DAYTON FRIENDS MEETING
Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)
Who are Quakers?
The Quaker movement began in seventeenth century England with the ministry of George Fox. Fox emphasized the immediacy of Christ as an Inward Teacher. Early Friends met in silent, waiting worship in which any member might be led to speak, rejecting need for ordained clergy and outward ritual. Friends also took great care to insure that their daily life reflected the truth as they had come to discern it, developing testimonies on Integrity, Peace, Simplicity and Equality. Quakers today continue to challenge one another to live out these testimonies. While some Friends Meetings have adopted a programmed worship service, others like Dayton Meeting continue to meet in silent worship which prepares us for service in the world. The Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting Book of Discipline says of Quaker Worship
True worship, whether vocal or silent, is offering ourselves, body, mind, and soul, for the doing of God's will. During the silent waiting, the flow of the Divine Spirit from heart to heart is often felt. "One is your teacher, and all ye are brethren" (George Fox.) Worshipers should gather in a spirit of silent prayer with a willingness to give, as well as receive, so that the full possibilities of the Meeting hour can be reached and its influence extended throughout the community from week to week.
Who are Dayton Friends?
Dayton Friends Meeting is a small, but vital group of Quakers living within the greater Dayton area, with a commitment to nurturing members of all ages and letting our Light shine within the community. Our members often comment on the strength and support we provide to one another. We meet weekly for silent worship, as well as for regular discussion groups, shared meals, and intergenerational activities. As individuals and as a group we are active with many social justice issues, including racial reconciliation within the city of Dayton, Habitat for Humanity, serving and cooking for the St. Vincent’s homeless shelter, environmental concerns, women's issues, advocating for peace, and opposing militarism.
Dayton Friends Meeting recently moved to a new space at the Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren. We have much in common with the Brethren as a fellow Peace Church, and already feel a greater warmth in the new space. We hope to work with the church in witnessing to God’s call for peace and justice and are looking into the possibility of combining our religious education with the Brethren. Come join us!
WEEKLY WORSHIP
First Day (Sunday) Meeting for Worship at 10:00, with singing at 9:45
First Day School for Children: 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 am
OTHER REGULAR ACTIVITIES
(All are welcome)
Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business
First Sunday of the Month, after worship
Second Hour Discussion
Second Sunday of the Month, after worship
Children are invited to join the children from the Church of the Brethren
during business meeting or second hour discussion for “Children’s Church.”
Women’s Group
Thursday Mornings, 10:00 at member’s homes
CONTACT
Call: Nikki Tousley at 937-253-3366
Write: c/o Barbara Robinson, 627 Kenwood Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45406
E-mail: Patricia.Johnson@notes.udayton.edu
DIRECTIONS
From I75 (northbound) - Follow exit marked Salem Avenue. Once on Salem Avenue, travel north about 2 miles to 1717 Salem Avenue. The church is a light colored brick, partially screened by a row of trees, on the right side of Salem Avenue. If you miss it, you can make the next right turn and come in through the back parking lot.
From I75 (southbound) - Follow exit marked First Street (53 A on left) onto West Second Street, toward Third Street. Make immediate right onto Robert Drive, then immediate left onto West First Street and cross bridge. West First Street becomes Salem Avenue on other side of river; travel north about 2 miles to 1717 Salem Avenue. The church is a light colored brick, partially screened by a row of trees, on the right side of Salem Avenue. If you miss it, you can make the next right turn and come in through the back parking lot.
FIRST DAY SCHOOL
We currently have two groups for First Day School: Our elementary and pre-school children meet together weekly. They join the adults for the first 15 minutes of silent worship, then go to their classroom to learn about Quaker history and testimonies, the Bible, and other topics. This year they are focusing on early Friends. Our teens also join the adults for the beginning of worship, though they sometimes remain for the entire period. This year they are studying other faith traditions and considering conscientious objection.
COMMITTEES AND CURRENT CLERKS
Clerk of the Meeting - David Wood
Peace and Social Concerns - Jan Fisher
First Day School - Virginia Wood
Library - Marian Alter
Ministry and Oversight - Teri Scarpelli
Finances - Gene Snyder and Pat Johnson
LINKS
Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting - http://www.quaker.org/ovym/
Friends General Conference - http://www.fgcquaker.org/
Friends World Committee on Consultation - http://www.fwccamericas.org/
American Friends Service Committee - http://afsc.org/
Some Introductory, On-line Pamphlets on Quakerism
Meeting the Spirit
http://emes.quaker.eu.org/documents/files/meeting-the-spirit.html
Silence and Quaker Values