Quarterly Meeting Looks at Diversity

Ever wonder about what Quarterly Meetings really do? Here's an abridged version of the schedule for this weekend's gathering of College Park Quarterly Meeting. Meals and the children's programs are also important parts of our Quarterly Meeting, but I have not included them all here.

DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS
Fifth Month 16-18, 2008, at Ben Lomond Quaker Center

We will examine the range of issues and beliefs that can generate polarization within our local and regional communities, and practice careful listening to those who are not just like we are, although they are Friends, too. Our dimensions of difference include these axes:

young <> old
well-off <> poor
Christ-centered <> universalist <> nontheistic
new-to-Friends <> seasoned members
gay <> straight
man <> woman
activist <> contemplative
... and more
[Editorial note: I would add shy vs. outgoing, race/ethnic and physical ability dimensions to this list, but they did say and more....]

SCHEDULE

Saturday, May 17
6:45 Sunrise worship; Bible study
8:45 Family worship; opening plenary
9:30 – 10:30 Plenary I – Nominating & Naming; clerk’s report; differences exercise; report on loyalty oath;
10:45–12:15 Worship-sharing

12:15 LUNCH – Topical tables:

1. FCL
2. Teens: What kind of Quaker am I?
3. Unity with Nature
4. CPQM Quaker reference library
5. Membership

1:45 – 3:00 Interest Groups (preliminary)

1. M&O: The $ cost of being Quaker
2. The Quaker activist
3. The Quaker contemplative
4. Scripture as a guide for Friends
5. Non-theistic Friends

3:15– 4:45 Plenary II: reports; representatives of divergent viewpoints (panel).
7:30 Family Night/Talent Show
9:00 Singing

Sunday, May 18
6:45 Sunrise worship; Bible study
8:45 – 9:45 Plenary III –reports
10:00 – 11:00 Closing Plenary: presentation on living with differences; children’s & teen reports
11:00 – 12:00 Worship
1:00 – 2:00 Clean-up & departure