Discernment, April 12, 2026
During our April business meeting, Friends reflected on the spiritual state of the Meeting, considering how to deepen the spiritual lives of members and attenders, strengthen engagement with the wider community, discern God’s priorities for us, and ensure that our expenditures reflect those priorities.
Our Meeting is experiencing encouraging growth in attendance. To help newcomers understand Quaker worship, we now begin worship with brief introductions to practices such as silence, centering, testing a sharing, and expectant waiting. We continue our reminders during the final 10 minutes of worship to invite sharing of joys and concerns. We began a Bible study last summer, using the Quaker method, and have been reading the book of Luke slowly and reflectively. This has strengthened both spiritual connection and community.
Adult Forums continue to enrich Meeting life through programs including 4-Doors to Meeting for Worship, mindfulness meditation, Friends House Moscow, Quaker historian Ben Pink Dandelion, spiritual journeys of newer members, an Easter intergenerational celebration, and study of the Gospel of Thomas. Caring Committee continues its long-term support of members in need. Other activities include a book group reading Octavia Butler’s Parable series, a growing First Day School program, and a long-standing couples enrichment group.
As we grow, we continue working through challenges around worship space, transitions into worship, and integrating newcomers into Meeting life and committees. Hospitality and inclusion remain important priorities. We welcomed 3 new members.
Friends remain active in the local community. The Sprint Committee for Palestine has organized monthly educational and fundraising events focused on conditions in Gaza. We posted a “Stop the Genocide in Gaza” banner outside the Meetinghouse. Wider World Committee hosted Quaker eco-activist Eileen Flanagan. Members also participate in interfaith organizations including Heeding God’s Call, Harrisburg Area Interreligious Forum, and Christian Churches United. The Community Service Fund continues assisting Harrisburg residents facing housing or utility insecurity, and Meeting supports Alternatives to Violence workshops in Peru.
This year we celebrated the marriage of Young Adult Friends Isaac Miller and Anna Yoder and mourned the loss of our beloved Friends Carter Nash, Dana Beyer, and Lois Dunnavent. These events reflected the Meeting community at its best.
Meeting life continues to be strengthened by fellowship as well as spirituality. Friends gather for theater outings, peace rallies, yerba mate, women’s fellowship, singing, and music. Members and attenders are also active in the wider Quaker community through FCNL, FGC, Caln Quarter, AFSC, and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
Encouraged by new attenders to become more visible, Outreach Committee obtained a publicity grant and began advertising in a local alternative magazine. Through our distinctive worship and belief that there is that of God in everyone, we seek to shine our light and serve as a positive force in our community.
