An Uncustomary Conversation:
The Spiritual State of Herndon Friends Meeting 2010
(approved at Meeting for Business 4/10/11)
Meeting in the context of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, conflicts in the Middle East, and political and economic turmoil in the United States, Herndon Friends gathered 3/13/2011 for a Meeting for Worship Sharing to consider the spiritual state of Herndon Friends Meeting. Speaking out of the silence, 21 Friends rose to respond to the queries: Continue reading
ACTION and CONNECTION
In 2009, Herndon Friends continued their individual and community spiritual journeys. Our membership roll now totals 80, and 50 to 60 members and attenders gather each First Day. At a Worship Sharing Service on 3/7/2010 Friends reflected on the current state of our journeys, dwelling on two themes: connection and action. In coming together for worship and other meeting activities, we draw inspiration and strength to take our faith into community action. Continue reading
Journalist and peace activist Colman McCarthy, delivered the keynote address at the 2nd annual Northern Virginia Student Peace Award ceremony in early March. The 2010 Peace Award was given to 11 high school juniors and seniors, in recognition of their efforts in building peaceful communities. At the ceremony, as each stood to briefly discuss her work, it became increasingly clear that there is hope for humanity. Currently, the Peace Award is supported by a number of local religious groups. We invite other Meetings to join us in awarding this important honor each year to local students.
If anyone doubts the integrity of America’s youth these days, we’d like to offer hope, for we’ve had the pleasure of learning about some pretty amazing high school students recently. Some are representatives to the Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commission. Others started a STAND for Conscience Club to make students aware of genocide in the world. Many help mediate fellow student conflicts, and others started a youth group that sent four people to Honduras to distribute clothing. How do we know? For the past five years, several groups have pooled their resources to fund what has now officially become known as the Northern Virginia Student Peace Award (NVSPA), or simply the Peace Award. Through the selection process we’ve gotten to know more about these incredible students, who are committed to peace and promoting good will in their communities and beyond. Continue reading
