A session of READING NYYM “FAITH AND PRACTICE” TOGETHER, will be led by Mary Finn at the rise of Meeting Sunday January 4, 2026. This discussion will focus on the guidance provided for NYYM members and attenders who seek further understanding of the principles of the Religious Society of Friends. ALL are welcome.

Sub-titled a Book of Discipline, the 2015 NYYM edition 0f Faith and Practice follows a long line of such books of guidance that go back to nearly the beginning of the founding of the Society. The 1656 Balby Advices, one of the first such books, included the famous post-script found on page 8.

NYYM Faith and Practice consists of two Parts-- One: Faith, and Two: Practice and Procedure. Mary started reading Part Two when she became a member of the Ministry and Counsel committee because the Practice sections describe Ministry and Counsel’s responsibilities. The structure and organizational details of Quaker Practice comprise the 2nd half of the book (beginning on p. 118).

Focusing on Quaker Practice resulted in giving less attention to what is equally, or even more important, Part One, Faith, the first half of Faith and Practice which particularly urges members of M&C “to be familiar with the contents of Part One, Faith, and particularly with the second section dealing with ‘Seeking the Spirit’”.

According to Faith and Practice, in addition to Ministry and Counsel’s familiarity with Part One, Faith, “all members of the meeting should be under the weight of this [Spiritual] concern and take responsibility for their own participation”.

Faith and Practice introduces nine Practices as ways to encounter Spirit through Seeking. Quotes of what prominent writers have said about Seeking the Spirit, will be provided at the session so participants can share reading and discussing them together.

“NYYM ‘Faith and Practice’ emphasizes that seeking the spirit remains the firm basis for our life together and for the testimonies and social concerns by which we try to make manifest God’s purpose in the world” (Faith and Practice, p. 7).

Here’s a sample quote from a prominent historical Quaker seeker:

“The humble, meek, merciful, just, pious, and devout souls are everywhere of one religion; and when death has taken off the mask they will know one another though the divers liveries they wear here makes them strangers. This world is a form; our bodies are form; and no visible act of devotion can be without forms. But the less form in religion, the better, since God is a spirit.…” (William Penn, Some Fruits of Solitude, 1693; Faith and Practice, p. 9.)

Query: Share with partner--What do I think is the meaning of spirit?

Other quotes will describe Seeking the Spirit through Tradition; Silence; Solitude; Prayer; Scripture; Devotional reading; Gospel order; Corporate worship; Meeting for worship with a concern for business, and Leadings and concerns.