All posts by Ken Stockbridge

South Mountain, Spiritual State

Spiritual State of the Meeting – South Mountain 2012

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its works so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2

One may describe prison as living on a desert island amongst savages. But God is there too!

Another person might describe prison as the closest thing to hell on earth. But God is there too! It is a paradox in every respect, and it is a small representation of a modern society. We have meaningful jobs. We attend school and attend self-help classes to better ourselves. Unfortunately, there is much hostility, anger, and fear amongst the population. But God is there too! Continue reading Spiritual State of the Meeting – South Mountain 2012 →

Process and Policies

Guidelines for Scheduling First Day Noon Events, Approved 4/7/2013

Patapsco Friends Meeting

Guidelines for Scheduling First Day Noon Events

Approved 4/7/2012

Dearly beloved Friends, these things we do not lay upon you as a rule or form to walk by, but that all, with the measure of light which is pure and holy, may be guided: and so in the light walking and abiding, these may be fulfilled in the Spirit, not from the letter, for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.                                                                                 –  Advices, Elders at Balby, 1656

Introduction

Patapsco Friends Meeting (PFM) strives to encourage the spiritual development of its members and attenders (“Friends”), and nurture Quaker faith and practice in today’s world.  To that end, various events are planned and presented during or after simple meal.  All Friends are encouraged to propose new events and participate in those offered.  An Events Calendar was created to help coordinate and advertise the various offerings. Continue reading Guidelines for Scheduling First Day Noon Events, Approved 4/7/2013 →

Events

4/19-21/2013 Annual Meeting Retreat: Sharing our Gifts

Please note: There will be no child care on Sunday, April 21 because many Patapsco Friends will be attending our annual retreat.  However, meeting for worship will still be held at Hebron House on that day at 10:30am.

The retreat committee has planned a wonderful retreat!

“Sharing our Gifts”

April 19-21

at the lovely For Love of Children Outdoor Education Center
(near Harper’s Ferry, WV)

Click here for printer-ready retreat brochure
Click here for printer-ready registration form

Play, workshops, good food and F(f)riendship will abound.  Continue reading 4/19-21/2013 Annual Meeting Retreat: Sharing our Gifts →

Adult Discussion and Study

3/10 and 3/24/2013 Discussions on Revising FCNL Policy Statement

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) needs Friend’s input in order to rightly revise the FCNL Policy Statement.  The Policy Statement is the guiding document regarding the concerns, values and discernment Friends identify to be of particular importance for the next few years.  This document is to be revised as needed but was last done in 2003.

A discussion/worship sharing to reflect on, review, and discuss the policy will be held in two sessions at Noon after Patapsco’s worship and simple meal on March 10th and 24th.

The link provided here will give you access to several documents that may help Friends prepare Continue reading 3/10 and 3/24/2013 Discussions on Revising FCNL Policy Statement →