Intro to Quakerism

 The following arrived in an e-mail from Quaker Religious Education Collaborative. I assume it's ok with them if I simply copy it and put it here. We've been talking a lot about how to get the newcomers a better view of what Quakerism is. Needless to say, we do a bit of this in Cloud Quakers and I have a pamphlet myself (last post). It's useful to me to just collect all Quaker intro material and I'm interested in any comments or other info out there.

Intro to Quakerism: Approaches to Quaker Adult Education Sharing Circles, April 22 and 24 MANY MEETINGS OFFER 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? Adult education may take many forms, including a stand-alone session, a regular discussion time on Sunday morning, a panel of Friends sharing on a topic, “Quaker in the corner,” a designate Friend to answer questions after the rise of meeting, a multiple session course, spiritual companions or accompaniment, Friendly 8s, and written or video resources to explain Quaker faith and practice, and more. This conversation will explore approaches to help new and seasoned Friends engage in Quaker faith and practice with deeper understanding and commitment. QUERIES What is the Meeting’s goal in offering Quaker religious education for adults? How can we actualize those goals in the method and content of introduction to Quakerism? What was important to you as you were joining your meeting? What approaches have been helpful to Friends in your Meeting? What can consistently take place? How can this develop into consistent practice? When you have used existing curricula, have you reviewed them to ensure that the language speaks to the testimonies as understood today? What, if anything, have you changed? How does educating individual Friends strengthen the Meeting community?

Register for Tuesday, April 22 1pm Eastern (US/Can) Register for Thursday, April 24, 8pm Eastern (US/Can)

Facilitators: Tuesday: Elizabeth Freyman, Albuquerque FM, IMYM Thursday: Sita Diehl, Madison FM NYM Resources: Deepening Meeting Life, Peter Blood Patterson Pendle Hill Pamphlets, Pendle Hill, PA Quaker Affirmation Curriculum for Adults, Indianapolis First Friends Quaker Basics: An Introductory Course in Quaker Faith & Practice, Peter Blood Patterson Quaker Quicks QuakerBooks, Friend General Conference QuakerSpeak videos, Friends Journal Quakerism 101: A Very Basic Introduction with Suggested Readings curated by C. Wess Daniels Revolutionary Roots of Quakerism, Peter Blood Patterson Spiritual Deepening Library, Friends General Conference Walking in the World as a Friend: Essential Quaker Practices by Nadine Hoover, with 15 short videos as discussion starters. Woodbrooke Courses on Exploring Quakerism, Woodbrooke Centre, Birmingham UK Learn more: Visit the QREC Resource Library and subscribe to our announcements