Young Friends

We currently have a small number of children who attend on ad hoc or sometimes a semi-regular basis.

Coldstream has prepared an environment for Young Friends in the room at the end of the hall.

The experience incorporates Quaker testimonies or values, such as peace and simplicity, as well as providing activities specifically designed to help children explore Quakerism.

We offer a program with an adult guide for young friends on the First and third Sundays of each month. On other Sundays children are welcome to attend and we will provide a basket of quiet activities that children can use in the meeting room.

Our programs are based on Quaker values and testimonies. We will introduce aspects of Quakerism and encourage the child to learn about our Quaker testimonies and their influence on our lives. These testimonies, often represented by S.P.I.C.E.S – Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship, are taught, modeled and lived by Quakers. Our programs usually feature the chosen testimony (or topic) using books, crafts, “wondering questions”, meditations, and a body prayer – revised for our needs from “Sparkling Still”.

Schedule

Before 10:30 If a new child is in attendance the adult guide will welcome them and show them the Young Friends room.
10:30 Parents and children join the adults in the Meeting room, sitting and listening in silence.
10:45 The guide will stand and invite the children to accompany them to the Young Friends room.
11:30 The children and guide will go back into the meeting room and join their parents. First Sundays of the month have singing and fellowship following meeting for worship. Third Sundays we will talk about a quote from our “Faith and Practice”.