DES MOINES VALLEY FRIENDS
STATE OF THE MEETING 2024
Diversity and new people joining us are two big strengths of our meeting. We also strive to be fully inclusive of Zoom attenders in the life of the meeting. Another strength is how we care for one another.
Our diversity sometimes leads to tensions among community members, such as over differing opinions regarding appropriate ministry. We have asked for individuals to practice more discernment about when to rise to speak during waiting worship and how to offer ministry.
As a community we have been delighted with the movement of the Spirit among us this past year. We are grappling with many changes and challenges but there is a new sense of possibility among DMVF and a growing sense that we have much to offer the wider community. The arrival of new attenders has brought us new Spiritual energy, helping us to put our faith into action in new ways.
Sometimes our worship feels deeply grounded, whether or not there is vocal ministry. Other times it feels less Spirit-led and more secular, depending upon the messages offered on a given First Day and the receptivity each of us brings with us to meeting.
Generally, we need more individuals to participate in meeting for worship with attention to business. As a community we do not seem to fully understand this responsibility. Our collective skills around doing our business after the manner of Friends will be enhanced with more attendance on a more regular basis.
We enjoy lively discussions when we gather to consider the query each month. Participation has been good and the sharing has provided one important venue for our community to deepen our relationships with one another. The queries continue to challenge us and continue to encourage our spiritual growth.
The spiritual life of our meeting will continue to be strengthened as we deepen the relationships between us. Witnessing against racism by many community members and generous informal sharing after worship both help deepen our connections to one another. Our ongoing efforts to create a safe environment that supports diverse voices, while honoring that of Spirit in each of us continues to bring us closer together.
We feel that Yearly Meeting could benefit our monthly meetings by creating and encouraging such activities as inter-visitation and shared participation in special opportunities among all monthly meetings. Yearly Meeting M & C could, perhaps, hold a workshop on the work of M & C committees or Yearly Meeting P & SC could gather us to consider leadings together. Other ideas include bringing our meetings together for vigils or statements in local newspapers. Could our Yearly Meeting help connect younger attenders and members of monthly meetings? Perhaps Scattergood could share some of their activities via Zoom.