Over recent years we have held a number of special business meetings, which flow directly from our meeting for worship. This means a much larger number of Friends and attenders experience the Quaker business method and we have the opportunity to reflect in our full worshipping community on major issues of concern to us. On Sunday 6th Februaray we have been thinking about the question:

Membership: What does it mean to you?

This is the minute that we agreed at the end of the meeting….

We have opened our hearts and minds to each other this morning, on this subject. We have heard Friends speak of their sense of belonging when they come to Meeting, which can be like a family or home. Some speakers valued the fact that Quakers allow you to go at your own pace, without pressure, following your own spiritual path. Others said they would like more information about the meaning and process of membership.

We recognise that commitment takes many forms but can only ever be provisional. Some likened this commitment to a personal committed relationship, one which may need to be renegotiated regularly.

We are reminded that membership entails asking the question “How am I a Quaker?” in the world. Membership can enable individuals towards greater action by being in a supportive spiritual community. By trusting “the promptings of love and truth” we will know the right path for ourselves.

Some of our children considered this question in their own meeting, and then brought their minute to share with the adults…..

We held a short meeting for worship for business about membership of the children’s meeting. We come to Meeting to play games, learn things, speak to God and have fun.
We shouldn’t talk when someone else is talking or interrupt people. We should respect other’s ideas. We shouldn’t fight with each other. We should listen to people who are reading us stories about Quakers.
Meetings make people happy and have fun.