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SPRING
1999Julia Digney, Woodbury MM
Almost nine years ago, my friend Jane Jones invited me to a Quaker meeting. It was a very difficult time for me; my husband and I had recently separated. Jane was a member of Cherry Street Meeting, and my son and I attended with her and her daughter Amy. This was an outreach that my heart and soul needed. In July 1998, as one does not want to be hasty, I became a member of Woodbury Monthly Meeting.
Although this was a most powerful example of outreach, I believe it is how I live my daily life that really speaks to this concept. Just before New Year’s Day 1998, I purchased shellfish from the local Pathmark. The young woman working there was visibly quite ill. I offered my concern, and she answered that there was no one else to work. Wishing her a happy New Year, I left.
Several weeks later, I was at the same store, and so was the young woman. I commented that her health was much improved since New Year’s, and a lively conversation ensued. She was delighted that I had remembered her working during her illness. This is outreach.
Holding the door for a stranger. Smiling and saying, “Hello,” just because. Complimenting someone you do not always appreciate. Going into a difficult meeting remembering that each person there is a beloved son or daughter. Visiting a difficult elderly relative. Giving back too much change. Thanking the gas attendant and wishing him a good day. Making time to listen to a child not your own. Paying the contractor the full amount owed even though the error was his. Offering someone financial aid before being asked. All these are daily manifestations of outreach.
Every year Woodbury Monthly Meeting has many outreach events. Easter breakfast—scrambled eggs and toast offered to the community. Colonial Day, with tours of the meetinghouse, a wonderful band, and the best barbecue. And participating in the celebration of Woodbury by building a float and entering the parade—last year we acquired a third place in some obscure category! My joy in these events is “inreach”: working together with those of the meeting, laughing, eating together, and feeling the sense of community.
Paul, a special friend, has commented that Quakers are almost invisible. He wonders why we do not take credit for the good works accomplished by Friends. As an individual, I am most happy being in the background without public recognition. Perhaps this feeling is prevalent among more than the few Friends I know I share it with.
These are some of my thoughts on outreach. I strongly feel that “outreach” is also very important within our Quaker community. It is my belief that how I live daily is the most important outreach.
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Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM
