North Carolina Yearly Meeting Of Friends - Friends United Meeting

5506 West Friendly Avenue Suite 203

Greensboro, N.C. 27410 www .greensboro.com/ncym -fum

Telephone: 336-292-6957 1-800-371-8896 FAX 336-292-1905

E-mai1: ncfriends@juno.com

North Carolina Yearly Meeting in session at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly Black Mountain, North Carolina

"Walk Cheerfully: Press Toward the Mark"

To Friends everywhere) both singly and in community:

Greetings from North Carolina Yearly Meeting.

Our sessions this year, were held in a beautiful mountain setting. The peace and tranquillity of such a landscape can obscure the fact that nature never ceases to grow and stretch. Our theme this year has a similar dichotomy: the emphasis to "walk cheerfully" requires personal peace and centering. while "pressing toward the mark)' certainly summons us to grow. We have experienced both of these realities.

We have been encouraged to "walk cheerfully":

Ø as we share our peace testimony with a world embroiled in war as we labour with Quaker process

Ø as we reconsider established policies and procedures .as we face increasing budget needs in future years

And we have been challenged to "press toward the mark":

Ø .by remembering our Quaker foundation based on Jesus Christ

Ø by moving into new growth in our Meetings in faith

Ø .by 'showing a new vision for, and commitment to, Quaker Lake Camp

Ø by approving a new proposal for a Mid-Year Meeting that will be effective

Ø and make efficient use of time and available resources

Ø by diligently studying God's Word

We hope this message brings encouragement to Friends everywhere as you experience some of these same challenges.

Brent McKinney Clerk, NCYM of Friends

“North Carolina Yearly Meeting of Friends seeks through the power of the Holy Spirit to equip and energize our Meetings in their witness to the love, message and power of the living Christ encouraging Friends to translate our faith into practice. “