Géza Vermès’ Dream
Géza Vermès was a prolific Hungarian Jewish “historical Jesus” scholar and translator of the Dead Sea Scrolls who died on May 8th (see this 1994 interview, Escape and Rescue—An Interview with Géza Vermès, and this eulogy by…
What shall I tell you about Winter Solstice?
Stasa Morgan-Appel is a Quaker Witch: Quaker in the unprogrammed tradition, and Priestess and Witch in the eclectic feminist Roses, Too! Tradition. Stasa has been involved with ministry since 1986, has been a Priestess and Witch since 1991, and has been active in the Religious…
QUF Interview: Rhoda Raasch Gilman
This is the first of a set of interviews with people who have had a long history with Quakers and Quaker Universalist Fellowship. Cherie Roberts interviewed Rhoda R. Gilman in August of 2013. From 1995 to 2011, Ms. Gilman served on the board of the Quaker Universalist…
Celebrating Light and Santa Claus – Traditions in our Crazy World
Growing up attending an Episcopalian church, I learned to know December as Advent, a season of waiting, for the coming of Jesus, the Light of the world. The candles, special carols, the church decked in red and white with fresh firs, the Christmas Eve service ending with the…
Winter solstice and earth care
The solstice is a natural event in the minds of humans. Its significance is of human formation only. It is a reminder of the residual recognition by humans of our interest and dependence on natural cycles and the importance of the sun in particular in these conditions. The…
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – Madiba July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013
Quick
Jacksonville, FL (12/17/2011) … I love the enthusiasm of this family who, despite the hint of lower economic status suggested by their location next to a convenience store on a busy avenue, cheer us every year with the “reckless exuberance” of their Xmas…
Observing Winter Solstice
Friends have a historical testimony against the celebration of special days, because “one day is no more holy than another, as all days are the gift of the most High” (see Friends (Quakers) and Christmas, by Bill Samuel 12/1/1998). However, the “return of the…
Happiness
Friend Clem Gerdelmann gives us one more brief reflection on Buddhism and Quakerism. Visit his QuakerQuaker page for more of his contributions. Both Buddhism and Quakerism support the realization that “Happiness is an inside job.” … Perspective and attitude, like…
On curing and healing
On what turned out to be the last day of my mother’s life, when Alzheimer’s Syndrome was ending her body’s ability to breathe independently, nursing staff called me early in the morning to say she was not keeping food down. As I said hello to her, Mom looked up…