Meetings and Musings of May

The month of May in the life of our Meeting followed a rhythm that is becoming familiar to us. On the fifth, those gathered explored the Simplicity section of the Holy Obedience chapter of this classic Quaker text and shared with one another how Kelly’s writings on this concept resonated for each of us. On our Facebook Page, we asked, "What does spiritual simplicity mean to you?" Here are a couple of answers we received:

Boulder Friends Meeting - Quakers said, "What I like about simplicity is that it’s a spiritual concept that transcends multiple religions."

Julie contributed: "I have come to regard spiritual simplicity as taking time to listen. When I do, I don't need to overthink guidance. I can just trust where I feel led and be grateful for the grace that is offered to me."

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On the twelfth, we made great progress on our 2024-2025 budget. We welcomed a visitor from Hot Springs and the husband of an attender; a potluck followed.

After we reported on the number of visitors and regular attenders that day, we received this teaching from Terry van Hooser:
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"I grew up as a member of the Wyandotte (Oklahoma) Friends Meeting. I remember our Pastor telling the entire congregation that when someone attends our Meeting once, they are a welcomed visitor. If they come to our Meeting a second time, they are a valued member of our family. He also said everyone is welcome to attend, no matter what they wear, because God looks on the inside to your heart, not the clothing on the outside. I miss Bob Williams and his wife Edith. They were our beloved Pastors more than 50 years ago, and truly showed what walking in God's love was all about!"​

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Worshipful business was handled on the nineteenth of May. One new item for consideration was the creation of a nominating committee.

We closed out the month with another welcomed installment of Compassionate Communication as led by Friend David. The extended session (they are now offered one Saturday per month at Iris House in Conway) was well attended on the eleventh. One attendee later reported how relaxing the setting was with flowers, candles, a variety of teas on offer, and opera music playing very softly in the background.