What do Friends have to offer to the `Great Awakening'?

QEW Annual Meeting

October 9–13, 2008, Hampton, Ga.

An awakening is taking place, preparing us for the transformation some call the Great Awakening. The changes needed today are probably beyond what any of us can imagine and certainly beyond what any of us can do alone. We have asked a broad spectrum of presenters to share their sources of inspiration—to help us find common ground as Friends, and to help inspire us all to deepen our relationships and be more effective in our ongoing work with Earth. We ask all who are drawn to these meetings to join us in a spirit of openness to diversitydiversity of Friends' beliefs, diversity of presenters, diversity of approaches, and diversity of cultures.

The 2008 QEW Annual Gathering will take place at the Calvin Conference Center, Hampton, Ga., just outside of Atlanta. It is located on 548 acres, with a beautiful lake, a forest, and a prayer labyrinth. Through early morning bird walks, outdoor worship, collective seeking, and outdoor activities, we will experience the breathtaking beauty of nature.

Thurs. evening & Friday daytime

QEW begins its Annual Meeting with committee meetings and business decision-making. All are welcome to participate.

Friday evening

Marshall Massey invites us to take a closer look at what our early Quaker heritage has to offer us to engage in the work of Earth-care. "When someone asks, `What do Quakers have to contribute in the environmental field?', what is our answer? Is it limited to a list of concerns and ideas we've picked up from outside Quakerism and to projects that look like everybody else's?'"

Saturday daytime and evening

Mary Coelho has found that profound changes in our understanding of matter and of the earth offer an opportunity to heal the largely unconscious, dangerous Western estrangement from the earth. Within the "New Story" our deepest spiritual aspirations and many central Christian insights can find a vast, full expression, enabling us to embrace a deep belonging within the Earth community and a caring, loving relationship with our home.

Bill Cahalan will describe how several discoveries from modern science have enriched his sense of Spirit or the Light Within. As a result, his spiritual practice has evolved toward a particular kind of rhythm between inward and outward listening. Prior to worship sharing, he will facilitate an experiential activity for participants to briefly sample such a practice.

Steven Davison will explore the ways that ecology has shaped our tradition and the ways that Jesus practiced a land-based spirituality. We will look at how creation, the first revelation, nurtured subsequent revelations in our tradition. We will discuss how a land-based spirituality might nurture ecological ministry among Friends today.

eric maya joy will share on the topic of: "friends' faith and practice, friends' process, and spiritual unification. this sharing will address the queries: what can friends' faith and practice contribute to the current great awakening? what needs transformation through continuing revelation?"

Sunday daytime and evening

Angela Manno, artist and teacher of the creative process, will guide us in bringing forth our highest visions for our role as Friends in establishing right relationship between humans and the earth. This will occur Sunday morning.

After Angela Manno's sharing and lunch, we'll have time for relaxation, canoeing, kayaking, long walks, and reflections on the weekend. At day's end, we'll enjoy a quiet dinner and share our joys and concerns.

Monday morning

We'll visit Southface Energy Institute. Southface promotes sustainable homes, workplaces, and communities through education, research, advocacy, and technical assistance. It has been recognized for excellence by numerous industry and community organizations.

To register by September 1:

<www.quakerearthcare.org>
<info@quakerearthcare.org>

Quaker Earthcare Witness
173-b N. Prospect St.,
Burlington VT 05401
802/658-0308