A year or so ago when we sent out one of our periodic reports on givings to the Meeting, we asked the members/attenders to tell us what the Meeting means to them. Here is a sampling of the responses.

I value NGFM because it provides an extended family of friends who want to make things better for each other, for Greensboro, the state, the nation and the world.

I'm a part of NGFM because of its peaceful atmosphere, its core of belief in the presence of a non-judgmental God in all of us and His light shining through us.

I always leave Meeting feeling balanced spiratually. I find that my week is not the same without that important Silence and David's words to guide me through the week.

I can no longer attend regularly, but my happiest days were when I attended New Garden with my husband and girls.

I value NGFM because I have found a more satisfying religious exerience than I have ever known before.

I value the freedom NGFM offers its memebers to pursue their religious goals.

We were married under the care of the Meeting as was our younger daughter, ... most importantly, the Meeting has helped shape our our religious values including serving the "least of these", seeking a world without war, coming in touch with the heart and mind of the living Christ, and living under the care and love of a community of fellow sojourners.

I value NGFM because it is an open, caring spiritual community with acceptance of all.

David Bills speaks to my heart the way the music, silence, and fellowship converses with my being.

I sense there are others at New Garden, like myself, who are seeking a deeper, more meaningful way of life -- with less emphasis on the accumulation of things and more focused on spiritual growth.

I value most the freedom to pursue my spiritual journey with the respect and support of fellow members.

I want to be in a religious community where there are many ways to worship, to serve humankind and to be a part of a vibrant and caring fellowship.

I value NGFM for its creative, meaningful worship among seekers who care for one other and the world.

I value the environment of tolerance and the fellowship of open-minded people with whom I share a fundamental belief.

The silence is soothing and the speaking is inspirational.