Joined Friends in 2004, already in my fifties. Dove in with a great deal of passion after discovering the strong elements of mysticism so basic to Quaker practice. Spent a year at Pendle Hill as Artist in Residence (singer), learning about Quaker history and spirituality. I long to live in that "Life and Power" that early Friends spoke about, and to confront with other Friends the culture of greed and consumption that is plaguing our lives. I relish the idea of living in an inter-generational Quaker or Quaker compatible community before I die! In 2010, Quaker Press published a CD of chant-like songs I composed from words of 17th c. founding Friends. The project began as a way for me to memorize these inspiring words. Little did I expect that the songs would make their way to a recording that is now used by Quakers and other contemplative Christians both as a help in spiritual reflection and as an educative tool for teaching the roots of Quaker faith and practice. In 2014 Cynthia Bourgeault, a contemplative Christian writer and much sought after retreat leader, invited me to do some retreats with her based on these songs and their spiritual insights. Since then, I've co-facilitated a number of Quaker "Wisdom Schools" with her and Marcelle Martin, exploring the ancient Christian Wisdom tradition and its commonalities with the spiritual roots of early Friends. Chanting and times of deep silence are always part of these retreats. Out of these Wisdom Schools, new chants emerged in conjunction with Marcelle Martin's teachings, and in 2019, funds were raised to record a 2nd album, due out by December of 2019.I feel excited and blessed to be bringing the wisdom of the Quaker faith to many non-Quakers, who identify as Christians, but whose spiritual longings have often left them on the fringes of their churches.
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