2018 Fall Gathering Of West Virginia,
Pennsylvania and Ohio Friends...and beyond!

 

Download Registration PDF File Format
 

 

Living Our Testimonies for the Long Haul: Exploring Strategies for Difficult Times


Ø  Are you feeling worn out with the need to resist attacks on vulnerable people and democratic principles?

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Do you feel compelled to fight for social justice but are confused about where Quaker testimonies fit into your strategies?

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Do you worry that you are losing your commitment to nonviolence in the face of what seem to be daily attacks on people’s lives from those in positions of power?

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Do you feel helpless to defend Quaker values and testimonies in the current political and social environment?

We do too! More than ever, those who respect the long social justice history of Quakers need to come together for mutual support and reflection on the spiritual and practical relevance of historic principles that have stood the test of time.

This year’s themes:


    Peaceful Lessons from the Martial Arts – Rick Wilson, direction of WV AFSC Economic Justice knows from long practice how principles going back to the time of Buddha and Lao Tzu connect with Quaker values. He will demonstrate how to conserve and focus our chi, or energy flow, and the elements of strategy that are extremely relevant to the challenges we face today.



     Non-Violent Direct Action Eileen Flanagan, Earth Quaker Action Team director has a special message for Appalachian Quakers on the application of Quaker testimonies to non-violent direct action around climate change and income inequality.



     Music, time for reflection and rejuvenation, walks on the beautiful grounds, and Quaker silence will also be a part of this annual gathering of our region’s Friends and their friends. All are welcome – you don’t have to be a Quaker to gain knowledge and refresh your spirit at this much anticipated yearly event.

 

 

 


2018 Fall Gathering Agenda

 

Friday, September 21, 2018

 

Dinner* and impromptu activities for those who wish to arrive early

o       *Dinner will be served by the Conference Center at 6:30 if 10 or more guests register for the meal

o       9 Core Quaker Beliefs

Sometimes Friends struggle to describe to others what it means to be a Quaker.  This video is a tool that can be useful as an introduction to Quakerism. Discussion and fellowship after.

 

Saturday, September 22, 2018

 

10:30 to 11:00 – Welcome & General Announcements

o       Video keynote – Quaker Testimonies and Their Relevance Today – Eileen Flanagan , Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT) – A leader and role model for non-violent direct action connects the critical issues of our time – climate change and income inequality -- to Quaker core values.

 

11:00 to 11:30 – Opening Silent Worship

 

Introduction of Presenters and Topic:

o       Peaceful Lessons from the Martial Arts – Rick Wilson, director, and Liz Brunello, youth program coordinator, WV American Friends Service Committee Economic Justice Project

 

11:30 to 12:30 – Session 1

o       Self-Care and Conservation of Energy – presentation, discussion, activities

12:30 to 1:30 – LUNCH

1:30 to 4:00 – Session 2

o       Working Together – presentation, discussion, activities

 

4:00 to 5:30 – Free Time for reflection and relaxation

5:30 to 6:30 – DINNER

6:30 to 8:00 – Session 3

o       The Art and Science of Social Change – presentation, discussion, activities

8:00 to Bedtime – Free time, small group gatherings, etc.

 

Sunday, September 23, 2018

 

8:00 to 9:00 – BREAKFAST

9:00 to 9:30 – Silent Worship

9:30 to 12:00 – Session 4Applying what we’ve learned

o        Non-Violent Direct Action:  Lessons from EQAT        campaigns

o       Status of Friends in WV (and Beyond)

§        Reflecting on what we’ve learned and its relation to our spiritual lives and our lives as Appalachians

§        What Friends are currently doing (Meeting reports) and might do together

11:45 - Noon:  Closing reflection on our Gathering

12:30 – LUNCH

 

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08/05/2018 02:26:15 AM