For First Word, Claire asked herself, "What part of NO don’t I understand?" She is learning to better embrace her own agenda with enough passion that she can say "no" to other things. Claire reminded us that a little "no" can be the quickest route to a big "yes."

For the message, Mark read Luke 15:11-24, and reflected on the images we use for God. In running toward his "unclean" son, the Father in Luke 15 showed no concern for his own reputation. It is a beautiful image for God. However, Mark’s history with his own father has overshadowed the image of God as "Father." Based on his own experience, Mark has come to see Father God as someone poised to abandon the family. Because of his own history, Mark has learned to embrace God as "Mother" — or, even better: to embrace God as one who transcends all of our images. Mark asked, "How might letting go of an unhelpful image of God free you to better dance with God?"

For the message, Mike read Mark 2:21-22, and reflected on what it means to linger in anticipation. The "Seekers" were a precursor to the Quaker Movement. At the heart of Seeker spirituality was waiting to see what God would do. This anticipation became part of our Quaker DNA. Are you waiting to see what will happen next? Do you trust that God will act? Will you accept the uncertainty of waiting, so there is room for God to surprise you? If the way ahead is unclear, don’t be anxious. Keep watching for God to do a new thing.

Songs have played a significant role in Derek’s spiritual growth and connection to this community. He invited others to consider stepping into the role of music leader.

For the message, KD read Malachi 2:10, and told us another story about interim pastor Molly. While out in the woods, Molly stumbled across a lonely Cajun man, playing his accordion. The two of them bonded through a shared language. Although Molly’s wanderings provoked the ire of the congregation’s religious expert, it provided the context for her own encounter with Christ.

Lizz Schallert is a Faith/Labor Committee Member who came to talk to us about the work they have been doing with the Burgerville Workers Union.

Ruba spoke about Quaker process, and how if we listen closely we will discern the direction we are to go.

For the message, Mike read Matthew 26:37-43, and reflected on the limits of our capacity. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Although they loved him, the disciples lacked the capacity to stand vigil alongside Jesus. Having a limited capacity does not mean we are defective. There’s only so much we can do. Being mindful of capacity can help us acknowledge our pain without vilifying the limitation of others. Being mindful of capacity can also remind us to consider ways of *increasing* our capacity. How close are you to operating at capacity? How does this shape your perception of others and whatever they might request of you? Are there steps you’re led to take in order to create more capacity in yourself? How can we create more capacity in the life of our community? Are there ways we need to acknowledge our lack of capacity?

For First Word, Caryl C. expressed her appreciation for the support she has received from WHF, and asked for our continued prayers as she travels to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Caryl feels that teaching Godly Play to Spanish-speaking Quakers has become her work.

For the message, Mike read Luke 15:1-7 and I John 4:11-12. He suggested that coming to the parable of the "lost sheep" as an isolated individual allows us to cast ourselves as the lost sheep every time. However, when we come to this text as a community, we must realize that 99% of the flock is left in open country. Playing the odds, the lost sheep is almost certainly someone else. As the flock, our job is to care for one another and make room for the wayward sheep that the shepherd adds to our sheepfold. How do you know if you are one of the lost sheep, or one of the 99? Can you be both of these things at the same time? Have you been asked to go beyond what’s fair, in order to create a sense of home for others? When it happens, how will you respond to that call?