This last year at Cropwell has brought about some very large changes. Our beloved longtime clerk, Earl Evens, has decided to retire from his clerkship duties. Earl’s tenure has seen a rebirth of a meeting that had dropped down to two regular members. Six new members have joined in the last 18 months and former regulars have been returning. Earl’s gentle and steady guidance about the form and role and content of Friends’ worship has helped create something special on Sunday mornings. A life-long Quaker who attended Cropwell Meeting as a child, Earl will continue to be an integral part of our spiritual community.
I’m one of the new members, transferred from another meeting, and I’m humbled that you all are letting me serve as incoming clerk. Earl’s shoes are big ones to fill!
In a world full of turmoil and lives full of surprises and challenges, Quaker worship and the calm, unadorned space of our historic meetinghouse provide us with solace and comfort. As we look ahead to 2024, we renew our commitment to our beloved Cropwell community.
I’d like you to consider supporting Cropwell Meeting this year. As Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
I love the image of the cheerful giver! An annual donation of $500 from members and attendees (less than $10 a week) would help us better share the good news we’ve found at Cropwell with even more neighbors. We’ve got a lot of ideas on our wish list, from providing children’s education, to fixing up our kitchen, to making the fellowship side of our meetinghouse more useful for programs and social events. Arrangements can be made for members who may wish to donate monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to hear your dreams for our meeting!
Yours in the Light,
Martin Kelley, Clerk
Email: cropwellquakermeeting@gmail.com
Cropwell Friends Meeting
802 Cropwell Road
Marlton, NJ 08053