Dishwashing after meals on Committee Day
Two weeks ago we returned from Ohio Yearly Meeting sessions 2018. I have copied below excerpts from the letter written to share our experience with other Yearly Meetings.
"He who gives life was shown to us. We saw him and can give proof about it. And now we announce to you that He has life that continues forever. He was with God the Father and was shown to us."
1 John1:2
"Dear Friends,
Our 205th session began this week in midsummer with the sound of gentle rain watering the hill country around Barnesville, Ohio. A meeting for worship the first evening was deeply covered in a pulsating silence, punctuated with a few anointed words of ministry. Feeling His presence, we sought His guidance. His love moved among us and for this we are grateful. We are a small gathering this year but still feel God among us in mighty ways providing us with strength, wisdom, and love, to be about Christ's business.
Our mornings begin in a circle of Friends with Bibles on their laps. One or the other person, as feel impressed to do so, will read a passage from the Bible. In the following hour we are immersed in interaction with a member who is well versed in the Greek writings of Scripture. He patiently explains some key passages that help us to understand the unique Friends perspective of the Christian religion.
We are here for the purpose of executing our business. We do not rush our decision making as we contemplate the query responses and committee reports, seeking to keep our thoughts in tune with our Holy Guide. Interacting throughout the day with our Friends seems to expand the brotherly love felt toward one another. This process seems to bind us together, when each of us share in our own unique way, as listener try to piece together concerns of members of the body.
God spoke to us through his servants. He has invested in us a miracle. If we are faithful, we can see ourselves that way. God warned us that the enemy uses deception, distraction, discouragement and division. Of these, the most dangerous is division. We were also cautioned about pride, arrogance and self-centeredness. But all these dangers are dissolved when we look inward. It is through the inward search that we will find Him and His cross. Inwardly, we find the strength to pick up that cross and carry it.
…….."
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2L15 "
