The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult pains that we endure as humans. When that death is unexpected, as in the case of Todd Van Beck, the pain is even greater. On Tuesday evening May 23, I sat with 13 others in the library at
Jim Newby
James R. (Jim) Newby is the Minister and Public Friend at Cincinnati Friends Meeting. He began his second tenure here in April 2016, having served here previously from 1975-1980. The son of a Quaker minister, Jim is a member of the Religious Society of Friends and has served as a minister among Friends in Nebraska, Ohio, and North Carolina. He has been the Editor of Quaker Life magazine, and served on the faculty of the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana for ten years.
Jim holds degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry), William Penn College (Doctor of Divinity), Earlham School of Religion (Master of Divinity), and Friends University (Bachelor of Arts). He has written numerous books and articles on religious and spiritual subjects, primarily dealing with renewal. His most recent book is Reflections from the Inner Light.
Jim is married to Elizabeth Salinas Newby, author of A Migrant with Hope and a specialist in matters concerning immigration. They have one daughter, Alicia Marie Clark, who lives with her husband, David, near Indianapolis, Indiana.
December Retreat Explored How We Belong Together
Members Kathy Stewart, Carole Barnhart and Cathy Barney led a December 2022 retreat on the “Joy of Being Together” that drew 26 participants to the meetinghouse. Based on the Pendle Hill Pamphlet “Spiritual Gifts, the Beloved Community, and Covenant” by Emily Provance, facilitators focused on exploring “what is alive” in
My Personal Credo
On Thursday, April 13, I shared with the Daytime Spirituality group, “My Personal Credo.” A credo is defined as “a statement of the beliefs or aims which guide someone’s actions.” Periodically I evaluate my credo, recognizing that I am forever evolving, and God, as understood through our Quaker tradition, is
Judy Leasure…Faithful Servant
For many years Judy Leasure has served as the Editor of the Traveling Friend. She recently decided to step down from this position, which saddened many of us. Judy produced a newsletter that went far beyond the regular announcement of upcoming events, and a summary of past events. Under Judy’s
A Model of Spirituality in a Time of Tribalism and Chaos
There is a certain passage in John Woolman’s Journal that has always moved me deeply. It has to do with Woolman’s description of his own spiritual growth and transformation. It begins with the words: “While I silently ponder on the changes wrought in me, I find no language equal to