On September 28 and 29, 2024, Spiceland Friends Meeting Celebrated 200 years of worship and ministry. It is impossible to name all who planned and worked for nearly a year and a half, from the general committee who’s membership varied over time, to those who gathered and archived old photographs and the ones who made sure that new pictures where taken. Trustees and volunteers repaired and cleaned the meetinghouse, planted spicebushes, and erected the historical marker. Others arranged for souvenirs, special entertainment, and displays, or helped prepare the program and send invitations and flyers. Many hands labored in the kitchen to ensure there was a delicious meal and cake reception for us to enjoy time to fellowship with one another. Several contributed financially which covered all extra expenses so there was no strain on the church’s other obligations. And of course, all those who shared their memories of what Spiceland Friends has meant to them showed the work God has done in and through our meeting. We are thankful for each and every one, and although we’ve not listed names, God sees and knows your name.
As grateful as we are for our history, we must not rest contented with what was accomplished for the Lord in the past. The work of “proclaiming and practicing the central message of the Christian faith, a personal relationship with God through Christ” (Richard Jones, “The Friends Way”), must continue to be our purpose today and into the future.
The account of Elijah and Elisha in II Kings 2 can provide a lesson for us. The great prophet, Elijah, had done mighty works for the Lord but his time was ending. Elisha, leaving his former life behind, followed Elijah, even asking for a double portion of his spirit. As Elijah was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind, his cloak, the symbol of his calling, fell to the ground. Elisha then took up the cloak of Elijah, signifying the passing of the calling as God’s prophet, to Elisha.
So our challenge today is this: will we take up and continue the work started among Friends at Spiceland? How will we fulfill our calling to share the wonderful truth of God’s mercy and grace, made available through Jesus, to the next generation?
Janet Putnam