State of Society Report 2010
Allen’s Neck Meeting
The year 2010 was one of transition for Allen’s Neck, as our pastor of the last nine years, Peter Crysdale, left in June to pursue other ministries. We are grateful for his ministry of our meeting and its members during his pastoral care.
Throughout the year, we explored through a series of meetings with members and attenders, how we wanted the Meeting to proceed into its future. There was a general consensus that we want to remain a Quaker Meeting, semi-programmed, with periods of silence, to continue adult discussion groups, enlarge our community service outreach, and support our First Day School.
Our First Day School is thriving in preparation of meals for our elders and others in need in our community; as well as doing international service projects for causes such as Pennies for Peace, the Heifer Project and Haitian relief. We continue to support and engage our youth in their lives beyond the Meeting.
We participate in the Summer Conversations program with the other local Quaker meetings, presenting stimulating, thoughtful programs to the local community.
The second half of the year, member’s of Allen’s Neck and guests have given the Sunday messages drawing on their own spiritual journeys, while a search is underway for a pastor to join our community.
We wish to improve our communication amongst members to better serve each other and encourage our spiritual climate. We welcomed several new members this year.
Ministry and Counsel
Jeanne Bird, Clerk
Susan Czernicka
Burney Gifford
Charles Howland
Bradie Metheny
Patricia Smith