The best is yet to come - A letter from Steve Smith

October 2011

Dear Friends of Pendle Hill,

It brings me great joy and excitement to share my sense of promise regarding this place that we love. As I conclude my term on its board, I leave reassured and hopeful about Pendle Hill’s present and future.

Having graduated from two Quaker schools, and having been for many years a member of the Friends Association for Higher Education (FAHE), I carry a deep appreciation and love for Quaker educational institutions. At its best, the Religious Society of Friends lifts up two core values that are sorely needed in today’s world: (1) a profound respect for the inward awakening to the Light; and (2) a passionate commitment to right relationships in the world. Among the educational institutions that I know, none distills and manifests these core values in purer, more potent form than does Pendle Hill.

As a Pendle Hill Board member, I have had the privilege of hearing stories from people who gained refreshment and insights from experiences at Pendle Hill and returned to their lives and work with increased vigor. Here is one such testimony from this summer:

My heart is still overflowing with the love and kindness I received during my stay at Pendle Hill. . . . I became more porous to God’s love and thus was transformed into being more available to my own loving-ness. It was, all in all, a wonderful demonstration of the living presence, and deeply healing. I hope that I am able to carry that memory into my life and let it shine out . . . Having the young Friends around gave me enormous hope for the future. What could be better than that!

Please join me in ensuring that at Pendle Hill (as Robert Browning wrote) “the best is yet to come.” Fees pay only about 55% of Pendle Hill’s costs for inspiring programs, delicious meals, caring service, and the nurturing environment of 23 verdant acres of land. Would you consider supporting Pendle Hill with a gift of $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can?

In Friendship,
SteveSmith