Queries for State of Society

State of Society Report [1]

State of Society Reflection. Each year we reflect on the spiritual health of our community in an effort to foster the growth of individuals and the community. Please read and reflect on these queries as a guide to “prepare your heart and mind”:

How has the Meeting helped you grow spiritually?
What would help you that isn’t already happening?
How has the Spirit has been at work in the Meeting?
Where have you recognized joy? Where have you (or we) been lost, afraid, or don’t know what you are doing?
How has our Meeting been impacted by:
- the quality of worship and spiritual ministry;
- efforts to foster spiritual growth;
- stands taken on Friends’ principles;
- personal and family relations;
- relations with your local community and other religious groups;
- participation in general activities of Friends; and
- significant activities, outreach or concerns of the meeting?

Previous State of Society reports available online:

Queries in preparation for State of Society

SPIRITUAL LIFE AND WORSHIP

In your search for spiritual understanding and expression, what has recently been of help to you?

Do you practice any spiritual discipline, such as meditation or devotional reading?

Should our meeting offer you more guidance and support?
Over the last year, what have been the most valuable aspects of our meeting for worship?

Have you been troubled by any aspects of our meeting of worship?
How might our meetings for worship be strengthened?
In your experience, in what ways is our meeting growing together in affection and in what ways are we drifting apart?
If differences exist between us, do you find us capable of using these differences creatively in our search for truth?

How far are we forthright in speaking face to face to anyone who causes us discomfort?
Do we consistently welcome visitors and respond to inquires?

Beyond any initial welcome, how far do we help new seekers?
Do we all seem to be taking a fair share in the business of our meeting, including committee service and financial support?

Any suggestions?

PERSONAL AND FAMILY LIFE

Friends are advised to practice moderation and simplicity.

Is our meeting sufficiently concerned with this advice?
How far does our meeting seem to be offering spiritual guidance to our children and to their parents?
How far is our meeting helping you with any concerns you may have for your health and for the loving preservation of our environment?

STEWARDSHIP

Does our community seek to revere all life and the splendor of God’s continuing creation?
Do we try to protect the natural environment and its creatures against abuse and harmful exploitation?
Does our community life encourage us to regard our possessions as given to us in trust, and do we part with them freely to meet the needs of others?
Are we frugal in our personal lives and committed to the just distribution of the world’s resources?

WORK

How could our meeting help you more in dealing with conflicts in your working world?

CONCLUSION

In summary, how do you perceive the state of the Society of Friends, especially in our Meeting?

If you so desire, kindly print your name _________________________________

Adapted from a questionnaire used by Mount Toby Meeting in 2000(?) and Concord Friends Meeting in 2005(?)