This past weekend I attended the second Northeast gathering of Christ-Centered Friends. I originally intended to post some reflections about it at QQ, but I couldn't figure out how to post on the QQ page for the event. While attending the gathering, I had an opening that I posted on my blog. Today I realized that I was negligent in not posting about this gathering first. I complained on my blog about a particular meeting that I attended lately, and the posting leaves the impression that I was complaining about this gathering instead.

So here are some impressions that I received. There were about 45 Friends there, mostly from New England, New York, and Ohio Yearly Meetings. Most attenders self-identify as Christian Friends, and most of them are in the minority in their local meetings. The 3-day event provided time for Friends to share openly their joys, leadings, and challenges in a "safe" atmosphere of worship and fellowship.

I had been asked to serve on the planning for this event. I am actually a poor person to have on such a planning committee because I already have too many commitments. However, I attended two sessions of the planning group during the weekend. I was impressed with the work that went into the event and the sensitivity of those on the planning committee. The planning sessions were times of true seeking to find ways forward that would bring the most benefit to attenders.

John Edminster shared some ways in which the Lord helped the gathering. First, while doing his normal routine of life, he helped someone with a particular project. The one being helped gave him some money that helped two Friends to attend who otherwise would not have been there. When paying, Friends were encouraged to consider giving additional money to help Friends in financial need. The amount of money donated for this purpose covered all but $40 of the need that was expressed. However, since the event was so well attended, Powell House agreed to cover the remaining $40.

One thing that I particuarly appreciated was that there was little complaining going on. Fellowship time was generally well spent, and I participated in several very constructive conversations. Throughout the weekend, I tried to visit with as many different people as possible. Altogether, I probably had a chance to share with about half of everyone there.

As those of you who have attended Powell House events know, attendees are asked to consider helping with the meals and cleaning up. These were also special times when Friends could share while doing something constructive together. I found these among the best times of the weekend.

The gathering was a very good time. I very much look forward to the event next year, and I hope that others at QQ will consider attending too.