There are so many beautiful children’s books that it is hard to make choices for the Meetinghouse library, especially on a limited budget. It makes sense to plan carefully and examine the written and unwritten messages communicated by the book before making a purchase.
Many meetings to host introductory Quakerism courses to help newcomers and other Friends learn why and how we practice our faith. While the academic model serves a purpose, it doesn’t speak to everyone. What other methods are more experiential?
Quaker testimonies call us to respect other faiths and to honor each person’s experience of the Divine. Recognizing our inclusive approach, some families come to Quaker Meeting on the leading of one parent, while another parent or caregiver may adhere to a different faith tradition – or none.
Support for youth to discern conscientious objection is a vital ministry for Quaker meetings. The teen years are the best time to start documentation for a CO claim in the U.S. because Selective Service registration is required of all 18-year-old males, and perhaps females in the future. Beyond that, the peace testimony is central to Quaker identity, making education about conscientious objection paramount for Quaker teens.
During the Christmas season and other holidays, Friends Meetings may celebrate as a way to experience wonder and light, rejoice in intergenerational community, and engage in cultural traditions. At the same time, we are called by the testimony of simplicity that is essential to Quaker faith and practice. We celebrate, in part, for the sake of children in our meeting and recognize that when the adult Friends who curate these celebrations are centered, the spiritual meaning comes through for children.
