The Light Within
Welcome
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What to Expect in Our Worship
Worship at Central Philadelphia Meeting is quite different from other church services. We don't sing hymns that have been chosen beforehand, or read set passages from the Bible or recite set prayers; we don't have prepared sermons.
Instead, we gather together in silence, focusing inwardly on the Light within us, seeking to follow Jesus’ injunction to the Samaritan woman at the well, to “worship in spirit and in truth.”
Click the link to see a full description of our worship.
Our Virtual Meeting for Worship
You can also join our 11:00 am worship via Zoom. Here’s the link and login info:
Click here to join the hybrid meeting
Meeting ID: 550 104 323
Passcode: cpmm
What Do We Believe?
We don't require that you believe certain things in order to become a member. We're more focused on your experience of the Divine.
While our members hold a very wide variety of beliefs, still there is a solid core to our faith.
Click the link to learn more.
Membership
Welcome!
We seek to be a welcoming community to all people regardless of their race or ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or social situation, and we invite you to worship with us and to participate in our community life, whether you are members or not.
Videos by Our Members
To view many more videos and lots of other resources on Quakerism, visit our Resources on Quakerism page.
QuakerSpeak.com is a video production project of a prominent Quaker magazine, Friends Journal. They regularly produce videos on a wide range of Quaker subjects. Several members of Central Philadelphia Meeting have been featured in these videos.
Adult Religious Education Committee has created this web page to pull together links to all these member videos that we know about. Please let us know if we've missed some.
Ben Camp
How Do We Teach Quaker Worship to Kids
When to Speak in Quaker Worship
Glossary of Common Quaker Terms
Pamela Haines
A Quaker Perspective on Economics
When to Speak in Quaker Worship
Vanessa Julye
Quakers, Racism, and the Blessed Community
The Kingdom of God (As Quakers See It)
What to Expect in Quaker Meeting for Worship
Quaker Worship Prt 3: The Gathered Meeting
Amy Kietzman
How to Become a Member of a Quaker Meeting
What Do Quakers Believe About God?
Frequently Asked Questions About Quaker Meeting for Worship
George Lakey
How a Small Group of Quaker Activists Took on PNC Bank and Won
Can There Be a Nonviolent Response to Terrorism?
Ingrid Lakey
What Do Quakers Believe About God?
How a Small Group of Quaker Activists Took on PNC Bank and Won
Arthur Larrabee
How to Clerk a Quaker Meeting for Business
What Do Quakers Do in Silent Worship?
Pat McBee
The Quaker Practice of Discernment
What Do Quakers Believe About God?
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Resources on Quakerism
Friends Southwestern Burial Ground
Simple burials for all
A scenic Quaker cemetery
The Friends Southwestern Burial Ground, a serene Quaker cemetery committed to providing simple burials for all. Grounded in the Friends' tradition of simplicity, openness, and respect for all human life, we offer a peaceful resting place where the beauty of nature intertwines with the essence of simplicity.
Important Notices
Monthly Removal of Decorations: Please be aware that during the first week of every month, we will be removing decorations and tributes from the graves. We kindly request that you collect any tributes you wish to keep before this period.
Visiting Hours: Friends Southwestern Burial Ground is open for visitors 365 days a year. The vehicle gate welcomes visitors from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening.
Mask Requirement: In consideration of the safety of our staff and those who have their loved ones interred with us, we kindly ask all visitors to wear masks.
Location and Contact Information
Address: 236 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Office Number: 445-345-0270
Office Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM
Green Burials: A Dedication to Simplicity and Sustainability
At Friends Southwestern Burial Ground, we are dedicated to the practice of green burials, honoring the Friends' tradition of simplicity. We offer options for simple, green burials—whether in a shroud or an untreated casket. Our commitment to simplicity extends to our practices and regulations.
Inclusivity & Respect for Traditions
We welcome individuals of all traditions and practices that align with Friends' values. Our cemetery is a space where diversity is celebrated, and respect for all human life is paramount. We do not require a headstone, but if desired, it must conform to our regulations—a flat marker in the Islamic sections and a 'Quaker style' stone elsewhere on the grounds.
Sustainable Practices
In our ongoing dedication to greenness, we will be removing all plastic and non-natural items from graves. This effort aligns with our commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious burial ground.
At Friends Southwestern Burial Ground, we offer more than a final resting place; we provide a haven of simplicity and respect, guided by the principles of the Friends' tradition. Whether you seek a serene environment for reflection or a final resting place in line with green burial practices, our cemetery welcomes all who resonate with the Quaker values of simplicity, openness, and respect for life.
Venue Rentals
Our historic building offers a versatile and accommodating venue for a variety of occasions. Whether you're planning a wedding, memorial, family gathering, business meeting, or any other event, our venue provides a warm and inviting atmosphere to make your special day memorable.
We look forward to helping you create the perfect setting for your next event. To inquire about availability and rental details, please contact Friends Center, the booking agent: Friends Center Event Space.
Support Central Philadelphia Quaker Meeting
Please support our community directly through our online donation platform. Your generosity makes a real difference, and the process is easy, transparent, and safe.