As Friends face the spiritual challenges of the present time, having a faithful and diligent vocal ministry is important for the health of our spiritual communities. From the beginning of our movement, Friends have felt it important to encourage those men and women who carry a share in the Gospel ministry. Mutual fellowship and counsel among ministers is an important source of refreshment and guidance for their faithful service. This weekend seeks to contribute to the nurture of experienced Friends’ ministers, through worship and conversation.

Some themes that may be good to reflect upon together include: [1] What nourishes your prayer and your service in the ministry? [2] How does your relationship with your meeting shape or uphold your service? [3] What questions, doubts, or opportunities are on your heart? [4] What are current or urgent needs in your meeting or community? Are you called to do more in response to those needs?

This will not be a workshop, but rather a gathering of fellow-workers consistently called to vocal ministry who seek to grow in obedience and diligence under our Lord's guidance. We invite Friends who have a sustained call to vocal Gospel ministry, and who are accountable to their meeting, to consider attending this weekend. Space is limited. Friends interested in attending may be asked to describe their experience in ministry and the nature of their meeting's oversight.

Brian Drayton, of Weare (NH) Monthly Meeting, is a plant ecologist working in science education research. He has traveled extensively in the ministry, carrying a concern to encourage those who contribute to their meeting's ministry. He has given workshops, retreats, and addresses on topics in Quaker history and belief for many Friends meetings and Pendle Hill. In 1994, he published Selections from the Writings of James Naylor. In 2003 Brian was one of the originators of the Quaker Peacebuilders Camp, a program for teaching nonviolent action based on Quaker spirituality. His most recent hook. On Living With a Concern for Gospel Ministry, has recently been among the best selling Quaker books .