SPRING 20078 xii 2006
alem Quarter Worship & Ministry Committee met on December 8th, at the home of Peggy and Jack Warner, convening in worship at about 7:45 pm. Friends were present from Mickleton, Mullica Hill, and Woodbury Monthly Meetings, as well as the Quarter Coordinator.
We received a report from the Gifts Working Group, describing how they have been led—both by members who happen to belong to meetings outside of Salem Quarter, and by contact with meeting outside our Quarter who are seeking to grow in the knowledge and exercise of gifts—to engage in work outside Salem Quarter. We received this report and encouraged the Gifts Group to continue in its course. We observed that the workings of the Spirit are not limited by bounda-ries, and at a time when Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is paying special attention to the value of quarterly meetings, it is quite worthwhile for us to demonstrate what a quarter can do for itself and its neighbors. Regarding that latter point, we encouraged the clerk of the Gifts Group to communicate with the clerk of the Standing Committee on Worship & Care. And we asked the Gifts Group to continue in sharing word of its service and learnings with the meetings of Salem Quarter.
The balance of our session was spent in worship sharing and discussion of gifts, leadings and callings, and of Quaker leadership, in continuation of our September discussion. A person exercising spiritual leadership typically is exercising his or her gifts in service to a calling; that is, a path has been laid before the person, and means to pursue that path has been provided. Along that path, insights—which may be termed leadings—help to direct the pursuit of the calling.
One of the difficulties we run into when considering leadership and leadings is distinguishing between spiritual leadership and practical/administrative leadership. To what degree do we need or benefit from spiritual insight when deciding an apparently routine business question? Indeed, the very act of making such a distinction is difficult. To some degree, any and all decisions should be considered with an attentive spirit. However, there are degrees of difference between weighing a moral dilemma and buying office supplies. We were unable to devise a clear rule to define these differences.
One thing did emerge clearly: for there to be leaders and followers, there must be communication among substantial numbers of people. When next we gather, we intend to explore intervisitation among monthly meetings.
We concluded with announcements and worship at 9:30 pm. Salem Quarter's Worship and Ministry Committee plans to meet again at the home of Bob and Gloria Horvay on March 9th, the Friday evening before Quarterly Meeting, and we welcome participation from all monthly meetings of Salem Quarter.
For the Committee,
Mario Cavallini, clerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
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