M&O Request For Input For PYM Annual Session 2014

Dear Monthly Meeting Clerks and PYM Reps:

There is considerable energy and discussion among PYM Friends about what makes wider Quaker gatherings deepening and nourishing as well as the challenges that arise as Friends contemplate distance, schedules, and costs of attendance.  As Friends are brainstorming and generating ideas which might be useful for our Yearly Meeting to consider for our future sessions, we want to hear from our Monthly Meetings.  Please set aside some time at your June or July business meeting to give the following queries some thought.  We are especially interested in hearing from Friends (whether members or attenders) who do NOT tend to go to Quarterly or Yearly Meeting, to find out what would draw them in and what is currently getting in their way from attending.  It will be important to hear from as wide a group as possible, so we urge you to make time for this discussion and to send us your notes in whatever form they take.  We are not expecting your Meeting to come to unity at this stage, rather we are initiating the dialogue.

1. What do you look forward to (or would you look forward to) when you attend wider Quaker gatherings?
2. What have you experienced in a wider Quaker gathering that has inspired you or moved you to a deeper sense of Spirit working in your life?
3. What prevents you from attending wider Quaker gatherings, in particular PYM’s Annual Session?  Could changes in format, schedule, cost, etc. make it possible for you to attend?

Responses can be sent to Barbara Babin, convener, Experimentation and Implementation Subcommittee of Ministry and Oversight, b_babin@yahoo.com.  Thank you so much for your consideration!

There will also be an interest group at this year’s Annual Session that Friends are invited to participate in.