Queries and Advices - 4th through 6th Month (Apr through Jun)
Second Section: How do Friends care for one another?
Second Section: How do Friends care for one another?
Fourth Month: Mutual Care
QUERIES
QUERIES
- How do we foster a spirit of community among the meeting’s members and attenders?
- How does the meeting keep in contact with all of the meeting’s members and attenders?
- How does the meeting assist couples and families to communicate, grow together, and rear children in a loving environment?
- Does the meeting community nurture the meeting’s children?
- How does the meeting care for those who live alone, the sick, the aging, the widowed, the separated or divorced, and others with families affected by disruption?
- Do we assist Friends in need as their circumstances require?
- How do we labor with and care for those whose conduct or manner of living gives grounds for concern?
- How are visitors to our meeting made to feel welcome?
- Be truthful and sincere, and thus encourage these qualities in others.
- Through example and education, help each other to recognize and follow the voice of God both in our spiritual lives and in joyful and willing service.
- Watch with tenderness over the opening minds of children. Seek to awaken in them the love and understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus and a sense of security in the love of God.
- Remember that there is a unique potential in each human being as a beloved child of God and that the Holy Spirit may lead children to give wise counsel to listening adults.
- Young people, too, have responsibility to care for the meeting and to participate in meetings both for worship and for business. Faith is needed as a vital part of our living.
Fifth Month: Education
QUERIES
QUERIES
- Do we share our deepest beliefs and values with each other and with our children, while leaving them free to develop as the Spirit may lead them?
- Does the meeting give the children loving care and promote their spiritual life through religious education and other activities?
- Do we encourage our children’s participation in the meeting’s work and cultivate their desire for service to others?
- How do we educate our members and attenders about the Bible (especially the teachings of Jesus), other spiritual literature, and the history, principles, and practices of Friends?
- Do we share our deepest beliefs and values with each other and with our children, while leaving them free to develop as the Spirit may lead them?
- Does the meeting give the children loving care and promote their spiritual life through religious education and other activities?
- Do we encourage our children’s participation in the meeting’s work and cultivate their desire for service to others?
- How do we educate our members and attenders about the Bible (especially the teachings of Jesus), other spiritual literature, and the history, principles, and practices of Friends?
Sixth Month: Home, Family, and Relationships
QUERIES
QUERIES
- Do we make our home a place where love, peace, happiness, friendship, and refreshment of spirit are found and where the presence of God is experienced?
- Do all members of our family receive our affection and understanding?
- Do we take care that responsibilities outside the home do not encroach upon the time and loving attention our family needs?
- Do we acknowledge and support all relationships and families, whether conventional or not, that are based on love and commitment?
- Does our family set aside First Day and other times for worship, service, rest, and refreshment of spirit?
- Live in love, and learn from one another. Try to live simply.
- In our family life, encourage reliance upon God’s guidance and help for each day’s needs.
- Remember the value of beauty in all its forms.
- God’s gifts are for all to enjoy; learn to use them wisely.