Hello Friends,

Greetings from Nominating Committee! I have been thinking much about the nature of our Friends Meeting lately, especially through the lens of Nominating Committee Clerk.  Not only is this spring, but the recent storm begs to be used as a metaphor for our energies. Sometimes we are weighted down by responsibilities, no matter how much we are trying to blossom and grow. Sometimes we thrive after such a storm that is unexpected, but sometimes we are stunted in our growth.  How can we thrive in ways that bless us rather than burden us?

We are a meeting composed of individuals who may come to share in worship weekly, or for others who cannot attend so regularly, but in Spirit are with us as much as they can be.  Others find their energies taken up with committee work on behalf of the meeting, and may forego joining us due to limited time.  Still others are unable to join us regularly due to health, transportation, or a myriad of other responsibilities and life situations.  As Friends we want to be so much, and do so much in the world, but so many of our obligations leave us not only with limited time, but dwindling energy as well.

As Nominating Committee is seeking a new clerk of meeting, members for committees, and committee clerks we have been quite aware of the above mentioned drains on our individual and collective energy that enable us to do the work of the Spirit. A couple of weeks ago, a Friend wrote, while sending out minutes to a committee, “This committee brings me such joy!” Indeed Friends, this is what is meant to be when we do our work for the meeting.  Recently other Friends have expressed how they feel that our Guidance Document and the responsibilities it outlines has added another layer of stress or guilt to their roles within meeting.

As we move forward into nominating season we are hosting a facilitated conversation about the leadership in the meeting on April 15th after the potluck. We are not sure what we will glean, what Spirit will lead us to in this moment, but corporate reflection can lead to amazing things if we listen with tenderness and openness.  We need all of us there, in body and Spirit! And we need to come with open and listening hearts as we gather. Nominating Committee members Tori Bolton, Ethan Bliss, and Helen Tasker may be calling you to clarify how you see your energies meshing with the work of the meeting. If you are not called, please note that you can reach out to anyone of us during this time through e-mail or phone. Carlotta Joyner will also be joining Nominating Committee after her term as Clerk of Meeting is finished in June.

Perhaps you can consider these queries:

• What work brings you joy?
• What gifts of Spirit and Service do you possess or want to explore, nurture, and grow?
• What might you need to lay down?
• What do you need from meeting in order to prosper in Spirit?

Thank you, Friends! Helen Tasker, Nominating Committee Clerk