Dear Friends,
This Sunday is a special day internationally for all Quakers. “World Quaker Day” takes place every year on the first Sunday of October. There are many kinds of Friends, especially different in the ways of worship in South America and in Africa, which has the majority of Friends in their countries. Some practice tribal dance in Africa while others here and in the rest of the world sit in silence seeking internal guidance and Light. It is important for us to be supportive of one another even with our differing beliefs that can become divisive if we let them. Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) provides encouragement for us to worship and pray with one another internationally as we uphold peace and unity as two of our many shared tenets. World Quaker Day was established in 2014 by the FWCC to unite approximately 400,000 Quakers worldwide across diverse traditions and time zones. On this day we can worship with others and pray with others internationally now that we have the internet and zoom. You can go to https://fwcc.world/event/
It is good when we challenge ourselves to see through another’s eyes and from their perspective. That doesn’t mean that we agree with them, but that we are trying to understand the issue from their viewpoint. It is important to be clear with our phrasing to not imply agreement when there isn’t agreement. But it is also important to make sure we have listened to and know as much as we can from the “other’s” side. We miss so much in lack of diversity when we only associate with or listen to people in agreement with us. Friends have been diverse in belief since the beginning of the Quaker Movement in the 1600’s. Our refusal as Quakers to have creeds, doctrine, or dogma mean we will always have varying religious and spiritual viewpoints, and it is important to be inclusive of all, as long as no one is getting harmed or oppressed. There is beauty in diversity and something very good in inclusion even when we disagree.
We are going into election time, and I will not, nor should I tell you how and for whom to vote. There will be disagreements about politicians that can divide families and friends. The advertisements have already started. Remember that consensus is not everyone believing or agreeing to the same thing. Instead, it allows viewpoints different from our own, while still keeping our own perspectives. It is important to listen even when we disagree. It is also important to vote. As a person of faith, voting is one clear way to become a part of the process, step-up and show integrity with how you believe or feel. The more we are involved with the processes, the more we need to listen to others but speak to our commitments with our vote and our voices.
One way to do this is to participate with local groups who are affecting the political processes. There is a national rally for No Kings October 17 from noon to 2:00 at the corner of 6th and Washburn in Klamath Falls (In the old Rite-Aid parking area). This is a national day of rallying opposing authoritarianism. It is listed in our calendar of events that I attach here.
It’s important to be a part of diverse groups. If you need a meeting or church group, we would love to have you. This Sunday is also First Sunday which means the worship service is unprogrammed, mostly waiting worship, quiet worship where we wait on Spirit to move us to speak, and where we pray together silently and meditate. There is a new laminated sheet in the pew book holders that explains waiting worship in better detail. We would love for you to come and see us again. Our meeting is inclusive and there is a sense of community and fellowship.
So are our activities:
- October 4 – all day- World Quaker Day
- October 4 – 9:00 AM – Bible Study – Mark 5
- October 6 – 5:30 PM – Ministry and Care
- October 7 – 5:30 PM – Music Committee Meeting
- October 8 – 8:30 – 5:00 – ASIST Training @ Hope Lutheran
- October 9 – 8:30 – 5:00 – ASIST Training @ Hope Lutheran
- October 11 – 11:00 AM – Book Group, chapters 16,17 &18
- October 14 – 5:30 PM – Music Committee Meeting
- October 17 – 12:00 – 2:00 PM- No Kings Protest at 6th and Washburn at the old Rite-Aid parking lot
- October 17 – All Day – Quarterly Gathering at Eugene Friends – Virtual Available
- October 18 – 9:00 AM – Peace and Social Concerns
- October 19 – 9:00 AM – Church Cleaning – Sign up on the entry table
- October 20 – 5:30 PM – Food Pantry – If you want to volunteer, please contact Alicia Pinkerton
- October 21 – 5:30 PM – Music Committee Meeting
- October 26 – Email Committee Reports to Leigh
- October 27 – 5:30 – Food Pantry – If you want to volunteer, please contact Alicia Pinkerton
- October 28 – No Music Committee Meeting
Sincerely,
Leigh
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