July 28 29, & 30. AVP (Alternatives to Violence) Training is being held at the Jacksonville Unitarian Fellowship. The Schedule is as follows:
Contact Barry Heath (904-636-7404, barry_heath@msn.com) for more details. Happy Taylor has registration forms.
To live content with small means,
To seek elegance rather than luxury,
And refinement rather than fashion,
To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich,
To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly,
To listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart,
To bear all cheerfully,
Do all bravely,
Await occasions,
Hurry never -
In a word to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious,
Grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.
William Ellery Channing
| To be of the earth is to know | |
|
The restlessness of being a seed The darkness of being planted The struggle toward the light The pain of growth into the light The joy of bursting and bearing fruit The love of being food for someone The scattering of your seeds The decay of seasons The mystery of death And the miracle of birth | |
John Soos
Sunday, May 7th, the Quakers at Gainesville Meeting went to the Coalition for Peace and Justice Land for a Meeting for Worship with Jacksonville Friends. The newly constructed building brought together Jacksonville and Gainesville Meetings through silent worship and friendly conversation with great success. Everyone had a good experience and we hope that the two meetings will come together again soon.
Ranjit Sellars
A woman quoted in Quaker Faith and Practice has written, "To me, worship is recognizing and communing with the divine, whether it is within myself, in others, or in the world." There are many definitions of worship, but shared personal experiences help me understand it. Consider the experience of George Gorman, in his first meeting for worship: "...it was in this unlikely setting that I am to know what I can only describe as the amazing fact of Quaker worship. It was in that uncomfortable room that I discovered the way to the interior side of my life, at the deep centre of which I knew that I was not alone, but was held by a love that passes all understanding. This love was mediated to me, in the first place, by those with whom I worshipped. For my journey was not solitary, but one undertaken with my friends as we moved towards each other and together traveled inward."
The Ripening of Quaker Worship, David Bills
Thanks to all who donated time, money, children's clothing and household goods to three families in need. All the mothers were very grateful for the assistance. "Welfare reform" has meant greater hardship for many young poor mothers who struggle to raise their children without much assistance or support.
New Book... The Nine Lives of Arnold by Arnold Von der Porten - coming soon!!
Dear Friends,Approximately 95 people gathered at Palm Beach Meeting on Sunday afternoon, May 21, to remember our dear Friend, Liz Jensen. The memorial began around 1:45 P.M. with Paul Ruhlen playing the piano. The meeting room was pretty with flowers gathered from yards and alleyways in Lake Worth neighborhoods, and filled quickly so that by 2:00 it was hard to find an empty chair. Stories were shared, as were readings and prayers. Feelings swung from mournful sadness to ironic laughter. Liz would have enjoyed the humor. At about 3:30, after speaking about its significance, Paul returned to the piano to lead us in singing one of Liz's favorite hymns, Finlandia. After a brief silence we shared handshakes and began to greet others in the room. A reception followed downstairs. Some went to Liz's house for yet another gathering later in the afternoon.
It was a lovely service. I can't imagine anyone being remembered with more love and thoughtful admiration. Many of Liz's colleagues and personal friends and family members, as well as Friends from Palm Beach and other Meetings shared much together. Emotions and love poured out like chocolate - rich and satisfying. But I've rarely experienced such a deep sadness.
Gary Arthur
Palm Beach Meeting