New Inquirers' Sessions

Every year, Evanston Friends Meeting offers Inquirers’ Sessions for new attenders, regular attenders, and members who are interested in finding out more about Quakers; Quaker beliefs, history, and traditions; and about Evanston Friends Meeting.

Did you find us on Quaker Finder, Facebook, or our website; and are curious about Quakers or Evanston Friends Meeting? Are you a new attender who is somewhat intrigued by Friends although not quite sure what we’re all about? Have you been attending for a while, but still have hazy notions of some Quaker beliefs or practices? Have you been an Inquirer before but missed a few sessions? If you answer “yes” to any of the above, this series is for you! Its purpose is solely informational; and while new attenders are especially encouraged, other Friends are always welcome to attend.

Inquirers' Sessions will begin Sunday, March 11 at 11:30 (during Potluck). We will meet at Evanston Friends Meeting, 1010 Greenleaf Street in Evanston. We welcome you to join us for Meeting for Worship at 10:00; and to join in sharing potluck and simple meal, whether or not you have brought food.

Sunday, March 11 at 12:30 (during Potluck) Sharing Our Stories and Questions—What spiritual paths have led us to the Religious Society of Friends? Where are we now in our spiritual journeys and what are we seeking? What questions about Friends do we hope to have answered in these sessions? How might Meeting support us in our spiritual journeys?

Sunday, March 25 at 12:30 (with Simple Meal) Friends’ Testimonies and Queries—Virginia & Rex— What is meant by a “testimony”? What are the traditional testimonies of Quakers and how did they arise? How do Quakers use Queries? How can queries and testimonies further our personal spiritual practices? How can we use Quaker tradition to deepen and sustain our ability to live these principles? What are some ways that we express our commitment to social justice?

Sunday, April 8 at 12:30 (after Potluck) What do Quakers believe about the Divine?—Carol—What words, images, concepts, and metaphors reflect Friends’ spiritual experiences? Are we “Christian?” How do we regard the Bible? Do we have sacraments like baptism or communion? In the absence of a theological creed, what unites Friends? How are “queries” used? What are participants’ experiences of the Divine? 

Sunday, April 22 at 12:30 (with Simple Meal) Worship in the Manner of Friends and Ministry— Joey— Why is our worship “unprogrammed,” and what does that mean? How is Meeting for Worship different from meditation? What’s the difference between “giving a message” and “testifying,” “sharing your experience,” “offering your thoughts,” or just talking? How can individuals know if they have “received a message” or if they should share it? Why don’t we use choirs, organ, religious artifacts, or scholarly sermons? What opportunities do we offer for spiritual growth?

Sunday, May 13 at 12:30 (after Potluck) How Does EFM Function? Business and Decision Making —Audrey—Why don’t Quakers have paid clergy? How are marriages and memorial services conducted? What are Clearness Committees? What is a “leading”? How does the work of the Meeting get done? How is our local Meeting organized? What is “First Day School?” What committees are open to attenders? What is a Monthly Meeting? How are Meeting for Worship and Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business related? How are consensus, unity, and “sense of the meeting" related?

Sunday, May 27 at 12:30 (with Simple Meal) – The Wider World of Quakers –Judy—What is a “yearly meeting” and what does it do? How do we relate to other Quakers in the Chicago metro area and the nation? What are Friends General Conference, Pendle Hill, Friends Committee on National Legislation, AFSC, Friends World Committee, and QUNO, and what do they offer us? What is Friends Journal? How can you find Quaker Meetings in other locations?