For years, the Metropolitan Chicago General Meeting of Friends has been a welcome place for area Quakers to gather three or four times a year. MCGM does not fit easily into standard Quaker structure, but it’s been a place to cross-fertilize diverse friendships and religious ideas. Over the years MCGM has offered informative programs and pitched in on solid service projects. But what is MCGM’s purpose now?

Beginning Saturday Aug. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lake Forest Friends Meeting, we invite you to help seek our regional vision. We’re looking for the old guard, the middle guard and especially young Friends who are the future. Our planning committee agreed to a process that throws open the doors to new MCGM purposes, functions, and scheduling. Bring your queries and ideas as Ken Jacobsen, who facilitated several Quaker institutions in re-visioning themselves, leads us through inspired discussions and fun activities. We’ll explore new possibilities of being together, enhancing our spiritual growth, and expanding our Quaker presence around metro Chicago. Join with us; Gather and Grow!

On the MCGM Visioning committee are Judy Erickson, Bonni McKeown, Janet Means Underhill, Earl Smith. More members welcome.