Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 

What time does the Meeting for Worship begin? 
Sunday Mornings 9:30 both in the Meetinghouse and on Zoom
Wednesday Evenings 8:00 [Zoom]
 
How long is the Meeting for Worship?
About one hour, followed by after-worship introductions, announcements and other gatherings        
 
Is the building accessible? 
Yes. There is a ramp. A wheelchair, walker and cane are available.
 
Is there childcare available during Meeting for Worship?
Yes [link]
 
Where is Gwynedd Meeting?
We are located across from the William Penn Inn on the corner of Sumneytown Pike and Rt. 202, 1101 DeKalb Pike, Gwynedd, Pa. 19454. [Map]
 
Who do I contact if I want to visit and get more information about Gwynedd Meeting?
You are welcome to come Sunday mornings. But if you want to speak to someone first, our phone number is 215-699-3055. We do not have full-time office staff, but your calls will be returned. The Meeting’s email address is office@gwyneddmeeting.org. 
 
What should I wear to the Meeting for Worship?
Dress comfortably. In general, Quakers wear casual clothes to worship. This may range from business casual to jeans and a T-shirt. Come as you are and worship with us.
 
What should I expect at my first Gwynedd Friends Meeting?
Newcomers are greeted, given a brief welcome, and offered a name tag as is the custom of our meeting. Arrive at the worship room before 9:30 and take any seat. Please silence your phone. The gathering begins in silence. The large screen shows those attending Meeting via Zoom.  [more]
 
I notice that during Worship, some people stand and speak. Should I do this?
Maybe. Quakers believe that during Worship, quiet reflection may lead to the sense of a Spirit-led message that would be appropriate to share with the community. [more]
 
Is there a pastor or other clergy? 
No. Quakers believe that everyone has the Light of God within them and can communicate with the Living Spirit. Gwynedd Friends is an unprogrammed Meeting. Worship is led by God within all those present instead of a pastor or priest. 
 
What is a Query?
Quaker Friends Meetings use queries (questions) as a guide for self-examination, as a framework for examining, clarifying and prayerfully considering the direction of our individual lives and the life of the meeting community. [more] 
 
How are Quakers organized?
Early Quakers established a simple naming system to indicate both the group and the frequency each meets. Meetings gather for the purpose of sharing spiritual and business practices. Tasks and leadings are laid out within committees and decisions are made by agreement and not by voting.

• Monthly Meeting (Gwynedd) for a single Meetinghouse of Friends
• Quarterly Meeting (Abington) for the regional group of Monthly Meetings. There are nine in our Abington Quarter. The people from all the Monthly Meetings within the Quarter are welcome and encouraged to participate.
• Yearly Meeting (Philadelphia), comprising thirteen Quarterly Meetings. Our Yearly Meeting is part of the Friends General Conference (FGC): PYM is a key constituent of FGC, which serves spiritual and programmatic needs for Quakers across North America.

 
How does one become a member of the Meeting?
Guests and attenders are welcome at any stage of their spiritual journeys. Membership usually comes after there has been appropriate amount of experience, reflection, discernment and commitment. Prospective members are asked to assess their readiness for membership with the aid of a committee of members of the Meeting.  [more]
 
What is AQE? 
Adult Quaker Education offers thoughtful, diverse programs primarily between September and June and occurs most often following Meeting for Worship. We explore such topics as religion, spirituality, and social issues. All are invited to explore Friends’ beliefs and testimonies as they relate to our personal lives and the times in which we live.  [more]
 
What is YQE? 
Youth Quaker Education is provided at two levels.  Elementary YQE is for youth from Pre-K to grade 5. Upper YQE is for tweens and teens from grade 5 through high school. [more]
 
What is JEDI?
Justice*Equality*Diversity*Inclusion is the goal of this working group which offers various activities. 
 
Will there be a collection during worship?
Quakers do not ask for money during or after worship. We have the same financial need for funds as other faiths.  Our members and attenders are asked to donate voluntarily according to their ability. Donations can be made through several ways; Gwynedd has a secure lock box in the lobby outside the office for donations of cash or check. You can also donate with your credit card on our website. [Make a Donation]

How do Quakers get things done without a paid ministry?
The short answer is that volunteers on committees meet the spiritual, practical, and social needs of the community as well as guiding the practice of our testimonies.
 
How do I get more involved through volunteering at Gwynedd Friends Meeting?
There are numerous committees charged with every aspect of our community. For more information on how you can contribute go to [Volunteering].
 
What is Gwynedd Friends School (Preschool through Kindergarten)? 
Rooted in Quaker values, GFS unites play with academics in an environment that inspires respect, reflection, and confidence in young children. Gwynedd Friends School, located at Gwynedd Meeting, has served young children since 1943. Our program is accredited through Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS). For more information, please contact Gwynedd Friends School located at Gwynedd Friends Meeting. [Learn More]
 
What is Peace Camp? 
The Peace Camp at Gwynedd Friends has sessions for children in 1^st to 7^th grade. We help campers find peace within themselves so that they may contribute to peaceful environments at home, at school, and with friends. Team building skills are important at Peace Camp, and children can learn through games to work together, overcome obstacles and reach goals through cooperation. [more]
There is also Peace Camp for Little Ones; ages 3 to 5 [more]