Considering the Queries

This Week’s Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘Rejoice in the presence of children and young people in your meeting and recognise the gifts they bring. Remember that the meeting as a whole shares a responsibility for every child in its care. Seek for them as for yourself a full development of God’s gifts and the abundant life Jesus tells us can be ours. How do you share your deepest beliefs with them, while leaving them free to develop as the spirit of God may lead them? Do you invite them to share their insights with you? Are you ready both to learn from them and to accept your responsibilities towards them?’

This is the time of year when most Meetings are rejoicing in the incarnation of God – the birth of the Christ Child among humankind. How does your Meeting honor ‘God with us’ - ‘God in us’ through children? How do you seek out children in your Meeting, and see God reflected in them? How are you reflected in the children you encounter?

Considering the Queries

This Week’s Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘Do not assume that vocal ministry is never to be your part. Faithfulness and sincerity in speaking, even very briefly, may open the way to fuller ministry from others. When prompted to speak, wait patiently to know that the leading and the time are right, but do not let a sense of your own unworthiness hold you back. Pray that your ministry may arise from deep experience, and trust that words will be given to you. Try to speak audibly and distinctly, and with sensitivity to the needs of others. Beware of speaking predictably or too often, and of making additions towards the end of a meeting when it was well left before.’

Speaking in meeting for worship is an awesome thing… sometimes an awe-ful thing. We are filled with the awe of voicing our own experiences, with our God-stories. Will they be found worthy? Will they be helpful? Using this advice/query is instructive in gauging our own heart and mind when considering a leading during silent, waiting worship. Does the prompting to speak continue? Does the message speak only to a personal concern – perhaps too personal to be shared? Does it speak broadly, in a way that honors the intention of the leading, and those who would receive it? Is it something meant to be shared – not just by our own intention, but by that of God’s Spirit? Sometimes, there’s only one way to find out!

Considering the Queries

This Week’s Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘When you are preoccupied and distracted in meeting let wayward and disturbing thoughts give way quietly to your awareness of God’s presence among us and in the world. Receive the vocal ministry of others in a tender and creative spirit. Reach for the meaning deep within it, recognizing that even if it is not God’s word for you, it may be so for others. Remember that we all share responsibility for the meeting for worship whether our ministry is in silence or through the spoken word.’

This query gives us work to do that will draw us back to the Center when we’re led away… by reaching for meaning. The meaning of God’s presence for us personally, and the meaning in others discovery of the same. That stretch, that pull, that work that is shared, brings the muscular presence of God, the tenderness of touch, the palpable sense of Being that is so often needed when we are lost, disturbed, preoccupied, distracted. Reach. Deepen. Pull.

Considering the Queries

This Week’s Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘Be honest with yourself. What unpalatable truths might you be evading? When you recognize your shortcomings, do not let that discourage you. In worship together we can find the assurance of God’s love and the strength to go on with renewed courage.’

As it happens, we come to this query during the week of Thanksgiving. What a strange time to think of things that are ‘unpalatable’. Here we are, anticipating so many things pleasing to our palate – the family favorites awaiting us at the table of thanks; the food and drink that slides so easily down our throats. But what about those things that are hard to swallow? What about those things we find in ourselves that are most difficult, served cold?

Friends, we are reminded in this query that as we gather around the table of our life, we gather in worship, always. Our family and friends form our meeting, both near and far. As God opens each new day, regardless of its title, it is a Thanksgiving Day, a day for giving thanks for the gathered meeting that is our life. It is a day of worship, through the power of the Holy Spirit. And what is it that we have most to give God thanks for? God’s loving presence and God’s grace and forgiveness. Because of these things, we are given courage to face the most foul-tasting, unpalatable truths about ourselves. Through God’s strength in us, and the care of our family and friends, we are able to remove unpleasant items from the table, and instead, replace them with healthy, delicious choices that God has always had, ready-made for us. Do not be discouraged. Taste and see that God is good. Remember, even when faced with challenges that have been difficult we have many, many things for which to be thankful.

Considering the Queries

November 18, 2015

This Week’s Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘Come regularly to meeting for worship even when you are angry, depressed, tired or spiritually cold. In the silence ask for and accept the prayerful support of others joined with you in worship. Try to find a spiritual wholeness which encompasses suffering as well as thankfulness and joy. Prayer, springing from a deep place in the heart, may bring healing and unity as nothing else can. Let meeting for worship nourish your whole life.’

Need I say more?

Considering the Queries

November 9, 2015

This Week’s Query…

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘Come regularly to meeting for worship even when you are angry, depressed, tired or spiritually cold. In the silence ask for and accept the prayerful support of others joined with you in worship. Try to find a spiritual wholeness which encompasses suffering as well as thankfulness and joy. Prayer, springing from a deep place in the heart, may bring healing and unity as nothing else can. Let meeting for worship nourish your whole life.’

Not just when you feel like it. Not only when it fits your mood. But always, regularly, regardless of circumstance. This is the call of the query we read this week. Nourishment is needed for all of life – not just those times when we’re dressed and ready to feast. Perhaps we need nourishment most when we least can accept it… when we are too tired, or suffering too much to make the effort to lift the spoon. If it’s an habitual force in our lives, coming to the table of nurture is made easier. And as we come, we discover others there who are joined with us in their suffering, their joy, their thanks, their healing and their place of prayer. We are nourished, and we in turn, nourish others.

Considering the Queries

November 2, 2015

This Week’s Query…

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

“In worship we enter with reverence into communion with God and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Come to meeting for worship with heart and mind prepared. Yield yourself and all your outward concerns to God’s guidance so that you may find ‘the evil weakening in you and the good raised up’.”

A recent study shows that fewer people are attending church – fewer intellectuals. There’s a growing number of agnostics and athiests, and more and more persons who have received higher degrees of study, turning away from formal religion and the church. Are we getting too smart for God? Does God not have anything yet to say to those who like to think and reason? Perhaps it has more to do with our perception of ourselves than with our understanding of God. Will we yield our minds to what God has for us in a place as radical as worship? Will we come? Will we come with reverence, considering the possibility of encounter with something beyond ourselves? Is it possible that something within is waiting to be ‘raised up’, to be ‘prompted’? Are we afraid? Is God too smart for us?

Considering the Queries

This Week’s Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘Worship is our response to an awareness of God. We can worship alone, but when we join with others in expectant waiting we may discover a deeper sense of God’s presence. We seek a gathered stillness in our meetings for worship so that all may feel the power of God’s love drawing us together and leading us.’

There is something unique about being ‘with’. Being ‘apart’ is far different than being ‘a part’. To be gathered with others in a sense of purpose and practice brings meaning to us that is far different than our solitary work. Indeed, the work we do alone has its importance. But the waiting work we do with others, the consideration of what is happening among a collection of people, brings power and insight that we may not always receive when waiting alone.

And our waiting is not passive… worship is not a stagnant noun. Rather it’s an active verb… our query describes it as a response to God. We meet together to respond to who and what God is, to explore more fully how God moves in our lives, and to seek to understand more of God. How much better to do this with others whom we can share the experience with? I invite you to find a place of worship among Friends.

Considering the Queries

This Week's Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

"Be aware of the spirit of God at work in the ordinary activities and experience of your daily life. Spiritual learning continues throughout life, and often in unexpected ways. There is inspiration to be found all around us, in the natural world, in the sciences and arts, in our work and friendships, in our sorrows as well as in our joys. Are you open to new light, from whatever source it may come? Do you approach new ideas with discernment?"

Move deeply and thoughtfully through this series of questions. Each one builds upon the other. The query as a whole begins with the awareness of God's spirit at work. Are you willing to do the work of being aware? of being open? of approaching new ideas?

Considering the Queries

October 12th

This Week’s Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘Do you work gladly with other religious groups in the pursuit of common goals? While remaining faithful to Quaker insights, try to enter imaginatively into the life and witness of other communities of faith, creating together the bonds of friendship.’

Our world is a complex place, and the world of spirituality is none the less diverse. This is what makes the experience of faith so beautiful. We have so many expressions of God revealed around us, both in nature and in one another. Rather than fearing what another person has to teach us, remain grounded in what you know, and enter into a broadening experience of faith that will bring more Light and more Life into your own. Remember that others are curious about the Light within you, as well.

Considering the Queries

This Week’s Query

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

‘Take time to learn about other people’s experiences of the Light. Remember the importance of the Bible, the writings of Friends and all writings which reveal the ways of God. As you learn from others, can you in turn give freely from what you have gained? While respecting the experiences and opinions of others, do not be afraid to say what you have found and what you value. Appreciate that doubt and questioning can also lead to spiritual growth and to a greater awareness of the Light that is in us all.’

This query comes to us just as adult religious education classes begin at First Friends Meeting. Perhaps you who live at a distance from our Meeting are a part of a faith community where small groups, discussion classes, study groups are beginning as well. It’s one thing to consider sacred writings on our own… it’s quite another to consider them with another person or groups of persons whose opinions and experiences differ from our own. You have your own Light to bring to those around you. Are you faithful to share it? Do you open your mind and heart to the Light of God that others know? Are you willing to stretch, through inquiry and challenge? Christ was one who was always ready to ask questions. Are you?

Considering the Queries

September 28, 2015

Today's Query.

From: Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015 Quaker Faith and Practice

'The Religious Society of Friends is rooted in Christianity and has always found inspiration in the life and teachings of Jesus. How do you interpret your faith in the light of this heritage? How does Jesus speak to you today? Are you following Jesus' example of love in action? Are you learning from his life the reality and cost of obedience to God? How does his relationship with God challenge and inspire you?'

Take time this week to read through a very short - very powerful - sermon. Christ's 'sermon on the mount'. You'll find it in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 5-7. This reading encapsulates Christ's teachings. Consider answering the set of queries above before reading the sermon. Then, after reading it. What things change? What things remain the same? How does Jesus speak to you today?

Concerning the Queries

September 21, 2015

Today's Query.

Do you try to set aside times of quiet for openness to the Holy Spirit? All of us need to find a way into silence which allows us to deepen our awareness of the divine and to find the inward source of our strength. Seek to know an inward stillness, even amid the activities of daily life. Do you encourage in yourself and in others a habit of dependence on God's guidance for each day? Hold yourself and others in the Light, knowing that all are cherished by God.

This query makes it clear that openness to the Holy Spirit requires effort! Trying, finding, seeking, encouraging. all these things require intention and discipline. The query points to us as individuals, but to our Meetings, families, etc as well. Do we try? Do we find? Do we seek? Blessings to us all, as we journey.

Ruthie's Blog

9-14-2015

Greetings Friends! What has been stirring in you these past few days? What has God's Spirit been bringing to your heart and mind? May God bless you in your consideration of this week's query.

Today's query...

from Advices and queries; Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015

'Bring the whole of your life under the ordering of the spirit of Christ. Are you open to the healing power of God's love? Cherish that of God within you, so that this love may grow in you and guide you. Let your worship and your daily life enrich each other. Treasure your experience of God, however it comes to you. Remember that Christianity is not a notion but a way.'

Query of the Week

Welcome friends, to our new journey of considering the queries, both personally and corporately this year. May this be an exercise of spirit, heart, and mind as we gather into openness, ready to discover what God's Spirit has to speak into us. If you've found someone to share the queries with, be ready to discover new ideas you'll encounter from another perspective. If you're taking this journey alone, perhaps you'll discover a new vantage point in your own walk of faith.

Today's query...

from *Advices and queries; *Britain Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice, 5th edition, @ 1995-2015

1. Take heed, dear Friends, to the promptings of love and truth in your hearts. Trust them as the leadings of God whose Light shows us our darkness and brings us to new life.

What do these words mean... 'take heed', 'promptings', 'truth', 'leadings', 'Light', 'darkness', 'new life'? Examine them individually, and then as a whole in this first, significant query.

Considering the Queries

Considering the Queries

Queries, or questions, have long been a part of the spiritual nurture of Friends - both individually and as faith communities. In its earliest days, Quaker Meetings were asked three questions each year by London Yearly Meeting: What Friends had passed away since the last Yearly Meeting gathering? What Friends, imprisoned for their testimonies, had died in prison since the last Yearly Meeting gathering? How had the Truth prospered amongst their Meetings since the last Yearly Meeting, and how were Friends in peace and unity?

Three queries were expanded into six, and then later into many more. The use of the queries moved from finding factual information, to enforcing discipline and order as more and more Yearly Meetings were formed. Written answers had long been enforced, with Monthly Meetings and Quarterly Meetings reporting their shared responses with the Yearly Meetings. Today, this has evolved into a set of queries called 'The State of Society' in Western Yearly Meeting, sent in by each of its Monthly Meetings, telling of our spiritual health, life in community, and work and witness in the world. Increasingly, queries became a tool for self-examination - not just for Meetings, but for individuals as well. Advices were also written, bringing a source of challenge and encouragement. Each Sunday, an advice or query is included in our bulletin for consideration during Open Worship.

Quaker queries offer us an incredibly useful tool in thought and reflection about our journey of faith. I invite you to join me and others in considering an advice or query each week throughout this coming school year. Beginning in September, I will offer an advice or query with a reflection of my own on our website blog. I invite you to either respond to it, or even better, to find another person to meet with, and discuss the query. What speaks to you? What challenges you? How does this query move you forward in faith? Take time to pray for one another. My prayer is that these interchanges will deepen our faith, both individually, and as a Meeting. Can you imagine it? Our entire Meeting family, considering the same query, week after week? How lovely!

I leave you now with two considerations: What person(s) would you like to gather with to share about the queries/advices/God's leading? (Keep any group to five persons or less.) How does the Truth prosper in you, and how are you in peace and unity with yourself and those around you?