Author Archives: bpemery

The Prodigal Son (Jesus vs. Pharisees) by John Kinney

Posted on October 19, 2021 by bpemery

Luke 15: 11-32 (NIIV) There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together … Continue reading →

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Let Your Light Shine by John Kinney

Posted on August 8, 2021 by bpemery

When approached about speaking I was reluctant and not sure it was a good idea.  But I decided to trust the elder’s discernment and give it a go.  If they think I might have something to say, maybe I do. … Continue reading →

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Equality, Equity, Fairness and Freedom by Leann Williams

Posted on June 15, 2021 by bpemery

This has been quite a year for Friends in Common, not to mention the entire planet. During the fall election season, we became acutely aware of the political diversity within our group. With the pandemic it became increasingly clear that … Continue reading →

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How Will We Treat Each Other Now? by Jon Maroni

Posted on November 15, 2020 by bpemery

Good morning friends, I am excited to be back in the meetinghouse for the first time in many months for me. Hello and greetings to everyone who is in person here today, and thank you for what you all do … Continue reading →

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Nuturing Hope by Leann Williams

Posted on November 4, 2020 by bpemery

There have been a few times in my life within the last two decades that I have pursued a study on the topic of hope. The first study came out of a time of conflict. I was deeply troubled and … Continue reading →

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Taking Quakerism Public

Posted on October 23, 2020 by bpemery

During the 2019-2020 year, Interim Pastor Paul Blankenship encouraged the Meeting to consider ways to let the public, both Spokane and beyond, know more about Quakerism in general and this Meeting in particular. Early projects included having street meetings in … Continue reading →

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Blessings? by Linda Pierce

Posted on September 28, 2020 by bpemery

In the last few months I have developed a complicated relationship with the word blessed.  This bracelet that I often wear has the words, thankful, grateful and blessed.  I have no problem with thankful and grateful, and the bracelet encourages … Continue reading →

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Life in a Procrustean Bed by Walter Simon

Posted on September 13, 2020 by bpemery

One of the great joys of my life was hearing Gilbert and Sullivan performed by the Doily Cart ensemble from London; and as prologue offer the lines from Iolanthe’s Nightmare song:  When you’re lying awake with a dismal headache, and … Continue reading →

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LaVerne’s Songline by LaVerne Biel

Posted on August 30, 2020 by bpemery

This is about my personal journey and hopefully is a chance for people to get to know me better.  I struggled with facts and timelines and quickly realized that those really didn’t define who I was or explain my worldview.  … Continue reading →

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Kindness . . . the sharing of light and love by Walter Simon

Posted on August 9, 2020 by bpemery

In this summer of violence we experience as Americans a divided nation, social edges frayed by hostility and confused by self-serving, awkward, and politically skewed interests. In faith and understanding what I offer today is to express our obligation to … Continue reading →

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