Recently I had the opportunity to interview an extraordinary Friend, Quaker hospice chaplain and traveling minister Carl Magruder.  At the time of our interview, more than 500 wildfires were raging in the state of California, where he lives.  He spoke of his experience of the start of the fires, and addressed the challenging nature of our era—a time of the Great Unraveling that precedes the Great Turning. He explained why he is a Quaker, described his calls and leadings, and shared his experience as a hospice chaplain.  He told me about seeking support for his spiritual gifts and described the help he has received from Quaker elders and his anchor committee, offering the example of how he was supported while preparing and offering the 2020 FGC Gathering morning Bible Half Hours, with the theme of “Jesus as Trickster.”  At the end of the interview, he spoke of his sense of oneness with the world.  An EarthQuaker, he finds God in the world around him.

Carl wonders at the Jack Pine, whose cones only open and germinate in fire. Can Friends be a people of faith on fire? Surrender our fears to God and find new life and vitality?

If you have difficulty with the link, above, try this one: https://youtu.be/iuo5chxzYcg

The recordings of Carl Magruder’s morning Bible Half Hour sessions at the 2020 virtual Friends General Conference Gathering are available online at Carl Magruder Bible Half Hour Sessions FGC 2020

Carl will facilitate the first Sunday afternoon session of a monthly online Bible Series, entitled “Walking With the Bible” offered jointly by Woolman Hill Retreat Center and Beacon Hill Friends House.  The first session is Sunday, October 4th, 4pm EDT, 1pm Pacific time.  For more information, go to: https://bhfh.org/bible-series