2010 NEYM Young Adult Friends Epistle

To all Friends everywhere,

From August 7th to the 12th of 2010, the Young Adult Friends of New England Yearly Meeting gathered for our 350th annual sessions in Smithfield, Rhode Island.  In keeping with this year's theme of Jubilee, we laid aside our business as usual, so as to listen more closely for God's call. We spent time with each other experimenting in worship, meeting in affinity groups, and singing with Peter and Annie Blood-Patterson.  We took part in an informative discussion with Letticia Salcines and Marilyn Escalona from Cuba Yearly Meeting, talking about the differences and similarities in our worship, services, meetings, and also the challenges that young people in our respective countries face.  We enjoyed each other's company and gifts in more informal settings outside of programmed activities.

With the wider Yearly Meeting, we attended intergenerational worship, Kenyan tea, singing, vespers, contra dancing, interest groups, and the Jubilee Seminars.  As has been the case in years past, many of us offered ministry to our wider community through childcare and youth programming.  In honor of Jubilee, normal business sessions were not held for either the Young Adult Friends community or for the wider Yearly Meeting.  Instead, together with the older adult Friends, we listened in expectant silence waiting to hear God's call.  Many Young Adult Friends felt called to speak at these meetings, and continued discussions of our leadings with each other outside of Meeting.  Several Young Adult Friends facilitated anchor groups, which gave Friends a place to give messages that had not quite risen to the Meeting, and to hold each other in the light as the week went by.

We are saddened at the resignation of Kimberly Allen from her position as YF/YAF Coordinator.  We wish her well in her future endeavors and thank her deeply for her commitment to our community.  We welcome Nia Koch as the new YF/YAF Coordinator.  We also thank Kate Clark for her service to New England Yearly Meeting as the Communications Director, and wish her well in her future endeavors.

The time that we spent together at this Jubilee allowed us to listen in community for that still small voice.  As we move back into the world to answer it, let us hold each other in the light and practice forgiveness, patience, and love with each other.

Thank you, Friends.

The Young Adult Friends of New England Yearly Meeting.