WORLD QUAKER DAY 

World Quaker Day was marked on October 2, 2016. This year’s theme was: Inspired by Faith—Witnessing Together in the World.

 Quakers in Nebraska will honor the occasion with a gathering in Lincoln on Saturday, October 22nd from 10 am to 4 pm. The gathering will be held at the Nature Center in Pioneer’s Park entitled “A Closer Look at Race and Privilege.”  The day’s schedule includes worship at 10 am, a presentation by Shirley Scritchfield of Kansas City, Missouri, a potluck lunch and a session of story and song led by Laura Dungan and Aaron Fowler of Great Plains Yearly Meeting in Wichita, Kansas.  We hope to look humbly and honestly at our part in this issue that so challenges our country and we invite you to join us. 

 You may have thought there were no Quakers (also called the Religious Society of Friends, or Friends) still in the world (other than those on the oatmeal boxes).  In fact there are approximately 400,000 scattered around the world including a small number in Nebraska.  On Oct 2 , “as the sun rises in each area of the world, we want to remember that Quakers are worshiping through every time zone, celebrating our deep connections across cultures and Quaker traditions. We are united in love and can accompany each other on this special day that draws us together. As we worship, let us hold each other in prayer and thanksgiving, and let our hymns of praise resound across the world.”  (from Friends World Committee on Consultation)

Although there is great diversity among Quakers, a uniting concept is a sense that there is “something of God” or an “inner light,” within everyone.  The capacity of everyone to directly experience God means that everyone’s dignity is to be respected.  Peace, justice, equality and care of the earth are of great significance to us. Our roots are clearly Christian.  We have no creed, instead our lives are guided by queries that help us bring congruity between our spiritual experience and the way we live our lives. 
 
Friends Meetings’ in Lincoln, Omaha and Central City are sponsoring the October 22^nd event.   E-mail us at: jeanleden@gmail.com  if you have questions or would like to attend the event.  The Meetings’ also welcome visitors at our regular worship services.  

 
Please join us on October 22nd.