Allen’s Neck Meeting is facing a transition period beginning in May when Peter will be leaving. Ministry and Counsel felt that this would be a good time for members of the Allen’s Neck community to get together and discuss what this will mean for us.
On three consecutive Tuesday evenings in January , Ministry and Counsel held open meetings from 5 pm to 7 pm. Every one was invited to stop in and discuss their ideas as to the future direction of Allen’s Neck Meeting.
On March 21 a meeting was held after worship in which all the ideas were presented. This list is on the back of the calendar . There may be more such meetings in the future. If any one has more ideas and suggestions, contact Bradie Metheny and Jeanne Bird.
Friends’ Ideas On Filling Vacancy and
Direction of the Meeting
1. Points Most Often Made on How to Approach Filling the Vacancy
A. Take time to find a pastor.
B. Allow the congregation to assume the pastoral role in worship and ministering to members who are in need of help.
C. People want an older experienced minister. ( From the March 21 Meeting, the word older was replaced by the word “capable.”)
D. Want a pastor who is available and emotionally warm to Friends’ needs.
E. Want a pastor to be stimulating when leading worship.
F. Want a pastor to take part in outreach and to be youth welcoming.
2. The Direction of Worship
A. The clear direction, most said, was to continue as a Quaker meeting.
B. They want a pastor.
C. Want to maintain periods of silence.
D. Want to encourage friends to speak from the spirit.
E. Many would like more music.
(At the recent meeting of Friends and Participants of Allen’s Neck Meeting , March 21, to discuss this document, it seemed that this segment should be discussed at a meeting focused on just this topic.)
3. Lack of Understanding of a Part-Time Contract for the Pastor
A. Want the pastor to be more available.
(This needs more clarification and discussion.)
4. The Direction and Goals of the Meeting in the Next Five Years.
A. To continue as a Quaker meeting.
B. To do more community outreach.
C. To enhance the first day school.
D. Provide leaders and programs for older youth.
5. What This Means to the Role of Ministry & Council
A. Greater responsibility in the interim period by M&C to assure that the needs of the meeting are served.
B. Develop a process for assuring continuity of the Meeting Worship.
C. Develop a process to care for and see to the needs of troubled Friends.
D. It means becoming a strong committee to oversee and protect the meeting members as well as the new pastor.
(Based on discussion at the March 21 meeting, the point related to Pastor Oversight needs further discussion and understanding. )