Springing

Those Friends who joined for first-hour on March third reflected on the Simplicity section of the Holy Obedience chapter of Thomas Kelly's work Testament of Devotion. Worship hour and Young Friends activities were followed by fellowship. Outside under the big, moss-clad oak, Star of Bethlehem was starting to bloom, letting us know spring was on the way.

The following Sunday, March 10th, we were pleased to have a visitor join us for the potluck. An intergenerational activity, led by Young Friends, entailed the construction of brightly colored paper frogs that really could jump. Maybe they are leaping into spring!

This was also the day of our monthly potluck. Breaking bread together is a great way to build community, don't you think?

Third Sunday was, as usual, our Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business starting at 9:30. Ahead of that, co-clerk Amanda had sent out two announcements. The first announcement was to alert us all to an episode of the "On Our Watch" podcast that features the work of Friend Dean Wilson, the Atchafalaya Basin's Basinkeeper. Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin is the largest hardwood alluvial swamp in the United States.

The second of the two announcements was a reminder that we have the Friend-to-Friend listserv that we can all join; it is an excellent venue for sharing and discussing ideas with Little Rock Friends. If you haven't already, please sign up by sending an empty email to [email protected]. Then feel free to post topics or requests of interest to Friends.

On the 17th, we were joined by two visitors we had not seen before for Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business and Worship Hour. Canine Roxy reminded us that Rise of Meeting is a great time for a good full-body stretch.

By the 24th, our wisteria vines that snake along the old rock wall and up a tree were in their full purplish splendor. David led us through a compassionate communication activity. We are happy to report that there is enough interest in expanding our ongoing course in compassionate communication that an extra two hours per month have been added; those interested will gather at Iris House in Conway each second Saturday.

On Easter Sunday, Friends John and Tina were away in Texas for South Central Yearly Meeting's annual gathering at Greene Family Camp near Waco. We hope to get a report in April on how that went. All Friends were encouraged to join online or in person, as this is an excellent opportunity for us to get to know Friends from all the meetings represented on the lovely quilt that currently hangs in our worship space. Those who stayed in central Arkansas came together that day for an open discussion. The topic meandered from that of centering prayer to how each Friend directly experiences Spirit and beyond.