FROM THE FEBRUARY EDITION OF THE WHITEWATER FRIEND
Contributed by Doug Gwyn - Pastor

The Day of Visitation!

Following the Hebrew prophets, early Friends often spoke of the 'Day of Visitation' or the 'Day of the Lord'. They understood it as the time when we encounter the light of Christ in our consciences. In some ways it is a time of accounting, when we see the ways in which we have been 'out of the light', out of harmony with God's will. But it's also an opportunity to step into the light and begin a closer walk with God.

Another kind of 'day of visitation' occurs when we visit one another in Christian fellowship. When we meet together as Friends, it is an opportunity to see encounter one another in the light, in the perspective of our deepest beliefs and hopes. I find myself challenged to a more robust life of faith, as I find qualities that I admire in another Friend. Visiting one another is a form of mutual encouragement, even if neither one is having problems at the moment. We come to 'know one another in that which is eternal', as William Penn writes. It's all the more encouraging when we visit Friends struggling with health or other problems. Jesus reminds us that when we visit those in distress and need, we are visiting him (Matthew 25:36).

Visiting one another -- at home, in the hospital, by phone, even by e-mail -- is essential to a faith community. It binds together the body of Christ that we know as First Friends Meeting. It's not a chore -- it's really what we enjoy doing anyway! It's just a matter of overcoming inertia to do what we want and need to do. Our Visitation Team (coordinated by Barbara Blake and Joan Fishback) needs more people to serve the meeting as visitors. Talk with Joan and Barbara this month and find out more.