SPRING
2002 Twelfth month 9, 2001
he Salem Quarter Worship & Ministry Committee met on Twelfth Month 7th, 2001, at the home of Gloria and Bob Horvay with 13 Friends in attendance from five monthly meetings within the Quarter, plus our faithful coordinator. We convened near the appointed hour of 7:30 pm and began with a period of worship.
Two items of business were discussed. The first regarded the annual Quarter Retreat sponsored by this committee which will be held August 23–25, 2002, in Burlington and facilitated by Michael Wajda and Alison Levie. The planning committee, now numbering eight, chose the tentative date of January 5, 2002, to meet with Michael and Alison to plan the retreat. This date has since been confirmed. The second item was an update on the Pastoral Care volunteer program now in effect in the Healthcare Unit of Friends Home. Twelve members of Salem Quarter registered for the program, nine took the orientation which was given on October 22 by the Director of Nursing, and one member has subsequently left the program. Of the eight volunteers now serving, seven have been assigned to two residents and one has three. Reports received thus far indicate that visits are mutually rewarding. Friends Home welcomes additional volunteers, for the need is great. A second orientation can be arranged, and on-going training is planned.
An announcement was made by Salem MM Worship and Ministry that they are sponsoring a Quakerism 101 course which is open to the Quarter. Gene Hillman, Adult Religious Ed coordinator for PYM, will lead the six-week course beginning January 27, 2002. Early registration is requested as space is limited. A second announcement listed three upcoming silent retreats led by Rene Crauder. Details can be obtained from our Coordinator.
Mario Cavalini and Sondra Ball then presented concerns they have been under the weight of since PYM's called session to determine its role in the aftermath of 9-11. They suggested we look at what Salem Quarter might do. Through their telling of stories we were reminded of how crucial it is to learn discernment, to speak truth to power, to trust intuition, to go to the Source for guidance. A period of worship sharing followed in which there were questions without answers, but there were also truths humbly spoken. And out of this quiet struggle emerged a clarity that some type of program on discernment is needed within the Quarter or beyond.
The meeting closed with a brief period of worship followed by refreshments and the opportunity to avail ourselves of an FGC book display. We meet next on Third Month 8, 2002. Representation from all seven of our meetings is hoped for.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Waddington
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