Like everyone throughout the world our year was different than any we’ve experienced.
We usually start the season with our Flea Market. The Flea Market we’ve held for 65 years couldn’t happen in September 2020.
As the need arose Ted Taylor and Peg Smedley transferred worship to Zoom. A few of us attended outside worship with masks until all the long johns and blankets didn’t keep anyone warm. In the winter it was all zoom. As weather warmed some of us started to worship around an outside fireplace. The spot is beautiful and serene. As rules relaxed we started having snacks and visiting by the picnic table.
July 4 worship inside began. More people came then for meeting outside. It isn’t as many people as before Covid yet. There is the feel that we starting to be together again. Hybrid worship continues. Guests are joining us and continuing to attend. There are signs up letting people know they should wear a mask if not fully vaccinated. We have masks, disinfectants and ask for everyone to keep a distance in seating. It is strange not knowing whether to shake hands at the break of Meeting.
At a time where we only could be with those in our own home, it was good seeing each other on Zoom. Most of us agree it doesn’t feel as spiritual as worshipping in person. There is an advantage to having evening committee meetings while sitting at home. Some things are better with Zoom.
We found everyone was affected differently. Parents with school age children had a hard time being in touch at all. Juggling children at home and maintaining jobs was challenging. Single people living alone really felt lonely. A couple members did get Covid but are doing okay. Those of us that could made phone calls and reached out in any way we could. Some of us had more time to spend on the care of Meeting. Others had no time at all.
We welcome Rosa David and Denis Copeland as new members. We held clearness for membership on Zoom. Our celebration will be a pool party that will bring many of us together.
We lost three dear Friends but not to Covid. Ann Bishop was a long time member. She was welcoming, helped however she could, and was known for big hugs. Rose Koch attended off and on for years before transferring her membership to Yardley. Rose had a giving way and interesting life experiences to share. We were so sad when she died shortly after becoming a member. We had a Zoom Remembrance for both that brought together people from all over the world. Ed Sites left us most recently. Ed, his wife and two sons have all been an active part of Meeting for many years. A memorial on August 8 will be in person. We miss them!
We made use of the time away from the Meetinghouse to make improvements to our grounds and building. Our Meetinghouse was a gift we’ve been given by the generation before us. It is our job to maintain the Meetinghouse for future generations and to make it appealing for ourselves and potential new members. Our property committee has grown and many others help. We have new windows, painted walls. Soon new floors, and a unisex, handicap bathroom will be complete. Paving repairs and many little and big projects were also included. Thanks to Drew Sites and the property committee for shepherding this project.
We will soon build a labyrinth that was delayed a few years back. This is another project we will work on together. We look forward to inviting the community to walk the finished product.
A few of us gain a lot by attending the weekly Women’s Group. We got to know each other better than we otherwise would by discussing a question a week. It’s a highlight of the year for those who attend.
Aside from keeping in touch we did a few little things to brighten up lives. We sent cards around the holidays and surprised everyone personally delivering a flower to plant as spring arrived. Our Peace and Social Action committee remained diligent helping others outside the community less fortunate than us.
It is with great joy that we enter the Meetinghouse again. I know this time has left a mark and we will find new challenges collectively and individually. Hopefully we will have learned some lessons and will continue to do our best to be a stronger community than ever. We are mindful of continued changes every day.
We look forward to having our Flea Market this September and seeing you all when we host Quarterly Meeting in November.
