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NYYM Epistle7th Month 20-26, 2003Silver Bay, New York To Friends Everywhere! In the opening worship of our 308th session, the Clerk read a poem by e.e. cummings that begins "i thank You God for most this amazing/ day." The poem speaks of reawakening: to see and to hear anew. Inviting the children to come to the front of the room, the Clerk displayed a newly cast snakeskin. The snake must rub against rough rocks to peel off its skin inside out, including the covering of its eyes. In its new skin, the snake shines brightly and its eyes see clearly again. We, too, must change, sloughing off old habits, if we are to see clearly. The State of Society report conveyed a sense of spiritual vitality in our Monthly Meetings. The report also pointed out a number of challenges to be faced. Messages that were brought spoke of listening to the Spirit and taking up the challenges. Retha McCutchen, visiting from Friends United Meeting, asked us to discern, “What is the right thing for Friends to do at this time?” Keynote speaker Rubye Braye asked Friends to listen to the call of the Spirit, to test the leading, then to do that thing we are called to do. When we follow our calling, the action becomes our Art, a manifestation of God's love. Forgiveness, she said, creates a space for the Holy Spirit to enter. Elizabeth Duke, who travels the world for Friends World Committee for Consultation, told us that people all over the world are praying for Friends in the United States in these difficult times. We sense our connection in the Spirit and thank you for your prayers. Vincent Buscemi reported that the Ministry on Racism of the Friends General Conference is calling Friends to healing and transformation. Representatives who attended the Friends United Meeting Peace Conference reported that our Yearly Meeting weekly Worship and Action reports are unique, useful, and inspiring. The meeting took action to continue this service. In our business sessions, we heard memorial minutes, received reports, and endorsed travel minutes. We created a committee on conflict transformation and approved a position for a general secretary. We trust that this addition in staff will enhance our witness. In Bible study, led by Alan Kolp, the Paradise theme served as a spiritual context to hear again the biblical story of the human quest for union with God that underlies peace and harmony. This Yearly Meeting was attended by 450 adults and 152 young people, Friends from eleven weeks old to ninety-six years young. Although it rained frequently during the week, Friends found joy in one another's presence. We especially enjoyed the ways that the large and active Junior Yearly Meeting engaged with Friends of all ages, and appreciated the teenagers' outreach to adults. We are heartened to see Young Friends carrying forward our Quaker Testimonies by working in Friends' organizations. We send our greetings, knowing that as partners with God, we work together to heal the world. Linda B. Chidsey, Clerk
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The website address of New York Yearly Meeting: www.nyym.org | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||