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.
Monday, July 20, 2009
"In a tender place."
Our clerk used this phrase to name our space, as we concluded our first meeting for worship for business...After some necessary preliminaries--travel minute approval, and report from Junior Yearly Meeting, the Nuture Coordinating Committee opened their time on the agenda. First a positive report on Powell House with celebration and thanks for the rennovation work and fundraising on the Anna Curtis Youth Center. Next up; a report about FUM from the general secretary outlining FUM's focus and ongoing projects. ALOT of info in a short time...350,000 Quakers in affiliated YM's in Africa, important work in Cuba, Palestine, Belize, Jamacia, etc.
Then the panel of 4 folks begin who had been asked to address the meeting about their feelings and views about the ongoing relationship NYYM has with FUM. Each one communicated articulately and profoundly. WOW! There was also vocal ministry from the floor in the midst of the panel's presentation. Complicating the scene was the arrival of JYM members for the 15 minute community worship just before the lunch break. Because we were running late, after the JYM members w/their custodial adults were dismissed, the panel continued their stories...thus as we finally broke for lunch, we had reached, as our clerk said, this TENDER PLACE. We were encouraged to discuss, pray, and share informally, as we spent the afternoon break together. We were reminded that God holds us as we stay in this place, and that we can trust one another and the Spirit as we discern together. I wish I could remember the articulate spirit led words the clerk employed to reassure, and inspire us as we concluded this important, hard, painful, amazing session.
It was also a tremendous gift for me to be sitting the facing chairs for this initial morning at Silver Bay. Now, I need a nap, and maybe a kayak ride. Most definitely a trip to the bookstore to begin the wonderful experience of choosing my free book--a gift of the Mosher Fund for recorded ministers in the YM, among others. I also get to pick the $50 worth of books that each meeting gets to take back to their libraries. YAY!
peace out for now...
Then the panel of 4 folks begin who had been asked to address the meeting about their feelings and views about the ongoing relationship NYYM has with FUM. Each one communicated articulately and profoundly. WOW! There was also vocal ministry from the floor in the midst of the panel's presentation. Complicating the scene was the arrival of JYM members for the 15 minute community worship just before the lunch break. Because we were running late, after the JYM members w/their custodial adults were dismissed, the panel continued their stories...thus as we finally broke for lunch, we had reached, as our clerk said, this TENDER PLACE. We were encouraged to discuss, pray, and share informally, as we spent the afternoon break together. We were reminded that God holds us as we stay in this place, and that we can trust one another and the Spirit as we discern together. I wish I could remember the articulate spirit led words the clerk employed to reassure, and inspire us as we concluded this important, hard, painful, amazing session.
It was also a tremendous gift for me to be sitting the facing chairs for this initial morning at Silver Bay. Now, I need a nap, and maybe a kayak ride. Most definitely a trip to the bookstore to begin the wonderful experience of choosing my free book--a gift of the Mosher Fund for recorded ministers in the YM, among others. I also get to pick the $50 worth of books that each meeting gets to take back to their libraries. YAY!
peace out for now...
Oh What a Beautiful Morning!
Sitting on the front porch of the inn at Silver Bay viewing the quiet beauty of this place!
Yesterday was a busy day:
Worship went well, Anita's message was right on as usual. We had just a few YM visitors, but we had a GREAT coffe hour and conversations with those who did come by.
After packing, and giving last bits of info to my spouse, I headed south to head north!
My first stop was the Albany airport to pick up SG, FUM general secretary who will be here at Silver Baythrough Wednesday.
We had a nice ride up the northway and arrived to register in great time...all connections were either early or right when they should be, both at the airport and up at Silver Bay.
Our first gathering was in that wonderful old auditorium. I arrived in time to listen and sing along with the Young Firends who were setting the tone. As the last song--"Dear Friends" echoed through the place, folks picked it up as they walked in...and in just a short time the auditorium was filled with NYYM!
We heard a welcome from the clerk, had roll call, heard a story "The Other Side" and a summary of the 2008 state of society. I found myself fairly emotional at Ernie's words reminding us of our theme, and her anticipation of our arrival. Roll Call is always very cool! Throughout the evening I connected with and greeted folks from all over, happily anticipating more in depth conversations and sharing later in the week.
I am beginning to worry a bit about presenting at Bible Hour on Thursday, and I'm trying to program in the time I will spend in worship and study in final prep for that. It seemed like such a good idea up until about two months ago. ;)
I'm going to turn this off now and enjoy this place and the quiet for a few more minutes before breakfast, and running back up to Bayview to be sure my son is vertical.
Yesterday was a busy day:
Worship went well, Anita's message was right on as usual. We had just a few YM visitors, but we had a GREAT coffe hour and conversations with those who did come by.
After packing, and giving last bits of info to my spouse, I headed south to head north!
My first stop was the Albany airport to pick up SG, FUM general secretary who will be here at Silver Baythrough Wednesday.
We had a nice ride up the northway and arrived to register in great time...all connections were either early or right when they should be, both at the airport and up at Silver Bay.
Our first gathering was in that wonderful old auditorium. I arrived in time to listen and sing along with the Young Firends who were setting the tone. As the last song--"Dear Friends" echoed through the place, folks picked it up as they walked in...and in just a short time the auditorium was filled with NYYM!
We heard a welcome from the clerk, had roll call, heard a story "The Other Side" and a summary of the 2008 state of society. I found myself fairly emotional at Ernie's words reminding us of our theme, and her anticipation of our arrival. Roll Call is always very cool! Throughout the evening I connected with and greeted folks from all over, happily anticipating more in depth conversations and sharing later in the week.
I am beginning to worry a bit about presenting at Bible Hour on Thursday, and I'm trying to program in the time I will spend in worship and study in final prep for that. It seemed like such a good idea up until about two months ago. ;)
I'm going to turn this off now and enjoy this place and the quiet for a few more minutes before breakfast, and running back up to Bayview to be sure my son is vertical.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Wondering and hoping and praying about weather next week
It's rainy here again this morning, which has been the norm rather than the exception. I would accept a little rain at Silver Bay in return for low humidity.
My son and I will work like fiends around home this morning on final to-do lists (ie--get scrips refilled, find insect repellent and sunblock, make copies of handouts, worship prep for A.M., etc) and start to pack up.
Then we'll head down to Old Chatham to join in the gathering at Powell House, the NYYM conference center. This event is in celebration of the rennovations of the Anna Curtis Youth Center. While it is now more accessable and energy efficient, it is also very attractive and welcoming space. GOOD JOB POHO STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS!
No or little rain would be a grace today also ;)
My son and I will work like fiends around home this morning on final to-do lists (ie--get scrips refilled, find insect repellent and sunblock, make copies of handouts, worship prep for A.M., etc) and start to pack up.
Then we'll head down to Old Chatham to join in the gathering at Powell House, the NYYM conference center. This event is in celebration of the rennovations of the Anna Curtis Youth Center. While it is now more accessable and energy efficient, it is also very attractive and welcoming space. GOOD JOB POHO STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS!
No or little rain would be a grace today also ;)
Friday, July 17, 2009
Off and Running
As I frantically gather belongings, supplies, resources, and energy for the next week, it occurs to me that blogging about it might be cool! So, this will run as long as I have all of the above available to devote to it. But first:
WHO: Me! A middle aged, Quaker pastoral minister who lives, works and plays in "the north country" of New York state.
WHAT: I will be attending the annual sessions of our denominational organization, which is New York Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, this event is more affectionately known as "yearly meeting."
WHERE: We meet and have met for over 50 years at Silver Bay, a YMCA conference center located on the shores of northern Lake George.
WHEN: The dates are July 19-25, 2009. Or in Quakerspeak 19th day, seventh month through 25th day, seventh month.
WHY: we will conduct business relating to our organization's internal events, activites, issues-- as well as its place in the wider circle of Friends in the world, and in the world in general. Our theme this year is "Equality, Living Our Testimony."
The first major event that I am involved with happens in my own local faith community. Being the monthly meeting (translate local congregation) closest to Silver Bay, we host travlers to yearly meeting at our place for worship and a coffee hour on Sunday morning. We usually invite someone to speak who is known to NYYM (New York Yearly Meeting) and this year it's Anita Paul--a recorded minister from Schenectady meeting.
The next couple of days will be busy and chaotic. I'll try to check back in and report when things slow for me a little.
peace out!
WHO: Me! A middle aged, Quaker pastoral minister who lives, works and plays in "the north country" of New York state.
WHAT: I will be attending the annual sessions of our denominational organization, which is New York Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, this event is more affectionately known as "yearly meeting."
WHERE: We meet and have met for over 50 years at Silver Bay, a YMCA conference center located on the shores of northern Lake George.
WHEN: The dates are July 19-25, 2009. Or in Quakerspeak 19th day, seventh month through 25th day, seventh month.
WHY: we will conduct business relating to our organization's internal events, activites, issues-- as well as its place in the wider circle of Friends in the world, and in the world in general. Our theme this year is "Equality, Living Our Testimony."
The first major event that I am involved with happens in my own local faith community. Being the monthly meeting (translate local congregation) closest to Silver Bay, we host travlers to yearly meeting at our place for worship and a coffee hour on Sunday morning. We usually invite someone to speak who is known to NYYM (New York Yearly Meeting) and this year it's Anita Paul--a recorded minister from Schenectady meeting.
The next couple of days will be busy and chaotic. I'll try to check back in and report when things slow for me a little.
peace out!
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