This coming monday evening, Nov. 1, 2010. I will be presenting some of my recent research on perspectives on Quaker mission. We’ll be at the meetinghouse from 7-9pm. The talk is called:
Heralding The New Creation: Mission as Participation in the Quaker Tradition
Hope you can make it.
Wess
October 23 9am – 5pm at Multnomah Meeting
A one-day workshop, led by Marge Abbott, aimed at helping us better support one another in our meetings. Friends today have several different ways of accompanying one another in our spiritual journeys and in the particular ministries that grow out of leadings of the Spirit.
Multnomah Meeting appoints Clearness Committees which meet on a short-term basis for membership and marriage. In addition, individuals, families or groups in meeting may request a Clearness Committee for help with discernment in a difficult situation or facing major life choices.
Support Committees appointed by Multnomah meet on a longer-term basis and are of two types: 1) upholding others in the Spirit who face a long-term challenge such as an illness, imprisonment or a financial emergency and 2) supporting ministry of those who are called to service. Support Committees may follow a Clearness Committee to provide accountability to the clarity the focus person has gained in the clearness process.
This workshop is offered for people who have, or might in the future be part of Clearness or Support Committees. It is designed to incorporate the focus person as well as the ones who are appointed to serve on the committees. This time together will provide an opportunity to reflect on this work and learn from each other’s experiences.
All Friends from the Portland region are welcome to attend. Cost is $25 for workshop, lunch, and pamphlets. Financial aid is available. Please register by October 15. Questions and e-mail registration to: Annis Bleeke: 503-224-9121; GABleeke@cs.com. Here is a link to the registration form, or you can contact the church office for a paper copy.
At Camas Friends Church
Everyone is welcome!
There will be a potluck lunch; donations to Western Friend welcome but not required for participation.
Led by Kathy Hyzy, Editor of Western Friend magazine
Do you love stories?
Then this may be a workshop for you!
Participants in this workshop will:
-hear some wonderful stories
-gain a deeper understanding of their fellow participants
-practice creating a safe, deeply-grounded listening space
-learn some very basic storytelling methods
-reflect on the role of storytelling (aka narrative theology) in Quaker practice
Friends who would prefer to only listen to stories are as welcome as those who have a story to tell (and we will all spend time listening to some great stories!) We will spend some time preparing the group for attentive, grounded listening – a process akin to the clearness process, where listening opens up the story for the teller and helps them to discover the layers and meaning within. This process deepens connections, allows us to hear together the movement of the Spirit and gives voice to the workings of God among us.
Each storyteller will have time to share a spiritual experience – that is, a time when they felt close to God, an encounter with a sense of opening and transcendence. This may be for one an experience with nature, for another a moment with a child, or a period of great sorrow, joy, or transition. You are the best person to determine whether or not your story is a spiritual one, and we will not be grading anyone! Workshop participants are not required to tell a story: those who wish to only listen are most welcome (and you can change your mind once you’re there.)
If you think you may want to tell a story at the workshop, spend some time considering your life, and try to identify some nuggets of experience that are important to you spiritually. It can be helpful to practice telling the story out loud to yourself; aim for a story that takes 8-15 minutes to tell. And remember, none of us are professionals! If you don’t have a chance to practice, that’s okay. You don’t need a script or to have rehearsed to share deeply from your heart. You may also contact Kathy directly with any questions: editor@westernfriend.org or 503.956.4709.
British Quaker scholar Ben Pink Dandelion is coming to Camas on October 31st. He will be preaching on Jeremiah 31 and will be joining us for a Q & A and a community potluck directly following Our meeting for worship. We want to extend this invitation to all f/Friends in the area, we hope you’ll join us. Our worship runs from 10:45-12:15pm with coffee before (10:30) and the potluck afterwards.
Every year we do a couple of the courses from the Northwest Earth Institute. We really like their stuff. We will be doing their new course starting next week called: A World of Health. More info will be posted shortly (and if you’re interested in doing the course please contact our office).
The NWEI is doing a two week EcoChallenge starting October 1st that looks like a lot of fun. Here’s a blurb:
The Northwest Earth Institute’s EcoChallenge is a two week event promoting sustainable living, and the power of taking one step toward a healthy, vibrant, sustainable future. The 2010 EcoChallenge will take place October 1-15. Register today to be an EcoChallenger or start an EcoChallenge team and join a growing community of people taking action on behalf of the planet!
via EcoChallenge 2010.
