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orking with the 2003 Gathering Committee and the FGC staff has provided us as coclerks the occasion for a collective spiritual journey. We have engaged with one another making decisions that create the Gathering environment for Friends. The 2003 Gathering committee began our journey through worship sharing in April 2002. We began by exploring the purpose and vision for the Gathering in our time. Why do we come? What do we long to discover? What sustains us as a community? How will our presence, as a loving community, further God’s work? How do we support each other?

With these queries before us, a richness of ministry was offered. Messages included: the Gathering as ‘an oasis in my turbulent life’—not in terms of retreating but as an opportunity; diversity as central to the experience —people, dancing, singing, conversation, workshops, kids playing, art . . . a flood of love; concepts of peace; healing; being a living witness; being challenged with regard to inclusion—how does God’s love enable us to include everyone?

It was out of the ministry that flowed from this worship that we have our theme Coming to Peace. We will be gathered as an intentional community this July. It is important to understand that our messages of peace were in terms of many meanings and on many levels. In our workshops and activity, under the care of the Spirit, we will look at ways Friends can come to peace within themselves, within their meetings, within their communities and throughout the world.

In our spiritual journeys we must respond to many challenges and opportunities that are presented. The Gathering Committee has labored individually, as subcommittees and collectively to address many questions through listening and being led by the Spirit. Questions have included: How do we most effectively meet the needs of families? Why not have dancing earlier to allow children to participate? What are our boundaries for workshop topics? How do we implement simplicity at the Gathering? How can we share our spontaneous artistic creativity during the week? Are we caring for God’s creation as we gather? Are we caring for each other? It is by holding in the Light specific concerns, conflicts and new ideas that we have already experienced love, forgiveness, joy and continuing revelations as we plan for the Gathering.

It is useful that we recall the origin of the Gathering. During the late 1800s, religious education was central to the creation of FGC and the Gathering. Many Friends during this time relied on their individual experience of God or the Spirit to guide their spiritual journey. However, educational and religious conferences and the leading of five different Friends organizations during this period provided an expanded vision that incorporated religious education as an integral part of the growth and witness to Quaker testimonies and beliefs. This led to a united Gathering in 1900. Religious education and witness continue to be fundamental in the planning for the Gathering.

This year, we will gather on a campus in a wooded environment in Pennsylvania. A program has been created that gives expression to the leadings we have experienced in planning our time together. It is our hope that this will help Friends know and deepen their relationship with the Spirit and with each other. As we write these reflections on how we will be together, we are grateful to the many Friends who have given their time and gifts. We are also mindful and deeply grateful for the abiding presence of the Spirit among us during this journey. We invite you to be with us as we gather in worship and continue our spiritual journey.

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