2007 Spiritual State of the Meeting Report
(Prepared February 2008)

Patuxent Friends Meeting, Lusby, Md.

Friends enjoy the hospitality of Meeting, finding it a source of welcome and friendship.  There is a sense of community in meeting, even with those who are no longer present.  One Friend described the sensation of “being enfolded in the flow of warm, sticky, raw honey”.  It reminded her of Dalo, “the Friendly spice of simplicity, equality, peace and environment”.  Lack of child care during meetings and gatherings remains an issue for families with young children.                

There is power in the silence of Meeting for Worship.  Friends experience healing energy in the silence.  One Friend says it “keeps me coming back, even when I’m physically and spiritually depleted.  I’m nurtured in the space of silent waiting, where we can listen to our hearts instead of our heads.”  Another noted that she “knows when I have something to say, because it bubbles up through my throat and escapes through my lips.  I value the opportunity to speak from my heart rather than my head.”                

The power of silence is also present in our Meetings for Worship with a Concern for Business.  Average attendance was 19 Friends, slightly higher than average for Worship.  One Friend remarked that, in trying to do the right things, “Our thoughts manifest themselves in the world”.  There is a sense of shared responsibility, in which we work together to worship and conduct business that is greatly comforting.  We don’t succumb to the rush to judgment.  The Meeting seems to know when we need more time and resists pressure for a quick decision.  We’ve learned to trust the process, even when we may come in with a personal agenda.  We’re willing to let go.                

Friends expressed concern about whether the pastoral function of the meeting is working as it should (or as we’d like it to work).  Our fluid form of organization can be a challenge when people are in need of care.  How do we make sure that someone is following up with a member in need?  It is a continuing challenge to make First Day School a positive experience that includes children in the life of the meeting in a way that is good for both children and adults.  It was gently suggested that we “be mindful of how we can be true to our own beliefs while being respectful of others, taking care to avoid perceived negative comments about other faith practices”.                

We are mindful of the need to maintain the rich experience and meaning of Clearness Committees, as well as other Quaker processes. Since many of our seasoned Friends are no longer with us, there is a danger that Quaker process will become diluted and less meaningful.   It’s important to have ongoing education regarding the purpose for doing the things we do. Friends also expressed their desire to participate in community service projects and hoped that members would bring needs to the attention of the meeting.  Friends discussed the Quaker tradition of individuals with particular needs and/or interests taking the lead for the Meeting community to satisfy that need or interest.  Other Friends may join in providing moral support, financial assistance or direct involvement as available and appropriate but aren’t generally expected to become part of a large committee-like initiative.                

Friends look forward to the opportunity for a weekend retreat away from the meeting that would provide a much needed opportunity to share in worship, community meals, learning together, music and play.  These experiences have contributed greatly to the strength of our Meeting in the past.  As always, more adult religious education classes and/or discussion groups are longed for.  At the same time, we continue to struggle with the conflicting demands in our lives that make more religious education activities difficult. 

In closing, Patuxent Friends are fortunate to share in a spiritual home, rather than an organization.  Our focus is on journey rather than rulebook.  Meeting is available but not grasping; supportive without requiring we all share the same concerns.  When one of us is being difficult, we realize that’s not all of who we are.  We’re willing to listen and try to see that of God in one another.