Quakers are still alive and well
- Amanda Crew
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
In case you stopped by to visit our farm stand this past Saturday, I wanted to share with you what was so important to us that our entire family dropped everything to attend and be gone for five days.
Every year, our larger Quaker community, North Carolina Yearly Meeting (Conservative) meets for deep fellowship, food, fun and yes, some business. Space and silence are built into the format of the Meeting, and the ability to speak whatever the Divine places on your heart at the time. The entire experience is one neither Nate nor I had ever experienced before last year. As a Friend from Virginia Beach said during our early morning coffee communion, “we arrived thirsty” and boy did we soak up some Divine goodness. It was certainly a drink from living waters. I took copious notes trying to internalize the words, the message, the feeling, until next year.
While busy and fun as our kids described, it was also spiritually nourishing and deeply satisfying. We laughed and we cried as we had honest and raw conversations around our theme of “members one of another.” Looking back, I see we embraced this theme even during planning, when we were faced with some unexpected challenges that made this year an anomaly. A Friend visiting from western NC said, “Taking care of one another is membership. When you do that, it isn’t just being a good person, it’s being a member.” Our love for one another and that rich, deep feeling of belonging is what makes our Yearly Meeting so special, and unique. It really all boils down to one word: love. I witnessed it in many forms and fashions this past week.
This was the 328th yearly meeting of “conservative” NC Quakers. As per modern custom, we were regaled with a multitude of talents at the intergenerational talent show that had us all laughing hysterically. Willy wowed everyone with not one, but two headstands and Jackson made honorable mention in the “Summary of Exercises Minute” with his long, supposedly fake, burp as his talent—go figure! The giggles, the silliness, the fun bind us together as a family.
A tour of the Quaker Archives and the Guilford College observatory broke the formality of the business sessions and let us learn a bit more about our Friends, their passion for teaching, and Guilford College – bonus, it hit on my nerdiness! The clouds also cooperated just long enough for us to look at some sunspots, and it was incredible.
The collage above shows artifacts from the Quaker Archives at Guilford College. Top row from L to R: Nathan Hunt, Founder of Guilford College; Gwen Gosney Erickson (archivist at GC) holding his sweat-stained felt hat, and a piece of pottery dating back to the 1800s of a New Jersey abolitionist Quaker, Richard Jordan, and his farm. He had ties to Rich Square Monthly Meeting, a Meeting in our Yearly Meeting. Bottom row from L to R: metal art piece from 1920-1921 Vienna split into two photos to show intricacy; and the last picture is of the first North Carolina Yearly Meeting House.
The collage above shows a collection of artwork and student arwork we found around Guilford College's campus. We walked right past the metal tree on our way to GC Woods, but were delighted to find it and discover all the intricate critters on and in it. It's as old as I am, constructed in 1985.
Each year books show up, lots of books, and we aren’t exactly sure where they all come from! In “The Book Room” tables are lined with them, all free, just waiting to be snatched up. Between Nate and I we came home with a mountain of gems.
In the small, intimate setting of the lounge in our dorm, we connected with one another and had rich Spirit-led discussions. One topic that came up is a term “thin spaces,” which can essentially be any place (not just a church or someplace deemed “holy”) where you open yourself up to have a direct connection to the Divine. Scripture certainly is a tool to put you in the place to have a direct connection to the Divine, but you can feel the Spirit anywhere as long as you are open.
Nate and I explored the Guilford College Woods and found the Underground Railroad Tree
The forest, for example, is such a place. The birdsong, the gentle breeze, the “woodsy” aroma, the sounds of wildlife scurrying about and the silence all help to let the world melt away so I can really hear what the Spirit is saying at times. I invite you to come walk in these woods, because you too, might feel the Spirit. Years ago, I named this land, “the place that heals.” Others have commented on the almost palpable feel of the Spirit while on our land, and one Friend this past week asked if we knew the history of the land. It is absolutely worth researching a little more. A native neighbor told us once after walking one of these trails, “This is a spiritual place.”
So, if you too need a place for refuge, silence and peace, or simply a jar of jam and some honey, the invitation is always open. We are here, cups filled and ready to welcome you.
Until next time.
Love, Dr. Amanda
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