Basic to the weaving of the tapestry of Nahunta Friends Meeting have been the countless study courses, workshops, and special emphases that have shaped and strengthened the fiber of the individual lives into more dedicated, useful workers in God's Kingdom. Different pastors have had their own influences in these events. For example, J. Waldo Woody, early on began training courses for teachers.

    Pastors Lewis Dillman, William Guthrie, and Adlie Barefoot, placed strong emphasis on Bible Study and other study on membership training, Quaker beliefs, and evangelism. Three examples are an evangelism workshop taught by Ralph Smallwood. "Evangelism Explosion, " Drum Beat of Love," and "The Edge of Adventure," are books by Keith Miller and Bruce Larson that were used. Many interesting discussions arose as the group studied books under the leadership of Jack Caughron, who challenged us to think.

    Strengthening families is a recurring thread in the tapestry. Quarterly family nights with a special message by some outstanding person like Bob Medford, artist Oscar Williams (who also played the saw), or Max Reese followed by games and refreshments with about 75 people attending were common in the 70's. Jack Kirk led a study of the Gospel of Mark. Jack and Elizabeth Caughron led a marriage encounter day with around ten couples growing closer through marriage examination experiences. In the Spring of 1996 and 1997, Darlene Pittman, Christian Education Director for the Yearly Meeting, led family enrichment weekends.

    Two threads in the tapestry, both of which began in 1976, tie the senior citizens into the composite. One is the annual Senior Citizens Appreciation Day in which senior citizens of the meeting are honored with a special program and lunch. The other, "Nahunta Community Senior Citizens," brings together people from five churches. Molten Gurley was the first president for seven years until his death while Edna Thomas, as treasurer, and Doris Gurley, as program chairman, have served for more than twenty years.

    Members have taken occasional trips that have bound them together, such as a bus trip to Greensboro to the Triennial Sessions to the United Nations, when U Thant, Secretary to the United Nations, was speaker. Some others have been to the "Sword of Peace" outdoor pageant at Cane Creek, the Easter pageant, "Worthy is the Lamb" at Williamston, or a Billy Graham crusade.

    A program planned by the Peace and Social Concerns committee led by Karen Collins on drugs and alcohol drew over 100 people with teenagers attending.

    Homecomings, held the second Sunday in October, have always been a special time. The 1988 Homecoming was unique in that it featured remembrances of Nahunta School which was closing after that school year. Dale Matthews, pastor, organized a very special program for that event.

    Goal setting sessions are essential if progress is to occur, such as the one with Billy Britt in 1979. This session revealed that most members were either born into the meeting or married someone in the meeting. Some of the goals for the physical facilities have been met, but membership and attendance have remained about the same, around 180 church members. Sunday School attendance has declined.

    The main projects that came out of the revitalization program of 1992 were a look at the physical facilities with suggestions for renovation plans which were completed in 1994, and a Nurturing Committee to meet the need for regular visits to shut-ins and others needing encouragement and friendship.

    Under the leadership of Steve Lawrence, our present pastor, we engaged in a series of meetings in which, through questionnaires, activities, and discussion, we analyzed our personality types and spiritual gifts. Through this experience, we grew in understanding of ourselves and each other. We better understand reasons for responses to situations and ways of dealing with each other as well as our best areas of service.

    Through the years, we have taken advantage of countless Quarterly and Yearly Meeting workshops, and Ministry and Counsel and USFW conferences for enrichment experiences.

    These special events and people have added significant colors to the tapestry of the history of more than 131 years of Nahunta Friends Meeting.