Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Raye on 10th mo. 25, 2009 at 5:48pm

Dear Thomas,

There is much in thy post to share about! It is good to ask oneself some questions, and it is also good to remember Who our Father is, and Who our Savior is.

I don't know why God might use any of us to do anything. But He does. He called Jacob, "the grabber," who tricked his older twin out of his inheritance, and did all kinds of mischief, to become Israel. Based on what I know of the Lord, He doesn't follow what many of us would consider logic. His ways, scripture says, are higher than our ways.

When Job was asking "why," the Lord's response was something along the lines of, "where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" Who are we to ask for reason or justification from the One who is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer?

Sorting out a calling needs some careful attention and energy, and loads of willingness to wait, to listen, to sift and sort, to find spiritually mature friends (I call them elders), and read scripture in the Spirit in which it was written. I work to consciously let go of what I want to be the outcome. I tell myself, outloud when I am alone in prayer, "I would like the answer to be X, but it may be Y or anything else. I want to follow what the Lord says, more than have my own way."

While the Lord is not bound by any Yearly Meeting's Faith and Practice, -- (C: -- one way to get help in being equipped for service is to be part of a community. Some of the far flung Friends become affiliate members. The process is simple, and requires commitment and patience and attention. One contacts Stillwater (or other meeting) through a Friend there (I can help with that - let me know if that makes sense for thee), and begins correspondence. We need to get to know each other, and we need to give the Lord time to work in us all, maturing us, guiding us, preparing us, so that if it is His will for the affiliation to occur, both the meeting and the individual interested in affiliate membership are clear about this. If one meeting doesn't seem to be the best fit, there are other meetings as well. The process may show us that rather than affiliate membership, there is a better way to do the Lord's will.

In the meantime, worshippers in an area can join together in an informal worship group. This helps with fellowship, and doesn't preclude any or all of the worshippers from applying for affiliate membership with the same or different monthly meetings.

I will post this with prayers it may help thee or others,

In Christ's loving abundance,

Raye

Permalink Reply by Faye M. Chapman on 10th mo. 26, 2009 at 9:28am

Dear Friends Thomas and Raye,
There is much wisdom in Friend Raye's reply to thy inquiry, Thomas. It might be helpful for us to know where thee lives so that we may help to connect thee with some of our isolated Friends. I am particularly drawn to the fourth paragraph in Raye's letter. Thee may remember the story in scripture of Samuel's call from God and Eli's advice after a time to answer, "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth." This is one example of the process of clearness and compassionate eldering. Thy letter to us is filled with evidence that thee is being sought for some service. I'm glad for thy willingness to seek His will for thy life.

Permalink Reply by Marty Calliham on 10th mo. 26, 2009 at 5:29pm

Hi, Friend Thomas,

I am in a very similar situation, wanting to start a Conservative Meeting in my city. We have had a very small Conservative worship group for a number of years that hasn't formally affiliated, and I'm considering whether God may be calling me to this work. I can't provide better suggestions than what others have made here. I thank you for asking the questions, though, because I am benefiting from the posts by Raye, Daniel and Faye. Thank you all, Friends.

Marty

Permalink Reply by Raye on 10th mo. 26, 2009 at 6:51pm

Marty,

Good to hear thee's considering into what the Lord may be calling thee. As I mention regularly (so I hope this doesn't get too boring), there is a group appointed by Ohio YM to support outreach, and one of the things we do is correspond with far flung Friends (a.k.a. isolated Friends), and try to help them discern what is next, and find other Friends with whom they may worship and visit. Depending on the part of the country, there are probably other sources of encouragement, as well.

Blessings,

Raye

Permalink Reply by Jonathan on 10th mo. 26, 2009 at 7:44pm

Thomas,

Several Friends have already provided some wonderful responses to your post. I would add my encouragement that you contact OYM if you're interested in learning more about the affiliate membership process. I did so myself several months ago and I have found the clearness process to be of great benefit, both spiritually and in terms of getting to know other Friends. There isn't a Conservative Meeting in my area either but I have received a great deal of support from OYM Friends via e-mail and telephone conversations.

Take care,
Jonathan