Together in the Light: Quaking in the UCC
Quakers have a distinct way of worship, doing business and living in the world. But the "Quaker way" can inform and enliven any and maybe all organized groups of spiritual seekers. Elisa Dale, the "Lone Quaker of Eden, Texas," will share with us a brief history of the Society of Friends, Friends' testimonies and the divergent paths taken by unprogrammed (silent meeting) Friends today. Friends define their worship as "expectant listening." Elisa will share how this is understood by Conservative Friends, "christo-centric" Friends, universalist Friends and "nontheist" Friends. A Quaker writer recently wrote that "We are held together by the way in which we are a religious group, what I have called a 'behavioral creed: the way we worship and do business and areas of testimony". This unity, the glue that holds Friends together, is derived from a commitment to each other and our shared goals, rather than agreement on Friends' notions about it all.
The Society of Friends is a religious tradition that appeared to have done away with the clergy but Friends say that the opposite is true: Friends have done away with the laity. How do things get done or problems dealt with in a religious society when each member is a pastor, a bishop? Why should one be a Quaker today or be "Quakerish" within one's own faith tradition or denomination? What do Quakers have to offer the UCC? Elisa will lead us in discussion of these issues and we will close in silence, in the manner of Friends.
Our offering will go to American Friends Service Committee which provides humanitarian assistance to peoples all over the world and has worked tirelessly for American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice and peace programs throughout the world. Founded in 1917 to provide conscientious objectors with opportunity to aid civilian war victims, AFSC's work attracts the support and partnership of people of many races, religions and cultures." An "eclectic" potluck meal will reflect Quaker diversity.
Spring Abundance
Offering Totals for 28 February 2010
The Gathering: $417
Wesley Soup Kitchen: $25
Project Dignidad: $25
Total: $467
Offering Totals for 7 March 2010
UCC Transgender Coalition for Travel Scholarships: $330
The Gathering: $125
Total: $455
Serving Those Wesley Serves
THIS Saturday, 13 March 2010
We have the privilege of preparing and serving lunch to those who dine at the Wesley Daily Soup Kitchen this Saturday morning. The Nontraditional Students Organization from Angelo State is planning the effort, and they have a menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, and salad already in place - which means it'll be a pretty easy day for us. We need to provide bagged salad, carrots and tomatoes for the salad, salad dressing (Ranch and Italian are the favorites), and physical bodies to help work on Saturday, the 13th. Since we aren't opening up, though, we don't need to be there until 10-ish and after. Several of you have committed to bringing the salad fixings (thanks!), and we're still accepting willing bodies to help prepare and serve. Contact me (thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com) for more information and/or to let me know that you'll be there, that you'll get your supplies there, or that you need to bring the groceries to me on Friday. Muchas gracias!
Important Things to Know:
National Week of Prayer for Healing of AIDS is March 7-13; for more info check out ucc.org.
International Women's Day was March 8. It is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some countries, like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday.
Spring Meeting of the North Texas Association (South Central Conference United Church of Christ)is Saturday, March 20. Master's Workshop Camp, outside of Waco, Texas. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. If you're interested, talk to me (Karen).
The Alaskan 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is currently underway.
Sunday, March 21 is Contemplative Meditation Sunday.
Easter is Sunday, April 4, 2010
Last Sunday's Sermon
Karen's homily concerning judgment theology (Sunday, 7 March) is available on our blog. Thanks to Alan Prest for continuing to make our blog relevant and engaging.
Quote Worth Pondering
The desire for security can cause religious beliefs to become oppressive, especially when they do not allow for and encourage fresh, imaginative envisioning of a still better future.--Don Cupitt
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