Western Friend

NPYM 2011 Annual Sessions, Day Three

After the usual early morning worship and breakfast activities, Friends gathered once again for plenary. Each year, NPYM highlights a different Quaker organization; this year it was American Friends Service Committee. Susan Segal from the Pacific Northwest Regional Office and Patricia Sellick, regional director for the Middle East, both shared about their programs. Friends were particularly moved by Patricia’s stories of AFSC’s work with youth in Gaza.
After hearing from Friends, the Youth Committee incorporated a few revisions to the proposed Youth Safety policy. The policy ...

North Pacific Yearly Meeting Annual Session, Days One & Two

Wednesday afternoon, Friends from all over the Northwest began to show up in earnest in Tacoma on Pacific Lutheran University’s lush green campus. Many arrived early for Coordinating Committee, or for other responsibilities; NPYM’s Ministry & Oversight Committee wrapped up its day-and-a-half retreat feeling centered and ready to support the annual sessions.

After dinner, a brief introductory plenary session brought Friends together for a few housekeeping details and to join in some games designed to get everyone better acquainted. Friends were asked to arrange themselves in order month and day of birth- without speaking. This ...

An Ocean of Darkness, an Ocean of Light, y un Barquito Grande: Friends’ Ministry of Hope in a Troubled World

by Bridget Moix

I’m sure many of you recognize the first part of my title – words taken from George Fox’s journal and the vision he had of a world of both great evil and great love:
I saw also that there was an ocean of darkness and death; but an infinite ocean of light and love, which flowed over the ocean of darkness. In that also I saw the infinite love of God, and I had great openings….
I’ll say more about that vision in a moment, but I should ...