Suggested Guidelines for the State of the Meeting Report
Purpose: The State of the Meeting Report assesses the monthly meeting’s spiritual condition and needs.
Process: The State of the Meeting Report is best developed during a meeting for worship for the conduct of business, or other specially called meeting. A worship sharing format is recommended, with offerings arising out of the silence and recorded as they are given. The draft report is then developed from these offerings by the presiding clerk, the Ministry & Nurture (or otherwise named) Committee, or another appropriate person or committee identified by the monthly meeting. The monthly meeting then thoughtfully considers this draft and gives it final approval at the next meeting for worship for the conduct of business.
Content: The report may be prepared in reference to the annual queries provided by the Yearly Meeting, and may cover such matters as:
- The spiritual condition of the meeting, both strengths and challenges.
- The nature of meetings for worship during the year, including the quality of the silence, and the content and quality of the vocal ministry.
- The meetings for business during the year, including the range of concerns considered, attendance of members, and implementation of meeting’s decisions.
- The contributions of committees such as Peace & Social Justice, Religious Education, Ministry & Nurture, Youth, and others.
- That which is most needed to deepen the spiritual life of the meeting and to strengthen its witness of Friends’ testimonies to the world.
- Key events during the year which helped build the meeting in the Life.
- The meeting’s ongoing connections to the wider Quaker community.
Due Date: The State of the Meeting Report is to be sent to the clerk of LEYM’s Ministry & Nurture Committee by May 15 of each year.
From the Ministry & Nurture Committee