I forgot to mention the closing worship that occurred on Saturday morning in the big auditorium where our sessions began...This worship was purely worship; a blended format which featured elements of programmed worship AND unprogrammed worship. The person who brought the message did an awsome job, and sent us away with still more to hold and reflect upon. The final hymn that was sung at the closing of this meeting for worship "GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN" provided the last words from the group gathered in worship. An apt sentiment with which to conclude the week AND this blog.
Shalom
Monday, July 27, 2009
Postscript
This should have been written after I got home Saturday afternoon, but our router was broken. So, this will be the final post on the Silver Bay Blog 2009.
On Friday night:
--the final segment of bible hours by YM pastors was presented, and went well. I think we could do another round of presentations of folks in ministry from our YM next year.
--in the last business session on Friday evening Sessions committee reported that they were going to try an experiment next year and reduce YM sessions to a 5 day length. This met serious concern from the body both with regard to process and also with regard to the time needed at yearly meeting to conduct our business. Sessions is responding to calls from the YM to be attentive to economic hardships, and time constraints. Additionally, the affection and traditions that have been built around being located at Silver Bay is another consideration to be taken seriously.
--our presiding clerk for the last three years concluded her service in that position. She has done amazing and spirit led work! The new clerk is also someone who I perceive as able and called to this work. It was a bittersweet time of reluctant, appreciative goodbyes and joyful, anticipatory hellos.
--my son asked to not have to come in until midnight. which I agreed to so that I could do some packing up without an extra person in our room.
From my perspective on Monday afternoon, our week at Silver Bay was fun and busy; hard work at times and relaxing at other times. The main sense of things for me is that we are blessed to be members of NYYM. We are also blessed to have been able to afford the week at annual sessions. There was much accomplished by the yearly meeting, as well as much to look toward doing in the future weeks and months until we meet again for summer sessions. My prayer is that we continue to hear and respond to the Spirit as we discern the leadings which will come as we worship and wait.
Be sure to watch the yearly meeting website for official publications such as approved minutes, epistles, etc.
On Friday night:
--the final segment of bible hours by YM pastors was presented, and went well. I think we could do another round of presentations of folks in ministry from our YM next year.
--in the last business session on Friday evening Sessions committee reported that they were going to try an experiment next year and reduce YM sessions to a 5 day length. This met serious concern from the body both with regard to process and also with regard to the time needed at yearly meeting to conduct our business. Sessions is responding to calls from the YM to be attentive to economic hardships, and time constraints. Additionally, the affection and traditions that have been built around being located at Silver Bay is another consideration to be taken seriously.
--our presiding clerk for the last three years concluded her service in that position. She has done amazing and spirit led work! The new clerk is also someone who I perceive as able and called to this work. It was a bittersweet time of reluctant, appreciative goodbyes and joyful, anticipatory hellos.
--my son asked to not have to come in until midnight. which I agreed to so that I could do some packing up without an extra person in our room.
From my perspective on Monday afternoon, our week at Silver Bay was fun and busy; hard work at times and relaxing at other times. The main sense of things for me is that we are blessed to be members of NYYM. We are also blessed to have been able to afford the week at annual sessions. There was much accomplished by the yearly meeting, as well as much to look toward doing in the future weeks and months until we meet again for summer sessions. My prayer is that we continue to hear and respond to the Spirit as we discern the leadings which will come as we worship and wait.
Be sure to watch the yearly meeting website for official publications such as approved minutes, epistles, etc.
Friday, July 24, 2009
"Riding The Wave"
Wow the hours have flown by, since I last posted on this blog!
Here's kind of a list of what's been going on, as I've experienced it:
-Because of my trip to Albany and last minute preparation for my presentation at bible hour, I missed the threshing session early yesterday afternoon on the issue of NYYM's relationship with FUM. However, I talked with several folks about their senses of what they heard, felt, were clear about...It seems that there was a sense of gatheredness around maintaining our relationship with FUM. Folks are in support of the work done in the name of FUM in the world.
Folks also recognize that as we remain at the FUM table we need to reflect and give witness for NYYM's positions and truth as a yearly meeting. It is more of an issue for us that we name and live into our testimony of equality and work toward being "whole"; excluding no one from our table.
-As bible hour drew new, I got pretty nervous... After supper, several of us arrived at the location of bible hour to begin preparing the space. I was also given some energy work, which helped tremendouly to ground me in Spirit. My presentation seemed to be well received and I have heard positive feedback about it. The discussion that grew out of our consideration of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus was interesting, enlightening, and fun.
--after I survived bible hour, I spent time over ice cream in the store for more conversation and laughter.
--The Cafe night performances were ongoing when I reached the auditorium. Unfortunately I missed my son's performance, but he seemed to be OK with that. we have many talented and gifted people in our YM!
--After a night that was too short, I attended a meeting of the worship committee to begin compiling feedback from the activities under our care that have already taken place, and to make sure we have elders for all three business sessions today...
--I sat the facing chairs as an elder for the first session, which included our consideration and approval of a minute on racial healing. I will post it here when I get a copy of it. The worship was deep which produced messages that spoke poignantly of Friends' sense of leading about the minute, the words it contained, and our ongoing and future work. This minute is a beginning--not an end --for the efforts to heal and end racism.
--As the JYM members joined us for community worship before lunch, we could hear them sing their way across the campus and into the auditorium. What a bautiful sound! A round of "Dear Friends" rose from the body as we worshipped together and seemed to unite us all around our love and appreciation of one another.
--At the beginning of meeting for worship for business, our clerk gave ministry around the sense that we, as a body were tired, but that we contiue to ride the wave of spirit; being held and supported even as we are tired and tender. I felt it was quite a dramatic and accurate illustration of our condition.
Later this evening after supper, I will attend the final bible study and the last business session which includes the sharing by JYM which reflects their week here at Silver Bay. While I wait for my son to come in for the night, I will begin to pack up our belongings and load our car.
It's back home tomorrow right after lunch! What a week we've had, RIDING THE WAVE!
Here's kind of a list of what's been going on, as I've experienced it:
-Because of my trip to Albany and last minute preparation for my presentation at bible hour, I missed the threshing session early yesterday afternoon on the issue of NYYM's relationship with FUM. However, I talked with several folks about their senses of what they heard, felt, were clear about...It seems that there was a sense of gatheredness around maintaining our relationship with FUM. Folks are in support of the work done in the name of FUM in the world.
Folks also recognize that as we remain at the FUM table we need to reflect and give witness for NYYM's positions and truth as a yearly meeting. It is more of an issue for us that we name and live into our testimony of equality and work toward being "whole"; excluding no one from our table.
-As bible hour drew new, I got pretty nervous... After supper, several of us arrived at the location of bible hour to begin preparing the space. I was also given some energy work, which helped tremendouly to ground me in Spirit. My presentation seemed to be well received and I have heard positive feedback about it. The discussion that grew out of our consideration of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus was interesting, enlightening, and fun.
--after I survived bible hour, I spent time over ice cream in the store for more conversation and laughter.
--The Cafe night performances were ongoing when I reached the auditorium. Unfortunately I missed my son's performance, but he seemed to be OK with that. we have many talented and gifted people in our YM!
--After a night that was too short, I attended a meeting of the worship committee to begin compiling feedback from the activities under our care that have already taken place, and to make sure we have elders for all three business sessions today...
--I sat the facing chairs as an elder for the first session, which included our consideration and approval of a minute on racial healing. I will post it here when I get a copy of it. The worship was deep which produced messages that spoke poignantly of Friends' sense of leading about the minute, the words it contained, and our ongoing and future work. This minute is a beginning--not an end --for the efforts to heal and end racism.
--As the JYM members joined us for community worship before lunch, we could hear them sing their way across the campus and into the auditorium. What a bautiful sound! A round of "Dear Friends" rose from the body as we worshipped together and seemed to unite us all around our love and appreciation of one another.
--At the beginning of meeting for worship for business, our clerk gave ministry around the sense that we, as a body were tired, but that we contiue to ride the wave of spirit; being held and supported even as we are tired and tender. I felt it was quite a dramatic and accurate illustration of our condition.
Later this evening after supper, I will attend the final bible study and the last business session which includes the sharing by JYM which reflects their week here at Silver Bay. While I wait for my son to come in for the night, I will begin to pack up our belongings and load our car.
It's back home tomorrow right after lunch! What a week we've had, RIDING THE WAVE!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
the end of a busy day...
I am tired, and ready to sleep, but will work awhile on my bible hour presentation, until my son come in for the night...Here's what I did this afternoon:
Got to kayak again today, this time across the lake.
Some nuts and boltsy work done for the worship at yearly meeting committee.
Study and bible hour prep...
Ice cream at the store ;)
I will drive to Albany in the morning to drop off the FUM general secretary at the airport and touch base on the home front. Then back up to Silver Bay for the rest of the week.
The days are passing quickly!
Got to kayak again today, this time across the lake.
Some nuts and boltsy work done for the worship at yearly meeting committee.
Study and bible hour prep...
Ice cream at the store ;)
I will drive to Albany in the morning to drop off the FUM general secretary at the airport and touch base on the home front. Then back up to Silver Bay for the rest of the week.
The days are passing quickly!
faithfulness and love; ministry and sacred space
The following queries were considered as NYYM met yesterday for 6 hours in meetings for discernment:
What is required of you to be faithful?
How is God already at work within us?
How do we support encourage, and hold each other accountable in the work GOd has entrusted to us?
As I eldered the final 2 hours session last night, and as it was reflected on in unprogrammed meeting for worship, it seemed that the coorporate sense is coming together that we are to be faithful as a people by loving one another, and remaining in that love as we work, discuss, discern regarding hard, painful issues. But having typed that, it misses all the nuances of the power of the spirit working among us as we gathered. Some things just can't be verbalized...
I continue to relish and enjoy the mealtime conversations and sharing; especially the times when I have been in groups that have given attention to the issues involved in pastoral ministry. It is also so wonderful to be able to celebrate ministry as it is recognized,encountered, and experienced among us.
This morning, I was able to join for the first time, the early morning "Coffee, Conversation, Communion" group. I will definitely be seeking this out other years! Another excellent opportunity to gather, share, and drink good coffee covered over and saturated by the spirit. This experience leads me to consider the possible use of this format in my own monthly meeting.
What is required of you to be faithful?
How is God already at work within us?
How do we support encourage, and hold each other accountable in the work GOd has entrusted to us?
As I eldered the final 2 hours session last night, and as it was reflected on in unprogrammed meeting for worship, it seemed that the coorporate sense is coming together that we are to be faithful as a people by loving one another, and remaining in that love as we work, discuss, discern regarding hard, painful issues. But having typed that, it misses all the nuances of the power of the spirit working among us as we gathered. Some things just can't be verbalized...
I continue to relish and enjoy the mealtime conversations and sharing; especially the times when I have been in groups that have given attention to the issues involved in pastoral ministry. It is also so wonderful to be able to celebrate ministry as it is recognized,encountered, and experienced among us.
This morning, I was able to join for the first time, the early morning "Coffee, Conversation, Communion" group. I will definitely be seeking this out other years! Another excellent opportunity to gather, share, and drink good coffee covered over and saturated by the spirit. This experience leads me to consider the possible use of this format in my own monthly meeting.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Kayaking in the rain
Well, I have just returned and dried off from a great solo kayaking trip out to one of the tiny islands in Lake George. Yes, it rained the whole time, but it was a slow steady sprinkle that's only real impact was that I had to wipe off my glasses every ten minutes or so. Rain sometime during the week is a given at Silver Bay, and this is so much better than thunder storms or torrential downpours.
I am also working on my bible hour presentation, and have had a couple of good talks that are helping provide context. I continue to enjoy and value the reconnecting conversations at meals, while on walks, and while sitting on the porch.
While I missed the meeting for racial healing last night, I have heard from several folks about it. Seems that no matter what anybody thought about the gathering last night, they mostly all came to the conclusion that we will need to continue the work as individuals, and as a yearly meeting; It's complicated work that involves listening intently to each other's stories and rooting out subtle or hidden behaviors that have persisted for generations.
Back to the books before supper. Then it'll be time to elder the last session of today's meeting for discernment.
I am also working on my bible hour presentation, and have had a couple of good talks that are helping provide context. I continue to enjoy and value the reconnecting conversations at meals, while on walks, and while sitting on the porch.
While I missed the meeting for racial healing last night, I have heard from several folks about it. Seems that no matter what anybody thought about the gathering last night, they mostly all came to the conclusion that we will need to continue the work as individuals, and as a yearly meeting; It's complicated work that involves listening intently to each other's stories and rooting out subtle or hidden behaviors that have persisted for generations.
Back to the books before supper. Then it'll be time to elder the last session of today's meeting for discernment.
Late night conversations; early morning leg cramps...
My son arrived back into our room a little late last night. But I wasn't too upset; it was before the 11:00 p.m. quiet hour curfew. After he settled in, I asked a few questions about his day. He was so excited by his experiences and is having a great time, it seems. The JYM program and his leaders got high marks. His only request was some money so he can do a craft tomorrow afternoon...his last words to me was a thank you for bringing him here and an "I love you." I will treasure those few minutes of compatable, congenial conversation.
At 5:00 a.m. he woke me to help him knead out a leg cramp. I remember those from when I was pregnant, and still get one occasionally. Parenting doesn't get any better than this ;)
Today is meeting for discernment day, as well as a day for me to review and brush up on my bible hour stuff. Ruth Ann B. did fantastic last night! She has set a great tone for the succeeding evenings. I'm still in the "what was I thinking when I said this was a great idea?!" stage.
Also hoping to finally get out on a kayak or take a good walk. I will be eldering for the last session of discernment this evening. I haven't been involved at all in the previous discernment session and am looking forward to having a first hand experience.
At 5:00 a.m. he woke me to help him knead out a leg cramp. I remember those from when I was pregnant, and still get one occasionally. Parenting doesn't get any better than this ;)
Today is meeting for discernment day, as well as a day for me to review and brush up on my bible hour stuff. Ruth Ann B. did fantastic last night! She has set a great tone for the succeeding evenings. I'm still in the "what was I thinking when I said this was a great idea?!" stage.
Also hoping to finally get out on a kayak or take a good walk. I will be eldering for the last session of discernment this evening. I haven't been involved at all in the previous discernment session and am looking forward to having a first hand experience.
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