Circulated Version

Dear Friends, 

      We commend NWYM for taking a dynamic and thoughtful approach to seeking new affirmations of faith and practice.  The willingness to be shaped and reshaped keeps us alive and growing.  We realize that the process of reforming and being transformed does not take place in a vacuum.  Our context is always changing and there is no historical moment that can speak as if it has the last word.  Friends’ history of consensual discernment has always been a dynamic process.  New interpretations arise because new contexts demand it.  'What it meant” for past generations may not be “what it means” for the present.  Indeed, ancient Israel and the early church both serve as examples of how faith communities accept, adapt and transform their own concepts and beliefs within their growing and changing environment.  Our perspectives, concerns and beliefs continue to be adapted and transformed to maintain a space for the prophetic voice and to allow the Spirit to continue to teach us. 

      We would like to share with the Yearly Meeting the lens through which our faith community reviewed the Faith and Practice Revision Proposals. Spokane Friends is a diverse Christ-centered Quaker Meeting.  It is important to us that this diversity was represented in our reviewing process.  To this end the Education Committee issued a call to readers, especially those serving on our various committees, with instructions to read relevant sections through the lens of their respective responsibilities.    Because of the Faith and Practice Revision Proposals’ length and the shortness of time for reviewing it before the Area Gathering, we devoted two consecutive Thursday sessions to reviewing the document in detail.  Our Area Gathering was June 1^st and we presented a draft for “seasoning” at that meeting. The attached suggestions for revisions are the outcome of that process.   

      The vision, mission and values of Spokane Friends have guided our readings and are important for understanding the spirit behind our concerns, proposals and questions.  Our reviewers specifically looked for ways to

1.  live out Christ’s example of radical inclusivity

2.  maintain the tradition of Friends' Spirit-led corporate discernment as a form of governance.  This precludes any hierarchical structure within our organizations, including authority vested in a pastor or in the YM infrastructure.

3.  maintain the Friends’ tradition of non-creedal identity, which liberates from religious rituals, oath-like formulas and statements of doctrine and creed. Instead, we continue to uphold Friends' commitment to allow the unfolding revelation of the Spirit in our midst.

4.  encourage the fuller integration of our faith and practice, instead of separating them into two separate and often antagonistic categories. This vision for integrity is included in the Core Values, Vision and Mission statements but does not yet permeate Faith and Practice to the extent and with the consistency that we would like to see.

5.  encourage the adoption of “meeting” and “meetinghouse” as language which distinguishes our individual gatherings from the larger body of Christ, commonly referred to as the church.*

*NOTE:      Body of Christ:  Church or Meeting? 

A central issue in reviewing the Faith and Practice Revision Proposals concerns the use of the word “church.” Some of our readers reported difficulty focusing upon the document because of its heavy use of “church” language.  The word “church” is rich with deep theological significance for us at Spokane Friends.  The church is not a religion, institution or denomination, but rather is part of that mystical reality often called body of Christ.  We identify the “church” with the “body of Christ in the world.”  We affirm our membership as a gathered meeting by celebrating our identity and vocation as part of Christ’s body.  This is a visible public activity.  As members of Christ’s body, the church participates in a reality that is larger, more complex, more dynamic and diverse than our individual denominational groups.  The biblical texts as well as Friends’ historical documents acknowledge Christ as head.  It is with a spirit of gratitude and humility that we can claim to be part, if only one small part, of that body.  

This understanding of the “church” as the “body of Christ in the world” carries important implications for our faith communities.  It reminds us as Friends that we are but one part of the body and that there are other parts that make up the whole.  But while we as Friends may be no more than a “toe nail on the little toe of the left foot of the body,” it is still our task and challenge to live fully into our unique calling.  There is no need to begrudge other parts for being more important than our part.  We are not called to resentment, nor are we to stand in judgment over how other parts live into their respective callings.  We can value our “unique expression of the Christian life” as Friends, while still maintaining a sense of solidarity with the whole body into which, through grace, we have been grafted.  We are a part, not the whole.  

Using the common nomenclature of “church(es)” simply perpetuates the misconception that an individual part, a minor part at that, is complete in itself without the need of any of the other part and without any accountability or acknowledgment of its connection to the whole body.  It is dismissive to Jesus’ prayer that we “become one” (John 17:11).  Most offensive is the arrogant claim that one can be “an independent church.” 

This discussion is to remind us of just who constitutes the church.  It is an exercise in humility that we remain constantly mindful that there are other Christians that make up the body of Christ, equally called to be salt and light in this world. These considerations have led us to recommend that “church” when used to mean an individual congregation, should be replaced by “meeting,” and that “church” when used in reference to a building, should be replaced by “meetinghouse”.  At the very least, the expression “church/meeting” would remind us that we are all joint heirs of the Kingdom through God's inclusive and extravagant grace.

Faith and Practice Revision Proposals

from Spokane Friends

presented at Area Gathering, June 1, 2008

and subsequently sent to the Representatives of all Area Meetings for further seasoning 
 
 
 

Words of recognition and encouragement:

Spokane Friends Meeting wishes to acknowledge the hours of thoughtful reflection and hard work done by the Faith and Practice Revision Committee on behalf of the Northwest Yearly Meeting.  We thank the Faith and Practice Revision Committee for the spirit of generosity in which they engaged the necessary and important process of reforming our Faith and Practice.  
 
 

p.5 Current Faith and Practice 

Concern:  We would like to give more prominence to our Core Values, Mission, and Vision Statements.  The proposed location makes them look like an afterthought, rather than emanating from our core. 

Proposal: Move the Core Values, Mission Statement, and Vision Statement to the beginning of What Friends Believe.     
 

Concern:  Friends have traditionally professed to be a non-creedal group, but the current What Friends Believe begins with ten doctrinal “gate-keeper” statements which seem meant to emphasize uniformity among members of NWYM and exclude others who express their beliefs in different language. 

Proposal:  Move the current section entitled Faith expressed as Doctrine and Faith Expressed through Witness to the Appendix entitled EARLIER DECLARATIONS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH.

Proposal:  Regardless of where the Core Values, Mission, Vision and Faith expressed as Doctrine and  Faith Expressed through Witness are placed in Faith and Practice, we propose that they be preceded (or followed?) by the historical statement issued by a meeting of Elders at Balby, 1656: 

“Dearly beloved Friends, these things we do not lay upon you as a rule or form to walk by, but that all, with the measure of light which is pure and holy, may be guided: and so in the light walking and abiding, these may be fulfilled in the Spirit, not from the letter, for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.”

P. 6  Section: ORGANIZATION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH    

            Subsection: Business Meetings   

Concern:  Monthly Meeting should be a called meeting with at least one week’s notice.  The presiding clerk of meeting or the assistant clerk of meeting is responsible for calling a special business session, not the pastor.

Proposal:  move to strike “or the pastor”

Question:  What is the intention and basis behind the quorum language? 
 

Concern:  Those “churches” which meet “at intervals of not more than three months” are no longer “Monthly Meetings.”  The ideal of meeting monthly for business and worship speaks to the issue of accountability.  Not only does this hold the pastor and staff accountable but also the members of the Meeting to one another. 

      There is a great value in meeting for business on a monthly basis.  It serves to remind the worshiping community of their accountability to one another and of their responsibility for carrying out Christ’s work in the world. This safeguards the community from special claims of authority and prerogatives which under Friends’ polity is shared collectively among its members.  Meeting monthly for business reflects a trust of the consensus process without regard for any universal or specialized ministry.  It reaffirms the community’s collective authority as well as its intention to bear faithful witness to the will of the Spirit in their midst.

Proposal:  Rewrite beginning to state the Friend’s historical ideal of meeting monthly for business and worship.  This is consistent with our historical identity as Friends. 
 

            Subsection:  Authority of the Yearly Meeting

Concern:  Total authority of Yearly Meeting over local Meetings

Proposal:  move to strike the phrase “and its affiliated churches”

Question:  Why or what has changed to make this addition necessary? 
 

P. 9   Subsection: Church Planting

Concern:  Under this revision the Board of Local Outreach (BoLo) may come in and set up a new church planting without the participation of local concerns.  It is important that every Board be in contact with the existing local church(es). 

Proposal:  Move to strike “or by the NWYM Board of Local Outreach (BoLo).” 
 

      Subsection:  Ministry Points

Paragraph 2

Concern:  Wording is too broad and may open points of ministry that conflict with Friends vision, mission, and values.

Proposal:  Insert after phrase “…to use this flexible approach of church planting to see otherwise unreached people evangelized” the following qualification: “provided they agree to be guided by NWYM  Faith and Practice and/or Vision, Mission and Values.

Paragraph 3

Concern:  This allows an individual pastor too much power and authority and thus stands in conflict with our corporate identity and consensual tradition.

Proposal:  Move to delete “primary pastoral contact or”  

P.10. Paragraph 1  

Concern:  The specification of “pastoral leadership” undermines the Friends’ corporate sense of leadership and our history of consensual process.  Further, the “replacement” language leaves no room for “unprogrammed” ministry points.

Proposal:  Delete “pastoral”

Question:  Is this statement meant to imply that all ministry points are programmed?  If not, we propose changing “a replacement” to “new leadership”

Question:  Does the phrase “made in consultation with the BoLo church . . .” intend to communicate veto or approval power with BoLo or is close communication the intent? 

Page 10, Paragraph 2

Concern:  Ministry points may have trouble supporting more than their own program at first and the proportionate share of the budget for each church is  not spelled out (based on Members? Attenders? Families?).

Proposal:  Delete entire sentence:  “Its proportionate share of the Yearly Meeting budget is considered the same as any NWYM local church.” 

      Subsection:  From Ministry Point to Local Church

#3.

Concern:  agreement language is too creedal and oath-like

Proposal:  Delete “agreement” and change so that the sentence now reads: “A written statement of willingness to be guided by Friends Faith and Practice and a stated desire to be actively involved in the common mission and fellowship of NWYM.” 
 

Concern:  This allows an individual pastor too much power and authority and thus stands in conflict with our corporate identity and consensual tradition.

Proposal:  Move to delete “primary pastoral contact or”  

#4. 

Concern:  In conflict with Friends’ corporate heritage of consensual leadership

Proposal:  Delete “pastoral” 

P.11    

#8. Concern:  We wish to encourage all language that affirms that local meetings are generally self-supporting, not just “when appropriate.”   We also hope that the statement does not rule out unprogrammed meetings and meetings practicing pastoral care for one another.

Proposal:  Delete the second comma. 

P.12  Subsection: Under the Care of the NWYM Board of Elders 
 

Paragraphs 1 and 2  

Affirmation:  We wish to commend the Faith and Practice Revision Committee for their revision (first paragraph) that “….the church may request to come under the care of the NWYM Board of Elders…”  We commend this “bottom up” approach to authority and leadership which differs from other parts of this document.  We commend all statements that reaffirm our historical identity as Friends involved in corporate leadership through the consensus process.

We affirm the use of language choice in such statements as “Being under the care of BoE is never punitive but restorative,”  “plan for restoration and redevelopment” and “conflict resolution and mediation” is a positive and reflects our Friends’ heritage.  
 

P.13, Paragraph 3   

Concern:  Does the Board of Elders have the authority to “discontinue the church?”  .

Proposal:  The BoE may bring a recommendation to the floor of the annual Yearly Meeting where it can be approved or disapproved by the consensus process.  In the event of a closure, the BoE should be contacting Trustees and not relying on the church that is closing.  Suggested restatement: “Upon such a declaration any church-owned or personal property and records should transfer to the Yearly Meeting.”        

Question:  What does it mean to close or “discontinue” a church?  What are the theological implications of this language?   
 

P.13,  Subsection:  Nomenclature

Paragraph 1

Concern:  The language of affirmation is unnecessarily creedal and oath-like.

Proposal:  Delete “affirm and” so that the sentence reads:  “Organizationally, we agree to be united in purpose, through our joint identity and mission, and by our willingness to be guided by our Faith and Practice.”   
 

P.14, Last three paragraphs  

Concern:  In an attempt to uphold our Friends/Quaker heritage with integrity we propose that “Meeting” be included as an alternative designation, replacing “church” as a legal name, published name or common name.  We wish to offer Quaker as an additional nomenclature option.  This is consistent with our concerns regarding the retention of regular scheduled monthly “Meeting” as an ideal to be lauded (see p.6; subsection: Business Meetings).  Further the language of “Meeting” is consistent with traditional Friends/Quaker nomenclature.

Proposal:  We propose under “legal name” the following addition:

e. “Flowing Water Monthly Meeting” and f. “Flowing Water Friends Meeting.” 

Under “published name” include: e. “Flowing Water Friends Meeting.”

Under “common name” add e. “Flowing Water Quaker Meeting.” 

Section:   ORGANIZATION  OF AREAS

P. 15, Item 3.01

Concern:  The term “Representatives” has been understood by some to mean Area Representatives, since Item 4.01 clearly distinguishes Yearly Meeting Representatives as such.  Others understand that “Representatives” means the same thing as “Yearly Meeting Representatives. ”  If the latter understanding is correct, this gives too much responsibility to the YM Reps, because it states that they alone(as opposed to the whole Area meeting) nominate the Area officers.

Comment:  We now understand the intention of the language, but fear that others may labor under the same illusions as we did before Gar Mickelson clarified it for us.

Proposal:  Clarify the language to make plain that there are only YM Representatives and no Area Representatives.   

Section: ORGANIZATION OF THE YEARLY MEETING 

p. 17 Subsection:  General organization

Concern: Yearly Meeting sometimes refers to the YM infrastructure, sometimes to the Council of Representatives, sometimes to those present at YM for business, and sometimes to all the members of all the local meetings.  This makes statements about authority dependent on the particular usage, which is not always clear. 

Proposal: Strike the third sentence of the last paragraph “It possesses complete legislative, judicial, and administrative authority”.  The next sentence quite adequately spells out what the particular arenas of authority are.

Question: Since the YM is defined in Sentence 1 as all of us, is the intention to say that what happens in Yearly Meeting's annual business session is the final word, unless or until it is changed by the same body?    

p. 19    Section 2.01

Concern:  Itemizing the groups in 2.01 and 2.03 is cumbersome and possibly unclear.

Proposal:  After “Yearly Meeting trustees” add “,hereafter referred to as “YM groups” (or “YM  infrastructure” or other abbreviated language.) 

Question:  Or is it possible that there are YM groups which need not meet this condition?  

Concern:  Language is too creedal and oath-like. 

Proposal:  Move to replace “committed to” with “guided by.” 

Section 2.03

Proposal:  Compress list using language from 2.01.

p. 20 Subsection:  Meetings

Concern:   Item 2.04.03 uses language that is quite loose, in particular the word “desirable”, which may differ greatly from person to person. 

Proposal:  Move to replace “When necessary or desirable” with “In exceptional circumstances”

Questions:  In what instances would this be used?  Perhaps a (for example . . .) would help. 
 

p.20. Section 2.06

Concern:  Lack of clarity regarding what the “approved procedures' are and who approves them.

Proposal:  Move to add to sentence one “of the Nominating Committee.” 
 
 

Section 2.06

Concern:  Allowing organizations to choose their own members seems to by-pass the work of the Nominating Committee who is charged with maintaining balance on committees. 

Proposal:  Delete sentence 2 beginning “The vacancy may be filled. . . “ 
 
 

p. 23 Subsection:  Council of Representatives

Concern:  Sentence 1 of Item 4.01 (Composition) is another statement that is creedal and oath-taking.

Proposal:  Move to change “acceptance of Friends beliefs and procedures as set forth in this book of Faith and Practice.“ to “willingness to be guided by Friends Faith and Practice”. 
 
 

p. 24

Concern:  Item 4.02:  Clarity in distinguishing Representatives meetings (at Area gatherings, for example) from Council of Representatives meetings during YM.  Also, sometimes Representatives are asked to form subgroups by Areas (for an Area nomination, for example).  The last sentence before the “quorum” language seems to preclude these “sub-meetings.”

Proposal:  Move to change “Representatives meetings” to “Council of Representatives meetings”. 
 
 

p. 24

Concern: Limiting discussion to Representatives implies a sense of hierarchy regarding who hears the Spirit well and who does not; this could quench the Spirit, particularly among our younger members attending Yearly Meeting.  It also seems inconsistent with 4.04.04.  The function of the Representatives should be communication between meetings, areas, and YM.  Responsibility for decision-making rests with the gathered body (which is regrettably still only a subset of the whole YM, but a wider subset than the Council of Representatives.) 

Proposal:  Move to delete 4.04.05 

p. 24

Concern: There needs to be, somewhere in our revised Faith and Practice, a description of the expected involvements and responsibilities of a person named by Monthly Meetings as a Yearly Meeting Representative.  For example, Representatives receive many e-mails from YM staff.  Which ones are to be communicated to other Monthly Meeting members?  All of them?  Representatives seem to be responsible for Area Meetings now (this was not true before).  This might be a good place to distinguish between the duties of the Council as a group and the duties of each individual Representative.   But if not at this place, it should appear somewhere. 

Proposal:  Move to add section 4.05  Duties of the Individual Representative  and itemize the next five items under that subsection.  Then add more items for the additional duties of the Representative which are not yet spelled out.   
 

p. 29  Subsection:  Board of  Elders

Concern:  A small matter of wording in item 7.01:  “wise, discerning, etc,” are characteristics of people, not groups.

Proposal:  Move to change sentence one to “The NWYM Board of Elders is a group of wise, discerning, and spiritually mature Friends . . . “ 
 

p.33 Subsection:  Board of Local Outreach

Concern:  Item 7.03.03, last bulleted point (last sentence on page) seems a bit harsh, since there are meetings that do not follow established guidelines and no prompt action has been taken. 

Proposal:  Move to replace last bulleted item with “continuing to maintain and encourage the progress of new faith communities, helping them to understand established guidelines.” 

p. 34  

Concern:  Item 7.03.09 seems to duplicate 7.06.09 in terms of providing education.  It would be wonderful if both Boards undertook this goal, but tragic if neither did (leaving it to the other).  Perhaps the Education Board should have this specific responsibility.

Proposal:  Move to strike “education” from line 1 of 7.03.09.  
 

p. 38  Subsection:   Board of Christian Education and Discipleship.

Concern:  Item 7.06.12 seems too narrow because it does not specifically name “justice” as a prerequisite for true peace.  Also the reference to young people might suggest that the rest of us need not be concerned. 

Proposal:  Move to replace the current statement by “Promote education about peace with justice issues and non-violent conflict resolution within NWYM.”

Proposal:  Add a new numbered item:  “Demonstrate our commitment to conscientious objection among young Friends by providing specific educational programs encouraging that option.” 

p. 45  Subsection:  Nominating Committee 

Section 8.10.06

Concern:  Awkward wording?

Proposal:  Move to replace “find called, gifted and passionate individuals”  with “identify individuals who are called, gifted and passionate” 
 
 
 

April 24, 2008

To: Local churches, representatives, and all member of Northwest Yearly Meeting

From: Faith and Practice Revision Committee

RE: Faith and Practice revision proposals for first reading, July 2008

and Practice. These revisions have been drafted over the past two years, with the help of many people. If

approved on first reading in July 2008, these proposals will be brought for second reading and final approval at

the 2009 Yearly Meeting sessions. These proposals were all reviewed by the Yearly Meeting Representatives at

their February, 2008, mid-year meeting. Many of the Representatives’ suggestions have been incorporated.

Sources of the proposed revisions. The proposals are drawn from the following sources:

of an earlier draft of this present document

statistician, board manuals, boards’ shared responsibilities, terms of appointment of YM clerks)

Notes about the sources for particular sections are included in [brackets] at the beginning of those sections.

Section numbering. We have applied a numbering scheme for these two major sections: “ORGANIZATION

OF AREAS” and “ORGANIZATION OF THE YEARLY MEETING”. This scheme is intended to facilitate

referencing and cross-referencing. The committee intends to apply this scheme to other sections eventually.

Section-by-section summary of proposed revisions. Proposed revisions are described below, organized by

A. VISION, MISSION, VALUES

This new major section includes the texts of three statements: Core Values (approved 1997), Mission Statement

(approved 2006), and Vision Statement (approved 2006).

B. FRIENDS OF NORTHWEST YEARLY MEETING

A new paragraph is added, on the legal organization of the NWYM, its legal name, and other names used in

Faith and Practice to refer to it.

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C. ORGANIZATION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

Changes to this section a) add a definition of a quorum (suggested by Trustees as a clarification for legal

purposes), b) bring the section into harmony with the new “Areas” section, and c) revise the language on

“Opening and Closing Churches (as proposed by the Board of Local Outreach).

D. ORGANIZATION OF AREAS

This section has been entirely rewritten to incorporate the changes from the “Organization of Areas” document

(approved July 2008). It specifies Area officers, prescribes regular Area gatherings, describes the method of

constituting the YM Nominating Committee by Area appointments, and gives the Areas responsibility for

considering concerns from local churches before forwarding to the Yearly Meeting. Descriptions of duties of

officers were drafted with help from YM staff. Section numbering was added by F&P Committee.

E. ORGANIZATION OF THE YEARLY MEETING: General Organization

This section modifies business procedures by defining a quorum and describing the Areas’ review of business

originating in local churches. (1.03.01). It revises the duties of the Superintendent (3.03), and redefines a YM

staffing structure in which all ministry and support staff report to the Superintendent (3.04 ff.). It defines the

roles of the Directory of Finance and Development, and the Administrative Secretary, and provides a flexible

framework for creating and filling other positions in response to Yearly Meeting priorities.

F. ORGANIZATION OF THE YM: Council of Representatives

The Representatives’ roles are restated, including the relinquishment to the Areas of the responsibility for

constituting the Nominating Committee (4.04 ff.)

G. ORGANIZATION OF THE YM: Administrative Council

This section establishes and defines the composition and roles of an Administrative Council, which is nominated

by the Board of Elders and approved by the Yearly Meeting. It has major responsibility for nurturing the values,

mission and vision of the Yearly Meeting. The AC is authorized to act on behalf of the Yearly Meeting in

exceptional cases, to oversee the Superintendent and (through the Superintendent) the rest of the YM staff, to

review and evaluate the boards’ annual ministry plans and develop a budget in concert with board clerks (5.01-

5.05.20).

H. ORGANIZATION OF THE YM: Northwest Yearly Meeting Boards: General regulations

The section defines the role of boards in carrying out the ministries of the Yearly Meeting. It charges the boards

to create mission statements, annual ministry plans, and (on the basis of these ministry plans) annual budget

proposals (6-6.01.09). It authorizes boards to create subcommittees (6.02-6.02.04) and ministry teams (6.03-

6.03.04) for specific or short-term ministries.

I. ORGANIZATION OF THE YM: Boards: Specific regulations

This section creates eight boards, with charges that are closely aligned with the priorities in the NWYM Vision

Statement, detailing specific responsibilities for each (7-7.08.15).

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J. ORGANIZATION OF THE YM: Standing committees.

This section creates four standing committees necessary for the functioning and purposes of the Yearly Meeting:

Trustees, Finance Committee, Faith & Practice Revision Committee, and Nominating Committee (8-8.07). The

Trustees’ responsibilities are clarified and somewhat enlarged (8.08 ff.). The Finance Committee is established

and given responsibilities similar to the earlier Board of Stewards, charged generally with ensuring that the

Yearly Meeting follow sound business practices (8.09 ff.). The F&P Committee’s section is unchanged (8.10

ff.). The appointment of the Nominating Committee constitution by the Areas is described, and its

responsibilities defined (8.11 ff.).

K. ORGANIZATION OF THE YM: Budget.

This section describes the new budget process and identifies the budget-related roles of the boards, the Finance

Committee, the Administrative Council, and the Yearly Meeting (9-9.04).

L. CHURCH DISCIPLINE

This section, formerly titled “Dealing with Offenders”, revises and clarifies the purposes and procedures to be

used on occasions when the YM must help churches deal with disputes and disagreements. These proposals

were drafted by the Trustees, in consultation with the Board of Elders, and were reviewed by Representatives at

their mid-year meeting.

M. RELATED ORGANIZATIONS

These revisions reflect changes in certain organizations: Barclay Press (reorganized), Friends Church Extension

Foundation (now a subcommittee of the Finance Committee), and Friends World Committee for Consultation

(newly affiliated).

Proposed revisions begin on the next page.

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Faith and Practice revision proposals for first reading, July 2008

[The following text is a new major section, “VISION, MISSION, VALUES”, placed between FRIENDS FAITH

and FRIENDS PRACTICE FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The source for each is explained in the text.]

Core Values: This statement of Core Values was created in consultation with local churches, and approved by

Jesus Christ is actively present with us as Savior, Teacher, Lord, Healer, and Friend. Christ is

immediately accessible to all who believe in Him. Those who take time to listen to Christ can hear His

voice and follow Him, individually and collectively.

The Bible, as interpreted by the Holy Spirit, shows us what God requires of us and provides

authoritative and unfailing spiritual guidance for our lives today.

All life has its origin in the creative work of God, and human life is to be regarded as a sacred gift from

God. Because all persons have equal value and are created in the image of God, we must treat others

with respect and dignity, regardless of human measures of merit or value.

The Holy Spirit enlightens our paths and transforms our lives. As we yield our lives to God and become

immersed in the life of the Spirit, things change. Despair gives way to hope, and weakness gives way to

empowerment. All things indeed become new.

Christ through His Spirit transforms us to be more like Himself. He enables us to live lives of integrity

and righteousness and calls us to bring others into this relationship. We listen to Christ, we obey Him,

and we teach others how to do the same.

Jesus reveals the fullest measure of God's love by His example in His death on the cross. As we become

more Christ-like, we hope to display this same quality of love corporately and individually to those

around us.

We are called to work for justice and to be agents of peace in a broken world. Whether situations of

conflict and confusion are personal, national, or global - within the church or beyond it - we are called

to be agents of the same healing and love we have received from God.

Mission Statement: This mission statement was approved by Northwest Yearly Meeting in 2006.

Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church (NWYM) is a covenantal community of evangelical Friends

churches that make Jesus Christ known by

Vision Statement: This vision statement was approved by Northwest Yearly Meeting in 2006.

Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church (NWYM) is a growing family of Christ-centered, evangelical

Friends churches reaching out to the greater Northwest and beyond in creative mission that reflects the whole

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gospel of Jesus Christ. We seek to know Christ intimately, worship and follow Him faithfully. Joined in the

bond of fellowship, we have a sense of shared identity and common vision for ministry that focuses on:

we commit ourselves to listening to and obeying Him. In our manner of worship and decision making

and in the way we order ourselves as a church, we continue to learn how to better listen to and obey

Christ together.

image of Christ and partnering in His mission to transform the world. In faithfulness to Scripture and the

ongoing leadership of the Holy Spirit, we bear witness to the reality of Christ by our changed and

changing lives and in our commitment to live out the values of Jesus’ Kingdom in all that we do.

Through our joint ministries and shared resources, we equip our local faith communities to educate

people of all ages to follow Christ.

important contribution to the overall mission of God in the world. As the Friends of NWYM, our

Life and Power that called early Friends to courageous evangelism, compassionate service, community,

integrity, simplicity, equality and peacemaking in ways that speak to the present culture.

leadership roles that help us be the faithful people God intends. Therefore, we intentionally identify,

equip and release all kinds of leaders to serve among us. Men and women called to pastoral service are

well trained and adequately supported. Clerks, elders, and representatives find joy and purpose in their

ministry because they understand their roles and are trained to serve well. Our young people have

opportunity to explore their leadership gifts because we invest in their education and provide

opportunities for service.

traditional to house churches to new expressions yet to be defined in a changing culture. They may be

urban or rural, more homogenous or inter-cultural. We actively cultivate vibrant and healthy churches

and families within their care. Our NWYM staff and board structure encourage these local faith

communities to be faithful, effective, growing, and outreach-oriented by providing ongoing training and

resources.

planting throughout the greater Northwest. We are developing a culture of service in NWYM in which

Friends of all ages understand their call to ministry and find support as they serve Christ in their

communities.

the rest of the world with the love of Jesus Christ. We send people of all ages across the globe to share

in word and deed the gospel that is good news to the lost, the poor and the suffering.

interconnection and being mutually supportive. Through the NWYM staff and our creative use of

media, we communicate with each other and those around us who we are as Friends and how God is

active in us for the sake of the world.

- - -

[The following section is added, at the request of the Trustees.]

Organization. Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church is an Oregon nonprofit religious corporation

which was officially incorporated on June 15, 1894. This corporate organization is comprised of the affiliated

local churches and ministry points, and the individual members thereof. It is also commonly known as

Northwest Yearly Meeting, Yearly Meeting, Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends, and NWYM. These terms

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are used herein to refer to the above named corporate organization. As indicated by the context, the term

“Yearly Meeting” may also refer to the annual yearly session for business and worship.

[This section may receive a numbering scheme later.]

Structure and Function

[The following section is revised, at the request of the Trustees.]

Regularly scheduled business sessions occur at intervals of not more than three months. If business must be

continued at the call of the clerk, it shall be so announced in a regular Sunday morning meeting for worship

prior to the session. A special business session may be called if it seems necessary in the judgment of the

presiding clerk or the pastor and if similar provision is made for its advertisement. All active members are

- - - - - - -

[Following “Incorporation”, add the following section, at the request of the Trustees.]

- - - - - - -

[The following section is revised, based upon “Organization of Areas”, approved by YM July 2007.]

Each church appoints annually one of its members to serve on the Area Nominating Committee. If an Area fails

to appoint a Nominating Committee, appointments to Yearly Meeting boards will be made by the boards

submitting matters for Yearly Meeting attention to the Area for consideration.

- - - - - - -

[The following section, shown in strikethrough is replaced by the text immediately following, shown in

boldface. This new section was created by the Board of Local Outreach, as mandated by the OSG Report.]

7

A new work may be started by the elders of a local church, by several churches, or by the Yearly Meeting Board

of Evangelism. When a person or a group desires to initiate a work, the authorization of one of these bodies

should first be secured.

Unless organized by a substantial group of Friends from a local church (see below), a religious work that is duly

authorized and carried on by Friends leadership is designated in its first phase as a mission point. It may consist

of a Sunday school, a prayer meeting, a Bible study class, or a preaching point. It may meet in a home or any

other convenient building. Very little local organization is required, inasmuch as all of its affairs are

administered by the body under whose leadership it has been initiated.

When a mission has developed sufficiently so that in the judgment of the initiating body it could become a local

church, its sponsoring group petitions the Yearly Meeting Board of Evangelism to organize it as an extension

church. The Board, at its discretion, may do so by guiding the mission congregation into a simple but functional

organization, appointing one or more of its own members to handle local affairs.

Several families of Friends from established churches who live in a region where there is no Friends work may

wish to form a new congregation. They may petition a conveniently situated local church or the Board of

Evangelism and follow the procedure as outlined above. The Yearly Meeting Board of Evangelism, after

consultation with the local congregation and the general superintendent, will select and secure pastoral

leadership, as well as provide general supervision of the extension church. Such supervision implies no financial

obligation on its part other than that which it may voluntarily assume. The Board may petition a local church,

preferably the initiating one, to share in the sponsorship of the congregation, with or without financial obligation.

Friends and others may become members of the extension church through regular procedures (see pp. 46-48).

They are then listed separately as dual nonresident members by the parent church (but not included in its

statistical report) and as resident members by the extension church (which includes them in its statistical report).

The clerk of the extension church notifies the clerk of the parent church concerning the reception and transfer of

members to other churches.

Once established in accordance with the procedures outlined above, the extension church thereafter appoints its

own officers and committees annually, subject to the approval of the Yearly Meeting Board of Evangelism. The

extension church appoints annually one member to the Area Nominating Committee, reporting its appointment

to the Area Superintendent; and one member to the Yearly Meeting Council of Representatives, reporting its

appointment to the Yearly Meeting clerk. A standard statistical report is prepared annually.

An extension church is responsible for contributing toward the financial support of the Yearly

Meeting programs. Its proportionate share of the Yearly Meeting budget is on the same terms as

those of a local church. All property rights involved in connection with an extension church are

vested in the Yearly Meeting through its Trustees, or, at the discretion of the Board of

Evangelism, in some incorporated Friends church within the same state. Projects for buying,

building, and remodeling are to be submitted to the proper agencies of the Yearly Meeting and

their approval secured before action is taken (see p. 36).

An extension church may request the sponsoring body to take proper steps toward its

establishment as a new local church. Likewise the sponsoring church may take the initiative,

making sure to secure the concurrence of the extension church. When such action has been

approved by the local church, the extension church petitions the Yearly Meeting Board of

Evangelism, proposing time and place for business sessions and Area affinity. Upon receiving

notification of Board approval, the extension church is authorized to proceed with full

organization as a local church.

When two or more local or extension churches propose to unite into one new local church, each

church must give careful consideration to the merger. After they have consulted the general

superintendent and after each has taken official action to approve the merger, the general

superintendent carries their request to the Council of Elders. When sanction by this Council has

been secured, the churches proceed to unify their business sessions, their officers and committees,

their services, and their holdings. They consult the Yearly Meeting Trustees about proper

handling of real estate and other assets. The united church selects its official name and chooses

the site and facilities appropriate to its need. Membership of merging churches is transferred en

bloc to the new church. If the constituent churches are located in different Areas, the new church

petitions the Yearly Meeting for affiliation with the Area of its choice.

When irregularity of procedure or deterioration of status appears in a local or extension church,

the Council of Elders has authority to make careful investigation through its officers or the Board

of Evangelism. It advises in cases of difficulty, endeavoring to help the church to maintain its

active relationship with the Yearly Meeting and with the community. If the Council of Elders

Evangelism, acting for the Yearly Meeting, may discontinue the church, or it may effect a union

with another Friends church. It will then transfer the membership en bloc. Alternatively, the local

church experiencing difficulty may be given the status of an extension church.

The Yearly Meeting Board of Evangelism or the local church that is involved may initiate action

to consider whether the church should return to the status of an extension church. The Board

appoints a committee to assess the situation, in cooperation with the local church or a committee

appointed by it. If by common agreement and official action of the local church the change

appears to be in order, the Board of Evangelism then assumes supervision of the church as

outlined above. The new status continues until action to change the status is again appropriate.

The word "Friends" is to be included in the name of a Friends group in any stage of its

development; for example, Pennville Friends Mission Point, Pennville Friends Extension Church,

or Pennville Friends Church.

9

[The previous section is replaced in its entirety by the following section. Typography and layout

10

11

12

13

14

- - -

15

[This major section is heavily revised, based upon the “Organization of Areas” document

strikethrough.]

Yearly Meeting. Division into Areas is made on the basis of geographical proximity or

accessibility, with consideration given to local preferences.

2. Membership. An Area consists of all the local and extension churches and mission points

within its limits and all their listed members.

3. Officers. The Area officers, active resident members appointed annually, are as follows:

the secretaries, representing the boards of the Yearly Meeting, one from each board; the

Area representative on the Yearly Meeting Executive Council; and a recording secretary.

The secretary for the Board of Evangelism serves as Area superintendent; the secretary

for the Board of Stewardship, as treasurer. Except for the recording secretary, these

officers are appointed as members of their respective Yearly Meeting boards. They are

chosen on the basis of a vital and knowledgeable interest in the board’s responsibilities

and their willingness and ability to attend regularly the announced meetings. All officers

are nominated to the Area in business session by a committee composed of Friends

named by each of the constituent local and extension churches (see pp. 21, 25-26). The

Area superintendent convenes and instructs the Nominating Committee, presiding until a

clerk is named. If for any reason an Area fails to make appointments to Yearly Meeting

meetings, and distributes them to local church clerks.

16

3.04 Treasurer. If an Area chooses to maintain its own funds and bank account, the Area

should appoint an Area treasurer who will be responsible for maintaining that account

and providing periodic reports to the Area. The Area treasurer is responsible to follow

proper procedures in the handling of Area funds. The Area is encouraged to require two

signatures on all checks written out of the Area bank account. The Yearly Meeting

Treasurer is available to assist the Area in setting up proper guidelines and procedures for

handling Area funds.

Business Meetings Areas have at least one business session a year in order to elect

officers, hear the financial report, receive and approve the annual budget, and consider

and approve concerns to be forwarded to the churches or the Yearly Meeting. Adjourned

sessions may be scheduled if ample notice is given to the churches. A special business

session may be called by the Area superintendent at the request of two or more clerks of

local churches or the Yearly Meeting general superintendent. Notification and agenda are

sent to the clerks of local and extension churches in time for announcement in a Sunday

three times a year: fall, winter, and spring. These rallies or conferences are planned and

supervised by the Area superintendent in cooperation with the other officers so that the

work of the various boards may be adequately presented. The Areas also provide

opportunity for public information and support of special programs of the Yearly

Meeting. Worship and inspiration should be balanced with program promotion.

17

Such minutes would be considered at the spring Area gathering, following any monthly

meetings that occurred after the YM agenda was released to Representatives in late April.

If a concern arises after that time and a specially called Area meeting cannot be arranged,

the Representatives, gathered on the first day of Yearly Meeting sessions, will act on

behalf of the Area gathering.

- - -

[The following is a complete revision of the major section “Organization of the Yearly Meeting”,

based upon the OSG Report (approved July 2006) and “NWYM Staffing Recommendations”

(approved July 2007).]

“ORGANIZATION OF THE YEARLY MEETING”

1 General organization

1.01 Composition and powers. The Yearly Meeting consists of the members of the

local churches and Areas. In its meetings for business it consists of the Council

of Representatives and any other members in attendance. It possesses complete

legislative, judicial, and administrative authority. It has the authority to counsel,

admonish, and discipline its constituent churches; to institute measures and

provide means for the promotion of truth and righteousness; to inaugurate and

maintain departments of evangelistic outreach and philanthropic work. It may

review the proceedings of any church and give advice and instruction to the

18

churches when requested or when considered necessary by the Yearly Meeting.

Its officers and all persons serving its internal organizations are resident active

members of Northwest Yearly Meeting. Any exceptions must be approved by the

Yearly Meeting or its Administrative Council.

1.02 Time and purpose of the annual sessions. The annual sessions of Northwest

Yearly Meeting are held at Newberg, Oregon, at times determined by the Yearly

Meeting or its Administrative Council. (See Yearly Meeting Minutes for current

schedule.) Sessions may be held elsewhere by adjournment or action of the

Meeting. The sessions are opened by the Presiding Clerk. If the Presiding Clerk

is absent, the sessions are opened in turn by the assistant clerk or the recording

clerk. These annual sessions are held in order for Northwest Yearly Meeting of

Friends to determine policies and procedures appropriate to its mission, to

communicate them to members of the churches, and to find fellowship and unity

through worship and instruction.

1.03 Business procedures.

1.03.01 Business presented as an expression of concern is forwarded from Areas, from

constituent bodies of the Yearly Meeting, or from other yearly meetings through

official correspondence. Business originating from local churches will be

reviewed by the Area gathering before being forwarded to the Yearly Meeting

(see AREAS, 4.03). In unusual circumstances, with the consent of the Presiding

Clerk, business may be laid before the Yearly Meeting by any of its members.

Information regarding anticipated items of business will be sent to local churches

at least ninety days prior to annual Yearly Meeting sessions. The Council of

Representatives approves the agenda and order of business at or prior to the first

business meeting. A quorum consists of members in attendance at a regularly

scheduled meeting of the Yearly Meeting, or at a special meeting that has been

properly called.

1.03.02 The Meeting may take action in one of the following ways: a) The clerk may call

for action by the Meeting. b) If the matter requires discussion or investigation

beyond what can be handled in open session, the clerk may refer it to the Council

of Representatives or to a special committee for consideration and

recommendation before the Meeting takes formal action. c) The clerk may, with

the approval of the Meeting, refer some matters to a separate meeting of the

Council of Representatives for final decisions, which will be reported back to the

Meeting.

1.03.03 Proposals from the churches or Areas are to be submitted in writing as excerpts

from their minutes and are to be held over at least one day subsequent to their

introduction in order to allow deliberation (see Organization of Areas, 4.03). All

proposals for amendment to this Faith and Practice must be submitted in writing

and referred after preliminary approval to the Revision Committee before final

action (see 8.09).

1.03.04 The Board of Elders reports to the Yearly Meeting in plenary session its

summary of the state of the church, allowing time for prayerful consideration of

issues raised by the report and by any attached judgments or interpretations

offered by the Board of Elders.

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2 General regulations pertaining to organizations and officers

2.01 All persons serving the Yearly Meeting on its councils, boards, commissions, and

committees or as Yearly Meeting trustees shall be resident active members

experienced in Friends practices and committed to the Christian principles set

2.02 The number of persons serving a Yearly Meeting organization varies according

to its need (see sections 6.01.01, 8.03 and 8.10.01). The number on the Council

of Representatives is determined by a formula based upon local church memberships.

2.03 Persons serving on councils, boards, commissions, and committees, and as

trustees are appointed by the Yearly Meeting through appropriate nominating

procedures. From its own number each organization nominates a person to serve

as its presiding clerk and appoints other officers as needed. The Clerk of the

Nominating Committee, however, is nominated by the Administrative Council

and approved on the floor of the Yearly Meeting. Organizations receive their

funding through annual appropriations by the Yearly Meeting.

2.04.01 Regular and special meetings. Organizations meet at scheduled midyear and

Yearly Meetings sessions or otherwise as scheduled by the organization as

regular meetings and recorded in the minutes of the organization. Such meetings

are “regular meetings”. “Special meetings,” held at other times, may also be

called by the organization’s presiding clerk. Notice is not required for regular

meetings as defined in section 2.04.01. For all special meetings, notice must be

given not less than two (2) days or more than forty five (45) days prior to the

meeting describing the agenda for the meeting, or as may otherwise be described

in the duties and responsibilities of a particular organization. Attendance in

person or other participation in a meeting shall be considered a waiver of notice

of that meeting.

2.04.02 Meeting in person. Meetings will normally be held with members of the

organization present in person, with all participating members able to hear and

participate in the discussion. A member may participate in a meeting by

telephone provided that he or she can hear and participate in the discussion. A

meeting may be held by a conference telephone call provided that all

participating members may hear and participate. Meetings held by electronic

means will qualify as meetings in person, provided that participating members

are networked together in such a way that each one can send an electronic

message which will be received simultaneously by the other participants, and

each one may respond and all others may read the response at the same time.

Quorum and approval procedures provided for each organization shall apply to

all meetings held in this manner. When some or all of the participating members

are in a meeting by telephone or electronically, they must be informed that it is a

meeting at which action may be taken and not merely an informal discussion.

(See also “Procedures and Forms: Conduct of Business”.)

20

2.04.03 Action without meeting. When necessary or desirable, any action required or

permitted to be taken by the Administrative Council or any board or committee,

including the Trustees, may be taken without a meeting if approved by all

members of the organization. Each one signs a written consent describing the

action taken, and the consents are filed with the records of the organization.

Actions taken by consent are effective when the last member signs the consent

unless the consent specifies a different effective date. “Sign” shall include

electronic signature defined as a sign, symbol or process which a person adopts

to communicate his or her signature. A reply to an outgoing message which

described the proposed action is one way to show to what the member is

consenting; and stating “I approve”, with the member’s full name typed below

will meet the requirements of a signed consent. Quorum rules do not apply in the

approval of such actions without meeting; all members must approve an action

taken in this way. A consent signed under this section has the effect of a meeting

approval and may be so described in any document.

2.05 Each organization determines how statistics and other information about its work

may best be presented to the Yearly Meeting in session. To this end it secures

information from local churches and committees, Area clerks, or task forces. The

Yearly Meeting may provide forms for such reporting. Scheduling is under

direction of the Yearly Meeting clerks.

2.06 Vacancies are filled according to approved procedures. These vacancies may be

caused by voluntary resignation, by Yearly Meeting appointment (in the case of

boards) to another board or official position, by removal of residence from the

Yearly Meeting, by disownment or deposition from the ministry, or by death.

The vacancy may be filled, however, by the organization concerned if it occurs

before its last interim meeting, or by the Yearly Meeting in session if it occurs

after the interim meeting. Lack of interest, or failure to attend annual and

midyear meetings, may result in suspension of membership in that organization

after a year, provide