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May-June 2011 Connection
Simplicity in Being Single-Minded
Article by Nate Macy
…I like to think of living simply as being “single-minded.” The discipline of simplicity does not begin as primarily an outward reality, but as inward devotion. Simplicity calls us to faithfulness and attentiveness to Christ. My life becomes simpler when I live my entire existence in intimate dialogue with God. What I eat, drive, watch, buy, wear, listen to and do is directed by paying attention to Christ present. Such dedication to intentional awareness of God’s present direction brings about focused living. I become “single-minded” because my focus is simple: listen to and follow Christ.
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Plain & Simple is written by Eric Muhr, giving us a look at our history from the lesser-known corners of Quaker heritage
Civil authorities in 17th-century Antigua weren’t known for their love of the Quakers. They banished some and jailed others. Charges brought against Quakers included speaking out in church, holding meetings in their homes, refusing to bear arms. But when George Fox visited the island in 1671, he found a community of Friends that…
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Article by Gar Mickelson, associate superintendent of local outreach
Friends choose involvement in raising vegetables in community with others for a number of reasons. Some like the shared experience of working with others in a mutual effort. Some don’t have a personal space to garden at their place of residence, and some just want to be involved in a cooperative effort to raise local, fresh produce for their communities.
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Article by Judy Maurer
I am going to die tomorrow. I am sure of it—poisoned by my very sweet, 70-something hostess. Inside her tiny kitchen, with room only for a small table and two chairs, I saw this gigantic jar of something – some yellowish liquid with something wide and billowy floating in it.
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Article by Shawn McConaughey, associate superintendent of global outreach
I have been the recipient of some very helpful interns. Amalija Laslo (photo left) graduated from George Fox University in December with a degree in International Studies. She has been so diligent and helpful to me—she has been walking candidates through our English teaching program.
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Kids & Adults Can Learn Together!
Article by Jim Teeters, Board of Christian Education
New educational research shows that the impact of lessons taught is greatest when all the senses are engaged by the learners—we are hearing, seeing, saying, and doing. In this kind of lesson, learners are changed. As a pastor and educator I learned that what moves people (of any age) is the degree that the whole person is immersed in the lessons to be taught.
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Article by Colin Saxton, NWYM superintendent
The life and message of Friends is often highlighted by focusing on our testimonies. These core convictions arise from our personal and communal experience of Jesus Christ, reminding us of who we are called to be. The testimonies also help us communicate to the world who we are and what we are about as followers of Jesus Christ. Often these testimonies get summarized in the acronym S.P.I.C.E.S.—simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship—as a way to remember them more easily.
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Article by Gene Christian, principal of Charitable Estate Planning Northwest
Our goal is to keep Friends throughout the Northwest aware of governmental changes that have an impact on charitable giving and estate planning. As you probably know by now, there were sweeping federal legislative changes that occurred on December 17th—many of the finer details of which are just now becoming fully known. Some of the more important details are highlighted below for your consideration—and conversation with your professional advisors.
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Article by Jamie Johnson, director of the Friends Leadership Program
“I’m getting paid to do this!” is a thought often found running through my mind. It’s a thought laced with joy and astonishment that my “work” as Director of the Friends Leadership Program (FLP) is spending time with young adults seeking a better understanding of Christ’s call on their lives.
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Article by Rusty St. Cyr, director of spiritual formation
FLOORmation: (flôr-mā’ shn) n. a communal evidence of God’s kingdom coming and God’s will being done in, amongst, and through the relationships of Floor/Apartment/& House-mates at George Fox University… as it is in heaven.
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- 2011 Volleyball Tournament
- Bible Quizzing
- YCEW
- Pastoral transitions
- Upcoming youth events
Click here to go to our live calendar
Cruise Ship or Fellow Ship: which are you riding on?
Article by Roger Knox, pastor at Silverton Friends and NWYM elder
Here are two ways of thinking about church: is it a Cruise Ship? Or is it a Fellow Ship?Questions about taking a trip on the Cruise Ship:Do I like the music they play?Do I like the captain and her or his crew?Does the captain invite me to eat at her or his table?
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Digital Connection
That’s right, we’re going to put out a digital version of the Connection! This year we will be publishing two separate digital issues beyond the six we already offer. In the past you have been able to request a digital version in place of the printed publication, but these two issues will be ONLY digital. So, if you would like to receive the two extra editions please email us at info@nwfriends.org. And, as before, if you would prefer to receive ALL issues of the Connection digitally use the same email to inform us.
Download a pdf of this month’s newsletter
English version
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Coming soon…
