SUMMER 20089 Third Month 2008
Salem Quarterly Meeting met 9 Third Month 2008, at Woodstown Monthly Meeting. Out of worship, clerk Sondra Ball (Mickleton) convened the meeting. There was a Friendly presence of forty. Sondra read a query from Faith and Practice to guide members of the meeting, “ Do I participate in a way that helps the clerk accomplish the agenda of the meeting?”
Minutes Corrected
Minutes of the last quarterly meeting on 9 Twelfth-month 2007 were approved as they appeared in the Salem Quarter News, with one amendment. Paragraph seven was adjusted and separated into two as follows:
It was pointed out that the calculation of a monthly meeting’s share of the Quarterly Meeting budget is a quota system based on their membership as reported to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as of December 31st. This procedure for Salem Quarter can be traced back to the 1970s. Both interest and concern has been expressed regarding a move to covenant-based funding. Any change in procedure would require at least six months to implement.
Monthly meetings and individual Friends are invited to bring minutes to the Quarter and articles to Salem Quarter News. For now, meetings were reminded of the 1/10/08 reporting deadline.
Nominating Committee
Peggy Warner (Mullica Hill), clerk of Salem Quarter Nominating Committee, clerked the meeting for the Nominating Committee report. She noted that all monthly meetings were represented at the Nominating Committee meeting and presented the new nominations. A vacancy remains on the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Nominating committee.
Salem Quarterly meeting approved all the nomintions as recommended by the Nominating Committee.
Millville Worship Group
Richard Rieger (Salem) reported on the status of the developing Millville Worship Group. Salem Monthly Meeting has undertaken the responsibility for the group and formed a committee of oversight. They welcome the support and participation of all Salem Quarter Friends.
Quota vs. Covenant Financing
An article was presented by Mullica Hill Monthly Meeting regarding their proposition to the Quarter that our method of funding the Quarter be changed from the current quota system to a covenant system like that used by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. There were no question about the article. Friends were invited to send their thoughts and comments on this issue in the form of an article, two hundred words or less, for the next edition of Salem Quarter News. Seaville Monthly Meeting’s request for information regarding the funding process is to be addressed by Mike Ayars, clerk of the Finance Committee.
Worship & Ministry
The Worship & Ministry report from Mario Cavallini (Mickleton) was available in written form. There was an opportunity for questions on the content of the report. Friends indicated that the report was clear and understood. With regards to the section concerning Woodbury Monthly Meeting, the comment was made that the metaphor of the body leads our belief and shapes our attitude towards future discussions. The issues brought forth have led us to respond with positive energy and concentration towards the care of one another as individuals and meetings. Mario explained that it was the feeling of Worship & Ministry that it is quarter’s responsibility to any monthly meeting “to speak in love.”
Steering Committee
Tom Etherington (Mullica Hill), clerk of the quarter Steering Committee, reported on newsletter printing issues, the Friends School auction book ad, and the formation of a Quarter care committee to offer guidance and support to Woodbury Monthly Meeting as they are struggling with internal conflict. Tom mentioned that the current issues facing Woodbury were brought to the attention of the Steering Committee by an individual Friend. Steering Committee took the initiative to form the committee and offer assistance as described in Faith & Practice.
Woodbury Meeting
Quarter clerk Sondra Ball (Mickleton) described the boundaries that would be used for discussing the issues at hand. These boundaries are in place not to limit Friends, but keep us mindful of the need to speak from the Spirit and not our personal priorities. Friends were asked to keep their remarks brief so that the greatest number of Friends would have the chance to speak. Opportunities to speak were divided into sections with periods of worship in between. First, Woodbury Friends had an opening to speak. Second, non-Woodbury Friends asked questions of specific Woodbury Friends. Third, non-Woodbury Friends or those who had left Woodbury Meeting at least 18 months ago had the opportunity to make comments. Last, we allowed possible solutions to rise from worship with the understanding that there were no expectations that an immediate decision be reached. Our purpose was to allow Salem Quarter to develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing Woodbury Meeting.
It was clear from the comments offered by Woodbury Friends that their issues have been divisive and all have suffered, both those who left the meeting and those who have stayed. Several Friends presented factual information, some of which was contradictory. The primary source of the conflict appears to surround the timing and process of notifying Friends and conducting business meetings. While some Friends struggled with negative emotions and the temptation to offer rebuttal, others offered their willingness to be open to the Light. Most all shared the depth of their emotional ties to the Meeting.
Non-Woodbury Friends asked specific questions regarding the timing of the cancellation and resignation of the clerk, and the role of the Nominating Committee in selecting a new clerk. A rhetorical question was posed as well: “To what extent is the business meeting an issue or was it the last straw in already stressed relationships?”
Comments were offered from non-Woodbury Friends or those who left Woodbury Meeting at least 18 months ago. A Friend shared a similarly conflicted experience years ago in Woodbury and a developing conclusion that there may be outside negative influences at work. However, optimism towards successful healing was expressed. Another Friend shared their inability to let go and move forward, but acknowledged their appreciation for the care the Quarter has offered.
The clerk acknowledged it was expected that not every Friend would have the chance to speak and that no immediate resolution was anticipated. She asked that we consider possible ways to view the issues and look towards thoughts and potential solutions. Out of worship these thoughts rose:
“At business meeting, every person in attendance must make a commitment to move forward.”
“Healing can’t happen without an acknowledgement of the true hurt that is experienced.”
“There is a need for neutrality and a need to pinpoint the underlying problem.”
June Quarterly Meeting
The clerk made announcements regarding a variety of yearly, quarterly and monthly meeting events, including our next quarterly meeting in June at Lower Alloways Creek. Sondra thanked Woodstown Monthly Meeting for their hospitality and reminded Friends to complete the evaluation forms. Meeting was closed with worship.
Rebecca Shapiro, assistant clerkRETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Last modified:
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 11:44 PM
