Stewardship, Sustenance, and Song

Stewardship

Of all the Quaker values represented by the acronym SPICES, how often do we bring conscious attention to the last of these--that of being good stewards of our planet? In November, we gladly juggled calendar items to take advantage of the presence of our regular visitor from Baton Rouge Friends Meeting, Cpt. Dean Wilson. We thank him for his willingness to share with us his knowledge and experience as a longtime environmental activist and executive director of Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, a non-profit and member of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Founded by Dean in 2004, its mission is to protect and restore the swamps, lakes, rivers, streams and bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin for future generations. The almost hour-long presentation to a full house was fascinating. If you would like to help Atchafalaya Basinkeeper in their quest to preserve this irreplaceable ecological treasure, visit their website. There you will find a donation button and many videos showing the vital work they do.

Dean Wilson - still from video used with permission.

Sustenance

On the sixteenth, after chanting and worship, we had our “third Sunday” potluck. Roasted vegetables, hearty breads, veggie chili and crunchy salads were nourishment to the body while fellowship fed the soul.

Song

Also in November, regular attender Kelly shared with us a budding Quaker tradition of interfaith chanting that she experienced at a workshop during the  Arkansas-Oklahoma spring quarterly meeting and again at the fall quarterly meeting. We have Tony and Patsy Martin of Roanoke Friends Meeting to thank for planting the seeds of this spreading custom of making a joyful noise, as Tony calls it. One of the chants for which we joined our voices was this passage from Hafiz that Tony has recorded  for all to use.

Save the Date

Speaking of quarterly meetings, it’s never too early to save the date on your calendar to join 20-30 other Friends from our two-state area for worship, workshops, communal meals, and enjoyment of a gorgeous natural setting. Little Rock Friends Meeting is pleased to host the AR-OK winter quarterly meeting at Lake Wister State Park in Oklahoma from February 24th to 26th, 2023. Stay tuned for details in another month or so. The cost will be nominal, and ride sharing is encouraged.