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Dear Reader Thank you for joining me once again as we journey through the Queries this year in Quaker Life. Our March focus is on "ministry." Back in 1682, just a short time after the quarterly and monthly meeting system of organization was completed, the Yearly Meeting asked each Quarterly Meeting to respond orally to three questions. These questions were intended to produce factual information from Friends with local knowledge, with the answers used to chart the progress of the Society throughout the country and give help in areas of need. By 1700, oral replies gave way to written ones. These first questions focused on ministry, the theme for this March issue: 1. What Friends in the ministry, in their respective counties, departed this life since the last yearly meeting? 2. What Friends imprisoned for their testimony have died in prison since the last yearly meeting? 3. How has the Truth prospered amongst you since the last yearly meeting, and are Friends in peace and unity? Recorded in Passages are the names of Friends who have departed recently, continuing the tradition of answering the first Query. Friends are not dying in prison now, reflecting how the Queries change through time. "The True Shepherd," authored by Ron Selleck, helpfully considers the differences between the True Shepherd and other shepherds in our culture today, enabling us to discover Truth. "Are we careful that our ministry is under the leading of the Holy Spirit? Are we concerned to take time for the study of Scripture and other writings of spiritual value? Are we concerned for the spiritual growth of one another?" (Query 3, NYYM) In his article, "Scripture and the Abiding Life in Christ," Jason Nightingale shares how learning scripture has impacted his life, leading him to be a scriptureteller. He continues to inspire me to take more time to learn scripture. "Are we willing and faithful in the service of our meeting and in financial support of its activities?" (Query 1, NYYM) An expanded section of "Ideas That Work" is found from pages 18-22, containing practical ideas of what local Friends meetings are doing and how ministry is being supported. Turning Points author Mary Muthersbaugh shares her story of "A Meeting's Gift for Sorrow." "Are you seeing that pastors' and leaders' time is free for the ministries to which he or she is called and gifted? Are salaries adequate? Is there adequate time for rest, vacation, and renewal each year?" (Questions for Ministry and Oversight, Indiana YM) Articles on pastoral ministry include Pat Thames' look at early North Carolinian women ministers, plus several examples of current and historical women in ministry. Kenyan pastoral ministry is shared by Robert Wafula as Friends prepare for the FUM Triennial in Kenya next year. "Do you welcome inquirers and visitors to your meeting? Do you encourage their continued attendance and participation? Do you seek to share and to interpret the faith of Friends and to cooperate with others in spreading the Christian message? Are you patterns, examples; do your lives preach among all sorts of people, and to them? Do you walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one?" (Query 5, NEYM) May these Queries concerning ministry and the articles in this issue help you grow in faith and strengthen you to follow the leading given to you by God. Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 6 Scripture and the Abiding Life in Christ Jason Nightingale As a gifted scriptureteller, Jason Nightingale brings to light the importance of memorizing Scripture while encouraging us all to join with him. 8 Early Women Pastoral Ministers in North Carolina Yearly Meeting Pat Thames As the pastoral system was adopted by North Carolina Yearly meeting, women pastors were also included. Pat Thames helpfully records insights from these faithful women. 10 Other Women in Ministry: Elizabeth Fry, Mary Cochran and Mary Dyer The lives of these women ministers have impacted many lives. The influence of Elizabeth Fry and Mary Dyer continue to encourage Friends across the centuries. Mary Cochran's faithful ministry for 52 years at Westboro Friends inspires us today. 12 The True Shepherd Ron Selleck Tackling the question, "Is Jesus the truth or a truth?" Ron Selleck shares his conversations with students and gives current examples to help us discern the True Shepherd from the false. 14 2002 Triennial-- Doing Ministry in Kenya: Why Quakerism Is Growing in East Africa Robert Wafula The largest number of Friends can be found in Kenya, the site of the next FUM Triennial. Robert Wafula describes some aspects of Kenyan ministry which has led to this rapid growth over the past century.   FEATURES 4 Valiant for Truth Retha McCutchen 4 News from Friends United Meeting FUM Appoints New Field Secretary to East Africa Region 5 Turning Points A Meeting's Gift for Sorrow Mary Muthersbaugh 16 Salt and Light Let Our Lives Preach Bruce Bishop 17 Bible Study Ministers of Christ's Love Jan Hodson 18 Ideas That Work 22 News 23 Reviews 25 Passages 28 Classifieds 30 Meeting Directory 34 Viewpoints 35 The Back Bench Deep in the Heart of Taxes Tom Mullen

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