Generally, Wilton Friends sense commitment, but not the fervor of early Friends. While religious leadings may impact our personal lives, any zeal is internal rather than external - are we hiding our light under a bushel? Our commitment is shown in committee work and in "Meeting for Learning" (our one room schoolhouse based on Quaker values and testimonies.) Friends feel fervor was shown during our Sanctuary days and hope that "Meeting for Learning" will become the new focus or our energies.
QUESTION #2
"What experience in your Meeting challenges members or attenders to strive for significant changes in their lives? What experience would they have there which would give hope that such changes are possible?"
The most interesting responses to this question were the many that pointed out that Meeting was not perceived as a direct change agent, but primarily as a place of love where you are valued just as you are. That recognition, it was stated in many different ways, activates true change which comes from within.
"Meeting for Worship is most important for allowing us quality time for inner dialogue."
"The Silence is the experience; the place where we search for shadowy corners in our souls to which Light can be directed."
Others found Quaker activism inspired change experiences:
"When I witness good Quakerly participation in worthy projects, I find time and energy to strengthen and increase my own efforts."
There were mentions of our part in the Sanctuary movement five years ago when Wilton Meeting took in a Central American couple and their child, made living quarters in the Meeting House until we could secure an apartment for them, found the husband a job...and in every way helped them make a new life.
"Can't think of anything as life-changing as our experience of giving Sanctuary."
Vocal Ministry was mentioned often as a challenge.
Our new "Meeting for Learning" project was singled out as an experience that truly is giving hope of significant changes.
The most heart-felt appreciation was for the Alternatives to Violence Project, which many in the Meeting have participated in as students and teachers.
"AVP has changed my life. There is hope that peace and non-violence are possible."
"AVP provides tools to transform lives. Quakers should publicize this work both inside and outside Quaker circles."
QUESTION #3
Are you and your meeting touched by the excitement of religious discovery that caused early Friends to drop everything in order to communicate their Truth.
Friends answers ranged from "No" to "A qualified yes." Many noted that times are different 300+ years later, and Friends do not drop everything. We show our zeal in committee work within the Meeting, in the daily workplace, and in important work outside the Meeting as the Spirit leads us. Our spiritual coming together is almost exclusively at Meeting for Worship. We do not share day-to-day unity in the sense of being neighbors, since we are geographically spread so far. One Friend senses no excitement like the early Friends but experiences a great sense of fondness for each other member of our Meeting community. Another Friend thinks no one owns the Truth but tries to share the quest for it in an appreciation of the views of others, especially those that seem most contrary to his own. Many Friends and attenders at Wilton are very active in important work that reflects their deep Quaker beliefs. Some feel our religious fervor is internal rather than external. Our brand new alternative school, Meeting for Learning, is an example of the devotion of a handful of courageous and hard-working Friends providing an education for younger Friends based on Quaker beliefs and testimonies. Times have changed, but Friends still seek the Truth.