A Summary of Langley Hill Friends Meeting Committees and Their Duties

The following brief descriptions of our Meeting’s committees is offered to assist those who wish to participate in the life of the Meeting. Most committees are open to both members and attenders of this meeting. This information is subject to change.

FELLOWSHIP: Stimulates community building and deeper friendships among members and attenders through social gatherings and special events. Arranges Second Hour refreshments; coordinates monthly potlucks. As interest dictates, the committee has assisted in planning special events throughout the year, including a newcomers welcoming event and an occasional Meeting community weekend retreat.

PUBLISHING: Coordinates the efforts to maintain the data base of members and attenders and the mailing list. Prepares and publishes the Newsletter.

FINANCE: Prepares the budget for Business Meeting approval in coordination with committee clerks. Raises funds for all regular Meeting activities and authorizes disbursement of funds. Has responsibility for managing the Meeting’s investments and for ensuring the integrity of the Meeting’s financial records in support of the Treasurer. Fixes and revises wages and salaries of paid employees. The Treasurer is clerk of this committee.

FLOWERS: Coordinates the regular presentation of flowers in the meeting room during Meeting for Worship. Sees that gifts of flowers are given to community members when appropriate. Provides flowers for other special occasions as requested.

HOUSE & GROUNDS: Cares for the property of the Meeting, including oversight of repairs, cleaning, and grounds maintenance, as well as the procurement, arrangement, and care of equipment and furnishings. Schedules community work days and use of the Meetinghouse for functions other than those on Sunday mornings. Maintains relations with the neighboring school concerning shared facilities. Identifies and accomplishes specific improvements in facilities as need arises.

LIBRARY: Selects and acquires books relevant to the varied religious, historical, social, and international interests of Meeting members and attenders. Catalogues and manages circulation of library resources. Contributes to awareness among Friends of new and classic publications of interest. Seeks and responds to suggestions from committees and individuals for additional materials.

MINISTRY & WORSHIP (Members of this committee are members of the Meeting): Fosters and strengthens the spiritual life of the Meeting. Maintains a general concern for the Meeting for Worship and its spiritual well being. Drafts a yearly report on the Spiritual State of the Meeting. Provides First Day greeters, close of Meeting risers, and after Meeting consultations. Coordinates and supports the establishment of ongoing study and discussion groups, workshops, and special events of spiritual interest to adults.

NOMINATING (Members of this committee are members or longtime attenders of the Meeting): Proposes to the Monthly Meeting an annual review and revision of all Meeting officers, clerks and members of standing committees, individual appointments including fund administrators, and outreach appointments, based on identified interests, skills, and leadings of members and attenders within the Meeting community. Prepares descriptions of committee responsibilities to facilitate recruitment.

A special temporary nominating committee is named by the Monthly Meeting to identify members of Nominating committee. The Clerk of the Meeting is clerk of this temporary committee.

CARE AND CLEARNESS (Members of this committee are members of the Meeting): Oversees the Meeting’s commitment of care to members and attenders of this Meeting, including visits, calls, and other necessary support and outreach. Deals with matters of membership, marriages, and personal aid, including counseling and clearness committees, material or financial assistance, Oversees the Family Emergency Fund, Suggests readings for new members. Works with the Recorder to maintain the membership list.

PEACE & INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH: Acts to further the Quaker testimony against all forms of violence both at home and internationally. Works toward the establishment of just peace and international understanding. Serves as a liaison to other Quaker, religious, and peace organizations on issues relating to international relations; economic and social development, peace, and justice. Serves as agent for the concerns of the meeting and informs the Meeting on these concerns. Helps coordinate and build awareness of the Meeting’s continuing commitment to the organizations and communities its supports. Appoints an outreach representative on behalf of the Meeting to the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). Updates Meeting community on FCNL’s Legislative Action Message for the current week.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Develops and brings into reality a vision and program to nurture the Quaker experiences, knowledge, understanding and growth of our children. Selects and supports the work of the First Day School’s coordinator(s), identifies, recruits, and provides assistance to teachers. Purchases curriculum materials, study aids, and appropriate media and supplies. Has a special concern for the needs of Junior Monthly Meeting. Coordinates seasonal celebrations such as a Halloween party, and a spring picnic.

SOCIAL CONCERNS: Acts to further Quaker testimonies on issues concerning economic and social justice. Serves as a liaison with other Quaker, religious, economic and social development organizations on civil rights, housing, social welfare, criminal justice, environmental, and other issues. Appoints an outreach representatives on behalf of the Meeting to the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Middle Atlantic Region Support Committee and to the local Community Ministry.

OFFICERS: These include a Clerk, Recording Clerk, Corresponding Clerk, Treasurer, Recorder, and Archivist.