Just Curious

Visitations

This past weekend has been a very Friendly one. On Seventh Day I went to my friend Martin Kelley's house in Hammonton, New Jersey. Several young Friends from New England, New York and Pennsylvania had decided, under the promptings of Amanda of New York (http://ofthebest.blogspot.com), to gather together in Martin's place in worship sharing. To me the conversations generated much light.

Most of these folks are bloggers. There are Amanda, who maintains the blog "Of the Best Stuff, but Plain," Rob, of "Consider the Lilies" (http://consider-the-lilies.blogspot.com), Jeff, who doesn't run a blog but who contributes extensively to many of these weblogs; Ryan, of "Snorkeling in the Ocean of Light" (http://snorkelinglight.blogspot.com); and Christina, who works at the American Friends Service Committee and William Penn Charter School.

The focus of our conversation focuses on the reinvigoration of the liberal East-Coast branch of the Society of Friends. We chatted about everything from the informal education early Friends received from each other to how necessary it is for Friends to be gunuinely friends with each other as well.

On the next day (which was a First Day), I went to visit Friends in Lancaster. This time we worshipped in the Downingtown Friends Meetinghouse, which is a historic structure. After worship, we shared a fellowship meal in the adjacent mess-hall. The purposeful silence/stillness during the meeting of worship was very refreshing and it relieved me of all outward tensions. I spoke a few words on detachment and charity. I am still perplexed by how difficult it is for us to love one another. It is such a demanding exercise! "For love is as strong as death; Passion cruel as the grave;" (Song of Songs 8:6)

posted by James Chang @ 10:46 AM