That no-one speak evil of another, neither judge one against another; but rather judge this, that none put a stumbling block or occasion to fall in his brother’s way.—Epistle from the Elders at Balby, 1656.
Friends, whatever ye are addicted to, the tempter will come in that thing; and when he can trouble you, then he gets advantage over you, and then you are gone. Stand still in that which is pure.—George Fox, Epistle 10, 1652.In our daily lives, do we endeavor to express the spirit and teachings of Jesus? When speaking about other people, do our words reflect respect? Do we express our opinions with courage, yet with love and humility, mindful of the Divine spirit in everyone and open to the opportunity to learn from others? Are we willing to admit that we may be wrong?
Do we seek to attain the highest standards of personal conduct? Do we refrain from habits, activities, and words likely to cause harm? Do I avoid undue attachment to substances and possessions? How am I dealing with addictions in myself and others? Do I refrain from membership in organizations whose purposes and methods compromise our testimonies? How does the Meeting support Friends struggling with these issues?
How do I maintain simplicity, moderation, and honesty in my speech, my manner of living, and my daily work? In following my vocation, what are my contributions to the well-being of the larger community? Do I have respect for all honest work, paid or unpaid, whether at home or in the community? Do I keep a right balance between my work and other aspects of my life such as worship, play, and other healthy activities?
LEYM’s Advices & Queries, for Use by Individual Friends, Meetings, and Worship Groups is available online.
October—November Greeters (subject to change)
October 6: Marston
October 13: Holadays
October 20: Rangers
October 27: Holadays
November 3: Akkerhuis / Buchman
November 10: Marston
November 17: [VOLUNTEER NEEDED]
November 24: Rangers
On the Calendar
Oct. 13: Worship in the manner of Friends at the Bradley Indian Mission at 6:00 p.m. Potluck dinner follows. 695 128th Ave Shelbyville, MI 49344. For more information call Scot and Jenn at 269-792-9183.
News and Notes
Sandhill CSA is raising pastured poultry turkeys for seasonal dinners. Those who donate $100 to IGE (Institute for Global Education) will receive a turkey from Sandhill CSA. Talk to Scot and Jenn (269-792-9183) for more information.
Grand Rapids will host an eminent scholar of early Christianity October 15 during the 2013 West Michigan Consortium Conference at Calvin Theological Seminary. This year’s topic is Religious Polemics and Religious Fairness. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Margaret Mitchell, dean of the University of Chicago Divinity School and a literary historian of ancient Christianity. Her research and teaching span a range of topics in New Testament and early Christian writings up through the end of the 4th century, with a special interest in the Pauline letters, the poetics and politics of ancient biblical interpretation, and the intersection of text, image, and artifact in the fashioning of early Christian culture. More information is available here.
Please pass the popcorn. Several Friends have discussed the idea of a Quaker-themed movie night. If you’d like to help plan this, or have ideas for movies to watch together, contact Walt Marston or Scot Miller.
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