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Dear Reader Entering into a new century causes me to ponder, "What should spiritual growth look like for the 21st century? Has the passage of time changed the ways in which we grow spiritually, or the ways God speaks to us?" As I ask these questions, the answer comes--use the Queries which cross the centuries. The Queries are questions for spiritual growth used for reflection and prayer, both individually and corporately. As Quaker Life comes to you through the coming year, the themes will address different Queries, applying them to life in this new millennium. Query 1 on Spiritual Growth, our focus for this issue, is found on page 11. Terry Wallace helpfully sets the Queries in historical perspective as well as leads us to better understand their role in the life of faith. As Cuba Friends celebrate their 100th anniversary, their focus is also on their future. Sandy Davis writes about the Kenyan Sunday School convention and her husband, Rich, contemplates essentials of Spiritual Development. Journaling, recognizing God's presence in a familiar hymn, listening to the still, small voice even in jail, and fasting from violence are several more of our stories. The Among Friends study continues to produce discussion. Herman Otioko, founding pastor of the Turkana Friends mission, is our guest columnist for Salt and Light, sharing, "Does Someone Need Your Help?" Jan Hoffman debuts her Bible Study column, "No Aliens in God's House." Perfectionism is addressed as well as the challenge of learning how to live as part of Christ's Jubilee. All of these and more are related to Query 1. As the 21st century arrives, what commitment to spiritual growth are you willing to make? Answering the Queries leads us forward in our spiritual journey. Join me as we contemplate The Queries in the coming year. Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 11 Spiritual Development Rich Davis From the delightful story of Desert Pete, Rich spoints us to three essentials of faith necessary for spiritual development: trusting in Christ, taking a risk, and "pumping the pump." 14 Journal-Writing as a Spiritual Discipline Lynn Peery Mills Journaling is a way to record your spiritual development, your joys and worries, your highs and lows of faith. Pick up a pen or mouse, and begin the New Year communicating with God through a journal 16 Thank God for "It Is Well with My Soul!" Richard H. Hendricks Receiving openings from the Lord around this hymn, Dick shares the comfort and presence of God as these occurred. 18 Christ's Jubilee Challenge Peter Blood-Patterson Looking closely at Jesus' announcement of Jubilee, Peter recounts his struggles to apply this radical reformation of thinking and understanding of one's place on earth to his daily life. 22 Talking Among Friends Douglas Bennett Follow-up to the publication of Among Friends continues to draw people together for discussions concerning the future of Friends--our worries, our spiritual strengths, our leadership and our divisions. Join in the continuing conversation. 26 Perfectionism Shelley J. Hawkins-Clark Perfectionsim is rewarded by society, but God has a better plan for our lives. Shelley shares her journey toward embracing God's love without feeling she has to earn it.   FEATURES 4 Valiant for Truth Trish Edwards-Konic 4 News from Friends United Meeting "Feed My Lambs" Cuba Friends Celebrate Centennial 8 News 10 The Queries Terry H.S.Wallace 12 Turning Points The Listening Life Noel Berendt (as told to Marshall Hurley) 13 Whose King? Poem by Randy & Bonnie Nicholson 20 Bible Study No Aliens in God's House Jan Hoffman 21 Salt and Light Does Someone Need Your Help? Herman Otioko 25 Lenten Fast from Violence Eden Grace 27 Passages 28 Reviews 32 Classifieds 340 Meeting Directory 38 Viewpoints 35 The Back Bench Ralph Nancy Thomas

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