Meeting For Worship
In the tradition of Friends, K-8 students, faculty and visitors engage in a period of silent worship and vocal ministry, called Meeting for Worship, once per week. All community members are welcome and each person’s spiritual journey and personal beliefs are respected as we reflect and attend the inner voice of the Spirit. The Head of School, a teacher, or even a student will set the tone for Meeting by reading a story or poem, or simply by posing a question or “Query” to help students focus on issues of deep significance. The presenter might read a story about the loss of a family member, or a poem about giving, or simply tell a short story from personal experience and then pose a query such as “What does it mean to be a good friend?” Participants are encouraged to speak out of the silence when they feel “led” to do so. Following silence, elementary students have a period of community singing. These songs are generally favorites that students have been learning in their classrooms. These are not hymns, though a few songs may contain a moral or spiritual message. However, in the tradition of North Carolina Yearly Meeting Conservative and Friends General Conference, Friends School of Wilmington does not seek to proselytize or convert others to follow the Quaker faith. Rather, it is our goal to encourage each student to seek “that of God within,” however that may manifest. In the context of silent worship and our focus on universally held religious values, students with a wide variety of religious backgrounds will feel honored and respected at FSW.