New York Yearly Meeting
Posted July 31st, 2007 by fgc admin
Hey Friends,
I just returned from New York Yearly Meeting, which is one of the coolest yearly meetings I've ever visited. The location is on the amazingly beautiful Lake George at a YMCA that seems like it is out the movie "Dirty Dancing". Anyway, it was a wonderful week, but there was also a sadness in the air. I would ask that Friends hold Franklin (a YAF from NYYM) in their prayers. There was an accident mid-week and he was rushed to the hospital. He is feeling better now, but I'm sure he would appreciate love from Quakers across the country.
I'm off to Canadian Yearly Meeting! Please send me photos and entries about your experiences at yearly meetings this summer. And don't forget to create a profile.
In peace, Emily
That sucks that the nearest
That sucks that the nearest meeting is so far away! You're right that Quaker worship is a group (or we often use the word 'corporate') activity, but it is totally ok (and even important) to practice worship on your own. My sense is that everyone approaches worship a little differently, but the important part is listening - even by yourself. I experience Quaker worship as inward listening, focusing on setting aside all of my thoughts and stresses to create space for the sense of something deeper within. Does this make sense? (Others probably have other experiences - you should ask around or for more people to respond.)
I also second Emily's recommendation to check out QuakerBooks to find more information. Other websites such as www.quakerinfo.com or www.quaker.org contain a wealth of resources that may also be helpful.
The technical process for becoming a Quaker is to become a member of a meeting. This usually involves attending meeting regularly and getting to know the community. Then, when you feel ready to join the meeting, requesting a clearness committee for membership. This consists of a few Friends from the meeting who meet with you to discern if membership is the right next step for both you and the community. If the committee recommends membership, then it will be brought to the next Meeting for Business (which meetings hold once a month) for approval. This is the technical way.
I do know of some Friends who are involved in the Quaker community and have been for many years, but have never become members of any particular meeting.
I hope this is helpful. I encourage you to keep asking questions as long as you have them.
Claire
Well I did a QuakerFinder
Well I did a QuakerFinder search and the nearest meeting is about 22 miles away. So I was wondering, since that's too far for me to go, can I have a suggestion on how to do a self-worship following Quakerism? I know it's a group idea but I am unfortunately the only one interested at this time. Also, is there a process to become a Quaker? Thanks very much.
PhilÂ
Philip, I would recommend
A hopefoul youngster I am
A hopefoul youngsterÂ
I am not a Quaker but rather a Catholic. I am soon to be 17 years old and I live near Chicago, Illinois. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to be a better Friend once I turn 18 as I'm very fed up with the Catholic buerocracy. Is there a process I must undergo for conversion?
Additionally, I have Cerebral Palsey and use a Poerchair to get around, is it acceptable to worship in the wheelchair, or must I be out? Thanks so much for your help.
Yours,
Philip Mungai
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