 November/December 1999 (XXXVII 5) |
he Board of Trustees of A Quaker Ministry to Persons with AIDS has announced its September 22 decision to lay down the Ministry, ending its paid staff positions October 31, and carefully completing its responsibilities before December 31, 1999. Being an independent nonprofit corporation is not rightly ordered for the Ministry at this time, said Melissa Elliott of Chestnut Hill Meeting (PA), clerk of the board.
"It is time to learn the Quaker practice of laying down," said Carolyn Schodt of Chestnut Hill Meeting (PA), the energetic and inspiring director of the Ministry. A statement said the decision was arrived at over many months, culminating in what all assembled considered a gathered meeting for worship. The ministry includes 21 volunteers serving 27 people with HIV/AIDS through friendly visits. Carolyn plans to continue her own weekly visits to two friends living with HIV/AIDS, and to complete her second year in the School of the Spirit. While not planning to lead or direct anything, she envisions a possible future role for herself as spiritual nurturer for people wishing to do this work.
Several current volunteers and the AIDS Working Group of PYM wish to consider ways to continue the ministry. All Friends and interested individuals should contact Ray Bentman of Central Philadelphia Meeting at 215-985-1314 or rbentman@nimbus.temple.edu.
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM