Please join us for the third SEG Exploring a Path Forward for Our Meeting.

When we began this series of discussions on Strategic Visioning, we wanted to look at all possible trajectories.  We began with two discussions about growth. This discussion makes use of a wonderful short video with Emily Provance, a Quaker public minister being interviewed by Melinda Wenner Bradley from PYM. In it Emily discusses the life cycle of congregations (both Quaker and other protestant denominations) and provides some useful vocabulary with which to discern where your Meeting truly is. Wendy Kane has been a valuable resource for this and will join us for the discussion.

In Emily’s video,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTW4MJXUT-s,  she differentiates between Viable and Vital;  She defines“viable” as meaning we can pay our bills, maintain our property, and do the necessary essential practical functions and “vital” means we are alive with spirit. 
=> If at all possible please watch Emily’s 18 minute video.  But come to the discussion whether or not you have watched the video.

 One important query: In what ways are we (or not) viable and in what ways are we vital?

The Clerks Team would like to share our perspectives and serious concerns on the viability of the Meeting and how the trajectory could look going forward. Emily talks about some Meetings being ready to lay themselves down.  We are not at this point—yet.  But it is a possible trajectory, and it seems wise to have this discussion now while we are still both viable and vital.

Emily also talks about “resuscitation” and “resurrection”.  Resurrection involves becoming something that is new and alive and needed now, though it may not look like what we have been in the past. There is energy here, but what form will it take?

Please join us and be part of making these critical discernments!

This will be a hybrid event - either in-person in the Social Hall, or on Zoom to discuss this topic.

The Zoom link is https://tinyurl.com/mssp4j4s
Meeting ID: 990 5847 4302 Passcode: 780272

The Spiritual Exploration Group meets at 8:30 on the third Sunday in the Social Hall before Meeting for Worship.

SEG provides an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings on a variety of spiritually related topics.  I has the added benefit that we can hear each other's ideas outside the Silence of Meeting.

Questions? Contact Sam Hartman samhartjr@comcast.net  215 674 1954