He gave Jesus’ parable of the pearl (a pearl starts from an irritant or hurt, but gets covered with protective coating and thus becomes beautiful). Then he gave the parable of India’s Jeweled (with pearls) Net from Mahayana Buddhism (the reflection of the pearls gleam off each other and enhance each other’s beauty). The point being, we are pearls, made better after our sufferings.

To signal the end of silent worship, one man shook hands with another, then everyone shook hands. Then began the announcements and the Joys and Concerns (what Southerners would call “prayer requests”).

In the foyer was a table with literature in support of social justice and protection of the environment. On another table was an award from 2012, when the city honored this congregation as the most important group to advancement the causes of civil rights in that year.

Only as we were leaving did I realize I never saw a collection plate go around or hear any request for money.

After Meeting, the congregation invited us to join them at the Morrisons’ home for a picnic.

Eventually our host pointed out his well made, hand-sewn dark grey pants and dark blue shirt. “If I would go put on my hat, which I normally wear, you might think I was Amish,” he said, stroking his long beard.