by Web Posts | Aug 23, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Baltimore Yearly Meeting, Current, Spiritual Formation
Adult Spiritual Education is resuming Spiritual Formation this fall!
We are all pilgrims on a journey, taking different routes to the same destination. We are all seekers on a quest, searching for that which is greater, and our relationship to it, hoping to arrive at the Ground of Our Being. Along the way, we encounter other pilgrims and share the experience in moments of sacred intersection that feed our spirit, deepen our experience, strengthen our resolve, and build community. This is the Spiritual Formation Program. And we invite you to journey with us.
There are many ways to get involved:
- Baltimore Yearly Meeting’s Spiritual Formation Retreat is in September, weekend of September 11-13 at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD. Scholarships are available through the Adult Spiritual Education Committee. Registration closes on August 24th.
- We invite you to participate in Spiritual Formation here at Richmond Friends Meeting with “large group” discussions and “small group” opportunities to build spiritual friendships offering mutual support and accompaniment.
- There is also the year-long online program offered through Zoom to Friends throughout the Yearly Meeting also offering large and small groups. (October-May)
If you wish to participate, a table at Potluck will be sponsored by Adult Spiritual Education Committee on September 27th. We hope you will join us to learn more!
by Web Posts | Aug 18, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Current, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (Bible Workbench) on First Day, September 6, from 9-10 am, through Zoom. We’ll discuss both Romans 12: 19-21 (“When you are wronged, do not seek revenge. Instead, leave room for the judgement of God…”) and Matthew 18, 15-20: What is a respectful way to handle conflict between two people in a community? How do we resist the temptation of making false assumptions? The facilitator will send the zoom link through the Newslist several days before our meeting.
by Diane Bowden | Jul 23, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one hour Reading Between the Lines (formerly Bible Workbench) on First Day, August 2, from 9-10 am on Zoom. We’ll discuss the endings of two stories—Matthew 14:1-12 (the murder of Jesus’s cousin John the Baptist: “His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus”) and Matthew 14: 13-21: potential scarcity ending in overflow: “And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full”). The facilitator will send the zoom link through the Newslist a few days before the session.
by Diane Bowden | Jun 23, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (Bible Workbench) on Sunday, July 5, from 9-10 a.m. on Zoom. We’ll discuss Matthew 11: 25-30: what does it take to be free of burdens imposed on us by someone else’s inaccurate perceptions, unjust systems, our own unhealed wounds? What is it to rest from burdens we consciously say “yes” to, and want to keep committing to? What about burdens caused by illness, natural disaster, things that happen to people we love? How do we start to become aware of unnecessary burdens we place on others? . . . The facilitator will send the Zoom link through the Newslist a few days before the meeting.
by Diane Bowden | May 19, 2026 | Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
Reading Between the Lines (Bible Workbench) will not meet in June.
by Diane Bowden | Apr 20, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (Bible Workbench) on Sunday, May 3, from 9-10 am through Zoom. We’ll discuss John 14:1-14: A few chapters before Jesus tells his friends and disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” he says, “Now my heart is troubled.” What happened—between his own acknowledgement of feeling troubled and his being able to say, in soundness and clarity to others, “Do not let your hearts be troubled?” What internal work did he do? How was that enacted in his life? The facilitator will send the Zoom link through the Newslist a few days before the meeting.
by Diane Bowden | Apr 19, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Outreach, Quakerism
The Adult Spiritual Education Committee is hosting an introduction to Quakerism, “Quaker Curious?” on Saturday, June 6, from 11:00 am to Noon.
If you have friends or neighbors interested in learning more about Quakers, please encourage them to join us. For more information or questions, contact Bronwyn Hughes or any member of ASE.
by Diane Bowden | Mar 16, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (formerly Bible Workbench) 9-10 am (through Zoom) on First Day, April 5. We’ll discuss a few different accounts of the stories of Easter morning: who showed up at Jesus’s tomb, what they found, who they told, who they touched—or didn’t touch, how each of them was recognized—“met” in their grief. We’ll continue discussion on what it is to “enter” into different kinds of darkness—including darkness that is “nourishing” (Hirsh). The facilitator will screen-share the texts and send the zoom link through the Newslist (as well as the contact list for “regulars”) a few days before our session.
by Diane Bowden | Mar 13, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Friends General Conference, Scholarship
Friends General Conference (FGC) The Gathering of Friends will be at the University of Vermont, July 7-12, 2026. The theme is “A Window and a Door: A Prayer.” Enjoy worship, fellowship, workshops, reflection, rejuvenation, and fun! Go to FGCQuaker.org/the-gathering for more info. Adult Spiritual Education (ASE) Committee has scholarships available for anyone who would like to attend. Please contact a member of ASE for more information.
by Diane Bowden | Feb 15, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education Committee is hosting an in-person introduction to the ongoing Reading Between the Lines scripture study from 9:15 to 10:30 am on Sunday, March 1, in the community room. Facilitator Leslie Shiel will give a short introduction and explanation; then participants will discuss John 3:1-17 (the story of Nicodemus visiting Jesus in the night).
You do not have to be Christian to appreciate and be moved by these (often) subversive and wildly shaped texts; this method of study uses metaphor and story to explore scripture. Leslie will provide print copies of the text, including parts from the original Aramaic (from Neil Doublas-Klotz’s book Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus). Newcomers who are curious and regulars who want a refresher - all are welcome. Nursery care will be provided.
by Diane Bowden | Jan 18, 2026 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education Committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines—through Zoom—on First Day, Feb. 1, from 9-10 am. We will discuss—along with single lines from Micah, Psalm 15, and 1 Corinthians 1, the Beatitudes—found In Matthew 5:1-12. As part of our conversation, we’ll see the translation offered by Neil Douglas-Klotz in his book Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus. Words like “ripening,” “dissolving,” “extra unhealthy holdings,” going beyond who we thought we were, “darkness” as meaning “what’s unknown,” and more—will help us as we consider—with new eyes and ears—a text that may now seem too familiar to us. We’ll consider a progression of steps rather than a set of formulas. The facilitator will send the Zoom link through the Newslist a few days before the discussion.
by Diane Bowden | Dec 21, 2025 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Reading between the Lines
Reading Between the Lines will return on February 1 after taking a break in January.
by Diane Bowden | Dec 20, 2025 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education
The Adult Spiritual Education committee invites you to participate in a program of worship-sharing with music that speaks to us spiritually. The relaxed, candlelit evening session is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, starting at 4:30 in the community room.
If you would like to include a song or piece of music that is meaningful to you, email Lee Bloxom with the subject line “songs of the soul.” The music can range from ancient to current, be recorded or live, instrumental or with lyrics. In the body of the email, include the title of the selection and the name of the artist. If you’re not planning to perform your song live, include either a digital recording (.mp3, .mp4, or .wav file formats) or a link to it on YouTube or Spotify.
We’ll have time for reflection and worship sharing after each selection.
The deadline for song submissions is Monday, Jan. 5
We look forward to soul sharing through music on a mid-January eve: January 11, 4:30 to 6 pm.
by Diane Bowden | Nov 22, 2025 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study
The Adult Spiritual Education Committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (formerly known as Bible Workbench) on First Day, Dec. 7, from 9-10 on Zoom. We’ll discuss Matthew 3:1-12: the link between the verbs “crying out,” “preparing,” and “making” when a “new thing is being made.” The facilitator will send the zoom link through the Newslist a few days before the session.
by Diane Bowden | Aug 20, 2025 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education
The Adult Spiritual Education Committee invites you to attend Fall Retreat from 9:00 - 4:00, Saturday, September 27 at The Clearing. The theme of this year’s retreat is "Spirit-Led Action". Join us for an experiential workshop led by members of the ASE Committee, with opportunities to reflect on and share spirit-led action in small groups. We hope you will join us for an inspiring day led by members of the ASE Committee. Bagels and coffee, and lunch will be provided by the Ministry and Worship Committee.
by Diane Bowden | Aug 20, 2025 | Adult Spiritual Education, Announcement, Bible Study
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will hold a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (formerly known as Bible Workbench) on Sunday, September 7, through Zoom, from 9-10 am. We will discuss Philemon 1-21: the power of a personal letter clearing the way for a person to be accepted into a beloved community. The facilitator will send the Zoom link through the Newslist several days before our session.
by Diane Bowden | Jul 22, 2025 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (formerly Bible Workbench) on First Day, August 3, from 9-10 am on Zoom. We will discuss Luke 10: 25-37: receiving help when one is hurt, sometimes from unlikely sources. We will discuss mercy, storytelling, being tested—and getting to the deeper issues under our surface questions and motives. The facilitator will send the link through the Newslist a few days before our meeting.
by Diane Bowden | Apr 20, 2025 | Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education Committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (formerly known as Bible Workbench) on May 4, 2025, from 9-10 am through Zoom. We will discuss John 19: 1-14: moorings during mourning; eventual recognitions of new forms; casting nets in new directions; unforeseen abundances; the intimacy and tenderness of sharing a meal, especially after great change. The facilitator will send the Zoom link through the Newslist a couple of days before our conversation.
by Diane Bowden | Mar 18, 2025 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (formerly called Bible Workbench) on Sunday, April 6, from 9-10 a.m. on Zoom. We will discuss John 12:20-33: A troubled soul. The meaning of “glory.” What is required in times when we are aware “this hour has come.” What choices may be available during “this hour.” What to let go of, what to hold onto. How to hear possible affirmation. The facilitator will send the zoom link through the news list a few days
before the session.
by Diane Bowden | Feb 17, 2025 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Vocal Ministry
All of us have struggled with whether to stand up and give a message during Meeting for Worship. The Adult Spiritual Education (ASE) Committee is sponsoring a workshop to help us think about this struggle, by using the pamphlet, "On Vocal Ministry" by Barry Crossno and J. Brent Bell, which is available free to anybody who wants one. Here are two paragraphs to get you started:
Vocal ministry is a spiritual practice. That’s fortunate because, as with any practice, there is a body of knowledge and experience to turn to. In this pamphlet, we’ll lay out some principles found in that body of knowledge which can guide Friends in giving vital vocal ministry. By “vital vocal ministry” we mean messages that take the community of faith deeper into what is helpful, loving, challenging, and timeless. As George Fox said, “Friends, meet together and know one another in that which is eternal, which as before the world was.”
Meeting for worship is at the heart of Quaker faith and practice. Although our personal direct experience of the Divine is central to our individual spiritual lives, it is in communal worship that we gather together to hear the Voice that has spoken through the generations and still speaks today.
Copies of the Pendle Hill Pamphlet #460 are available in the RFM worship room foyers.
To reach as many people as possible, we are offering two similar workshop sessions:
- In person in the community room, Sunday, March 30, 9:30 am - 10:45 am
- On Zoom, Saturday, April 5, 10 am - 11:15 am
During both sessions we will be discussing the same questions which can be found at the end of the pamphlet, "On Vocal Ministry". Childcare is available on Sunday, March 30th at 9:15 am. Contact Monica Shaw with questions or concerns.
by Diane Bowden | Feb 17, 2025 | Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines (formerly Bible Workbench) on First Day (Sunday), March 2, through Zoom, from 9-10 am. We will discuss Mark 9: 2-9: when what we think we know becomes a question; when our perceptions are challenged; when what we have now experienced has to make a difference; when we try to “pin down”—too early—new vision; when we try to make “small dwellings” for a “larger life” (paraphrased from The Education Center, Charlotte, NC). The facilitator will send the Zoom link through the Newslist several days before the meeting.
by Diane Bowden | Jan 19, 2025 | Adult Spiritual Education, Bible Study, Reading between the Lines
The Adult Spiritual Education committee will host a one-hour Reading Between the Lines, on
Zoom, starting at 9 am, on Feb. 2, 2025. We will discuss John 1: 43-51: recognitions beyond
surfaces; the witness of one person leading to another “unlikely” person; the unlikely parts of us
that have something valuable to say… The facilitator will send out the zoom link through the
Newlist a few days before the meeting.
by Diane Bowden | Dec 13, 2024 | Adult Spiritual Education, AFSC, Baltimore Yearly Meeting, Earthcare, FCNL, Quaker House
The Fourth and final session of Quakerism 101 will be held at the Meetinghouse on January 26 at 9:30 am.
Topic --"Quakers in the Wider World."
Kelly Kennedy will facilitate beginning with a PowerPoint including maps of Quakers in Virginia, the nation, and worldwide. With the help of three Friends with deep experience in organizations such as Baltimore Yearly Meeting, Friends General Conference, Friends Committee on National Legislation, and Friends in Unity with Nature, we'll look at how Quaker values drive their work and their outcomes.
Bring your coffee and join us Sunday January 26, at 9:30 in the Community Room. Childcare will be provided at 9:15.
by Diane Bowden | Jul 21, 2024 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Announcement
Join us on Sunday, September 22, in person from 9:15-10:30 am in the Community room. In this session we'll be exploring Quaker Process. Friends make decisions about how to tend to Spirit, how to care for each other, how to nourish ourselves and our families, how to contribute to the wider communities of city, nation, all nations, and the earth. We make these decisions without the ease of hierarchy, majority vote, and, for unprogrammed friends, without clergy or paid staff. In this session, we'll explore the process we use in moving forward.
The program will focus on two practices fundamental to Friends in making spirit-lead choices and for acting: Committees and Business Meeting. As part of this session, we'll focus on terminology that may not be familiar to newcomers.
It's our hope that longtime Friends will be refreshed and refocused in Quaker process and that new attenders will come to feel comfortable in the Society of Friends and Richmond Friends Meeting.
by Diane Bowden | May 18, 2024 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Announcement, History - Quaker, History - RFM
Adult Spiritual Education invites all members and attenders, those new to Quakerism as well as seasoned Friends, to learn more about our history. Mark your calendars and plan on joining us on Saturday, June 22 at 9:30. Our topic will be Quaker History: Evolution and Revolution. Kelly Kennedy will get us started with a Zoom-easy introductory activity. Dan Shaw will cover early history from the 17th to the 19th centuries, and Scott Selby will address Virginia and Richmond history.
While no reading in advance is needed, some may want to brush up on Quaker history in preparation. Attached is an excerpt from Faith and Practice focusing on Quaker history. Feel free to read all, part, or none of it.
This session is ALL on Zoom. Please look for the link in the coming days as well as the day before June 22. We look forward to seeing many of you on the morning of June 22nd!
by Diane Bowden | Apr 10, 2024 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Announcement, History - Quaker
Quakerism 101, a four-session introduction to Quakerism, its history, writings, values, and beliefs held its first session on Sunday, April 28, at 9:30 am with more than 30 friends attending. This session addressed “The Light Within: What Quakers Believe" with a panel discussion from Howard Garner, Steve Humphrey, and Rita Willett. Three other sessions that are planned for later this year:
• Quaker History: Revolution and Evolution on June 22, 9:30 am on Zoom.
• What do Committees Do? RFM Organization, Business Meeting, and Terminology, date TBD
• Living in the Light: Quaker Organizations in the US and Around the World; How Quakers Live in the World Today, date TBD
by Diane Bowden | Sep 20, 2020 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Announcement, Archive, COVID-19
Our series Mysticism: Living from the Inside Out will be presented virtually on Saturday mornings at 9:30 am. These programs will be recorded and put on the RFM website for later viewing. Contact the presenter if you have a questions about the session or the references. We will send the link for each program through the Newslist on the Friday before the session.
September 26: German Benedictine Abbess: Hildegard of Bingen. Barbara Hulburt presenting
Hildegard of Bingen (12th century) was an extraordinary woman and mystic whose writing still speaks to us today. Her mystical visions led her to a profound understanding of spirituality and she was a preacher, advisor, and spiritual guide to many. In this program we will see what Hildegard has to say to us about spirituality as a reflection of the “living light.”
October 10: American Peace Activist: Mildred Norman, Peace Pilgrim. Marjorie Bertolino presenting
Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981), born Mildred Lisette Norman, was an American spiritual teacher, mystic, pacifist, vegetarian activist and peace activist. In 1952, she became the first woman to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one season. Starting on January 1, 1953, in Pasadena, California, she adopted the name “Peace Pilgrim” and walked across the US for 28 years, speaking with others about peace. She was on her seventh cross-country journey when she died.
Suggested reading is “Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words” available free by request at https://www.peacepilgrim.org/to-receive-free-peace-pilgrim-book
October 24: Anderson Johnson, Visionary Artist of Virginia. Catherine Roseberry presenting
“I’ve heard of folk art – but what’s visionary art?”
Before I talk about Anderson Johnson (1915-1998) this fall, it might be helpful to be introduced to the confusing nomenclature surrounding the form commonly known as folk art. It’s messy, inconsistent, sometimes used interchangeably and a lot of times not.
The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore has a good, relatively short commentary about this debate accompanying their mission statement (http://www.avam.org/stuff-everyone-asks/what-is-visionary-art.shtml). If you’re so moved, read the top of the page through “Can’t trained artists also hear their own voices?” Then for fun poke around their website, especially the section called “Our Visionaries.” Mr. Johnson isn’t here, but a lot of folks are. If you want a preview of his work, here are two versions of his Queen of Sheba paintings.
November 7: Contemporary Mystics in Action. Howard Garner presenting
It is a mistake to think of mystics as people who spend their days meditating in isolation from the world’s problems. In this session we will study the work of two modern-day mystics who live from the inside out and are making a difference in the world.
Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar and the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is the author of over 20 books, including “Yes, And…” He is an internationally known speaker and contributor to several publications on daily spiritual practice.
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist Zen master exiled from Vietnam in 1973 for his peace activism. He is a beloved teacher, scholar, peace activist, and poet, having written over 100 books, including “Living Buddha, Living Christ.” He is the founder of Plum Village, near Bordeaux, France, a Beloved Community with over 200 Buddhist monks in residence.
November 21: “Mystical Union”: Synthesis and Integration. ASE Committee facilitating
Where we put it all together.
by Diane Bowden | Aug 6, 2020 | Activity, Adult Spiritual Education, Announcement, Archive, COVID-19, Spiritual Formation
From Joe Ball for the Spiritual Foundation planning group:
“The heart of Spiritual Formation is the intimate sharing that takes place in small group.”
Juan Whittington
“Our Spiritual Formation Program offers practical ways for seekers to deepen their personal spiritual experience while building community. No matter where you are on your journey, the Spiritual Formation Program meets you there.”
From “Sacred Intersections: Spiritual Formation Program,” Baltimore Yearly Meeting
The focus for RFM Spiritual Formation this year will be Practical Quaker Mysticism. Readings will include but not be limited to two Pendle Hill pamphlets: John Yungblut, “Speaking as One Friend to Another: On the Mystical Way Forward” and Rex Ambler, “Mind the Oneness: The Mystic Way of the Quakers.” [Pamphlets will be provided by Adult Spiritual Education]
As in the past, each small group of 5-7 people will meet once a month, and all participants will meet in a large group once a month.
Because of the topic and the richness of the ASE program on “Mysticism: Living From the Inside Out” which will take place from September 12th to November 21st, we will start Spiritual Formation in early September this year to coordinate with and build on the ASE program.
If you have any questions about Spiritual Formation, please contact Joe Ball at jball@newarka.edu.
In the meantime, we encourage you to sign up by sending me the following information:
· Name
· Preferences for Small Group meetings:
· Morning, afternoon, or evening?
· Weekday or weekend?
· Zoom or in-person (with appropriate social distancing as needed)
· Willing to serve as a small group leader: Yes/No
· Willing to serve as a Zoom host: Yes/No
by Diane Bowden | Jul 9, 2020 | Adult Spiritual Education, Announcement, Archive, COVID-19
N ADULT SPIRITUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
This Saturday, July 11, 2020
Beginning promptly at 9:30 am on Zoom
Log-in will be open at 9:15
Led by Howard Garner and Barbara Hulburt
In this time of stressful isolation, we participated in a 40-day mindfulness meditation course online. The sessions were only ten to twelve minutes long and provided an opportunity to practice relaxing, breathing, and being present. We valued these experiences and have continued to practice almost daily.
Our experiences with mindfulness meditation led us into meaningful discussions that explored two big questions that we invite you to consider on Saturday:
Is mindfulness meditation a spiritual practice?
And if it is, how does it differ from Quaker worship?
During this session, we will provide an opportunity for you to experience a short mindfulness meditation led by Tara Brach (who was one of the teachers in the course we took). You can learn more about mindfulness practice and Tara by going to her website tarabrach.org. This is not required reading.
Following the mindfulness meditation you will be given an opportunity to discuss your experience with others. We will also share our answers to the questions.
The link to the Zoom session will be sent to you on Friday. We are waiting until then so it won’t get buried in your email. We hope you will join us.
by Diane Bowden | Dec 11, 2019 | Adult Spiritual Education, Announcement
Are you being led to set aside a time of retreat in the new year?
Catherine Cox (RFM Fall Retreat leader) and Rita Willett will be leading a small Quaker contemplative retreat at Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville VA on February 7 to 9.
This retreat is a program of the School of the Spirit Ministry. Information and registration at http://www.schoolofthespirit.org/virginia-retreat/
<http://www.schoolofthespirit.org/virginia-retreat/>
Quakers and non-Quakers are welcome – feel free to pass this information along or come with a friend.
The brochure and flyer are attached.
Note: This contemplative retreat was inadvertently scheduled the same weekend as BYM Women’s Retreat – some Friends are already committed that weekend.
If you are not attending the BYM retreat, consider this opportunity to enjoy a quiet weekend of reflection in the Abbey’s retreat house.