QUAKER LIFE
FIRST GRADE STUDENTS CREATE “A PEACEABLE KINGDOM” IN EXPLORATION OF SPICES During Meeting for Worship, the students of 1C explored the Quaker SPICES (the core Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship). Inspired by this exploration, they created a collaborative collage showing a peaceful community of all creatures. They were inspired by the painting “A Peaceable Kingdom” by 19th century Quaker painter Edward Hicks. To accompany the collage, the 1C students wrote poems in which they describe the Quaker SPICES and what each SPICE means to them. Here are some excerpts from their poetry: • “Simplicity is when you take a long time reading a book so you really enjoy it rather than going so fast and not enjoying it!” — William • “Peace is a flower blooming into beautiful petals on the first day of May.” — Adelia • “Integrity is telling the truth and not cheating in a game.” — Ava • “Community is working together as a team.” — Asa • “Equality is fighting for what’s right.” — Sam • “Stewardship is watering trees and planting new flowers.” — Darya
BFS RETURNS TO VOLUNTEER AT THE QUAKER CEMETERY IN PROSPECT PARK
MONTHLY MEETING FOR WORSHIP RETURNS VIRTUALLY
We are grateful to the Spiritual Life Committee of the Board of Trustees that hosted monthly virtual Meetings for Worship for our community throughout the 2021–2022 school year. They also offered virtual community book discussions on A Quaker Book of Wisdom by Robert Lawrence Smith. Thank you, Friends!
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After taking a hiatus during the pandemic, the Brooklyn Friends community returned to the Quaker Cemetery in Prospect Park this school year for fall and spring cleanup events. This BFS tradition represents just one of the ways in which our school community partners with the New York Quarterly Meeting, who manages the Cemetery, and engages with fellow Friends schools in New York City who also attend the cleanup days. At the events, students, colleagues, and Friends gathered in the Cemetery to rake leaves in the fall and plant and clean in the spring. They also enjoyed tours during which they learned about the history and flora of the Cemetery, which is not open to the general public. Thank you to the Friends at Friends Committee of Brooklyn Friends and Families (BFF) and the Cemetery Committee of the Quarterly Meeting for planning these community stewardship events.
