Last week, Tena wrote about “being still” before God. Stillness and silence are classic Christian practices that help put us in a position to receive from God. They’re characteristic of Quakers (Friends) as well; you know this from the “open worship” portion of our services. Stillness and silence are also counter-cultural; we live in a culture that prides itself on busyness and accomplishment, rarely slowing down to “be still.”
Another classic Christian concept that Quakers have especially emphasized over the years is the idea of “integrity.” Most of us would see the word “integrity” and immediately say, “well, yes. Of course. All Christians think integrity is important.” And while this is true, most of us struggle to implement true integrity in our lives—being completely honest and actually living out the moral principles that we claim as beliefs.
Over the years, Quakers have expressed their integrity in a variety of ways that were often counter-cultural. Quaker business owners were involved in setting fair-price values for goods in the marketplace so that customers could trust that they weren’t being price-gouged by Friends businesses (and so the Quakers themselves could be truly honest when quoting a price, too). Friends were known for living out their beliefs with integrity, taking direct action on behalf of others on issues like prison reform, anti-slavery, and women’s rights, even when that put them on the wrong side of societal pressure.
Quaker integrity led Friends to not swear oaths, even when asked to in court. In many places, including the USA, Quakers still have the legal option to not “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” but simply to “affirm” that they will speak truly. This was based on Jesus’ instruction in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5, which says
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago: Don’t make a false solemn pledge, but you should follow through on what you have pledged to the Lord.But I say to you that you must not pledge at all. You must not pledge by heaven, because it’s God’s throne. You must not pledge by the earth, because it’s God’s footstool. You must not pledge by Jerusalem, because it’s the city of the great king. And you must not pledge by your head, because you can’t turn one hair white or black. Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no. Anything more than this comes from the evil one.”
From this instruction, Friends recognized that our integrity can’t have different “levels” of honesty and be completely true. We should pursue integrity in all things that we say and do, letting our “yes” mean “yes,” and our “no” mean “no.”
How might you pursue a deeper call to integrity this week? Where is your “growing edge” for integrity? My prayer today is that God would continue to shape and form us as His people to be people of integrity: completely honest and living out what we believe.
I love you and am thankful for you!
In Christ,
Bobby Kirkpatrick
Downtown Friendswood Scarecrows
If you have driven down Friendswood Drive today, you may have noticed, things look a little different. Every year, the city of Friendswood hosts a friendly scarecrow competition, and many businesses and organizations participate to help get the town ready for fall. We are thankful to Janet Black, Glenda McDonald, and Ann Curry for their creativity and Michelle Hancock’s painting tips for putting together this year’s Friendswood Friends Scarecrow and Quaker Spices masterpiece.
Missions Spaghetti Lunch
Our Missions team will be hosting a Spaghetti Lunch on Sunday, October 22 immediately following the service. Tickets for a plate are $15 and are on sale now. Buy tickets here or after the Sunday Services in the Coffee Cafe. Tickets will also be available at the door. A beautiful quilt made with love by the quilters who meet regularly at the church has been donated to be auctioned off at the spaghetti lunch. All proceeds will be used to provide support for our missionary families. Contact Grace Kirkpatrick or the church office for more details.
Fall Festival
Fall Festival is back! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 29 from 5-7 PM as we host a fun evening of old-school Friends Fall Festival activities, snow cones, hot dogs, trunk-or-treating, and so much more! There is no cost to attend, but donations to the Shower Ministry are welcome at the door. Feel encouraged to invite your friends and neighbors. Be praying for ways that you can volunteer to help make this event a success. Contact Tena Roher if you have questions or would like to serve with us at this event.
Shower Ministry Donations
Experiencing homelessness is difficult and feels hopeless. We appreciate your continued support of the Shower Ministry for the Homeless. One of our number one needs is men’s pants and shorts. Other items that are in high demand are men’s belts, hats, shoes, men’s shirts, and personal-sized toiletries. As we move into cooler months hoodies, coats, sleeping bags, blankets, gloves, etc. are especially appreciated. If you have new or used items to donate, please drop them off at the breezeway outside the Education Building. Contact the church office with questions or if you need assistance in making a donation.
Family Promise Shining Star Award
Family Promise has named Matt McGuire, and his business LeasePro, as the 2023 Community Shining Star Award recipient. This award is given at the Family Promise Gala to an organization or business that has made an outstanding contribution to Family Promise Clear Creek. We are thankful to Matt for his dedication to Family Promise. Join us in congratulating Matt on this award.
Annual Thanksgiving Meal
The church will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Meal on Sunday, November 19th at 5:00 PM. More details coming soon.
Church Office Closed on October 9 and October 16
For your planning purposes, the Church Office will be closed on Monday, October 9th for Indigenous Peoples Day. The Church Office will also be closed on Monday, October 16th for staff planning. Regular office hours will resume on the following Tuesdays at normal times.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11