Selected responses from Yearly Meeting Sessions
1999
Friends noted that Meadowlarks are
joining us for singing, worship, and outlook two weeks from today. This comprises outreach to other
meetings. Another F/friend talked about
our web page as a tool for reaching a broader community and described a
business card for the meeting. It was
noted as well that a F/friend had spoken as Quaker at a meeting convened by a
local university on the topic of “Women of Faith.” Her discussion group at the meeting was described as well
attended and people were interested in the similarities between the topic
“discernment” and Quaker concept of clearness.
We
expressed concern about our relations with broad ecumenical groups. Our principal
association at the moment is through the Great Plains Religious Media
organization which maintains a web page with our meeting listed although they
don’t yet have a pointer to our page.
This group is principally small and more liberal religious groups. We feel it appropriate that we should make
efforts to participate in ecumenical groups around our city.
We
discussed associations that focus on issues of concern to Quakers in the
community such as Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty and Nebraskans for Peace. We usually support these groups through
regular donations and through invitations to speak with our group. Furthermore, many members of our meeting are
active participants in these and similar groups. We discussed outreach to those of divergent beliefs, noting
that we feel that regardless of doctrine and dogma there is an ultimate truth
in all faiths. Our belief in the Light
Within All argues against the notion of evil people, but we acknowledge that
intolerance of beliefs can be a problem.
Quaker religion is primarily a seeking religion rather than a
structure. To a newcomer the silence
can be intimidating. Quakers need to be
aware of how they are perceived both by newcomers to a Friends Meeting and by
the world at large where we are sometimes confused with Old Order Amish.
2000
Intervisitation through the Eastern Iowa Gathering is most fruitful. Being an active Friend in our jobs, neighborhoods and larger community makes a difference in our lives as well as those whom we touch. Though we are not evangelical, it is often energizing and enlightening to invite friends to join us in our Meetings for worship or other activities.
The practice of private meditation during the week is a good way to remind ourselves of the need for inner peace and to give us strength to be mindful of our presence in all family and community contacts.
2001
Generally, we find it sometimes difficult to visit other meetings even though we think it is a fine idea. Some meetings in the conference aren’t part of a yearly meeting and need closer involvement with other meetings. A couple of us have visited various of these. Another person has visited several, and wants to visit more. One problem is the distances between us and others, a three- to six-hour drive.
One person suggested that there are millions who might find joy in meeting. So the question is, how do we let them know? She added that she was drawn to the Quakers because they do not proselytize. They share their beliefs through action. One person does library volunteer work and talked about Quakers to a co-worker. Another enjoys spirited discussions in his men’s group, where he is the “token liberal.” In summary, someone suggested that we “be ourselves and recognize that we’re all in this together” and that we should be open to others.
Many of us are members, at least in part, of more than one faith. One speaks candidly for himself in these various places. Self-control is important. Choke back the “you’re wrong,” listen, and only afterward speak. Coming to meeting has made one person more patient. She has learned from the silence to listen and can now listen to other people without having to be upset, without having to disagree. Listen, be quiet, and have “something peaceful to say” without forcing it on the other person.
Another, visiting from Miami, mentioned the other Kansas City Quaker meeting. An attempt to link with them in the past has been unsuccessful. She also mentioned the Mennonites and getting together with like-minded groups to protest the Iraq bombings. Someone else reminded us that our reaching out to our neighbor next door has not been successful. Someone suggested inviting him to a potluck sometime. Reaching out sometimes succeeds, sometimes doesn’t. John Woolman was able to gently talk to people with violently opposing views. It's sometimes possible to alienate even those with whom one is agreeing, when attempting to reach out. Even simple listening may not be very loving. Sometimes you won't be able to persuade, and listening is all you can do. “Walk softly.” One person thinks that society has become more relaxed about differences such as interfaith and interracial dating. Discussions are “more respectful than they used to be.”
One person wondered that even inside Meeting “how do we be respectful of differences?” Another suggested that we do well at this. Someone else mentioned that we leave ourselves open to difference when we say that each has his own truth. We have to expect disagreement. There is not enough racial diversity in the Society of Friends in this country, though there are increasingly many African Quakers. The remaining question is how do we reach out without proselytizing? Quaker silence is not for everyone. There may be an occasional person who is interested, or for whom it might be suitable, and one can point the way for them. One person had a friend who expressed interest in the Meeting. When she described it to him, though, he said he didn't think he could sit in silence for an hour. There was a general feeling that our meeting is good at welcoming all sorts of people.
2002
We recognize the importance of intervisitation among meetings and encourage it, but have found no way as yet to carry out our intentions in any organized way. The consideration by the Iowa Yearly Meeting Ministry and Oversight Committee of just this issue gives us hope that something can be arranged on a more formal basis, especially among meetings within the yearly meeting.
We try to remind ourselves that if we accept the basic Friends’ testimony of “that of God” in everyone we need to remain open to another’s truth. However, in the adversarial atmosphere which currently pervades our contemporary culture it is difficult to remain faithful to this testimony. We find that the pace of our lives also often allows little time to contemplate a question from all sides which in turn leaves little opportunity for consideration of another’s point of view. It is a constant struggle for many of us.
We find it relatively easy to get involved with groups and organizations with which we agree and share concerns. It takes much more energy and confidence to address issues where there is disagreement, especially about faith beliefs. As we get older, differences in faith seem less threatening to us personally. Our many contacts with other faith groups within our local communities allow us to be more aware of the spiritual values which we share in common with each other.
We are attempting to make our presence known in the larger community but so far only in fits and starts. We feel we have created an atmosphere of welcome although it is difficult to judge our efforts objectively. A few experiences of finding our meeting and feeling welcome as recounted by newer attenders indicates that so far we are achieving what we aspire to. We recognize that we need to be clear about just what we are and what we aspire to. We recognize that we need to be clear about just what we are and what membership in the Society of Friends means for those who seek us out.