What process did your meeting use to find unity concerning what to do about the Indiana Yearly Meeting Reconfiguration recommendation?
Editor’s Note: These two essays are intended to be considered – and discussed! – together. Once you have had the opportunity to read both, we encourage you to share your comments here, on this page.
Amy Dennis, a member of Dewart Lake Community Friends Church, writes:
“. . . This process was bathed in prayer by Friends in and out of IYM. I wish I knew how many hours were spent with the Lord on this issue, praying for his will and listening to his leading. It isn’t always easy to follow where the Lord leads, but I am one who feels that God has led us through this process. The prayer for all the meetings involved in this process does not stop now. Now those who will stay in Indiana Yearly Meeting and those who are starting something new must diligently seek the different ways that God wants to use us for his glory. We find unity in this desire: to serve Him.”
Michael Sherman, pastor of Raysville Friends Meeting, responds:
“. . . For Raysville Monthly Meeting this process of reconfiguration has been one of spiritual growth. The position in which we now stand makes some uncomfortable. As we discussed positions, possibilities and perspectives, we became frustrated and were in agony. This process took away from much needed worship and fellowship. Raysville’s history of rejection and pain underscored our response.”
“Thus far, because neither side truly offers us a home where we can feel the Spirit of God will be the primary voice of a healthy, life-giving future, Raysville Monthly Meeting has not chosen to reconfigure to A or B. Our members know choosing to remain in Indiana Yearly Meeting will not destroy us, but it may be a painful reminder of our rejection and hurt. At this point, we look to the possibilities which lie ahead. ‘Right now all the possibilities for catastrophic failure stand intermingled with all the possibilities for beauty, grace and success,’ is a theme many of us hold . . .”
I am perplexed, in view of the question posed, by Amy Dennis’ essay. I didn’t see anything in it about her meeting’s process on this question. It would be good to have that information added.