Getting to Know Stony Run Friends Meeting

MEETING FOR WORSHIP: Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (a perfume and scent-free Meetingroom) and 11:00 a.m. July and August at 8:30 a.m. (perfume and scent-free), and 10:00 a.m.

THE NURSERY: Childcare is provided for all children during the adult discussion hour and Meeting for Worship. A student is paid to work in the nursery, and is assisted by a rotating group of adult volunteers.

LEARNING TOGETHER: First Day School classes for children age 3 and older are held weekly from September through May. Children will meet with the adults in the Meetingroom for worship from 11-11:20 a.m., then go to start First Day School, ending at noon. Once a month, children ages 5-10 come together for an assembly program. An assembly is provided during the summer when no First Day classes meet. For more information about the First Day School program, contact the Meeting Office (410-435-3773).

• YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Our large and lively group of Jr.Hi’s (6th-8th grade) meet weekly at 11:00 a.m. Their activities have included discussions, social events, and service projects. High school-age Young Friends also meet regularly.
  
  
• ADULT EDUCATION: The First Day Forum meets from 9:15-10:30 a.m., unless otherwise announced, and the schedule of topics is circulated in the Newsletter. Call the Meeting Office for more information. During the summer months adults meet at 11:15 a.m., if a program is planned.
  
  
• Other educational offerings for adults include regular study programs, which meet weekly for several weeks, on various topics and special lectures.

NEWSLETTER: The Meeting Newsletter is mailed monthly. Read it to keep up on special programs and Meeting news. To have your name added to the Newsletter mailing list, after you have attended for awhile, please advise the office.

CONTRIBUTIONS: Friends do not pass a collection plate during the worship service. We welcome your contributions in any amount to support our operating budget. Contributions may be mailed to the office, or put into the specially marked wall box in the hallway by the lift. The Social Order Box, to the left of the library door, is for a collection to aid local agencies working for social justice in Baltimore.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIP: Many Friends gather after worship on Sundays for a SIMPLE LUNCH of bread, soup, and cheese, which is prepared and served by the Hospitality Committee (not held during summer months). Monetary donations are accepted and all are welcome. We welcome you as well for juice in the Library between Meetings. During the school year, there are a variety of other fellowship opportunities (such as camping weekends, evening programs, potluck dinners). Watch the Meeting Newsletter for details.

MEETING COMMITTEES: Opportunities for fellowship, growth, and participation in the life of the Meeting occur as individuals come together for committee service. A full listing of committees and descriptions of their tasks is available in the Meeting Directory. Many committees are open to attenders, so if you have a particular interest in peace, religious education, or some other aspect of Meeting work, feel free to investigate.

THE LIBRARY: The Meetinghouse Library is open whenever the office is open (generally 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays, and Sundays 9:15 to 1:00 p.m). The books are there for the borrowing! We also subscribe to a number of periodicals relating to both the Religious Society of Friends and peace and justice concerns. It is always useful to call the Meeting office during the week before coming over to make sure someone is here.

BULLETIN BOARDS AND LITERATURE TABLES: Materials relating to Peace and Social Order concerns are on the first large table and bulletin board in the entrance hallway. Materials and books for sale relating primarily to Quakerism and the spiritual life, are found on the second large table. A”Newcomers” packet available for new attenders is free.

THE MEETING DIRECTORY: Contains names, addresses, and phone numbers for all Meeting members and attenders, which is updated regularly – an invaluable resource! It is available for purchase on the hallway table for $4.

FAITH AND PRACTICE of Baltimore Yearly Meeting is a resource for new and old F/friends, containing, as the title indicates, information about the faith and practice of Quakers. Copies are on the hallway table, ($8 donation accepted).

STAFF: Our Office Secretary, Jackie Potter, works full-time Monday to Friday. She can provide answers to many routine questions you may have about Stony Run Meeting (especially times and places of events, availability of materials advertised in the Newsletter, or a misplaced phone number). Our Executive Secretary, Lamar Matthew, works full-time coordinating much of the administrative and outreach work in the Meeting. He is available to meet with individuals who have questions or concerns in any area, and is especially interested in providing resources about aspects of Quakerism and the spiritual life. Lamar can also refer you to other persons in the Meeting who can offer resources in these and other areas.