 November/December 1999 (XXXVII 5) |
ow can so few have accomplished so much?" Father Michael Sheeran, S.J., was asked this question about the Quakers some years ago at a gathering of Catholics and Quakers at the Arch Street Meeting House. His simple answer was, "They believe in continuing revelation. They believe that their lives can be led."
As Friends continue to discern what we are being called to, let us also be mindful of the resources that will be necessary to do that. Those resources are the time God gave us, the gifts God gave us and the worldly goods we have accrued as a result of the first two.
For a Friend, service to the Monthly Meeting, the Quarterly Meeting and the Yearly Meeting are like the meeting for business, in that they are a continuation of worship, and should therefore be done in a worshipful manner.
How many Quakers does it take to hear the still small voice of God? Just one. Then that Friend follows the leading with the support of the Monthly Meeting. The Quarter may feel led to support this leading, and perhaps the Yearly Meeting. Friends are at their best when they join together all of their resources in clearness that they are being led.
For 350 years, Friends have accomplished good in the world far beyond their small number. This is made possible by Friends' belief in continuing revelation, their careful practice of discernment, and their stewardship of giving of their time, talent and worldly goods.
Queries for your consideration: When was the last time that you gave of your time to serve your Monthly Meeting, Quarterly Meeting, or Yearly Meeting?
Was your service performed with Quaker integrity, a sense of joy, and in a worshipful manner?
Do you give financial support to your Meeting and to our Yearly Meeting?
Elizabeth Foley
Mickleton Meeting (NJ)
PYM director of development
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM