Children at Gunpowder
Children have been integral to the life of the Meeting at Gunpowder. Friends at Gunpowder have striven to create a space that is welcoming and nurturing for everyone – to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to grow spiritually. Our children have traditionally begun each Sunday, which we call First Day, by accompanying their parents to Meeting for Worship. Friends have welcomed their presence and expected the wiggles, giggles and whispers that accompany them. After 15 minutes of worship with all the gathered Friends, teachers led the children out of the Meeting room to their activities. Children were provided with lessons to nurture religious and spiritual growth, and support social justice values found in the Quaker Testimonies. Children’s activities were experiential.
While children were engaged in First Day School activities parents were free to have a rejuvenating, meaningful experience in Meeting for Worship. Parents of First Day School children have said that time in worship is a way to be grounded throughout the week, whether at work or in parenting. Child care was also available after Meeting for Worship so that parents could stay for adult activities.
Intergenerational activities such as baseball games and board game nights are planned throughout the year to include all ages.
Currently, First Day School activities and Child Care are on pause. Intergenerational activities continue and special events are held for Children throughout the year. Would you like to visit with us? For more information, please contact gunpowderclerk@gmail.com.
“I want that we should all show our faith by our works, by our honesty and justice and mercy and love; I want love to begin with little children; they should be governed by love, and by love only…Children love peace. The little child knows when it says, Mother, I love everybody. There is a Divine instinct in them which prompts to this feeling.”
Lucretia Mott, 1876
“But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.'”
Mark 10: 14 (NRSV)
“To watch the spirit of children, to nurture them in Gospel Love, and labour to help them against that which would mar the beauty of their minds, is a debt we owe them; and a faithful performance of our duty not only tends to their lasting benefit and our own peace, but also to render their company agreeable to us…….”
John Woolman, c. 1760