What to Expect at a Meeting
When you come into the meetinghouse before worship you may find some Friends already sitting in silence. There is generally a “centering” that occurs at the beginning of Meetings when Friends seek to clear their minds of distractions and come to a receptive state. We listen and wait for a direct experience of the Divine. Some may be moved to share their experience by standing and speaking. About 15 minutes before the end of worship, the children enter the room to join us in worship. The meeting ends when friends shake hands and greet each other. Following worship, Friends share joys and sorrows, welcome new people, share announcements and enjoy a time of fellowship.
When We Speak
Out of the silence, some will feel their thoughts and feelings gathering around a specific idea, thought, or experience. Sometimes these thoughts and feelings coalesce into a message. That message is most often meant only for the individual worshipper. But sometimes that message is meant to be shared. It is up to the individual to discern the difference. Friends describe being “pushed” or “nudged” from their seat when they need to share a message. Individuals who are moved to share a message will stand and speak from their own experience. Messages do not need to be poetic or eloquent or long, and are often powerful in their simplicity. A period of silence between speakers is customary, and helps all to reflect on the message that was given.
In-Person Meeting
COVID-19 and the Meetinghouse
The Health Committee continues to monitor & update COVID precautionary measures to protect our most vulnerable members.
As of March 2023:
Masks are now optional in the Meeting House. Please stay home if you are sick or if you have been exposed to Covid. If you have recovered from an illness but are still coughing, please wear a mask. Remember that we are a community that cares for each other in the best ways that we can and choose your actions accordingly.
Blended Meeting (Zoom)
LIVE Zoom to Mountain View Friends Meeting for BLENDED Meeting with Friends
*9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. worship – please sign in or call in 15 minutes early. Use this Zoom Link Or Dial-in: (669) 900-9128 Meeting ID: 720 689 917, Password: 547913 (If you are asked for a personal ID just stay on the line)
Westside In-Person and Blended Meeting for Worship
*10 a.m. worship – Westside In-Person Meeting
Meets at Lakewood United Methodist Church
1390 Brentwood Street, Lakewood 80214
(A few blocks west of Wadsworth on W 14th Ave.) The church’s website is: https://lumc.net/
Enter on the south side, or the accessible entrance on the west side.
Or Join ONLINE using this ZOOM link.
First Day School
There are five age groups in First Day School, which lasts from 10:15-11:15 a.m. All age groups except the Senior Young Friends join the adults in Meeting for Worship from 11:15-11:30.
Nursery: Infants – age 4
For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, we provide a safe and loving environment in which our youngest children can play and grow. The children enjoy toys, books, and simple art activities, and a healthy snack is offered. A paid staff person provides stability and a second adult is always present.
Kindergarten – Second Grade
For this lively and curious age group, activities might include a circle “sharing” time, a craft, a story from the Bible or Quaker history. There may be an activity, game or story relating to accepting our differences, listening for the Spirit, or enjoying nature, in ways appropriate to young children.
Third-Fifth Grade
This group often continues a sharing circle and creative art projects. They begin learning more about Quaker testimonies, Quaker history, and silent worship, and how these might be important in their own lives.
Junior Young Friends
This is the age group appropriate for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. The JYFs begin to participate more in deciding subjects they want to learn about and discuss, with help from adult teachers.
In addition to continuing to learn about Quaker values, they may choose to explore other spiritual traditions as well. Personal relationships and mutual support become increasingly important to this group.
Senior Young Friends
The high school age group continues to grow personally and intellectually. The SYFs often choose to learn more about Quaker testimonies, Quaker process, and Quaker organizations, with adult guidance. They are thinking more deeply about their inner lives and their choices as Quakers in the world.
Childcare Policies and Information for Parents
Please view the Childcare Policies