Have you ever wondered about the Quaker practice of posing queries? That was the topic of our March Quaker Conversation. Together we explored the history of queries as well as the purpose of them. We learned that according to Howard Brinton in Friends for 350 Years (1952), the first recorded query was, "Are love and unity maintained amongst you?" For those new to Friends queries, the Quakerspeak video linked here provides a short explanation of how they are used. We discussed how best to incoporate queries into our Meeting's practice in a way that would support all members and attenders. Finally, we finished with the challenging, yet fun exercise of writing some of our own queries that felt particularly relevant to our present location and time. To hear or read them, you will have to join us for meeting. 

Quaker Conversations were conceived as a way for our Meeting to have conversations to support seekers in their spiritual development. Given that Friends worship practices, including meetings for worship with a concern for buisiness, can be punctuated with long stretches of silences, Quaker Conversations are intended to create spaces where people can ask questions of one another and freely engage in dialogue without having to navigate the awkwardness of knowing if it is appropriate to speak. Topics may be suggested by anyone, and are approved in meetings for worship with a concern for business. We try to plan at least one to two months ahead. While we do have a volunteer coordinator, the conversations are often facilitated by the person who suggested the topic, or by someone who feels led to facilitate. The conversations are open to everyone. 

In April, 2021 we will be discussing the life and works of Hannah Barnard (1754-1825), a Friend from Hudson. Given where we are with pandemic conditions and the weather, the April conversation will likely be held on Zoom. If you need the Zoom link, please email us at clerkhudsonmeeting@gmail.com We will start around Noon on April 26. Please check back at this website closer to the date for any schedule changes