 May/Summer 2001 (XXXIX 3) |
pringfield Meeting (PA) will host a gathering on Worship, Ministry, and Eldering on Saturday, June 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friends have been holding such gatherings three times a year in response to a call to deepen our experience of the centrality of God in our worship, as well as in the various forms of ministry and spiritual nurture (or eldering) to which we are called.
Inspired by stories of the former gatherings of ministers and elders, and how their experience together was a touchstone for them of gathered worship and Spirit-led vocal ministry, Friends have been relearning the Quaker practice of letting the Holy Spirit guide our worship and lead our time together for extended periods. Our mornings consist entirely of worship, lasting as long as three hours or more. Friends who have attended these gatherings have been surprised at how quickly this time can pass and have found much spiritual nourishment in the depth of worship and in the ample space and silence in which vocal ministry can ripen and be spoken in fullness. In the company of others striving to surrender to the will of God, we are encouraged to grow in discernment about the movement of the Spirit within us.
Rather than creating a program in advance, the group who prepares for these gatherings seeks to discern how the Spirit is moving among us at the time of the gathering. It is humbling to be utterly dependent upon God instead of upon our skills and knowledge, yet we seek to learn to corporately discern divine guidance for the use of our time together. Afternoon activities at various gatherings in the past have included worship sharing, small groups, prayer, discussion, and singing.
All are welcome. This is an opportunity to bring together those who are concerned to deepen the worship and ministry in our Meetings, who feel drawn to sharpen their awareness of how God is calling us, who want to taste something of the power of extended worship known by early Friends, or who are seeking to learn how to make God central to our lives, our worship, and our spiritual community.
Springfield Meeting, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is located at 1001 Old Sproul Road, Springfield, at the corner of Springfield and Old Sproul Roads, one block north of Route 1.
Please bring a bag lunch. There is no fee, but donations are needed and welcome to cover expenses. For child care, please call one week in advance. For more information, call Jennifer Elam at 610-627-9621 or Marcelle Martin at 215-247-0718.
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM