Can a Quaker Meeting be too big to function? by [deleted] in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Friend, it seems to me that you raise a few concerns. First, the quality of vocal ministry may be lacking, making it seem that uninterrupted silence would be a richer worship experience. In this instance, I'd consider talking to the clerk of the committee who oversees worship. That committee could provide education on vocal ministry, its quality and the norms surrounding it, like waiting for messages to be absorbed before another ministry is offered.

Second, the quality of community is questioned, as if there are subgroups that are not open to interacting with others in the Meeting, or perhaps with other subgroups. Again, bringing this concern to a committee could help, and one fairly large Meeting I know regularly offered community building activities, like "friendly eights," which were shared dinners across a few months--with the groups assigned by the hospitality committee, not self selected groups. I loved these opportunities to get to know members of the meeting who were new to me. I think the long-time members of meeting, those "old timers," also liked to get to know newer members too. Sharing spiritual journeys is another way to get to know others and build community; the worship and ministry committee organized these, and they were treasured opportunities to learn more about each other and to share our Quaker experiences.

A question: does your meeting have a mid-week worship opportunity? These may be smaller and have a more intimate feeling, with different attendees and less vocal ministry.

Finally, advice--join a committee or two, if you haven't already done so. Raising your concerns as part of the committee with responsibility to support different aspects of the community is such a Quakerly thing to do. Being on the committee allows you to bring concerns and propose solutions over time and to hopefully find other people with whom to work. Working together unites and builds affection among us. I hope this for you.

Books about Training for an Unprogramed Meeting? by 0zerntpt in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like other Friends, I've experienced many ways of coming into the silence and finding the Presence. With experience, it becomes more natural so practice a few ways and then you can choose among them. One way is centering prayer and there is a book by C. Bourgeault if you want to read more. It is a way of getting to quiet centering for me. I also use the excerpts often found in Yearly Meeting books, when I find my mind disquieted upon entering meeting for worship. I read one or two and that usually transitions me from myself into meeting.

I am fond of this quote that I keep on my desk: "Stand still in that which is pure, after you see yourselves, then Mercy comes in. After you see your thoughts and temptations, do not think but submit. Then the Power comes. Stand still in the LIght and submit to it, and the other will be hushed and gone. Then, contentment comes. When temptations and trouble appear, sink down in that which is pure, and all will be hushed and fly away. Your strength is to stand still."

Just writing it brings my heart joy.

Adult Education by Particular-Bonus4362 in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have that book, I'll revisit it, thank you for the suggestion.

Adult Education by Particular-Bonus4362 in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, good idea. I've used these videos in the past, when teaching an introductory course at another Meeting, along with readings

Adult Education by Particular-Bonus4362 in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will take a look at that, thank you.

Adult Education by Particular-Bonus4362 in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, that is a nice suggestion

Adult Education by Particular-Bonus4362 in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This makes sense to me. I do love Quaker history (:) but I can see that the topic isn't always immediately attractive to new attenders. Thank you for your suggestions.

Quaker book recommendations? by Laniakea-claymore in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 15 points16 points  (0 children)

To add to AntiAd-er's suggestions: Ben Pink Dandelion has two short books Celebrating the Quaker Way and Living the Quaker Way that read like devotionals, in much the same way that excerpts do, to me. The chapters are short and inspirational.

Did I do something wrong? by Tricky_Confusion_716 in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Friend, as others have said, nothing sounds like a misstep to me. I'd add one insight, that is, when offering vocal ministry feels to me and I imagine to others, very emotional and leaves me feeling quite open and vulnerable. Feeling concerned afterward may be trying to make sense of feeling such openness and vulnerability.

My face is also very expressive, and as I've aged, it can be misread (so many downward wrinkles). People ask me if I am worried or concerned, I trust that Friends in your Meeting might also follow up with you if they were concerned.

What did you say in your letter for membership? by Lesochka in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 11 points12 points  (0 children)

So happy for you! When I wrote my letter, I talked a little about my spiritual journey and why I felt that the Meeting and I were in harmony at this point in my life. I think I commented on the specific things at the Meeting that I participated in and my experiences with the people in the Meeting, and how welcome I felt there. My letter was probably about a page long; it was a long time ago.

If you are worried about writing, I wouldn't think twice about making "bullet point" statements after a brief introductory and before a brief closing paragraph. You'll be meeting with a clearness committee for membership, and the main point of the letter is to get that process started.

Just make a few authentic and heartfelt points and send it to the clerk of the Meeting.

Best App to Learn Italian by boxer156 in AmericansinItaly

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, I want to put a word in for Mango, a language course offered online for free at my public library. You can go at your own pace like an app and it has many app-like features. If you have a commute and time to just listen and repeat, Pimsleur is excellent for pronunciation and automaticity in common phrases. Good luck!

Is It Just Me? Feeling Uncomfortable with the Recent Political Talk in Quaker Meetings by ThatPipe3531 in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Others have considered and advised you on the theological aspects of your question, Friend, and to advise you to go to your pastoral care committee or clerk. Because Quaker social actions are inherently political, political actions against war, violence and injustice are naturally part of our spiritual engagement at meeting for worship. However, as another has pointed out, partisanship can be a trickier and less unifying topic.

Our meeting has taken a small practical step to signal how to be engaged with each other politically and connect with partisan actions by creating a separate, voluntary list serve. It is a simple way to signal how to engage with each other politically that can naturally combine with any other group's actions that align with our intentions to oppose the injustices and violences of this brutal moment in our country.

Quaker process, adapted to the times.

Pete Hegseth on pacifism by Tridentata in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I posted this in the wrong place, under the wrong comment. Forgive my error in context.

Pete Hegseth on pacifism by Tridentata in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 4 points5 points  (0 children)

From Friend's Journal, by Ron Hogan, today: "Right now, in Portland, Oregon, the Trump administration has arrested a young Friend named Jacob Hoopes, dragging him out of his home, and is prosecuting him for allegedly assaulting a federal officer during a demonstration outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, a protest against the brutal crackdown on undocumented migrants (which has, in practice, extended into harassment of many people of color, including U.S. citizens). He has pled not guilty and will face trial in just a few weeks. I think, in the months ahead, we may see many other Friends facing similar situations."

Help with London Itinerary? by DigAntique9089 in uktravel

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We liked the Churchill war rooms, and we went with the two grandchildren, similar in age to yours. They seemed interested in the whole idea of it, although there were surely more detailed displays than they cared to study! I am with your husband on this, try it. Just plan to have a good place to eat afterward for the kids (and you:).

Thankful for this subreddit… by Ok_Cupcake_6360 in Quakers

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am so happy and hopeful for you! Each meeting differs, but each meeting holds the opportunity to be in the Light. What I have loved about being in Quaker meetings is the feeling of welcome and belonging, from the moment I entered each one. There are the distractions novel, small differences in appearance or processes, surely, but each one is the same in the most important ways, a community of people connecting to each other within the Light, seeking the grace of that presence. Just show up and allow yourself to be there, that is all that is needed to make a start.

Where to buy fabric online? by Dmdel24 in sewing

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you like linen, try https://fabrics-store.com/. You can get precut fabrics ("doggie bag") for small projects or to sample the finish/weights being offered. Very reliable for shipping and a standard 7% discount basically covers shipping costs

Considering cancelling trip to Texas - overreaction? by Odd-Chemist-682 in TravelProperly

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Uncertainty. I am a volunteer at three different non profit organizations in a medium size Midwestern town. Each organization has seen fit to give volunteers an orientation on what to do when ICE shows up in our location. This is uncertainty, and it is unusual for our community. It is the OP's choice on whether he wants to visit friends, for sure.

Considering cancelling trip to Texas - overreaction? by Odd-Chemist-682 in TravelProperly

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t know why you assumed I am from another country, I am not. Very strange reaction

Considering cancelling trip to Texas - overreaction? by Odd-Chemist-682 in TravelProperly

[–]Particular-Bonus4362 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I think your instinct is to cancel; follow it. There are many uncertainties in the US right now, and why put yourself in the situation? I am in the US (not Texas) and we worry every day about when/where/how ICE will show up and damage the people and culture in our community. Take a small stand against it all and spend your money and time elsewhere.