SUMMER 2002Cindy Cox Crispin
Woodbury MM
lustering in cozy cabins, nestled amongst the scarlet leaves, under the sparkling stars, one hundred Quakers and kindred spirits of all ages communed together at Camp Ockanickon last September for the 2001 Tri-Quarterly Gathering. This special community weekend entitled, “Refilling Our Cup,” indeed revitalized, yet soothed, spirits!
The beauty of the campsite meshed perfectly with the beauty of the weekend. I left with a new energy and faith in my community—Joan Olson.
Friends experienced a wonderful balance of physical activity with serene stillness, of lively intergenerational square dancing and group games with gazing into the warm firelight or up toward the silver-speckled night sky, of traversing the footpaths through the woods with viewing the dance of the sunlight through the trees while worshiping in the outdoor chapel, of paddling a canoe with looking into the still waters.
Two things dovetailed at Tri-Quarter. First, it was very spiritual to be in such a peaceful natural setting, the experience reached into my heart and enabled me to touch base with my soul and God; and second, to be doing this within a peaceful community of people who also seek to help kids and do good in the world. It was a safe haven where my family could have fun, run, dance, eat healthy food, and enjoy old and new faces—Amelie McGeehan.
Spirits were refreshed by light-hearted singing while sharing blankets on the hay ride, by laughter as Friends of all ages cooperatively created delicious S’mores by poking marshmallow-laden sticks into the bonfire, and through impromptu harmonizing with guitars and song during our leisure moments.
The intergenerational games were really fun! Also I liked the [Village Tapestry] group that shared what ear lier workshops [concluded]. The worship in the outdoor chapel is always special—Sandra Johnson.
Friends especially enjoyed the fun-filled family time balanced with serene solitude and inspiring workshops which provided intellectual stimulation and spiritual deepening.
Although this year’s theme is “Reason for Hope,” I believe it will again (and always) offer the same benefit as the 2001 theme, “Refilling Our Cup.” My workshop was and continues to be a healthy self-query for me, day in and week out, while working and living in a world at times seemingly gone mad, definitely more impersonal, and often quite cranky. I reflect on the joy of Tri-Quarter, of being in the presence of all ages, the laughter of children, the gift of meeting Quakers known or new to me and the wisdom shared, the presence of water and woods and the warm fireplace, the generosity of spirit and work of the Tri-Quarter organizers, and the cordial helpfulness of the camp staff. I was able to be as active, inactive, interactive, and solitary as my spirit needed to be. The old saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” might result in not attending 2002 Tri-Quarter, so mark the dates on your calendar and register early!—Madeline Schaeffer.
The theme selected for 2002 Tri-Quarterly Gathering, “Reason for Hope,” responds to recent events and ongoing challenges. Amid God’s beauty at Camp Ockanickon an enthusiastic community will search together for answers to difficult questions, like:
- Why is there reason to hope for cross-cultural understanding and the long-sought peace on Earth?
- What reasons for hope exist for cleansing our environment and right sharing of our resources?
- How do we foster hope in our children and in our selves, and how do we create safer educational experiences for our children?
Friends are encouraged to reserve the weekend of October 18–20 to join Quakers in exploring the possibility that all things can be made better through our best inten tions, highest actions, and the help of God. Previous Tri-Quarterly Gathering attenders are requested to share the special moments experienced with friends and invite them to join this unique community next fall.
I look forward every year to this wonderful weekend in the woods where contemplation and conversation help clarify the leadings of my spirit—Marsha Gaspar.
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Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM
