Sundays at New Garden
Our Services
9 - 9:45 a.m. Unprogrammed
Meeting for Worship
This is a traditional Friends meeting that would be familiar to George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends in the 17th century.
Friends gather in silence, a period of expectant waiting.
When a Friend is led by the Inward Spirit to share a message, others listen and reflect, pausing between messages.
Sometimes the most meaningful Meetings are those when the silence remains unbroken.
11 a.m. Semi-programmed
Meeting for Worship
The first half of this service incorporates music and a prepared message (sermon), often by the pastoral minister. It will seem rather familiar to people from other Christian traditions.
The second half is silent, waiting worship.
Quakers believe that we are all ministers; anyone so led may share a message out of the silence.
Additional Connection Points
First Day Forum
We gather at 9:45 a.m. in the Brotherhood Room each First Day to explore issues, share information, and exchange perspectives.
Referred to as “First Day” because Sunday is, of course, the first day of the week, this group engages with topics inspired by any number of things: The headlines, Quaker history, local, state or national issues, or the life experience of another New Gardener.
Past topics include: examining Israel-Palestine issues, a New Gardener who went to prison for his spiritual convictions, and the miracle called butterflies. Really.
Each week, the forum topic is announced in the newsletter, which is published Wednesday afternoons. Contact the office for more information.
Spiritual Disciplines
If you want to more deeply explore your faith journey in the company of others, join us in the Parlor on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.
This space is designed to be a safe, intimate environment for sharing what questions and experiences arise while wondering through and living out our individual faith stories.
Friends who take part in this class are representative of the congregation at large and reflect a wide variety of perspectives that share with love and respect.
Contact the office for more information.
Gathered Light (Intergenerational program)
When Friends of all ages come together at New Garden to share and learn and laugh, we call it Gathered Light.
This is an opportunity for Friends of all ages and abilities to explore Quaker values and Bible stories together. Our mission is to build relationships that bridge divides in experience and perspective by engaging in intergenerational discussion, play, arts and crafts, stories, and occasional service projects.
Contact the office for more information.
This program takes place once a month after the 11 a.m. service and serves heavy-duty snacks, like tea and cake.
