Normally, our children and their First Day School teachers, settle into the silence (un-programmed meeting) for worship at 10:00 AM, and leave for their classes at 10:20. From October through June, however, Westport Friends Meeting, as part of our regular Sunday meeting for worship at 10 AM, participates in what we call “Family Worship” (formally called “Second Sunday”) which just means that once a  month we structure our weekly meeting for worship differently.

Children and their First Day School teachers remain in worship for the full hour, seated with their families, and participate with our entire community around a selected theme and music that is appropriate for all ages. Ministry and Counsel Committee has oversight of Family Worship, with one of its committee members, or a designated other Friend, who prepares a special message and songs to be shared. Friends continue to worship in silence like every other Sunday, but requests for additional songs, or spoken messages centered around the day’s topic may be heard as well.

Family Worship is an opportunity for the whole Meeting community to be together as one body. It also allows our First Day School teachers to have a chance to remain in worship for the whole hour, too.

Ministry and Counsel Committee welcomes feedback about our Family Worship format. We also invite suggestions from Friends who might like to share a special leading of their own on Family Worship day, also. Please speak with any member of Ministry and Counsel if you have ideas or suggestions for us to consider.