Membership and Latihan
The group has approximately 35 active members. Latihan gatherings occur on:
- Saturday at 10:30am: Men 8-10; women 8-10
- Monday at 8:00pm: Men 6-8; women 3-5
- Thursday at 8:00 pm: Men 8-10; women 3-6
(Note: Several of our regularly attending members have been traveling in the last couple of months, so attendance at latihan has been somewhat lighter).
Two women, Nancy Hunh and Regina Pohl, have recently been opened. Alexandra Boyer has recently moved to the bay area and is now part of the group. There is one new woman applicant.
Changes to Members, Helpers and Committee
At the annual all-member meeting on February 28th, the group discussed what we’d like to work on together. There was agreement on:
- More structure and planning for group gatherings and social functions
- Attention to facilitating the inner connections of the group
- More frequent communications
- Overall, increased engagement for all members
While no one was moved to stand for the position of Chair right now, several people volunteered and were approved by the group for other roles:
- Manuel Oliver has the role of Treasurer
- Elizabeth Trudell has the role of Secretary, and continues as Regional Councilor.
- Sylvia des Tombe and Irena Olender have formed a committee to be responsible for social events..
- Harfijah Oliver, Connie Habash, Irina Selvaretnam and Rosabelle des Tombe Lyneshave created a mailing list of Subud parents with young children and will work toward offering childcare during Saturday latihan on some recurring basis.
- Dennis Oliver continues as Rental Coordinator
Life of the Center
The goal of having more social interaction is supported by several recent and planned events:
- A gathering in the rose garden at the Center following latihan on April 4th included an Easter egg hunt for subud kids, plus snacks and socializing.
- An evening of poetry and music sharing on Friday, May 1st was organized by Emmanuel Williams. It was a very lovely gathering of about 15 people. Highlights included:
- Hania read several of his own stories based on the 19th century folklore compilation called “Junior Brown” and a Rumi poem
- We all recited Lewis Caroll’s “Jabberwocky” loudly together with great expression
- Lianne read her recently published poem “The Wild Parrots of Sunnyvale.”
- Sodan and Herbert played guitar and sang original songs they had composed
- Emmanuel led some theater games
- We all sang “Amazing Grace.”
- Amelia displayed her most recent mosaics
We hope to repeat the event in later in the year.
On May 2 following latihan, the ladies had a mini keji day. Alexandra offered some testing about how we worship—when each of the forces is present, then how it is when they are all in harmony and we are worshiping in our daily life, and finally how it is when we worship free from the forces and are completely surrendered.
- A movie night is being organized for early June, by Duny Castaneda. This will follow a similar format of an event last year, with the movie being shown in the Subud hall and discussion to follow.
- An evening potluck is planned for the summer solstice on Sunday, June 21, which will be an opportunity to recognize Bapak’s birthday. It is during Ramadan, so some people will be breaking fast; it is also father’s day.
- Sylvia des Tombe has initiated a series oflessons in the Indonesian language which have been taking place on some Saturdays after latihan.
Financial Status
Income and Rental
Rental income continues to be solid. Average monthly income for 2015, including member pledges and rental is running ahead of 2014 average. The rental space is quite solidly booked now, so we have likely reached a stability point that we hope to be able to maintain.
The group has begun discussing the next major maintenance project for the hall.
Donations and Pledges
- The dewan agreed to offer matching funds up to $200 for any member donations to support scholarships to Camp Badger. A total donation of $400 will be made.
- The monthly pledge to the Region was increased to $500 in April.
Submitted by
Elizabeth Trudell, Palo Alto Secretary and Regional Councilor