New Quaker Checklist #47
FGC recommends the following tip for newcomers to the Quaker faith: Learn who supports your meeting — spiritually, physically, and financially.
It takes people with many gifts to make a cohesive community. Who is praying for the meeting? Who is moving benches and bringing potluck dishes? Who is donating money that supports the work of the meeting? As you attend a Quaker community, pay attention for who shows up and how. This can give you a great sense for how generosity flows within the meeting.
Some people give prayerful gifts. They may serve as an elder, someone who accompanies other people on their faith journey. They may walk up to someone at the end of worship and check in to see how they are doing. They may attend Business Meeting and pray for the meeting. Spiritual support helps to sustain the meeting.
Some people use their energy to help create a welcoming space. They may help to renovate a basement, work with children, set up the physical space, or arrive early to make sure the heat’s on. This includes Friends who are caring for the building and grounds. If your meeting has a Religious Education program, then it includes the parents and teachers. Physical energy, motion, and movement help to support the meeting!
Some people offer financial gifts. These gifts may happen in private, but they lead to a solid support that keeps the meeting flowing. Financial gifts can include an awareness of budgets, spreadsheets, or financial planning information to help the meeting make its financial decisions. Pay attention for who is serving on Finance Committee and who is the current Treasurer.
