Jim Spickard will lead a forum on vocal ministry in Meeting for Worship.

We all know that Quakers sit in silence, waiting on the inspiration of the Spirit. Often, the inspiration we feel is meant just for us, but sometimes we realize that it is meant for others or for the Meeting as a whole. We find ourselves called to rise and speak the message we have been given. We will begin this forum by viewing one or two QuakerSpeak videos, then ask ourselves questions like these:

• Have you ever given vocal ministry in Meeting?  What did you experience while doing so? When have you chosen to speak and when have you not? How did you tell whether your urge to speak came from the Spirit or from your ego? Is Ministry inspired by media commentary appropriate for Meeting? What did you feel after sitting down again?
• What has been your experience when others speak?  What kind of vocal ministries deepen your worship?  What kind disturb it?
• Have you ever attended a gathered Meeting?  How did you experience vocal ministry (yours or others') there?