Have you ever wondered why the Society of Friends is not growing? Our testimonies for peace, justice, equality, and good stewardship of our earth and its resources are of vital importance for the future of our world, so why are more people not uniting with us in support of these things? What can we as Friends do to make ourselves and our meetings more visible to our communities? How can we make our Meetings more friendly and welcoming to visitors? How do we deepen the spiritual life and identity we share as faith communities? The Gathering of Friends in the Blue Ridge this year will explore some of these issues. Jeanne-Marie Barch, clerk of the Ministry and Nurture Committee of Friends General Conference, will be facilitating our discussion using some of the ideas and information included in the Quaker Quest program sponsored by Friends General Conference. Meetings all across the country have used Quaker Quest to raise awareness of Friends and their testimonies in their communities. Our Friends at Blacksburg Friends Meeting will be hosting the gathering again this year and have invited us to join them for Meeting for Worship at ten o’clock followed by a pot luck lunch. Jeanne-Marie will be sharing with us directly after lunch. In addition to the adult program, there will be activities for Young Friends and children as well. We hope you will plan to be with us for a day of worship, food, fellowship, and nurture. For more information, contact Tony Lowe. (preacherboy71@hotmail.com)