DOWNINGTOWN
FRIENDS MEETING
PROGRAMS
*Please note that due to Covid-19, some of these groups are meeting on Zoom or may be on hiatus.
Please view our Calendar for updated meeting times.
Power of Eight – This is a healing practice inspired by the book, The Power of Eight by Lynne McTaggart. We join in our common intention to ask for healing of persons, situations, or conditions.
Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM | Schoolhouse
Book Group – We gather monthly to discuss a work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Each book is chosen by one of our members and may relate to a variety of topics.
Every Last Tuesday of the month | Potluck at 6:30 PM | Discussion at 7:30 PM *This group is currently meeting on Zoom
Sewing Group – The Sewing Group has been gathering for decades, and today they meet socially in the Schoolhouse to sew, knit, mend, do projects for the Meeting, and catch up. They’re always there to listen and share life’s joys and troubles, even if you don’t care to sew. If you’re new to our Meeting, this is a great way to get to know people in our community.
Thursdays | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Schoolhouse
Friendly Bible Study – Following the structure established in the Friends General Conference guidelines, the group examines Bible passages using an iterative, round-robin process that entails no discussion until the end. Open to all and no preparation required!
Thursdays | 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Schoolhouse *This group is currently meeting on Zoom
Friendly Walkers – This group gathers at local trails throughout Downingtown and Chester County for some exercise and socialization. All abilities welcome, though this is a weather-dependent activity.
Saturdays | 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Local Parks *This group is on hiatus
Co-Op Dinners – Those who sign up for our Co-Op group attend and take turns hosting gatherings and dinners. This is a great way to get to know people in our Meeting community. If you’d like to sign up, contact Terri Whiteford.
Saturdays | 6:00 - 9:00 PM | Friends’ homes | January through March
Opening Exercises – In this prologue to Meeting for Worship, a member or attender of any age has the opportunity to teach or inspire. Topics include aspects of Quaker religious life, stories of Friends translating faith into action, music and art, and readings or videos that move us along the path of continuing revelation. Sunday |10 - 10:25 AM | Schoolhouse | 2nd Sunday in September through the 2nd Sunday in June
Meeting for Worship at Old Caln – Caln Meeting meets regularly, except the final Sunday of the month. A small group of Friends typically gather here, and during the winter, they stay warm by the old wood stove.
Sundays except for final Sunday of the month | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | 901 Caln Meetinghouse Rd.
Lunch & Learn | Brown Bag Lunches – From September to June, there are five or six, one-hour programs after the rise of Meeting. A topic that requires more time than an Opening Exercise can be explored with presentation material, discussion and/or group activities. Brown Bags are led by Friends from our community or guest speakers. Programs are scheduled and announced in advance.
Occasional Sundays | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Schoolhouse
Eating Meeting – We host a potluck lunch called Eating Meeting, held immediately following Meeting for Worship. It's a great place to meet us, and the perfect occasion to bring a friend or family! And don't feel obligated to bring food; there's always plenty to share!
Second Sunday of the month | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Schoolhouse or Outside | September through June
Business Meeting – A monthly gathering led by our clerk to conduct business affairs, make decisions, present committee updates, raise issues, and come to a sense of the Meeting. As part of our process, we value the opinion of all in attendance. Due to Covid-19 we are holding Meetings for Business on Zoom. Please contact Assistant Clerk Martha Bryans for the Zoom link.
Last Sunday of the month | 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Meetinghouse
YOU MIGHT BE A QUAKER
(and might not know it) IF:
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You believe that God blesses everyone, no exceptions.
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You do not need a leader to help you worship God.
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You enjoy a quiet time to reflect on your life and your world.
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You take responsibility for your own personal spiritual journey.
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You believe in peaceful resolution of conflict, respect for the environment, and living a life of simplicity.
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You find yourself looking for a diverse community to worship in.