From Worship and Ministry

The Light Within, Part One

from Faith & Practice

The Light Within is the fundamental and immediate experience for Friends. It is that which guides each of us in our everyday lives and brings us together as a community of faith. It is, most importantly, our direct and unmediated experience of the Divine.

Friends have used many different terms or phrases to designate the source and inner certainty of our faith—a faith which we have gained by direct experience. The Inward Light, the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Spirit of Truth, the Divine Principle, the Christ Within, the Seed, and the Inner Light are examples of such phrases. George Fox refers in his Journal to "that Inward Light, Spirit, and Grace by which all might know their salvation" and to "that Divine Spirit which would lead them into all truth." He wrote: "There is one, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition" and encouraged Friends "to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one." Many Friends interpret "that of God" as another designation for the Light Within.

For Friends, the Light Within is not the same as the conscience or moral faculty. The conscience is a human faculty, which is conditioned by education and the cultural environment; it is not, therefore, an infallible guide to moral practice. It should nevertheless be attended to, for it is one of the faculties through which the Light shines. Friends are encouraged to test the leadings of conscience by seeking clearness, through direct communion in the meeting for worship, and through the clearness process. Such testing enhances and clarifies insight so that the conscience may be purged of misconceptions and become more truly obedient to the Light Within. When conscience has been transformed by experiencing the Light, it gives more reliable direction even though it may seem to point in a direction that is contrary to generally accepted authorities.

Friends' experience has been that following an enlightened conscience brings a release of the spirit and also a state of peace that are independent of the tangible results of the action taken. Spiritual power arises from living in harmony with the divine will. George Fox often spoke of the power he experienced in times of need, and of that relationship between power and the Light. For instance, he writes that "the power of God sprang through me," and, he admonishes us, "hearken to the Light, that ye may feel the power of God in every one of you."

Continuing obedience to the Light increases our gratitude for God's gifts. Among these are an awareness of enduring values, the joy of life, and the ability to resolve problems in accord with divine leading, as individuals or as a Meeting. Under the guidance of the Light, the monthly meeting is enabled to use and transform the aspirations and judgments of its members. This practice helps the Meeting make decisions and face undertakings in a spirit detached from self-interest or prejudice. Basic Quaker testimonies such as equality, simplicity, nonviolence, integrity and community have arisen from deep sense of individual and corporate responsibility guided by the Light Within.

Recognizing that God's Light is in every person overcomes our separation and our differences from others and leads to a sympathetic awareness of their need and a sense of responsibility toward them. Friends believe that the more widely and clearly the Light is recognized and followed, the more will humanity come into accord.

"Therefore," writes George Fox, "in the Light wait, where unity is."

♥♥♥

Upcoming Events

September – Spiritual Formation Program

Do you seek a deeper spiritual experience? Join us for the Spiritual Formation Program starting in September. The Spiritual Formation Program encourages Friends to take seriously God's call in their lives. The nine-month program provides a structured, supportive community in which each member can discern God's call and prepare to follow it.
Commitment to the process means that you are a member of two groups, each meeting monthly: a reading group of 8-10 people who discuss readings of devotional works; and a spiritual growth group of 4-6 people where members relate on-going experiences of the daily spiritual practice undertaken.

For more information on this Philadelphia Yearly Meeting program, please go to the webpage at
http://www.pym.org/worship-and-care/s-f-program.htm
or call Susan Thompson (Newtown Meeting) at 267-847-6396. Use the form at the website to register. Please register as early as you can! It would be very helpful if we know you are coming by September 15, 2007. The cost for the entire program is $250-$275, excluding books, which cost about $150. We have found ways to help Friends cover these fees if there is a need.

Sept. 7- 9 — Peace Committee Clerk Weekend
Pendle Hill's annual weekend for Quaker peace and justice committee clerks and members will feature:

* Mary Lord, former Assistant General Secretary for Peace and Conflict Resolution, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
* Jim Cason, Associate Executive Secretary for Communications, Community Building, and Campaigns, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
* Scilla Wahrhaftig, Program Director for the Pennsylvania Office, AFSC; Quaker Initiative to End Torture
* Joan Broadfield, PYM Peace and Justice Coordinator
Cost is $180/shared room; $205/private room; $105/commuter. Matching funds are not available for this reduced-price event. For registration and additional information, visit www.pendlehill.org or call 1-800-742-3150, ext. 3.

Sept. 14 – 15 – Friends World Committee for Consultation 70^th Anniversary Celebration will begin with a 7 pm reception on Friday at the McGill Library at Haverford College and continue with an all day event at Swarthmore College on Saturday, with meeting for worship, panel presentations and lunch, dinner and time for fellowship. For more information and to register, call (215) 241-7250.

Sept. 16 — Haddonfield Monthly Meeting member Mabel Hinds will visit from Florida and looks forward to seeing as many Friends as possible at the covered dish luncheon.

Also on Sept. 16 – Talk by Keith Helmut of the Joint Canadian-United States Quaker Institute for the Future sponsored by the Princeton Monthly Meeting, at 470 Quaker Road in Princeton. The institute, which grew out of a gathering at Pendle Hill, aims to advance a “global future of inclusion, social justicd and ecological integrity through participatory research and discernment.” A 5:45 pm potluck dinner will precede the 7 pm program. For more information, visit http://www.princetonfriendsschool.org

September 23rd -- Peace Prayers’ Gathering 7-8:30 p.m., Haddonfield Meeting House.   Our peace prayers will celebrate the seasonal change from summer to fall by gathering in meditative prayer and visualizing the world at peace.  Our focus will be the Middle East and our process will be to surround Sunni, Shiite, Kurdish (and all lesser known tribal factions) with light and love.  All are welcome to join in this exercise, sponsored by Faith and Ministry.  For more information e-mail PeacePartners@verizon.net.

Sept. 29 – Eighth annual Buckingham Peace Fair, featuring events and activities for the whole family, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. The theme is "peace in the home, the community, the environment and the world." On the grounds of Buckingham Friends Meeting and Friends School, at the intersection of Routes 263 and 202, near Peddler's Village, Lahaska, PA. Admission is free. For more information call 215-750-7220, email peacevoice@enter.net, or visit www.quakerpeacefair.org

Starting Oct. 10 – Quakerism 101 Course will be sponsored by Care Committee at Haddonfield Monthly Meeting this fall. This basic course for adults is designed to familiarize new members and attenders with the history, faith and practice of Friends and to strengthen the understanding of long-time members. The course will be held on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, facilitated by Bob Brookes. Child care will be provided, if necessary. Registration forms are in the foyer of the Meeting House or may be obtained from Bob or course coordinators Karin Sannwald and Ruth Podolin.

Nov. 2-3 – “Spirited Engagement” event honoring the 90^th Anniversary of American Friends Service Committee will begin with a 6 pm celebration on Friday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, featuring a premiere of a documentary on the organization’s history, plus a performance by Sweet Honey in the Rock. On Saturday, the Annual Public Gathering will be held at 1:30 pm in the Philadelphia Convention Center, with remarks by Joan Countryman, headmistress of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa.

♥♥♥

Haddonfield Monthly Meeting Meeting for Worship for Business June 10

33 Friends were in attendance. The meeting began with a period of worship. The clerk read the quote from an unknown source at the beginning of the “Decision-Making” section of Faith and Practice, p. 21.

David Galivan, whose approved request for membership had been held over from the 5^th month, was accepted into membership. Judy Barnes, Bill Patterson and Gary Smith will visit David to welcome him as a new member.

The Clerk asked for a Minute of thanks to Jayne Stokes for 5 years of exceptional work as Editor of the Meeting Newsletter. Friends approved.

Ruth Podolin reported that Louise and Harold Heritage have been able to remain in their home partly due to meals and companionship provided by several members of our Meeting community. Care Committee noted that some of those friendly volunteers were asking that other members consider joining the support group by helping with the preparation and delivery of a meal or with other needs like transportation or companionship. Ruth and Dedee Roberts are maintaining an email list of helpers who can provide regular assistance or who can just step in on an emergency basis. If you can help in any way, please call or email Dedee or Ruth.

Drew Biehl presented the Care Committee annual report, held over from 4^th month. Bob Brookes requested a long-overdue Minute of Thanks to Care Committee – present and past members - for their valuable service to the Meeting. Friends approved.

Ad Hoc Committee for Separate
Incorporation of the School

During Meeting for Worship for Business in the 5^th month (May), Friends had been given copies to review of the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws for the School with the intention of addressing Friends’ questions and comments at the June Meeting for Business. The discussion began with the hope and expectation by many of the Friends present that the question/answer/ editing session could be accomplished as part of the June Meeting for Worship for Business Agenda. We began with an analysis of the Articles of Incorporation. Several Friends had serious issues with various concepts and phrases in this document. The concerns centered on how to ensure that the Haddonfield Friends School remain a true “Friends” school. We then moved on to the By-Laws and an exploration of the composition and control of the Board (which will replace the current School Committee).

As Friends began to ask questions regarding these documents and make suggestions for changes, it became apparent that there were far too many issues to be addressed during this Meeting for Business session. The Clerk recommended scheduling a called Meeting for Worship for Business on the 2^nd Sunday of July to explore Friends’ concerns about these documents. The Meeting approved.

Further concerns may/should be communicated to members of the ad hoc committee. Discussion will be continued on the 2nd Sunday in July at 11:15am at a special called Meeting for Worship for Business.

An update of the Deepening and Strengthening project was postponed until next month.

Pam Perry presented the final annual budget for the 2007 – 2008 fiscal year. There are some items in the new budget different from previous years due to the changing relationship with the school. The budget was approved.

John Donch presented the Treasurers Quarterly