Children are an integral part of the life and health of the Meeting! We welcome the sounds and vocal ministry of our youngest attenders. Please feel welcome to bring your children into Meeting For Worship, and know that we welcome cries, wiggles and whispers. We also offer Childcare and Religious Education classes, if you would like to have your child attend those, as well.
Childcare
We offer childcare each week, year round, for babies and children ages birth through pre-K. The childcare room is located at the end of the hall in the education wing of our building, which is labeled Childspace, a daycare provider who uses this space for its program throughout the week. The childcare room is equipped with many toys, games and material for imaginative play. On warm, sunny days, we sometimes take the children to the park which is right next door to us, or spend time outside in our yard. Each Sunday we have two childcare providers who are loving and truly enjoy children.
Childcare begins at 10:45 and lasts until 12:30, allowing you time to settle in before Meeting for Worship begins at 11:00 and time after Meeting to stay for announcements and singing. However, of course, you may bring your child into Meeting for Worship whenever you would like! You are also welcome to stay in the nursery for all or part of the time, if that is your preference.
Religious Education
Each week we provide a “First Day School” (FDS) Program, which is our term for Religious Education or Sunday School. This is powered by a dedicated team of teachers who bring passion and energy. First Day School runs from the first Sunday after Labor Day through the first week of June, with some Sundays off around holidays and spring break.
Our curriculum broadly covers three areas of focus: Quakerism, Teachings from Holy Books, and God and the World Around Us. In the Quakerism unit we learn how to experience that of God within, to practice the Love of God, and respect that of God in all people. We use the acronym SPICES to teach Quaker testimonies:
Simplicity
Peace
Integrity
Community
Equality
Stewardship
We use stories from the Bible and other religions for inspiration in how to live our lives. The unit on God and the World Around Us, helps us focus on our place in a global community, in relation to nature and our care of the earth. Each lesson is unique, though most include a snack and craft at the elementary level. Some involve fieldtrips to do community service, visit a site with Quaker roots, and/or visit another community of faith.
For more information about activities and lessons, please follow the link to the First Day School page to find descriptions at each age level.
Special Trips and Activities
In September, many Friends from our Meeting (all our welcome) head to to Camp Crystal Lake, for a weekend Fall Family Gathering, and in the Winter or Spring we have a camping trip (tenting and cabins) with a focus on outdoor and cooperative activities. Sometimes we have special events just for fellowship and fun, such as ice skating, hiking or movie night.
For more information, contact Kerry Wiessmann: kerrywiessmann@gmail.com.