About Yahara Friends
Yahara Friends Meeting is affiliated with Iowa Yearly Meeting (Conservative). Yahara Friends first worshipped together in January, 2002 and began to hold monthly business meetings that September. We became a Preparative Meeting in July, 2003 under the care of West Branch Monthly Meeting in Iowa, and since August 2009 have been a full Monthly Meeting.
In Iowa, Conservative Friends separated from Iowa Yearly Meeting in the 19th century at a time when evangelism was spreading across the United States. They attempted to conserve early practices of Quaker faith at a time of sweeping changes. They espoused a primitive Christianity and gave primary attention to the Leadings of the Inward Christ. Conservative Friends developed as rural family groups, putting significant resources into preserving their culture. They did this, in part, through the formation of Quaker elementary and secondary schools. Plain speech and dress were also expressions of this culture.
Conservative Friends’ business meetings are known for “ ‘Slowness’ and a tentativeness which sacrifices efficiency because of a search for divine guidance and because of sensitivity to the scruples and hesitations of others.” (In American Quakers Today, Wm. P. Taber, Jr., 1966). It is this disciplined submission to the Spirit in corporate discernment, and formal tenderness toward others, that moved our group to seek affiliation with Iowa Yearly Meeting (Conservative). Here is an article that discusses in more detail what it means to be a Conservative Friend.
Iowa Yearly Meeting (Conservative) meets annually on the campus of Scattergood Friends School, a boarding high school under the care of the Yearly Meeting. Scattergood, which is near West Branch, Iowa, was founded in 1890 and it has been a primary witness of the Yearly Meeting. IYM(C) is also active in Friends World Committee for Consultation, the American Friends Service Committee, and other organizations working for justice and peace.
Our Worship
Meeting for worship is a time when Friends come together, center down into a living silence, and wait. We listen and seek unity with that divine spirit which lives in us and in all of creation. In an experience of unity with the Divine, an adult or child may feel led to speak. Sometimes no message is shared at all and the silence itself fills with Love and Truth. Children attend meeting for worship for the first half-hour. We hold them in our loving care as they learn of the Spirit with us. Children may engage in quiet, solitary activities such as reading in order to center and listen. After a half hour children attend First Day School lessons. Nursery care is available as needed. Worship time is closed by the clerk with shaking of hands. If you are visiting our meeting, please sign our guest book and let us know if you would like someone to contact you.
Last update: April 4, 2011