Cloud Quaker how-to

First, download Zoom; it takes about five minutes. You have to have a computer with good connection; phones will work, but won't work well. Zoom is a program that will stream both the main movie (whoever is on center) and little movies for all the participants, so, it needs bandwidth and a decent connection; though you might think this rules many people out, in fact, most people can do it if they are conscious and careful. I myself have to be careful to be in the living room and have my computer charger plugged in, but if all is in order, it's really no problem.

When you open up zoom (zoom.us), join a meeting, and join 269-126-704; if a password is required, try Quaker. In the 7am meeting, I may be a minute or two late but will be there at 7 am or sooner. In the 7 pm (Mtn time) meeting I have lots of help and lots of us will be on there early.

I don't want to make a lot of prohibitions - no trump, no proselytizing, etc., until I have to. Let's just say it's a Quaker worship group and treat it like that. Ministering each other will be our first priority.

The right Quaker meeting is hard to find. A person is lucky if the one in their town is the right one for them; I've been lucky that way, once. Most people struggle to find the right connections and have a religious community in their lives that suits them. If you think about it, moving the quest online is good that way: it ensures that, if there are people out there who are right for us, there is a possibility of finding them, and having a community with them. I am interested in trying.

Quaker meetings and worship groups have always had a lot of visitors. When you publicly call yourself a Quaker you have to expect that. Visitors range from genuinely curious seekers to students writing papers for their Religion class, to people who think that if we are open-minded and spiritual by nature, they can push their religion on us. My point is, we can maintain our integrity, just by being honest and welcoming to visitors, and reminding them that it is, in fact, a worship group. There's no reason we can't just answer their questions, if they're curious.

I have less patience with Green Party proselytizers, as it seems there are plenty of other places to do politics. But, same, I think if we listen to people, we'll hear all kinds of things, and then, we ourselves can decide when to honor our main commitments.

I look forward to meeting everyone. I feel the best way to form a community is to jump right in there, and be there for people. It doesn't happen overnight. If this is the place you want to be, on a regular basis, you'll know it. Otherwise, I have no problem meeting you, and knowing you're out there still looking. The right place will come along, for everyone.