Members of the Worship and Ministry Committee of Newtown Friends Meeting will present and lead the program, “Searched by the Light” on Zoom at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 24. Worship will follow at 11 a.m.
The following Sunday, Jan. 31, everyone attending will have the opportunity to put “Searched by the Light” into practice with people participating in small discussion groups.
The term, “Light,” is central to many descriptions of Quakers and the Religious Society of Friends. Quakers speak of the Light Within as that aspect of the Divine that dwells in each person. That is basic in the Quaker core belief in equality, that “all people are equal in the eyes of God.”
Quakers often speak of being “open to the Light” or “searching for the Light” during discernment of Truth regarding difficult issues and during their Quaker Meetings for Worship based on waiting in expectant silence.
The Worship and Ministry Committee statement for the program reads: “In such challenging and troubled times as these, it is more essential than ever to look deep into our faith and be open to guidance and accountability by the Spirit. This program will offer a structure and safe place for us to explore our accountability and our authentic roles in these times.
“This program allows us to be open and vulnerable and to explore what pushes us off center. What has become an obstacle to us for receiving a leading from the Spirit? What is the prompting of the Spirit in the midst of the anger, fear, and hatred we see around us due to political strife, economic suffering, environmental crises, and dehumanizing of people? How do we find Divine Truth and discern what actions the Spirit wants us to take?”
During its presentation, the Worship and Ministry Committee will set forth the structure of the two programs (Jan. 24 and 31) devoted to Searched by the Light and discuss how to use the process for one’s own discovery of what the Light reveals to each person.
Quotations and references to books from well-known historical and contemporary Quakers will be included in the discussion. Specific examples from these Quaker writers will be examined regarding how to live faithfully in “dark times” and “be open to the Light in the most challenging of circumstances.”
Visit newtownfriendsmeeting.org for information, and to join the program.
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