Come Celebrate with Us ! The Celebration of Life Sunday

Please join us on Sunday, 6/1/25, from 10 a.m. on at the DAR state park in Addison, VT to worship together, enjoy a potluck meal together and celebrate! For more information, please reach out to John Cook, Louis Cox, or Grace Seale (this event will be co-hosted by the Worship and Study and Fellowship Committees).

The Celebration of Life Sunday started at MFM almost 50 years ago originally as a response to the question:  what do Quakers do when babies are born? In lieu of the baptism or christening which is a rite to welcome new life in many churches, MFM responded with a gathering that included poetry/music/prayers/actions to “bless the new babies”. It was often at a member of the Meeting’s home and held outside, with shelter available if needed. It was held on Mother’s Day and was a day of feasting and celebrating. There was a May pole, music, kite-flying and more! The photo below is from long ago. Scroll below the photo to learn what is planned this year.

At a recent Friendly Forum, during which friends discussed this special time, there was agreement about continuing the Celebration of Life Sunday, but with some changes.  We hope to continue the Celebration of Life at MFM as a time to recognize “natural and personal seasons” as we acknowledge significant life transitions and continue growing into new identities and places. In addition to recognizing milestones in the lives of younger friends, we hope to also recognize milestones in our adult community. Such things as retirement, the birth of grandchildren (or greats!) and relocation are some important events.