Facing the Future, Together
Queries for Spiritual Discernment regarding a strategic vision for Wrightstown Monthly Meeting
Read the article: https://www.friendsjournal.org/facing-the-future/
Excerpts from Facing the Future by Tom Rockwell
“Friends feel a need to respond strongly to the times we find ourselves in… There is a sense that the world needs Quaker theology and practice more now than at most times in history.”
“The reality that we are now shrinking to the point of death, however, is largely ignored.”
“Responsible leaders and concerned Friends must confront the more-pressing question: not how can we grow but do we have a chance of survival?”
Let us center down and reflect together. What is being asked of us—now?
Spiritual Purpose
What is the role of Wrightstown Meeting in this time of moral crisis and spiritual hunger?
How do we feel Spirit moving among us today?
Vitality & Decline
In what ways are we growing? In what ways are we shrinking—spiritually, structurally, generationally?
What are we clinging to that may no longer serve our life as a Meeting?
Right-Sizing & Reimagining
How can we let go of burdensome structures or traditions that no longer give life?
Are we willing to change—even if that change is uncomfortable or unfamiliar?
Faithfulness in Action
How might we “bring peace and love to our communities,” as Rockwell writes, even with fewer people and resources?
What bold experiments might we try, in faith, even if we risk failure?
Stewardship of the Future
What is the legacy we want to leave for those who may find their way to Quaker faith 10 or 20 years from now?
What kind of community would we need to become to welcome them?
This will be a hybrid event - either in-person in the Social Hall, or on Zoom to discuss this topic.
The Zoom link is https://tinyurl.com/mssp4j4s
Meeting ID: 990 5847 4302 Passcode: 780272
The Spiritual Exploration Group meets at 8:30 on the third Sunday in the Social Hall before Meeting for Worship.
SEG provides an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings on a variety of spiritually related topics. I has the added benefit that we can hear each other's ideas outside the Silence of Meeting.
Questions? Contact Sam Hartman samhartjr@comcast.net 215 674 1954