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This too will pass

One lesson is stamped on all things—this too will pass.  Understanding the primary truth of change has profound implications.  If we are to be free, we are asked to cultivate a mind that is free of grasping.  If we are to live this life with grace, we are asked to learn to embrace not only beginnings, but also endings.  If we are to love deeply, we learn not to demand that people stand still for us.

Christina Feldman,  Boundless Heart

In 1992 the Dalai Lama challenged psychologist and neuroscientist Richard Davidson to study kindness and compassion with as much rigor as he studied depression, anxiety and fear. This led to a realignment of Dr Davidson’s work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the establishment of the Center for Healthy Minds. Dr Davidison and colleagues have found and continue to study and offer training in skills we can all practice that contribute to mental healt

Last fall, Northern Yearly Meeting created a working group to address systemic racism within the yearly meeting and facilitate anti-racist efforts in the wider community. You can find a link to this working group below; their resources focus on promoting anti-racist education and action.

The NYM working group also provided resources to support the Minneapolis protests and wider movement for racial justice, linked below (these resources are community-based and not affiliated with NYM or FGC). 

Each morning Emily Walser-Kuntz helped the early-birds create a collage inspired by that day's topic.

Starting the first day of Peace Camp 2019, Pat Johnson led a discussion with the twelve participants (ages 6-9) about what makes each of them feel safe.

The camp's theme is about how children have been effective in working for change. This first day focused on Human Rights and Peace.   Pat read a book about Sadako Sasaki who worked for peace following WWII by trying to fold a thousand origami cranes.  We all folded cranes together.

After outdoor games and snacks, the children created a storyboard about the things we talked about.

Kessa Andrews graduated from Carleton on June 15th.  In the fall, she is going on to work with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps' Restorative Justice Program in St. Paul. She sent a note and created a watercolor for members of the CVFM!

Nancy Cantwell

March 23, 1930 - November 16, 2018

[Please Note: The following obituary was copied from the Northfield News, Nov. 29, 2018].

Long-time Northfielder Nancy Cantwell died on the morning of Nov. 16 in Timonium, Maryland, where she had been in an assisted living community for the past two years. Her son Jim, who lives nearby, had been with her for much of the previous evening.

LaNelle Olsen

August 31, 1929 - March 6, 2019

[Note: The following obituary was written by the Olsen family]

LaNelle Olsen, campaigner for peace and social justice, passed away March 6, 2019, at Three Links Care Center at the age of 89.  Those who knew LaNelle admired her energy, humor and positive outlook on life.

The Final Report of the Friends General Conference Institutional Assessment on Racism is available, along with a summary version. 

Please click on the links below to see both versions of the report.

CVFM held another successful session of Peace Camp in August. This year Peace Camp included 12 6-8 year olds. They were energetic, curious, kind, and conscientious. The focus for the week was Building Peace by Caring for the Earth.  Each day had a different theme and focus, including water, soil, wind, plants, and energy. Most days included a field trip to nearby sites, ending with the planting of a tree and Central Park on Friday.

Photos and text courtesy of Corinne Smith