Lately you may have been hearing about a group at Deep River Friends called the "Joel Committee". This is a committee that was set up by Ministry and Counsel and approved by Monthly Meeting for the specific purpose of engaging the meeting in a process of long range planning and dreaming. The term "Joel Committee" is based on the Scripture passage in the book of Joel where we read:
"I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants - men and women alike." (Joel 2:28-29, NLT)
We see this verse come up again in the Book of Acts on the Day of Pentecost. It's a recognition that God's Spirit dwells in everyone and is available to all - men and women, old and young. We have called this committee the Joel Committee because we want to underscore the idea that God's Spirit comes to all of us - young and old, men and women - and fills us in such a way that we can "dream dreams". The Joel Committee is not just a "long range planning committee" but a group of folks committed listening to God and dreaming about our future together.
This committee has met three times and in those three times has brainstormed ideas in five key areas. These areas are: Finances, Faith Formation, Friendly Presence(our Quaker identity), Facilities, and Fellowship. The ideas that this committee has generated is on newsprint which can be seen in the Fellowship Hall. The next step is for the rest of the congregation to offer their ideas and input.
We have left the newsprint with the ideas for each of these areas on tables. On the tables are also blank pieces of newsprint and markers. What the Joel Committee would like for you to do is for you to give your input and ideas. The papers and pens will be left there for the next two to three weeks. Feel free to put down your idea or to say anything about all the other ideas. The committee values your input.
The next step will be to take these ideas and begin to discern a theme. Our most important question ultimately is, "Who is God calling Deep River Friends to be?" We are praying that this calling will begin to emerge from the themes that are discerned from the various ideas and input that is offered. Out of these, we hope to have a direction to head in that will give us short-term, mid-range, and long-term goals. We will still journey forth in faith but at least we will know what direction we are headed in one year from now, three years from now, five years from now, and ten years from now.
So, take some time and give us your ideas. Jot them down on the newsprint. Share with us your dream for Deep River Friends Meeting.
