A Year in Haddonfield Quarter

Dear Friends,

What a grace-filled year it has been for Haddonfield Quarter. As we have gathered together, both as a corporate body and as a community of Friends, we have been blessed with the opportunity to know one another more deeply and to offer the support that sustains our religious society.

Winter: Turning Toward Newton

We began our year by setting aside our usual custom. In a spirit of discernment, we deferred our winter business meeting to the spring, choosing instead to shine a light upon a Meeting in Need.

Newton Monthly Meeting opened their doors to share the vital work they have shepherded: the community garden, their outreach to the formerly incarcerated, and their vision for the future—a community center housed within the unique architecture of their historic meeting house. We were joined by a reporter from the Inquirer, whose presence helped share our witness with the wider world.

Moved by this presentation, Friends from across the Quarter and beyond responded with generosity. Most notably, Haddonfield Monthly Meeting felt led to take Newton under its care. We are grateful that this vital center of worship and service in Camden will continue to be a light in the city.

Spring: Stewardship and Service

At our spring business meeting, we turned our hearts to the stewardship of our resources, discussing the finances of Newton and the budget for the Quarter. We were pleased to welcome Linda Lotz and John Donch to the steering committee. In our time together, we heard a clear call from our constituent meetings: a desire for more frequent gatherings focused on the pressing concerns of our time, as well as a hunger for deepened spiritual formation.

Summer: Fellowship in the Breeze

In the warmth of the summer, we gathered for our annual picnic at the historic Mt. Laurel Meeting House. Though the day was warm, we felt the blessing of a cool breeze as we shared in expectant worship and fellowship. We enjoyed one another’s company and partook in a beloved Quarter tradition: fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

Fall: Walking with our Neighbors

As autumn arrived, our Quarter felt a deep concern for the immigrant brothers and sisters in our midst, mindful of the shifting legal and cultural landscape they navigate. We hosted speakers from the AFSC, local immigration activists, and representatives of the North Star Network. It was heartening to see many Friends sign up to offer their hands and hearts in support of our immigrant neighbors.

Strengthening Our Bonds

Our Coordinator has begun hosting regular dinner gatherings for the leadership of our Monthly Meetings. These times of fellowship have proved fruitful, allowing us to carry one another’s joys and burdens more easily. We are also grateful that Carlton Crispin, representing SJQ, has joined these gatherings, helping to weave our Quarter more tightly into the larger tapestry of Friends’ work.

Looking Forward

Friends have shared that their meetings are seeking the right balance between the heavy realities of the world and the restorative power of silent, expectant waiting. We are encouraged to hear reports of new attenders and members seeking out our meetings.

In these trying times, we remain hopeful. May we continue to support one another as we rise to meet the needs of our Religious Society, ever mindful of that of God in everyone.

In Peace,

Chris Pensiero