As Quakers, we have no creed to recite, no confession of confess, no rituals to undergo that will reliably bring us into the fullness of membership. But we do have a rich and inspiring tradition; we each other; and we have the Spirit. . . which, we are promised, will “lead us into all things.” Thomas Gates, 2004
Richmond Friends Meeting is a diverse community of seekers. We welcome all who wish to explore Quaker principles, testimonies, and way of worship. If you wish to consider membership after attending Meeting and participating in our community, the following may be helpful as you continue on your quest: First, we suggest that you attend Meeting for Worship on a regular basis, become involved in committee work, and participate in Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business in order to understand fully the meaning of the commitment to become a member. Second, prospective members are encouraged to become familiar with Baltimore Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice. Other Books to consider reading are: The Quakers: A Very Short Introduction by Pink Dandelion and Friends for 350 Years by Howard Brinton. These books are available in our library and through the Friends General Conference bookstore, https://quakerbooks.org/. If you are then led to seek membership, submit a letter to the Clerk of Meeting saying why you wish to request membership in the Richmond Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends. If you like, describe the journey that led you to seek membership. The clerk will submit your letter to the Care and Counsel Committee, which will form a Clearness Committee to discuss with you your application and your readiness for membership. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any member of Care and Counsel for guidance.
Midlothian Friends are hosting at their meetinghouse an orientation session with the DC Detention Visitation Network (DCDVN)onSaturday, June 29 from 2:00 to 4:00. Other Quakers fromCharlottesville Friends Meeting and Richmond Friends Meetingare also invited. The Midlothian Friends Meetinghouse is located at 900 Preservation Rd, Midlothian, VA 23113.
DCDVN offers friendship and support to immigrants held in detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Maryland and now, after several years’ effort, in Farmville Virginia. The orientation on June 29th will focus on DCDVN’s program for social visits to detainees, many of whom are held for months with no visits from family or friends. Many family members live far from Farmville and can’t afford the time away from work or the cost of a visit. Others are undocumented themselves and afraid to visit an ICE facility. Some detainees are simply estranged from their families. Visits from community members can give them a “break,” boost their morale, and help refocus their emotions on positive relationships while in detention.
Jim Bell of Baltimore Yearly Meeting’s Peace and Social Concerns Committee, and a two-year DCDVN volunteer in Maryland will lead the orientation. The session will be informal and cover many aspects of how to visit detainees: what to do, what not to do, proper attire, conversation starters, etc. All questions will be welcome.
You don’t have to be fluent in Spanish to visit a detainee!
We invite you to join with Friends and other like-minded people. For more information, visit the DCDVN website (https://dcdetentionvisitation.org/visitation-program). Jim suggests that you complete the short volunteer form before you come to orientation. If you have questions, contact Lucretia Farago of Midlothian Friends at 804-658-9021 or lsfarago@gmail.com.
The Richmond Peace Education Center is holding a two-day conflict resolution training at Richmond Friends Meeting August 20-21, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.You can learn more about it here.This is exactly the kind of program that the Adult Spiritual Education committee can provide scholarships for. If you are interested in attending, please contact lyndafleetperry@gmail.com to request a scholarship.
We call on people of good will from all over the Richmond region, and across the Commonwealth, to join us on Tuesday, July 9, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., at the Bell Tower on the Virginia State Capitol grounds, for a unity vigil to demand action to stop gun violence. Following the vigil, we will join the Votes and Laws Rally on 10th & Bank Street.
Richmond Branch NAACP and Richmond Peace Education Center, with Armstrong Leadership Program, Together We Will Henrico, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.
