NYYM
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March 14, 2009
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As this experiment in faithfulness unfolds, it is already clear that these day-long meetings provide the opportunity that many Friends long for: to share what is vital in the Life of our meetings; to name what might be tenderly emerging; to worship for an extended period around queries or around that which rises in our gathered worship; to labor over issues that require greater time than is normally available in a session of meeting for worship for business; and to know one another's meetings in that which is Eternal. All Friends are welcome.
In 2008, the first meeting for discernment was held in March at Rochester Friends Meeting, and the second at Silver Bay during Summer Sessions. The next meeting is scheduled for March 14, 2009, at Poughkeepsie Friends Meeting from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Each monthly meeting and worship group is asked to name one or two Friends to participate in the meetings for a three-year term—ideally one older and one younger seasoned Friend. If your meeting has already appointed one or more Friends in response to earlier invitations, please let us know their contact information, and we will be in touch with them directly.
If you are still considering who might serve, think of Friends in your meeting to whom others go for ministry and counsel; who are willing to engage in a deep laboring process with love and care; who have the gift of listening deeply; who are sensitive to how Truth is prospering among you; and who enjoy extended time for worship.
Vouchers for $50 are available to assist with travel expenses for your meeting’s appointees to the Poughkeepsie meeting. Saturday lunch and childcare will be provided, covered by a $10 registration fee per person. For those who wish, the Steering Committee will help arrange hospitality for Friday night so Friends can arrive rested on Saturday morning, and for Saturday night for those who would like to stay to worship with Poughkeepsie Friends on Sunday.
Heather M. Cook, Chatham Summit Quaker Meeting
clerk, Steering Committee for Meetings for Discernment
burritolass [at] comcast.net; 908-377-9665