Weekly progress

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Young Friends weekend | Tapestry workshop

Week Three


Present: Helen Bayes, Valerie Joy, Alan Clayton, Antoinette Kwizera, Shiny Manuel, Brett Trenery, James Strong, Kerstin Reimers

Minute of Record - Meeting for Discursive Reflection (held on Thursday)

1. General reflections on place
There was widespread comment on the wonderful physical setting of the AQC; the views, the walks, the variety of animals and birds. This was coupled by the superb facilities, both in terms of meeting spaces and good quality accommodation. This has created a welcoming and congenial ambience for study and spiritual reflection and nurture. It was noted that Silver Wattle had been a praying community and that the Quaker presence, in the form of the AQC, was both building on this past and pioneering a new chapter.

2. Balance of activities
While the planning for the ACQ emphasised the provision of high quality courses, there was comment that an equally (or possibly more) important feature was the opportunity and experience of living in community with a balance between quiet and contemplative time with communal interaction at a number of levels. However, there may be an issue whether there would be much demand from Australian Friends for a centre more consciously based on a non-study format. That is, that the courses may be an attraction in bringing people in the first place, but then, having engaged in the experience of being at ACQ, some/many may return for the re-experience of living in community alone.

3. Spiritual direction
All participants commented on the exceptional quality of spiritual direction and nourishment provided by the Elder in Residence, Kerstin Reimers. It was remarked that Kerstin had been a spiritual anchor and her attentiveness to the needs of the participants, both as a group and on a one-to-one basis was much appreciated.

4. Developing rhythms
It was noted that the Centre was in an early developmental and largely experimental stage which allowed considerable flexibility in shifting elements in the daily program. It is a danger that, over time, a rigidity will set in as particular ways become recognised as established norms. Such a trajectory could stifle spontaneity and responsiveness. It might be useful to make space for group sharing and discussion of topics and questions that arise during the week.

5. Sustainability
It was recognised that the tight time frames involved in establishing the AQC and its programme meant that perhaps not all Friends who might have participated in courses and activities could not do so because of existing commitments. It is important that all Friends who have participated in activities of the ACQ spread the message about the quality of that experience in their local and regional meetings and at Australia Yearly Meeting. As well, consideration should be given to engaging members of Aotearoa/ New Zealand Yearly Meeting in the activities of the Centre.

6. Enrichment
The programme for this week was much enriched through the participation by two younger Friends from an evangelical Quaker background – Shiny from Marble Rocks MM in India and Antoinette from QRM. The injection of perspectives from this background made for far more nuanced discussions. These young Friends, in turn, expressed appreciation for being able to share in the ACQ experience.

7. Support staff
At the beginning of this week’s programme the Centre cook, Bridget Walsh, had to return home for health reasons and the technical support coordinator, Bob, in mid-week, needed to leave to attend to matters relating to the death of a close family member. This required a range of adjustments that placed additional burdens on the Centre Director and Administrator. However, everyone at the ACQ pitched in to assist, particularly in the preparation of meals. It was noted that this helped create even greater bonds of solidarity, friendship and conversation.

8. Personal enrichment
Participants reflected upon the enormous personal enrichment that they had derived from their time at ACQ, particularly the process of forming deep bonds and understanding with other participants. Mention was made of the hard work, personal engagement and empathic concern by Helen Bayes and Valerie Joy as core staff, to make the time at AQC fulfilling and valuable.

9. Summer-time issue
It was suggested that when the weather became warmer it would be appropriate for more activities to be undertaken outdoors.

Prepared by Alan Clayton and Shiny Manuel