People differ on the question about gathered meetings. Some Friends think we have not had a gathered meeting in years. Others believe that our Meeting has frequently been blessed with the experience of a gathered meeting. They describe these as Meetings for Worship where a Divine presence is felt, where we sense together in community our connection to each other and to the Holy Spirit. Such mystical experiences occur when there is unity of purpose of the worshippers, a mutual seeking for leadings and inspiration. On the other hand, when, as is often the case, people fail to leave their "baggage" at the door, and messages are too intellectual or personal in nature, the Meeting for Worship cannot attain the uplifting, powerful togetherness and communion of a gathered meeting.
Prayer is a discipline for many; but for many it is silent. We feel that most of us in Wilton Meeting, welcome vocal prayer. Nevertheless, it is rare, perhaps because it is unusual and may make some uncomfortable. Most Friends do feel free to express deep spiritual seeking, both in and out of Meeting for Worship. Those who find such expression difficult for themselves are grateful to others who are able to share their inspiration. In a few cases this year, individuals have asked for Clearness Committees to help guide their search. And, out of the new Adult First Day program this year, covering the basic aspects of Quakerism, have come expressions of spiritual seeking. Attendance at the programs has been tremendous, and the sharing and depth from these have spilled over into other Meeting life.
Question 2
Most people in the Meeting seem to like one another, judging from enthusiastic and lengthy Hospitality after Meeting, pot lucks and other social events. Recently a "Community Building Day" (aka work day) drew twenty-five people - about two-thirds of the usual number at Meeting for Worship.
Our Meeting community has seen much illness and many deaths in the past year. In ministering to our ill (F)friends, the entire Meeting shares. The general feeling is that many people go out of their way to be loving. Individually, we profess to be open if we have hurt or offended someone.
Some Friends feel, however, that the quality of worship is being affected by inappropriate, lengthy and too frequent vocal messages, while other Friends are concerned by the overt and vocal reactions to these messages, including, on occasion, Friends leaving Meeting. When this happens, the flow of Meeting is disrupted; the spirit of peace and fellowship turns, temporarily, to dismay and distraction. Sometimes, though, the "distracting" message is absorbed by another who then speaks fulfilling the Spirit. Friends have eldered discreetly on several occasions. But some feel Ministry and Counsel needs to do more. Some Friends feel that our response to "hurt" has been "passive-aggressive" and that, rather than confront problems, some Friends have just stopped coming to Meeting.
In addition to noting tensions at Meeting, some Friends think there are unaddressed personality differences on committees, and lapses of communication within the Meeting. Although strong support and interest groups have formed within the Meeting--for Friends "in transition", Friends wishing to start a Quaker Community School, and Friends involved in a discussion group focused on concept of "Community Building"-- the work of these groups has not always been communicated well to the rest of the Meeting. We wonder what the Meeting as a whole can do so that we and our needs are all better integrated.
At a recent Quakerism 101 session on Quaker testimonies, the task was for small groups to draft queries relevant to Wilton Monthly Meeting. A group on honesty, integrity and simplicity drafted the following queries: