Friends General Conference

Together we nurture the spiritual vitality of Friends

2011 Spiritual State of the Meeting

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Two keywords, “support” and “deep,” have come up often as we responded to queries about the spiritual state of Maury River Friends Monthly Meeting.

Friends have felt supported in their spiritual lives this past year because discussions with others in Meeting have deepened our understanding of one another, whether in book groups, during second hours, in gathering for fellowship, or in simple phone calls.  Meeting for worship also becomes deeper as a result, and in turn the gathered meeting deepens the supportive network of Meeting.  Even when there is little vocal ministry, the silence of worship can be very deep, opening possibilities and surprises to all.  We appreciated having Betsy Meyer visit us for a workshop and second hour in October, and we have felt new life in vocal ministry as a result.

After several years of seeing our children grow up and move on, we have been delighted to welcome two new babies into our midst.  One of the deep joys of Meeting has been the growth of love among us, clearly witnessed in young Friends and children.  As one very young Friend remarked about the contributions to the Heifer Project from the annual fundraising spaghetti supper, “It’s like meeting for worship, only more efficient.” 

Worship and Ministry Committee planned a series of second hours in which Friends shared their spiritual journeys.  This successful effort has fostered a growth in trust, a willingness to take risks, and a building confidence that we are large enough to surround differences.  Many remark on the feeling of warmth and acceptance from Friends, and many respond to that feeling with gratitude.   Care and Counsel Committee has had several clearness committees that have been helpful to Friends, and the practice of listening with care has grown among us.

Peace and Justice Committee has worked all year on drafting a minute on right relationship with Creation, and this work will continue with Meeting as a whole in 2012.  Many Friends express their sense that right relationship is fostered among us as a Meeting as we struggle to discern truth, spiritual presence, and a way forward in our lives together.  We understand that the minute will record our ongoing search for openness and discernment, and we are confident that Spirit leads us in positive directions.

While we continue to be grateful to our committees, we have been challenged in 2011 in several ways.  We have not had a full-time clerk of meeting this year, nor have we been able to settle upon a clerk going forward in 2012.  Instead, we have rotated the clerk’s role among six Friends, being careful to communicate well and be attentive to the continuity of matters before the Meeting.  We have much work to do in encouraging committee work and being sure that our committees function well and that members are energized and positive in the work they do for us all.  Many committees and their members feel stretched by the pressures of time and commitments in busy lives, and some have felt less supported than they would hope to be.

As we move into the new year, 2012, Maury River Friends seek to share their spiritual journeys in acceptance and love for one another.  We trust in Spirit to support and deepen our journey.  

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