Friday February 24th

Quaker Voluntary Service: A New Initiative, An Old Tradition

6-7pm: The retreat will begin at 6pm on with a potluck dinner with the Quaker Leadership Scholars. Both Friendship and QLSP have wished to get to know each other better and there will be query conversation starters for this time of gathering and fellowship. (If work/time constraints prevent Friendship Friends from being able to contribute to the potluck please know that a large lasagna will be provided in addition to the contributions of the students.)

7-8:30pm: Guilford/QLSP graduate Christina Repoley, currently serving with Quaker Voluntary Service, will share with us on this new initiative, the launch of a national network with the pilot QVS service house in Atlanta, Georgia in the fall of 2012. She will also share with us about the longstanding Quaker tradition of Spirit-led service and ministry in the world. Following Christina’s talk will be a period of worship, followed by a time of worship sharing.

Recognizing that many have come to Quakerism through service and peace and social justice paths, hearing of this new initiative seemed a wonderful opportunity as well as a doorway into our Saturday exploration of

Saturday February 25th

What Is the Work of the Meeting? How Are We Called to Serve in the Meeting? And Beyond?

8:30 – 3:30 - We will gather at 8:30 for bagels and beverages moving into opening worship from 9-9:30.

The morning session from 9:30-12:00 will include time for solitary personal reflection and work with the group in exploration around how Spirit informs/motivates service.

A simple soup and bread lunch will be provided – followed by a movement activity.

The afternoon session, from 1-3pm, will be an exploration of the outward expression of interior work, followed by a closing time of worship.

The retreat will conclude at 3:30pm.

Friends should feel encouraged to participate as they are able.