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A little bit about me and my understanding of this ministry

A little about me:

I am currently the Jr. Hi Coordinator for New England Yearly Meeting (NEYM). This is my 8th year coordinating the program – my third as a paid staffer for the Yearly Meeting. I have been involved in youth ministry work within Friends for almost 23 years, staffing well over a hundred retreats and coordinating programs at NEYM Sessions. I have served on staff and as the FGC’s Friend in Residence for Junior Gathering, and written curriculum and taught First Day School classes from preschool through high school in my Monthly Meeting.

I went through the School of the Spirit program in 2002-2003.

I have a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, a background in music and social work, and extensive experience in education and literature, including 8 years as the “children’s person,” for a local independent bookstore. Bread baking, music and sculpey clay are favorite and powerful mediums in my ministry. My life is generally full to overflowing, with coveted times on my bicycle, in my garden or kitchen, and with friends and family.

My husband Buddy and I have 3 young adult children – Ben, Katey, and Jeremy – who have taught me volumes about life, humility, gratitude, and nurturing. They grew up within Friends and thrived in NEYM’s youth programs. They have always been some of my best supporters and advisors in this work. Buddy is a fabulous youth staffer, and I love having him on retreats. I am grateful to all of them for their patience and generosity.

I believe that I am Called to be a spiritual nurturer of children, teens, and the adults around them how ever Way opens, seeing ‘what love can do.’ What follows is my credo in ministry:

I believe that God is present every moment of our days and that adults and children alike can and do know this Loving Presence. My role in ministry is as a baker is to bread. The Holy Spirit provides the miraculous leavening as Grace in our midst. I am asked to tend the rising by being fully present, by listening deeply, and by offering simple sustenance for the journey. Gentleness, intentionality, patience, clarity of heart and mind, constant prayer, and humble trust in the Spirit are essential when nurturing the tender hearts and souls of God’s Children. Laughter and joy are as necessary as Silence.

At every age, we can know each other as brothers and sisters in the Stillness of our covered Worship and in safe and loving faith communities. Rooted in this blessed Communion, we can find support for new growth and sheltered rest from the world’s challenges. Creativity and beauty, whether in music, art, words, movement, or nature, all help to nourish and stretch our relationships with God. Appropriate, loving touch and simple acts of kindness and compassion are Love in Motion.

Programs, themes, song lists and supplies are wonderful, but all we really need is God’s registration and attendance. The essence of our ministry is to pay attention and be fully present to the tender hearts of those before us as we go about our work and play in holy fellowship. What an incredible joy and honor it is to be here in God’s Kitchen, witnessing grace and love growing within and amongst us all.

Gretchen Baker-Smith