Overview:
††† Yes, Quakers do sing, share scripturally centered lessons, laugh, mark the seasons, and acknowledge joy as one of the surest signs of God's presence.† The deep center of spiritual life at Gunpowder is Meeting for Worship, where silence prevails and vocal ministry is a weighty proposition characterized by careful discernment and delivered in "as few words as possible, as many as necessary".† However, we also recognize the full range of ways in which we minister to one another, and we know the love of song as a means of religious expression.† Thus, Opening Exercises, held before Meeting for Worship at 10:30 AM on the Second, Fourth, and Fifth First Days of each month (see Calendar), is a time for sharing a ministry of music and sometimes also a deliberately planned reading or exercise.† Opening Exercises are intentionally intergenerational: children are welcome and those who volunteer to lead are encouraged to be mindful of the needs of all.
††† In minimal form, Opening Exercises may be led by no one in particular, and consist of some 20 minutes of spontaneously chosen songs from the hymnal.† Complexity may be added by instrumental accompaniment.† More structure may be added as members and attenders are encouraged to sign up in turn to lead a more deliberate combination of spiritually centered music and words, all in preparation for settling into the deep, reflective and renewing stillness of Meeting for Worship.
††† Opening Exercises are typically held in the west room that faces the porch and burial ground, leaving the remainder of the Meetinghouse for those who prefer conversation and other forms of preparation for Meeting.
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