Report on “The state of the Meeting 2009″
Clear Creek Meeting has continued the process of adjusting to being a smaller meeting, seeking the path of faithfulness and growth in the Spirit. We experience both benefits and distractions of closeness to the larger Earlham College community, and seek to find ways to incorporate student members and attenders in the life of the Meeting. We are increasingly aware of the need to seek opportunities for connection to, and participation in projects with other members of the Richmond community, as we also participate in wider Quaker groups, activities, and concerns.
Gathering for the First Day hour of worship continues to be the core of the Meeting’s life. Our worship is deepened by a variety of voices in spoken ministry. We appreciate the presence of our one toddler and two elementary-age children during the opening period of our worship, as well as the regular participation in the worship hour of high school, college and seminary students. The children follow a First Day School curriculum. A second-hour schedule of adult religious education activities has been revived. Our small but active Peace and Social Concerns Committee has faithfully provided information and opportunity for communicating our concerns to appropriate, responsible groups. We rejoice to hear of the experiences and achievements of our young people in school at other places, and welcome them to our worship when they are at home.
Members of Clear Creek Meeting participate in the responsibilities and events of Whitewater Quarterly and Ohio Valley Yearly Meetings, as well as the wider Quaker world, and share the news and challenges of these groups with the local Meeting. We are gratified that the First Day worship during the annual session of our Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting fills our Meeting Room once a year!
We are grateful for the diligence of faithful participants who share and assume the routine tasks of “Keeping the Meeting going.” We now have an active Meeting web site that keeps us informed of Meeting activities. Our newsletter editor has put special effort into compiling an interesting and informative document distributed to local and former members and friends. The schedule of monthly potlucks has been revived, experimenting with Saturday night instead of Friday night gatherings. Several interest groups: “Poetry Writing as a Spiritual Practice”, ”Mystical Practices and Worship Sharing,” “Book Group,” and “Spiritual Friendship” continue on their separate schedules. The mid-week Meeting for Worship continues to gather at Friends Fellowship Community. The traditions of “Simple Gift Making,” the children’s Christmas Program (now including the participation of eager adults), and Christmas caroling nurture our fellowship and joy. The fireplaces, closed without authorization a few years ago, were opened in time for our Christmas morning worship. A weekly peace vigil, started on Christmas Eve, 2002, was regretfully laid down this year, as attendance dwindled. Several members of the Meeting were involved in political activities related to the national election. We have welcomed two new members, and two transfers. Two Friends have transferred memberships to other meetings. A long-time, very active member has moved to service in another area. We have experienced loss through the deaths of a long-time member, and a long-time attender. We cherish the friendly experiences we have had with these and others who are no longer with us for regular worship and fellowship. We send greetings to our fellow Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting Friends, and welcome your visits at any time!
