Author Archives: Oswald Norton

My first SD-USA Granting Meeting by Oswald Norton

Top L-R Michael Barber, Oswald Norton, Rifka Several (office manager), Jane Katz, Mary Salisbury
Bottom L-R Kailani Ward, Halimah Brugger, Fauziyah Ishak, Loretta Covert (National Helper) Missing David Nicoletti (National Helper

Joining SD-USA as a board member brought about a new chapter in my Subud life: contributing to the work of our giving wing helping to distribute the support you, our members, contribute to these worthy causes.

Susila Dharma-USA provides funding for 19 Subud-member projects located around the world. I was given the opportunity to connect with 3 of these projects when I became a board member.

As a part of our annual granting meeting, my projects had to report on the use of their funds, granted for the previous year. And, complete a new application for funding for this year. At our granting meetings I was to represent these projects through the brief relationship I had been able to develop with them and the documents that they’d provided. It was an obligation I didn’t take lightly.  We didn’t have enough money to be able to provide the full funding requested.

Through our meeting, testing and decision processes over 2 zoom meetings and 2 days of in person meetings at Halimah Brugger’s home in Boise, ID, we were finally able to complete the process of determining how much we could provide each project, including mine.

Now that we’ve completed our granting for this year, I am grateful to the other board members and our national helpers for their help and guidance through this my first season. I look forward to the opportunity to get to learn more about the work of my projects and the communities they serve.

Please remember our work in your Zakat giving at the end of our month of fasting

Come! Celebrate! Live Music! 50 years of Grace in our Seattle Subud House

Everyone is invited, members, non-members, children, and friends; and welcome to attend (please bring a favorite holiday food) to the potluck Holiday Party and celebration of the 50th year of Subud Seattle owning our property.  Please join the festivities on Sunday, December 10, around noon (after 11AM latihan).  There will be 50 printed mugs available to  commemorate this event. A donation to cover the costs (and contribute to the building costs) is requested.

Live music will be provided by David Lynch and Maryka Ford.

[From an article that Sebastian Tedrow did with Chuck (now Robert) Cary]
“The history of Subud in Seattle starts in 1959. We were opened by a group of Subud Members from Vancouver BC. Members of the Vancouver group were originally opened by the Von Bissings who I believe were on a world tour to promote Subud and sailed from San Francisco to Vancouver in a yacht.”

The article continued: “Ann and I were opened in what later became the first Subud House in Seattle… Sebastian: The address is 959 Broadway E. It is currently a Bed and Breakfast – ‘The Bacon Mansion.’” Cary continued, “Before it became a Subud House it was leased by an organization called the ‘Center of Integration’”. [To read the full article, click here]

After the group was no longer able to lease the house, it rented a storefront on Belmont and Olive in Seattle. It was in a crime-ridden area of the City with heroin sales happening in the area and in the adjacent tavern, according to an interview that Paul Nelson did with Sebastian and Robert in March of 2022. After doing some fasting for help with finding a suitable building, the group was led to our current location. [To hear the full interview, click here.]

After seeing the building Lawrence Crouse wrote a binding check for $500 for the purchase of the house, He and Roseanna Crouse provided the main part of the loan with Bob and Andrea Maynard among others contributing as well. Sebastian Tedrow agreed to be the chairman and to sign the documents for the loan.

Rachman Cantrell discovered an article that Robert (now Sebastian) Tedrow published in a SUSA article and wrote about it in this post from May 26th of 2021. It included a picture he took of the house in 1973. To read that article click here

One of the first renovations that the house received was in 1976 when Bapak came to visit and what is now the ladies latihan space was converted into his bedroom and the toilet on the first floor was added.

Other renovations have happened since then through the contributions of many current and former members including Evan Padilla, Marston Gregory and Insiah Caspers. It is their efforts that have modernized the house and made it possible for us to continue to worship Almighty God in our own facilities.

It is only through the efforts of those willing to serve our community that we have purchased and been able to maintain our facility. Please consider becoming one of those members that does the hard work of keeping it possible for us to worship in our own facilities by becoming a member of our committee in January of 2024.

General meeting and election Sunday, January 14th.

General meeting and election of officers after latihan Sunday, January 14th.

We ask all Subud Seattle members to consider serving on the next committee in preparation for our selection process on Sunday, January 14th after latihan.  Please open yourselves to the possibility of serving our community

Positions to be tested are chair and vice chair.

The current committee will be available for mentoring and guidance should the new committee want that.

Archive Help Needed

We’ll have many documents pertaining to our rich Subud Seattle Culture which came from David Freeman via Salamah O’Brien.

If you can help identify them and the people in the photos, with dates, etc., your help would be greatly appreciated.

Let’s fill up on Kejiwaan – November 9-12. Last Call For Registration

This Farewell to Menucha gathering is nearing close of registration. We still have desirable accommodations available, even a “couples’ room”. All spaces have been priced as reasonably as possible and the turnout is good so far. Come and join us as we say farewell (for now) to this location. All registrations must be completed by no later than 10/9.

For questions contact halimasemail@gmail.com or text 503-577-2911

From the Pacific Northwest Regional Helpers to EVERYONE!

Regional Helpers at this weekend’s Planning Retreat for our Kedjiwaan weekend. Pictured L to R: Rayma Norton, Albert Palmeter, Rosalyn Neel, Nathaniel Gottumukkala, David Lynch, Daniella Gleeson. Not pictured: Margarite Charney and Halima Brugger (new regional helper)

We welcome and encourage every Subud member to attend this year’s kedjiwaan gathering at Menucha.  No matter whether you’ve come to Menucha before or not, please consider this a special invitation to spend time with other Subud brothers and sisters from this region and beyond.  We hope this year, our last at Menucha, will be a time of renewal.

Here’s a list of the spaces available (9/29):

To immediately register for this event, please use this link.

Cancellation Policy:  Registrations may be cancelled until October 15 with a full refund less a $50 administrative fee. After October 15, no refunds will be made unless your room/day pass is resold to another registrant, in which case a refund will be issued minus a $50 administrative fee. ($40 for day pass refunds).

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Subud PNW Kedjiwaan Gathering Registration closes in 14 days

As of this writing we have 63 members who have registered. Every day more and more people register as we enter into the last 14 days before registration must end so that we can provide the attendee count to the conference center.

Message from our Vice Chair, Honora Drew:
“It is exciting to see the names as registrations come in.  If you join us, you will see folks who haven’t been to a gathering in a while, and some who are fairly new to Subud.  Come find renewed community, deepened Latihan’s, and new conversations.   Help us honor this wonderful place one last time!”

We’ve opened up more slots in the Barn and there is still space available in Ballard and Wright Hall. We’ve priced this year’s event to make it more affordable for our members to attend this last event at this location.

All day passes allowed by Menucha are sold out, but “Top Bunk” (Economy Dorm) and Barn places are still available for just a little more money.( you can sleep elsewhere) 3 days for only $285, or 2 for $180.

To see pricing for this event, please use this link.
To immediately register for this event, please use this link.

Financial Assistance Applications end Tuesday 9/26!
Please apply now for financial assistance by using this form. Financial Assistance applications must be completed by 9/26! All assistance is tested and can this can take a little time to finalize.

Questions? write to us at:  menucharegistrarATgmail.com

Speaking of Financial Assistance – More donations needed!!

When you register, please consider making a donation to the Assistance Fund so that those who need assistance can share this wonderful weekend with us.

If you prefer to donate to the Assistance Fund via check, please send your check to:
Morris McClellan
3127 NE 103rd Pl
Apt. B
Portland, OR 97220-2866 

Cancellation Policy:  Registrations may be cancelled until October 15 with a full refund less a $50 administrative fee. After October 15, no refunds will be made unless your room/day pass is resold to another registrant, in which case a refund will be issued minus a $50 administrative fee. ($40 for day pass refunds)

2023 Kedjiwaan Meeting Message From the Pacific Northwest Regional Helpers to EVERYONE!

Regional Helpers at this weekend’s Planning Retreat for our Kedjiwaan weekend. Pictured L to R: Rayma Norton, Albert Palmeter, Rosalyn Neel, Nathaniel Gottumukkala, David Lynch, Daniella Gleeson. Not pictured: Margarite Charney and Halima Brugger (new regional helper this weekend)

We welcome and encourage every Subud member to attend this year’s kedjiwaan gathering at Menucha.  No matter whether you’ve come to Menucha before or not, please consider this a special invitation to spend time with other Subud brothers and sisters from this region and beyond.  We hope this year, our last at Menucha, will be a time of renewal.

We’d love to see people of all ages experience Menucha.  This year, we’re creating a Youth Assistance Fund dedicated to helping younger members afford to come.  If you’d like to attend but are short on funds, please apply for help covering the cost using this link.

If you’re in a position to make a contribution, we welcome your donation. Please use this link to donate.

We hope to see you at Menucha in November!

Your Regional Helpers’ Group
Aakarsh Gottumukkala
Albert Palmeter
Daniella Gleeson
David Lynch
Halimah Brugger
Margarite Charney
Rayma Norton
Rosalyn Neel

Subud PNW Kedjiwaan Gathering November 9-12. Space Still Available

Young members attending our 2022 Event

Michael, Leandra and Haakon at 2022 Event
Photo by Rachman Cantrell

Thank you to the 54 people who registered early for our “Farewell to Menucha” kedjiwaan gathering.  Don’t miss out on the chance to create your own experience!

Space is still available. The dates are November 9-12.
Registration closes October 9th.  Reserve your spot now!

We still have economy spaces and couples’ rooms (in Beam up the hill from Creevey). All day passes allowed by Menucha are sold out, but “Top Bunk” (Economy Dorm) and Barn places are still available for just a little more money.( you can sleep elsewhere) 3 days for only $285, or 2 for $180.

To see pricing for this event, please use this link.
To immediately register for this event, please use this link.

Financial Assistance
Please apply now for financial assistance by using this form. Financial Assistance applications must be completed by 9/24! All assistance is tested and can take a little time to finalize.

Questions? write to us at:  menucharegistrarATgmail.com

Speaking of Financial Assistance – If you can, please donate when you register!
When you register, please consider making a donation to the Assistance Fund so that those who need assistance can share this wonderful weekend with us.

If you prefer to donate to the Assistance Fund via check, please send your check to:
Morris McClellan
3127 NE 103rd Pl
Apt. B
Portland, OR 97220-2866
 

Cancellation Policy:  Registrations may be cancelled until October 15 with a full refund less a $50 administrative fee. After October 15, no refunds will be made unless your room/day pass is resold to another registrant, in which case a refund will be issued minus a $50 administrative fee. ($40 for day pass refunds)

 

Registration for our Fall Kedjiwaan Gathering at Menucha are going fast.

Day passes are sold out and half of the couples-oriented rooms are gone.

We are considering renting another building (not Creevey) on the property. If many of you want couples-oriented rooms onsite but removed from Wright Hall, you can help us by sending email to menucharegistrarATgmail.com, with Subject: Couple’s Housing

The planning team listened to the feedback from last year’s attendees and made changes in response:

    1. There are cheaper alternatives
    2. All rooms are closer to Wright

To see pricing for this event, please use this link.
To immediately register for this event, please use this link.
Book now for the best accommodations.

Photo courtesy of Rachman Cantrell

Need financial aid, wait to register and see section below.

Help those that need financial aid to attend. Donations Please!
As in past years events, we are anticipating that there will be some needing assistance. In order to help these members, we’ve created an opportunity for you to contribute to this fund. When you register, please consider making a donation to the Assistance Fund so that those who need assistance can share this wonderful weekend with us.

If you prefer to donate to the Assistance Fund via check, please send your check to:

Morris McClellan
3127 NE 103rd Pl
Apt. B
Portland, OR 97220-2866

Needing Financial Aid?
If you’re needing financial aid, please wait to register. We encourage those who need financial assistance to fill out a request form here. All requests for financial must be completed by 9/24. Requests will be tested by the Regional Helpers and those requesting aid will be notified by 10/1.

 NOTES:  

  1. We are opening registration on August 8th to allow those wishing to attend 60 days to register. All registrations (including day passes) must be purchased by October 8th and be paid in full at the time of registration.
  2. All prices listed are per-person. No rooms are charged by room, although these are intended for couples. You may register up to 4 people at one time.

Cancellation Policy:  Registrations may be cancelled until October 15 with a full refund less a $50 administrative fee. After October 15, no refunds will be made unless your room/day pass is resold to another registrant, in which case a refund will be issued minus a $50 administrative fee. ($40 for day pass refunds)

Questions about the event can be made at menucharegistrarATgmail.com

Subud PNW 2023 Kedjiwaan Gathering – Nov 9th to 12th Is now open – Closes in 60 days

Photo by Rachman Cantrell

Registration for our Fall Kedjiwaan Gathering at the Menucha Retreat and conference center is now open.

To see pricing for this event, please use this link.
To immediately register for this event, please use this link.
Need financial aid, wait to register and see section below.

What’s changed due to Menucha’s price and policy changes?

  • Buildings available to us: Wright, Ballard, The Barn (for 2 or 3 nights) and Boyd (Boyd for 2 nights only)
  • This year we’ll have five “deluxe” couples-oriented rooms
  • All plans must include meals. And, no cooking will be allowed in The Barn.
  • Only 8 commuter spots allowed for only Friday and Saturday. These spots had to include meals.
  • After the 8 commuter spots are filled, for only $75 more we’re providing 15 “commuter plus” spots – only for Friday and Saturday and including an upper bunk if you want to stay over Friday night.
  • All rooms rates include bedding.
  • There will be no Gift Shop.

What’s not changed?

  • The great group latihans
  • Insightful testing
  • Inspiring conversations
  • The breathtaking view above the Columbia Gorge.
  • The grounds in and around the Menucha Conference and Retreat Center
  • And, fabulous entertainment, reflective solitude, and a welcome opportunity to take a break from the rigors of everyday life.
  • The joy of spending relaxed time with your PNW Subud community and neighbors
  • There will be the Portland Susila Dharma Silent Auction

We hope you will join us for this extraordinary weekend. You’ll be glad you did!

Help those that need financial aid to attend. Donations Please!

As in past years events, we are anticipating that there will be some needing assistance. In order to help these members, we’ve created an opportunity for you to contribute to this fund. When you register, please consider making a donation to the Assistance Fund so that those who need assistance can share this wonderful weekend with us.

If you prefer to donate to the Assistance Fund via check, please send your check to:

Morris McClellan
3127 NE 103rd Pl
Apt. B
Portland, OR 97220-2866

Needing Financial Aid?

If you’re needing financial aid, please wait to register. We encourage those who need financial assistance to fill out a request form here. All requests for financial must be completed by 9/24. Requests will be tested by the Regional Helpers and those requesting aid will be notified by 10/1.

NOTES:  

  • We are opening registration on August 8thto allow those wishing to attend 60 days to register. All registrations (including day passes) must be purchased by October 8th and be paid in full at the time of registration.
  • All prices listed are per-person. No rooms are charged by room, although these are intended for couples. You may register up to 4 people at one time.

Cancellation Policy:  Registrations may be cancelled until October 15 with a full refund less a $50 administrative fee. After October 15, no refunds will be made unless your room/day pass is resold to another registrant, in which case a refund will be issued minus a $50 administrative fee. ($40 for day pass refunds)

Questions about the event and financial aid inquiries 
can be made at menucharegistrarATgmail.com