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.
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.
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.
Reading Between the Lines will return on February 1 after taking a break in January.
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.