For First Word, Ryan reflected on the work he’s doing to listen more intentionally to his feelings. This work prompted him to leave social media and has connected him to an experience that might be God. Ryan hopes that someday he will decide that it *is* God, and then introduce himself.

For First Word, Kaleen told us about a tradition she shares with Stephen. She buys him a new journal, and writes the first entry herself. For their 30th anniversary, Kaleen wrote about the work of being — and becoming — best friends: love is a process.

For the message, Peg read Hebrews 11:1 and Psalm 31:24, and reflected on being a people of hope in a time of chaos and fear. Rather than denying what is, hope is an assertion about what is *also* so. Hope is essential to activism; when Peg reads the names of the victims of gun violence, she does so in the hope she is creating a different possibility. What do you hope for? How can we help each other be people of hope?

For First Word, Julie reflected on what motivates her to stay connected with the people in NW Yearly Meeting who disagree with her and with WHF. Julie has traveled among Friends in Idaho, investing in those relationships. Julie has been deeply grieved by the sense that her efforts weren’t making a difference. In the context of that sorrow, she heard God say, "What you’re doing won’t fix it, but it’s enough."

For the message, Mike read Matthew 7:24-27 and told a story about people who lived at the edge of a dangerous ocean. Every week, they gathered on the beach to make a sand castle. When someone convinced them to build a *real* castle, they chose to make it out of sand. Sometimes, we can’t build what we want out of the tools we already have. The tools of empire will never build the kingdom of God. Which of our tools are made of sand? Which tools are we led to abandon, in order to make room for something new? And what are the new tools that herald the bedrock of something new?

For First Word, Jill T. reflected on her recent reading of, "The Magician’s Elephant." In the book, a noble woman’s legs are crushed by a falling elephant. Her path to healing comes through embracing the questions, "What if? Why not?" Jill invited us to consider what would happen if we embraced those questions a community.

For the message, Elijah read from Acts 2 & 3 and reminded us that the Holy Spirit can inspire us to do things that don’t make any sense. Early Quakers like Solomon Eccles and Mary Fisher are examples of this — Solomon made shoes during a worship service and Mary went to visit the Sultan of Turkey! While sitting in open worship a few months ago, Elijah resisted the leading to make a sign of the cross. When he opened his eyes, the person sitting next to him made a sign of the cross. Open worship should invite us to do the unexpected. How do you respond to the voice of God? How do you respond to those around you when they follow their leading?

For the message, April read Psalm 40:5-8 and reflected on the wonder of God. Viewing creation with the eyes of a child helps April recognize the wonder around her. Knowing that God can work wonders also reminds April that all the work that *still* needs to be done isn’t entirely hers to carry. What helps you create a sense of wonder about God?

For the message, Mike read Acts 2:15-20, and reflected on the infectious boogie-woogie of God. The pathogen of divine transformation cannot be stopped; as the infected, we are meant to be gate-crashers — not wall-builders. When the God’s viral boogie fever sweeps over every barricade and gate, what notes will you carry? What is the infectious passion waiting to be unleashed through you?

For First Word, Kevin reflected on the source of his principles and convictions. He found the process of doing so unexpectedly difficult. Principles come from beneath the surface, resting atop our beliefs. They express themselves in our actions. Although it’s complicated, our lives are enriched when we examine the chain between belief, principle and action.