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Gunpowder Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

Overview:
††† The Gunpowder Monthly Meeting Spiritual Formation Program is rooted in the Baltimore Yearly Meeting Spiritual Formation Program .† The year begins with a retreat (Friday evening through Sunday noon) held at Priestfield Pastoral Center in West Virginia.† At the retreat, some 40 Friends from many regional meetings gather for structured and unstructured consideration of individual spiritual disciplines to be undertaken during the year, for preliminary selection of possible readings to guide spiritual growth, for deep sharing, for quiet meditation, for joyous camaraderie, and for the remarkably good meals provided at Priestfield.† Returning to their respective Monthly Meetings, retreat participants crystallize a larger group -- including some unable to attend the opening retreat -- as the Meeting's Spiritual Formation program.† At Gunpowder, this group has grown to 22 participants (including five from other nearby Meetings) who meet twice a month:† once for a meal shared among the entire "large group" at the Meetinghouse followed by worshipful sharing of insights on a reading chosen that month; the other is a meeting of "small groups" of usually four to five persons who choose the time and place of their gathering for even deeper spirit-centered considerations of displines and paths.† The year concludes with a second retreat in May in Priestfield, and at Gunpowder with a summer picnic.† Many Gunpowder Friends have found the program to be both personally transformative and joyous, and recidivism rate for the program is exceptionally high.

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DATE	HAPPENING	"SIMPLE" MEAL
September 8-10, 2006	Opening Retreat at Priestfield	Neither the Milton Inn nor "cafeteria food": the six meals are filling, healthy, artfully presented, and always tasty
September 21, 2006, 6 PM †at Meetinghouse	Organizational Meeting at Gunpowder: Alan Evans on "Spiritual Autobiography"	Ad Hoc Feeding Team
October 19, 2006, 6PM at Meetinghouse	Prayer reading:†The† Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence	Entrees:† ; Salads: ; Bread:† ; Desserts:†
November 16, 2006, 6PM at Meetinghouse	Disciplines reading:†A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly	Entrees:† ; Salads: ; Bread:† ; Desserts:†
December 21, 2006, 6PM at Meetinghouse	Scriptures reading:††	Entrees:† ; Salads: ; Bread:† ; Desserts:†
January 18, 2007, 6PM at Meetinghouse	Community reading:	Entrees:† ; Salads: ; Bread:† ; Desserts:†
February 15, 2007, 6PM at Meetinghouse	Spirituality reading:†	Entrees:† ; Salads: ; Bread:† ; Desserts:†
March 15, 2007, 6PM at Meetinghouse	Ministry† reading:	Entrees:† ; Salads: ; Bread:† ; Desserts:†
April 19, 2007, 6PM at Meetinghouse	Poetry reading/sharing: self-directed discipline for the month, choose one to share with group	Entrees:† ; Salads: ; Bread:† ; Desserts:†
May 18-20, 2007	Closing Retreat at Priestfield	See opening retreat.† Yum.
June 2007 (to be determined), 6PM at Meetinghouse	All-Meeting Picnic at Gunpowder Meetinghouse, hosted by Spiritual Formation participants	†

If you have any questions, please speak to this year's coordinators: Alan Schmaljohn or Rebecca Richards.

1)† First Sunday, after Rise of Meeting and Coffee Social, at the Meetinghouse
2)† (Day, Time?) at Broadmead
3) †(TBD: †e.g. homes, Baltimore environs)(Day, Time?)
4) †(TBD: †e.g. homes, North of beltway)(Day, Time?)

* Most often, one is with the same small group for the entire year, so any coordination of time-changes is handled within the group

(Readings chosen above are often but not always from this list.† Some have been chosen by Gunpowder's Spiritual Formation group in previous years.)

Annotator note: think of the categories below as guides, not boxes!
Many books cross several or all categories.

DISCIPLlNES (choose one)

Always We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living, St. Benedict, John McQuiston, ed. The Rule of Benedict is timeless, yet this edition has a fresh feel with contemporary usefulness. Gunpowder Friends: HIGHLY RECOMMENDS. Morehouse Publishing, paperback, 104pp, $7.95.

Experiencing God:† Three Spiritual Practices, by Arthur Larabee. This essay presents the practices of dissolving attachments, dying into fear, and embracing paradox as powerful ways to God. 1998† 28 PP.†† Paper† $4.00, in stock at www.quakerbooks.org.†

Improvisation and Spiritual Disciplines: Continuing the Divine-Human Duet by Carol Conti-Entin.† Reflections on the seasoned wisdom in five spiritual disciplines:† Sabbath observance, Bible reading, journaling, tithing and prayer.† Pendle Hill Pamphlet #288, 30 pp., $4.00.† (Reading list October 19, 2003)

The Testimony of Integrity in the Religious Society of Friends by Wilmer Cooper.† Recognizing that integrity lies at the heart of Quakerism, calls for daily living that reflects truth, honesty, authenticity and wholeness.† Pendle Hill Pamphlet #296, 30 pp., $4.00.† (Reading list October 19, 2003)
†
Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today, by Joan Chittister.† "An invitation to spirituality for the many who don't think they are spiritual-but far more than an invitation, a lengthy, wisdom filled conversation.≤ Readable and inspiring examination of Benedictine disciplines; guidance for everyday living. Alibris $7.92† (new softcover)
††
Plain Living: A Quaker Path To Simplicity, by Catherine Whitmire. Very helpful quotations from many different Friends on centering our lives on God and how that changes all aspects of our lives.† Sorin Books, $13.95.

Rhythms of the Inner Life: Yearning for Closeness With God by Howard R. Macy.† ISBN:† 1564767779 Publisher:† Chariot Victor Publishing† Date published:† May 1, 1999† †173 pp.† Explores ways to deepen your spirituality through the Psalms. Barclay Press.

Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in our Busy Lives, Wayne Muller. Suggestions and encouragement for creating a time set aside to ≥refresh our bodies and minds, restore our creativity, and regain our birthright of inner happiness.≤ Bantam Press, NY. 1999.

Living in the Question: Meditations in the Style of Lectio Divina by M. Basil Pennington.

The Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hahn. †Beacon Press, 1976

†SCRIPTURE (choose one)

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Genesis, Psalms, etc.

Additional Resources for reading scripture:

The Psalms Speak, by George T Peck.† Pendle Hill Pamphlet #298, US, 1991, 40pp Study of the Psalms and their message.† Interpretative essay brings the wisdom of the ages into the present day. $6.20

Three Gospels, by Reynolds Price.† In the author's translations of Mark and John along with interpretive essays and a "new gospel" also by the author, respected biblical scholar Reynolds Price, National Book Award-winning author of "Kate Vaiden", recaptures the extraordinary power of the Gospel. Paperback, $12.00

A Quaker Approach To The Bible, by Henry Joel Cadbury.† Guilford Ward Lecture of 1953. 14pp, paperback $2.00.† Also available at http://www.universalistfriends.org/printable/cadbury_printable.html

Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally, by Marcus J. Borg.† Marcus J. Borg.† Borg offers a bold new understanding of the Bible. A must read for those who have given up on or thrown away the Bible. Harper SF, 2001, softcover

Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism, John Selby Spong. By focusing on the Bibleπs eternal truths, Spong moves readers past the use of the Bible as a weapon in the culture wars to its true worth as a source of spiritual growth and strength. Harper Collins, NY, 1991.

Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness: Nan C. Merrill. Each of the Psalms paraphrased to add meaning and usefulness as a tool of devotion. Continium, NY 2004.

Rhythms of the Inner Life: Yearning for Closeness With God, Howard R. Macy. Explores ways to deepen your spiritual life through the Psalms. Barclay Press, 1999. 173pp

Making Friends with the Old Testament and Other Meditations on the Hebrew Scriptures, CDπs by Elizabeth Meyer, contact efmeyer@comcast.net to obtain a copy.†

†PRAYER (choose one)

Dimensions of Prayer: Cultivating a Relationship With God, by Douglas Van Steere. ISBN:† 0835808009† Publisher:† Upper Room Books† Date published:† June 1, 1997† † A 20th century classic. Tender discussion of petition, confession, and adoration that bring us near to God. Hardcover, 106pp, $13.95.† Revised version: Hardcover† 128† pp.

Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel by Thomas Keating. Guide to recovering the contemplative heritage through the practice of centering prayer. Softcover,148pp, $12.95.

The† Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. A 17th century mystic whose habits of meditation cultivate the sense of God's presence in humble daily activities. Softcover, 50pp $8.95.

Prayer: Beginninq Again by Shelia Keane. Author's meditations on her experiences with prayer. Pendle Hill Pamphlet #339,1999, 40 pp, paperback $4.00.
†
Living in the Presence: Spiritual Exercises to Open Your Life to the Awareness of God by Tilden Edwards. Twenty-seven experiential exercises for practicing the presence of God. HarperSF, 1995, 164pp, paperback $13.00

Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer, Richard Rohr.† Balancing Buddhist and Christian philosophy, Rohr teaches that ≥we do not think ourselves into new ways of living. We live ourselves into new ways of thinking.≤ Crossroad, 2003.

Celtic Benediction: Morning and Night Prayer, J. Philip Newell.
Eerdmans Publishing Co.† Grand Rapids.

Holding One Another in the Light, Marcelle Martin. Offers a personal account of her experiences with intercessory prayer and describes the many forms it takes among Quakers today.† PHP #382 $4

†COMMUNITY (choose one)

The Burning One-ness Binding Everything: A Spiritual Journey by Bruce Birchard. "I understand God as Spirit, manifest to me through beauty, through love ...as a strength and power which I feel when I enter worship ...binding all that exists within the universe, potentially into one blessed community." Pendle Hill Pamphlet 332, 38pp, $4.00

The Strength to Love, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Coretta Scott King says this the one book of her husbandπs that is most consistently referred to as ≥life changing.≤ It explores the force of love which Dr. King believed necessary to overcome the evil of violence in all its forms.

Gospel Order: A Quaker Understanding of Faithful Church Community by Sandra Cronk. Communal and societal aspects of gospel order. Pendle Hill Pamphlet #297 $4.00

Sitting in the Fire: Large Group Transformation Using Conflict and Diversity by Arnold Mindell. Transforming trouble into community. LaoTse, 1995, 267pp, paperback $15.95

Building the Life of the Meeting by William and Frances Taber.† Sheds light on creating and sustaining spiritual community.† SEYM, 1994, 21 pp., paperback.† $3.00.

The Powers That Be: Theology for a New Millennium by Walter Wink. An important book. We need to take seriously Wink's understanding that violence is never redemptive. He gives us a new theology for a new millennium. Not a book of doom, but of wondrous hope. Galilee, 1999, 224pp.paperback $13.95

Prayer Vigil for Peace by John Andrew Gallery. Moving reflections on living out the Peace Testimony and its spiritual meaning. Pendle Hill Pamphlet #358 $4.00

No Future Without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu. Rather than repeat platitudes about forgiveness, Tutu presents a bold spirituality that recognizes the horrors people can inflict upon one another, and yet retains a sense of idealism about reconciliation. Doubleday 1999 287pp., paperback. $14.95.

How, Then, Shall We Live: Four Simple Questions that Reveal the Beauty and Meaning of Our Lives, Wayne Muller. Combines teaching from the great wisdom traditions with powerful spiritual practices to ≥discern the gifts we were born to enjoy ≠ and to share with others.≤ (Section 4 specifically on community) Bantam Books, NY, 1996.

Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life, Henri J. M. Nouwen. Explores the dynamic between solitude and returnãwithdrawing from the world in order to create the right basis for action in the world. A beautiful description of the ≥caring relationship.≤ Ave Maria Press, 1974. 63 pp. $6.95

Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life, Thich Nhat Hahn. Explore the undivided nature of peaceãsimple practices which encourage the reader to work for peace while continuing to work on sustaining inner peace. (part 3, specifically on community.) Bantam, NY 1991.†

†SPIRITUALITY (choose One)

Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Describes our spiritual journey as movement from loneliness to solitude, from hostility to hospitality, and from illusion to prayer that illumines our relationship to each other and God. Softcover, 165 pp.† $10.95.

The Eternal Promise† by Thomas R. Kelly. A sequel to "A Testament of Devotion,≤ these essays remind us that we yearn for life-changing faith. Softcover, 165pp, $6.00†

A Testament of Devotion by Thomas Kelly. A collection of devotional essays by a renowned Quaker teacher. Harper SF, 1996, 130pp $12.00

Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh. Meditative exploration of the crossroads of compassion and holiness where Buddhism and Christianity meet. Paperback, 208pp, $12.00.

Walking Humbly With God: Selected Writings of John Woolman.† Edited By Keith Beasley-Topliffe. A wonderful, pocket-sized introduction to the writings of John Woolman. Includes excerpts from the Journal and from his essays on such topics as "Learning to Listen," "Tax Scruples," "Dyed Clothing," "Speaking Out" and "The Tyranny of Self-Love."† Upper Room†† 2000† 72 PP.†† Paper $5.00 in stock
†
The Mystics of the Church by Evelyn Underhill. Traces development of Christian mysticism and shares deep insights into the spiritual growth and struggles of individual mystics. Reprint of 1925 original. Softcover, 260pp, $15.95.

Quaker Spirituality: Selected Writings edited by Douglas Steere. An outstanding introductory essay on Quaker spirituality and excerpts from the writings of well-known Friends throughout history. Softcover† 334pp, $22.95.

Sabbath Sense: A Spiritual Antidote for the Overworked by Donna Schaper. An invitation to pack your spiritual baggage and move to the neighborhood called Enough --enough time, enough rest, enough play. Softcover, 121pp, $11.95.

Dark Night Journey: Inward Re-Patterning Toward a Life Centered in God by Sandra Cronk. Gives sensitive guidance to dark night travelers. Pendle Hill, 1991, 179pp, paperback $12.50

The God We Never Knew:† Beyond Dogmatic Religion to a More Authentic Contemporary Faith by Marcus Borg. HarperSF, 1998 182pp, paperback $13.00

Come Aside and Rest Awhile by Frances Irene Taber. Taber expands Wm Penn's vision for retreat out of her own rich experience. Pendle Hill Pamphlet #3351997, 35pp $4.00

The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity, and Caring, by Parker Palmer. Palmer's exploration of a spirituality for the busy, frenetic lives many of us lead. Jossey-Bass, 1999, 162pp, paperback.† $5.00

Nourishing the Spiritual Life by Paul Lacey. Demonstrates a number of ways to refresh our souls, including reading, writing, drawing, and spiritual companionship. QHS, 1995, 43pp, paperback

Listening For The Heartbeat Of God: Celtic Spirituality, J. Philip Newell. Listening for the Heartbeat of God presents a spirituality for today, modeled on the vital characteristics of Celtic spirituality throughout the centuries. The emphasis is on the goodness of creation and of humanity made in the image of God.† Publisher: Paulist Press
ISBN: 0809137593† Retail Price: $ 8.95

A Serious Call to a Contemplative Lifestyle (revised edition) by E. Glenn Hinson. Overcoming the compartmentalization of the devotional lifeãHinson shows how to integrate commitment to God with what one does in everyday living by approaching all of life from the perspective of communion, communication, and conversation with God. Smyth & Helwys 90 pp.$6.00

Living in the Presence of God: The Everyday Spirituality of Brother Lawrence. Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Indiana. $7.95†

"Holy Silence: The Gift Of Quaker Spirituality" by J. Brent Bill.

Five Stages of the Soul, Harry Moody. Through exploration of the passages experienced by the majority of seekers, this book offers a detailed road map of our spiritual journey. Anchor Books, 1998.

The Cloud of Unknowing, William Johnston, ed., forward by Huston Smith. A practical guide to the path of contemplative spirituality, originally written in Middle English by 14th century Christian mystic.

Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life,† Phillip Simmons. At the age of 35, Simmons, an English professor, writer, husband, and father, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. His story, set against the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is one of living life fully and freely. Beautifully, lyrically written. Bantam, 2000, paperback, 156 pp. $12.95

†MINISTRY (choose one)

Leadings, Jim Corbett.† Insights into the joys of spiritual guidance and of following leadings.† Pendle Hill Pamphlet, 30 pp., $3.00.

Tall Poppies: Supporting Gifts of Ministry & Eldering in the Monthly Meeting by Martha Paxson Grundy.† Pendle Hill Pamphlet #347, $4.00.

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, by Parker J. Palmer. A guide to seeking your true calling in life by listening to the voice within. Jossey-Bass, 1999, 112pp, paperback $18.00

Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life by Gregg Michael Levoy. Three Rivers, 1998, 340pp, paperback $14.00

Healing Together: How to Bring Peace into Your Life and the World by Lee Jampolsky
ISBN: 0-471-23685-3 Hardcover 256 pages August 2002.† US $24.95

Essays on the Quaker Vision of Gospel Order by Lloyd Lee Wilson.† Quaker Press of FGC.† BN#1-888-30572x.† 2001† $15.00.

Resistance And Obedience To God: Memoirs Of David Ferris 1707-1779, Edited With Study Notes by Martha Paxson Grundy.† This is a rich example of a life lived in the struggle to find and live God's will, and a documentation of life in the 18th century and the moral and ethical development of a Quaker minister.† A contemporary of John Woolman, Ferris was a member of Wilmington Monthly Meeting who traveled extensively in the ministry. The introductory essay grounds the reader in developments leading up to the Great Awakening.† Quaker Press of FGC, 2001† 176 PP.†† $15.00.

The Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy and "Women's Work", by Kathleen Norris.

Three Native American Learning Stories: Who Speaks for Wolf, Winter White and Summer Gold, Many Circles by Paula Underwood, Jeanne Slobod, Frank Howell $26.00.

Answering the Call to Heal the World, Pat Schenck. Invites us to discover our own calling to significant work in the worldãpractical and encouraging. PHP #383, $4

Silence and Witness: The Quaker Tradition, Michael Birkel. Explores our spiritual tradition, integrating mystical insight and prophetic witness, in a way that encourages our own spiritual growth. Explains how collective discernment is used in decision making, as well as the development and contemporary meaning of the testimonies.

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