Shaking, Quaking with the Holy Spirit

Together in the Light: Quaking in the UCC

Quakers have a distinct way of worship, doing business and living in the world. But the "Quaker way" can inform and enliven any and maybe all organized groups of spiritual seekers. Elisa Dale, the "Lone Quaker of Eden, Texas," will share with us a brief history of the Society of Friends, Friends' testimonies and the divergent paths taken by unprogrammed (silent meeting) Friends today. Friends define their worship as "expectant listening." Elisa will share how this is understood by Conservative Friends, "christo-centric" Friends, universalist Friends and "nontheist" Friends. A Quaker writer recently wrote that "We are held together by the way in which we are a religious group, what I have called a 'behavioral creed: the way we worship and do business and areas of testimony". This unity, the glue that holds Friends together, is derived from a commitment to each other and our shared goals, rather than agreement on Friends' notions about it all.

The Society of Friends is a religious tradition that appeared to have done away with the clergy but Friends say that the opposite is true: Friends have done away with the laity. How do things get done or problems dealt with in a religious society when each member is a pastor, a bishop? Why should one be a Quaker today or be "Quakerish" within one's own faith tradition or denomination? What do Quakers have to offer the UCC? Elisa will lead us in discussion of these issues and we will close in silence, in the manner of Friends.

Our offering will go to American Friends Service Committee which provides humanitarian assistance to peoples all over the world and has worked tirelessly for American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice and peace programs throughout the world. Founded in 1917 to provide conscientious objectors with opportunity to aid civilian war victims, AFSC's work attracts the support and partnership of people of many races, religions and cultures." An "eclectic" potluck meal will reflect Quaker diversity.