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Primitive Christianity Revived, Again
Welcoming Newcomers to QQ
Dear QQ Friends:
I once attended a church, as a newcomer to the community, where there was a ritual of greeting those seated near one with a smile and a handshake. At the end of the service, NO ONE spoke to me, and I passed out the door unnoticed (as far as I could tell). I never went back to that church!
Later, I attended a church from a related denomination out in the country. I felt rather conspicuous as an outsider (members wore a garb), and left promptly after the meeting ended. As I headed toward my car, a member of the church came bursting out of the men's door, and chased me down! He asked, "why leave in such a hurry?" Guess what?! I became a regular attender at that church.
I have been trying to function in a meaningful way as a greeter for QQ. I have some reservations about this. I don't want to put newcomers on the spot. I don't want to "steal the spotlight." I am in my 70s'. living alone since my wife died, and trying to keep up with the farm and some scholarly pursuits.
This is to encourage others to step up to the plate, welcoming newcomers and encouraging them to share as they feel comfortable to do so. Please help!!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Laura Scattergood on
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I have noticed that you are greeting people William and I think it is a good thing. However, I cannot change my photograph on this website and must be stuck eternally with my "grumpy picture" that I only meant to put up briefly. (I have tried the technical help suggested, nothing works. The pictures that says, "Yeah, I am Quaker, does thee want to fight about it?" So, I think I should be assigned the job of bouncer. That would suit my current mood better anyway. Perhaps someone sweet-natured among us will assist you!
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Permalink Reply by Nanette Ruffatto on
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It was nice of you to share your thoughts. The example was excellent and I felt for you. I think it is always hard to go somewhere and be the "new kid on the block". After teaching for many years and having to go to a new school once in awhile I learned to watch and listen. Eventually people will see respect and then ask questions.
I am new at this belief and I have often hung in the back. Partly I'm unsure and partly weighing things out. No one in my town has this belief. My Bible study
Doesn't ask and thats ok. The closest place for me to go is 4 hours away.
The computer has really helped me in many ways.
I see this as a personnel challenge but there's no consideration to seek anyplace else. I just sooooo believe in this.
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Permalink Reply by William F Rushby on
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Thanks, Nanette!
I am enthusiastic about Bible study groups, and have participated frequently in the past.
How would you feel about trying your hand at welcoming one or more newcomers? I understand that you are a newcomer too, so you may be able to relate better than I can; I have been at it for over 55 years in the Society of Friends.
In any case, thanks for replying. I hope your spiritual pilgrimage among Friends proves helpful!
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Hatton on
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Thank you William for greeting me also, and in a "on-line" environment just as in real life it is nice to be acknowledged.
When I have responsibility for worship (opening up, setting up the seating tables, closing the actual period of worship) I do try and make the same effort to talk to people, especially in the welcoming / standing at the door.
Alas, I can not take over this role for QuakerQuaker, but it is good that you have raised this. I do hope that one of 2 people will feel moved to support you in this role / and if required help release you from the role.
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Permalink Reply by K Nine on
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William, these rituals you mention, like the bible is optional to a Quaker as long as they are a witness to the light of Truth within because we are Children of the Light, and Friends of Truth,
"Rituals can be safely ignored, as long as one experiences a true spiritual conversion.
The qualification for ministry is given by the Holy Spirit, not by ecclesiastical study. This implies that anyone has the right to minister, assuming the Spirit guides them, including women and children.
God "dwelleth in the hearts of his obedient people": religious experience is not confined to a church building. Indeed, Fox refused to apply the word "church" to a building, using instead the name "steeple-house", a usage maintained by many Quakers today. Fox would just as soon worship in fields and orchards, believing that God's presence could be felt anywhere.
Though George Fox, founder of the Quaker faith, used the Bible to support his views, Fox reasoned that, because God was within the faithful, believers could follow their own inner guide rather than rely on a strict reading of Scripture or the word of clerics.
Fox also made no clear distinction between Father, Son and Holy Spirit."- Wikipedia
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K-Nine: You described yourself as an Orthodox Friend. The Bible is *never* optional to an Orthodox Friend.
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YOU ARE 100% WRONG
William F Rushby said:
K-Nine: You described yourself as an Orthodox Friend. The Bible is *never* optional to an Orthodox Friend.
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K Nine said:
YOU ARE 100% WRONGAnd I say:
Thank you for your opinion. Now, will there be anything else before we return to the topic of this thread?
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Permalink Reply by Timothy on
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Greetings to thee, Friend William!
I have quit coming here as frequently as I once did. I recall the situation and only tried to offer words of peace when it seemed to me there was much bickerin brattle (( Scottish Brogue )) ~ argumentative chatter. I informed those that I was taking a long hiatus. That is what I have done.
It is a good thing for me to read what thou hast written. I think QQ would benefit by friendly greetings. I still have not found a Meeting, so I and my family, attend the Mennonite Meetinghouse hard by. I have given up the notion of finding a Quaker Meeting, and have kept with Silent Worship as much as possible.
I guess I should come back here more. I just do not like the tangle I found myself in. As I mentioned, I found this very edifying!
Never cease to hold thee in Prayer, Friend. Wishing thee only Heaven's best!
Regards,
Timothy
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Permalink Reply by Forrest Curo on
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It's very good to see you back!
Disagreements are a necessary part of what keeps a site alive; though some people, alas, think that's best done disagreeably. I can well understand how that makes people sometimes run off sneezing!
"for he can thoroughly enjoythe pepper when he pleases!"
but that isn't really what nourishes us! Hello, hello!!!
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Hello Friend Forrest !
One does not wish to feel as though they are the cause of such disagreements. . . Thou art right though. I enjoyed thy quoth of Lewis Carroll ! =D True enough, that is not what nourisheth us. . . Hello ! Hello !!
Forrest Curo said:It's very good to see you back!
Disagreements are a necessary part of what keeps a site alive; though some people, alas, think that's best done disagreeably. I can well understand how that makes people sometimes run off sneezing!
"for he can thoroughly enjoythe pepper when he pleases!"
but that isn't really what nourishes us! Hello, hello!!!
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Timothy Bruffy said:One does not wish to feel as though they are the cause of such disagreements. . .
A target is seldom 'the cause'.
I do think thee has been unduly tender about that now & then. I hope that heals soon, and well!
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