Friends General Conference

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A Quaker meeting in the northern suburbs of Chicago

Message from the Clerk - April

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“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” [Matthew 18:20 NRSV.]
Being unable for us to gather is a challenge for us during this time of pandemic. Medical experts tell us that we can save lives and help each other most during the pandemic by staying at home. Yet during times of uncertainty, when our usual routines are shaken, we are drawn to gather together.

Particularly hard for me has been hearing of the deaths of two Friends recently, Nancy Wallace and Elizabeth Mertic. Nancy has always felt like a sister to me. I am grateful for our long friendship. I always remember that Elizabeth and I transferred our memberships to Lake Forest Friends Meeting at about the same time. I was a young mother; she was a wise elder. She shared her faith and Quaker understanding with me at an important time. In remembering these two amazing women, I feel the need to gather, to share grief and joyful memories with others. Instead, I am feeling helpless.

Fortunately, we have the technology. Although video meetings and phone calls will never replace coming together physically, it is good to see everyone’s faces. Providentially, for several months the website group had been working on forming the new Communications Committee which was approved at our March meeting for business. The committee has set up a Zoom account for the meeting and under the patient ministry of “Michael” Cunningham many of us becoming Zoom experts. For Friends who don’t have a computer, you can call in from any phone.

I also understand if you would just rather sit quietly at home without worrying about technology. At first, I found it difficult to center on Zoom. It felt like being on the Brady Bunch or Hollywood Squares. Recently I tried lighting a candle during worship and moving my computer so that I’m looking out of the window. It just helps to change the room somehow. I’m interested in hearing how others of you have figured out how to worship in this way. 

As I write this just before Easter, one of my favorite photoshopped images I have seen recently is a da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. This one was changed to see Jesus sitting at an empty table while the disciples are all in little boxes over his head. After a little chuckle, it occurs to me that this image could be a new version of a picture of meeting for worship. Perhaps two or more of us have gathered in worship. We can find Jesus or the Light in our midst even with physical distancing.

This will be my last Message from the Clerk as my current term as Presiding Clerk ends after meeting for business in May. Someone has named me, in contrast to being a rising clerk, being the falling clerk. Fortunately, I am falling into new challenges and I’m looking forward to having time to cook for hospitality when we return to the meetinghouse. Though sometimes tiring, I have loved every minute of being clerk because, of course, each of you has made the serving in that role exciting and rewarding. Thank you.

April 2020
Pam Kuhn

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