Opening Doors to Quaker Religious Education
Opening Doors to Quaker Religious Education by Mary Snyder (QuakerBooks of Friends General Conference, 1999. Paperback, 128 pages) is a thoughtful, well-organized, and thorough book on developing religious education programs so that “each person may meet the Inward Teacher.” Its author, Mary Snyder, provides both a theoretical framework and a wide range of practical ideas to implement First Day School plans for young children through adults. It is, I believe, one of the most important publications on this topic put forth by Friends General Conference and serves as a companion to Opening Doors to Quaker Worship.
The book emphasizes five ways in which we communicate as Friends: role modeling, storytelling, wondering together, affirmation, and curriculum. It discusses many assumptions underlying Quaker religious education as well as how to teach children, teens, and adults. Based upon a simple, straightforward framework, Mary Snyder consolidates many ideas used previously by Friends as well as her own innovations. She recognizes the diversity of children and age groups in Meetings and the vast fluctuations in class sizes. She blends different methods-storytelling, art, drama, games, and silence-contrasted in both single-aged groups and intergenerational settings. Her chapters on working with teens and then with adults go beyond First Day School issues to encompass community building, service, and the integration of education and worship.
Some Friends have found this book helpful in writing a curriculum about the Gospels for middle school students. The author’s approach provided a structure to articulate class goals and lesson plans. Her vast number of teaching techniques can inspire additional activities. This book is recommended for anyone, new or veteran, interested in Quaker religious education.
Stories of Twentieth-Century Quakers
This book review is for Lives that Speak: Twentieth Century Quakers, which was published in 2004. This book is appropriate for middle and high school, though many adults enjoy it as well. It covers daring, courageous, and inspiring human stories from the last 100 years. There is lots of information on this book so read the full review below.
Discussion Aid for Sarah Mapps Douglass
The Discussion Aid for Sarah Mapps Douglass is designed to help Friends create customized lesson plan or study guide for Sarah Mapps Douglass: Faithful Attender of Quaker Meeting: View from the Back Bench, by Margaret Hope Bacon, with foreword by Vanessa Julye, Quaker Press of Friends General Conference, 2003.
Lessons from a Book: Friends and God
This lesson plan is for the pamphlet Friends and God. This is a short, easy to read, pamphlet that gives clarity to Friends’ concept of the “experience of God” and “that of God within.” It also touches on inward rather than outward rituals, the Quaker perspective on the Scriptures, and good versus evil.
Lesson from a Book: Sam Johnson and Blue Ribbon Quilt
Using the book Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt, this lesson plan offers a powerful way to explore themes of equality, respect, and breaking gender stereotypes. Through reading, discussion, and hands-on quilt-making, people of all ages can learn to appreciate diversity and the value of every person’s gifts.
Lesson for Old Turtle and the Broken Truth
This lesson plan is made for the book Old Turtle and the Broken Truth, by Douglas Wood (2003). It’s appropriate for high school and adult. The lesson focuses on peace, community, and the nature of truth. This book and lesson could be used within a unit on world religions or on one or more of the traditional Friends testimonies.
Lesson for Here I am, Lord Walton Lecture
Here I Am, Lord, is a Walton lecture given by Ernestine and Vincent Buscemi in 2006. You can find the transcript as part of the Peace and Social Justice section of Southeastern Yearly Meeting’s website and order it by the email listed on that page. The pamphlet is a transcript of a collaborative lecture by Ernestine and Vincent Buscemi, with each voice identified. It consists of stories of their attempts to respond faithfully to the leadings of the Spirit. This is an excellent resource to use if you are working to develop an antiracist culture at your meeting.
Lesson for Holy Silence A Gift of Quaker Spirituality
This lesson plan is made for Holy Silence: A Gift of Quaker Spirituality, by Brent Bill. It’s appropriate for high school students, teens, newcomers, and other adults. The discussion focuses on meeting for worship as time of thanksgiving for the work of the Spirit.
Last updated December 18, 2025.