A question has been raised in some circles about how a program like Deeper Roots, which offers an opportunity in Quaker spiritual formation for individuals, relates to the spiritual health of the home meetings of its participants, and what effect the program might have on the public witness of participating individuals and their meeting communities. … More Individual Formation and Corporate Faithfulness
I saw him out of the corner of my eye as I stepped up to the coffee urn to refill my cup before heading home: he was backing through the door, soda cup and bag of food in his hands. He hesitated mid-step as he saw me, and then my attention was turned to not … More It Happened Again Yesterday
It is almost time for the participants in the Deeper Roots program to gather near Nashville for our first weekend together, and my anticipation is building in a combination of excitement, wonder, and anxiety. All sorts of wonderful things are possible when a group of intentional souls like these Friends come together; the possibilities fill … More Anticipation
The fourth core area which Deeper Roots will address is that of authentic faith community. The ancient Quaker testimony of community grows out of our common experience of the Divine, often expressed as Christ speaking to our condition, Christ come to teach His people Himself, and that of God in every one. The direct perception … More Core Area: Faith Communities
To be literate in an area is to have a basic understanding of that field of knowledge adequate to read and understand what others are saying or writing in that field, and to be able to express one’s own thoughts and ideas intelligibly. To be Scripturally literate is to have an understanding of the Bible … More Core Area: Scripturally Literate
To become part of the Religious Society of Friends is to step into the moving current of a continuing narrative stream. The newcomer affects the future arc of that narrative, but the newcomer is also shaped by the narrative and how it has developed over many generations. It is a bit like being a character … More Core Area: Becoming Historically Grateful
Spiritual disciplines have always been important to Friends, both as personal and as corporate exercises. By spiritual discipline I mean “any [regular] practice that increases one’s awareness of God and God’s ways.” The life in Christ to which Friends understand they are called requires effort and learning, even as we are at the same time … More Core Area: Spiritual Disciplines
A few weeks ago I flew to Raleigh/Durham airport where I was picked up by my F/friend, Lloyd Lee Wilson for our third in-person meeting to work on our joint vision. We have been working together now for almost a year. In recent months we have made an effort to meet for an hour or … More From Spiritual Friendship to Yokemates
There are four core areas of rootedness – of nurture and support – that we (Deborah and Lloyd Lee) have found essential to the Quaker faith tradition: Spiritual Discipline(s), Historical Gratefulness, Scriptural Literacy, and Spiritual Community. Rootedness in each of these areas provides strength, stability, and the nutrients for fresh spiritual growth as a Quaker. … More Deeper Roots: Four Core Areas
Good day F/friends. I was born and raised in Iowa Falls, where my family attended the Disciples of Christ/First Christian Church. I was baptized by immersion when I was about 11 years old because I Knew with all of my Being I was called to be a follower of Jesus. I also had a Knowing … More Introducing Deborah Fisch
