasion also featured a delicious potluck.

June 17
Query and Potluck. Query #6, Education, was discussed by those present The discussion leader was Dan Pearson and Jim Kenney recorded comments of the group. Friends enjoyed a small potluck following the discussion.

June 10
Visiting. Since there was no program scheduled, Friends lingered over coffee enjoying good fellowship.

May 27
School of Americas Protest Report. Barb Luetke-Stahlman reported attending the annual protest against the School of Americas and its alleged school for the purpose of giving military training to Cen- tral American countries friendly to the United States. Breeze and Hannah Luetke-Stahlman also attended the protest which took place in November. Barb showed photos and explained what occurred when this huge contingent of persons critical of the agenda of the school gathered to voice their disagreement. Both Breeze and Hannah were arrested for crossing the line and then later released.

May 20
Query and Potluck. A small group of Friends were present to discuss Query 5, Mutual Care. Karin McAdams led the discussion and Marc Robinson served as recorder. A summary appears elsewhere in this newsletter. While the fare was not bounteous, it was enjoyed in the spirit of the loaves and fishes by those present.

May 13
First Day School - what to do? A good number of members and attenders gathered to discuss First Day School and related subjects. The Ministry and Oversight and First Day School committees requested this program in order to help determine the feelings of the meeting regarding: First Day School in the summer; deciding on curriculum; who can and will teach; number of classes, etc. An ad hoc committee agreed to meet to discuss the ongoing problems of a small First Day School, especially the Penn Valley Meeting First Day School. The committee is to report to the June 3 business meeting, offering possible solutions.

April 29
Worship Sharing. There was a worship sharing on "The Inward Teacher", the theme of the Midyear Meeting which took place at Bear Creek Meeting near Earlham, Iowa that weekend. A small group of people who could not attend Midyear Meeting participated in spirit by sharing a wide variety of reflections on this topic.

April 22
Time of Fellowship. Since a number of Penn Valley Friends attended the annual Missouri Valley Conference Spring Fling with Topeka Friends, those left behind used the opportunity to visit together.

April 15
Query and Potfuck. Cathy Gardner led the discussion on Query #4, Harmony Within the Meeting. Karin McAdams served as recorder. A summary of the discussion will appear elsewhere in Friendly Connection. There was no potluck following the query discussion.

March 25
Capital Punishment The Peace and Social Concerns Committee led a program which focused on the issue of capital punishment. One objective was to furnish Friends with an opportunity to sign and have notarized a Declaration of Life form. This form is provided for individuals who would not want the death penalty used should they be murdered. Some Friends signed these forms; others took them home for further consideration. If you weren't present and wish a copy of the form, see Rachel MacNair. David Rommel led a discussion on how those present felt about capital punishment. This was a preliminary discussion to see if there is enough agreement in Perm Valley Meeting to draft a statement. The time went fast and more time will be given to this issue at a later program.

March 11
The House Quest A meeting on discussion of "Quest for a House" was led by Rick Yarnell and Pat Miller of the Search Committee. Needs of the meeting, pros and cons of staying or leaving the current meetinghouse were among the items discussed. While a definitive decision did not emerge, the amiable and exploratory discussion should be valuable as we continue our thinking on this question.

February 25
Ken and Belle Hinshaw, Director and Farm Manager respectively, from Scattergood Friends School near West Branch, Iowa, visited Penn Valley Meeting and spoke during program time. Scattergood is an accredited secondary school partially supported by our yearly meeting. We were enlightened as to what the purpose and goals are of the school and how school committee, staff and yes, even students, work to accomplish these goals. SFS is a community-oriented school. The school has an inclusive college prep curriculum and a work program second to none. Ken and Belle spoke informally inviting questions as they talked. There was much interest and good discussion. Our thanks to Ken and Belle for making the long trip to Kansas City to speak with us about this unusual educational opportunity of which we are a part through the yearly meeting.

February 11
Friends were invited to take advantage of materials for making valentines for special people in their lives or for others, such as Congresspersons, who may need attention. A number of people cut, pasted and waxed creative in this activity appropriate to the season.