I2002-26 Patapsco Meeting: The Presiding Clerk read this letter from Diane D. Kesler, Clerk of Chesapeake Quarterly Meeting:
Sixth Month 12, 2002
Marjorie Scott, Clerk
Broadmead N-8
13801 York Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
Re: Patapsco Preparative Meeting Request
Dear Marjorie Scott.
In worshiping Chesapeake Quarterly Meeting on the Sixth Month 9,2002, heard and wholeheartedly approved the request of Patapsco Preparative Meeting to become a Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Sandy Spring Meeting united with Patapsco Meeting‘s request and approved the enclosed minute. Enclosed are the minute of request and the minute of approval.
It is the wish of Patapsco to join and be affiliated with both Baltimore Yearly Meeting and Chesapeake Quarterly Meeting. Please consider this request on the agenda of Interim Meeting, so that possible action could be taken at Yearly Meeting this summer. For over six years, Friends from Patapsco Meeting have added spiritual grounding to the strength of Chesapeake Quarterly, so it is with great love that this minuted approval is sent on to you.
Ken Stockbridge, of Patapsco Preparative Meeting, will be in attendance at Interim Meeting and will be prepared to read and speak to Interim Meeting if way opens.
In loving gratitude,
Diane D. Kesler, Clerk Chesapeake Quarterly Meeting
Cc: Elizabeth F. Meyer, Clerk; Sherri Morgan, Clerk; Kenneth Stockbridge
Michael Boardman, Recording Clerk
The Presiding Clerk also read Patapsco Preparative Meeting‘s Minute:
Approved – 4/28/2002
Patapsco Friends Meeting hereby requests to be recognized and embraced as a Monthly Meeting under the care of Chesapeake Quarterly Meeting and Baltimore Yearly Meeting
A number of Friends were led from the inception of the Howard County Worship Group to form a lasting Quaker presence in this community. In 11th month 1996, we first met as a worship group under the care of Sandy Spring Friends Meeting. In 1st month 1999, we became a Preparative Meeting under Sandy Spring= s care.
Patapsco Friends have gathered weekly for worship, first day school, and fellowship and monthly for the conduct of business for 5 1/2 years. The meeting has attracted seekers from within and without the Quaker community, offering a sacred space for spiritual sharing, loving labor among the gathered, and moral guidance and direction for our youth. The meeting has forged alliances with local community organizations and has reached out to participate in the wider Quaker fellowship. We have developed a deeply shared sense of identity as a spiritual community. Love, unity, and mutual nurture abide among us. We give thanks for our Quaker community that has taken root and thrived in Howard County.
After a period of reflection, discussion, and spiritual discernment, we have recognized that we have been effectively functioning as an independent Meeting. We have considered the responsibilities and implications of becoming a Monthly Meeting, and we feel clear that we are prepared to embrace them.
We are deeply grateful to Sandy Spring Friends Meeting for encouraging us to start our Meeting and for nurturing and supporting us as we grew and developed. We feel we are now ready to release Sandy Spring from this responsibility and to join the community of Quaker fellowship as an independent Monthly Meeting.
With divine assistance, we look forward to stepping into the Light of our new openings.
We RECOMMENDED to our upcoming Annual Session that Patapsco Monthly Meeting be established under Baltimore Yearly Meeting and Chesapeake Quarterly Meeting.