5.  MUTUAL CARE

 

ADVICE

 

Friends consider the meeting to be a family in which the welfare of each individual is of utmost concern.  For some, the meeting may be the only family in the community. In mutual caring we seek greater wisdom than our own. We listen to the silence within ourselves and to one another with openness of heart. Sharing our pain as well as our joy can bring us closer together, making it easier to ask for help when we need it. Each of us is both giver and receiver, ready to help and to accept help.

 

Friends try to be aware of those who require special attention within the meeting community. We believe friendly interaction to benefits both adults and children. It is the responsibility of adults to recognize and give voice to the needs of children in the meeting. Inactive and absent members require the care of the meeting; those who do not currently attend meeting may be contacted by mail or by personal visit. We need also to minister with sensitivity to those in transition and to support caregivers and those requiring care within the meeting community. It is important to be responsive to the needs and gifts of newcomers and seekers who may attend our meetings for a short time.

 

We endeavor to be conscious of how differing gender role expectations may affect the quality of our relationships and influence how we empower ourselves in the home, meeting, community, school, workplace and government. We envision a society that provides opportunities for all people to reach their potentials, to share similar expectations, reap comparable rewards and contribute equally to society.

 

QUERY

 

*  How do we respond to each other's personal needs and difficulties in sensitive and useful ways? Do we encourage both men and women to share in caregiving?

 

*  What are we doing to welcome and draw members and attenders of all ages into the fellowship of the meeting?

 

*  How do we help our children feel the Iloving care of the meeting? What do the children contribute to the meeting?

 

*  How do we keep in touch with inactive and distant members and attenders?