The
initial vision was simple: to create a space where Friends could be
together with enough unscheduled time that the Spirit could work on us,
so that truth could rise, and what happened one day could affect what
happened the next. Gradually, over the months of planning a shape
emerged. Olney Friends School in Barnesville Ohio was chosen, as an
inexpensive site with ties to Ohio Conservative Friends, who have
helped our religious society so much to be fed from the deep pools that
nourished early Friends.
The idea of an initial weekend gathering of those who had found
similar nourishment in participation in Young Friends of North America
was expanded to include current young adult Friends who are seeking the
heart of our faith, where all branches of our Quaker tree can be
together in worship and witness. The week that followed was planned
with just enough structure to hold us together--a morning of
preparation for worship, worship and worship sharing, an open afternoon
for visits, small groups and play, an early evening presentation by
Ohio Conservative Friends, followed by an open plenary time for
whatever might rise up to be addressed.
Those who came were drawn together by a common hunger--to know God
experientially, to be present to the Spirit, to be led. We had
anticipated the blessing of having that experience across generations.
An unexpected blessing was the richness of the interaction among FGC and Conservative Friends.
The
evening presentations on community, prayer, scripture, eldering, and
meeting for business led to deeper understanding of our common
heritage. During a group that a Friend from the liberal tradition
called to share her understanding of Barclay's Apology, a conservative
Friend in plain dress listened closely, nodded at times, added a few
words. His parting comment was that if she could bring a real
appreciation of Barclay to liberal Friends it would be a great service.
Conservative Friends shared their love for the scriptures, and morning
Bible study became a rich time of reflection together. As the week went
on, local Friends joined more and more fully into the experience till
by the end we were truly joined in the Spirit. One elder observed that
this was her first experience of a mixed gathering of Friends that
truly worked for members of her beloved Ohio Conservative Yearly
Meeting. What a gift to be able to help water each other's roots!
Each day helped shape the next. A late afternoon intergenerational
session on sexual ethics that developed unexpected depth was continued
the next day. One Friend's discomfort with the way confidentiality was
handled led to a lunch conversation that flowed into an afternoon group
that led to a set of queries for Friends of all persuasions on
confidentiality and openness. A newly-convinced Friend, engaged in
absorbing the treasure of our heritage by putting quotes of early
Friends to music, sang the words of George Fox, William Penn and Isaac
Pennington to us in the time following worship. A group met the next
day to support her in her ministry, and interest was expressed in
bringing her gifts for Ohio Yearly Meeting sessions. On our last
evening together, when a proposed set of queries on sexual ethics led
to significant discomfort and the prospect of division, a young adult
Friend offered words that allowed us to move forward in unity.
Worship
preparation included not only Bible study but times of singing, meeting
for healing and lamentation. Worship was never too long. At meal times
we were nourished by the simple fare provide by Olney Friends School
and by conversation both informal and topical. In the afternoons you
might find Friends in pairs on a bench or under a tree talking
intently, young adults deep in discernment on next steps in creating an
all-inclusive young adult Friends group, individuals in silent
reflection, group games full of movement and laugher, a cluster of
folks gathered around a common topic, the sound of a concertina
floating across the lawn. Clearness meetings sprang up (and flowed over
into at least one car ride home). Several Friends who rarely ask for
help expressed deep gratitude for the spacious welcoming spirit that
opened the way for them. Late evening sings were sweet. Even the
all-ages soccer game, campfire and swims in the pond seemed touched by
grace.
George Fox tells us that when we have learned to live lives that
allow us to walk cheerfully over the earth answering that of God in
everyone, we will come to be a blessing in them, and make the witness
of God in them to bless us. It was a small bit of earth that we were
walking over that week, but the blessings, both given and received,
were real.
A second Quakercamp is planned for June 22-28, 2008 in Barnesville, Ohio.
Pamela Haines
Philadelphia, July 2007
Appeared in the December 2007 issue of Friends Journal under "Reports & Epistles"
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