BFM holds a variety of information and discussion programs several times a month (in-person, via Zoom, and hybrid). They are open to all attenders and visitors.

BFM Social Justice Programs are an outgrowth of our focus on examining racial justice in our own meeting, engaging in meaningful ways with our local neighborhoods, and having in-depth conversations on our personal progress as we grow to understand  ourselves and each other. 

Adult Religious Education Programs are arranged by Committees or Coordinators who hope to engage and deepen our knowledge and understanding of Quaker values and our own spiritual practice.

For Upcoming Programs, you can review our Events calendar and our weekly Bulletin schedule. 

• Please use the Contact Us form for questions or to request a Zoom link.
• Child Care can be provided for in-person sessions if parents can give us a week's notice.  

CURRENT education sessions - 2026

BFM also holds a monthly book group, short story discussions, twice monthly meditations, and standing teams that provide shelter dinners. 

1. The Comparative Religions class: To discuss a 36-week video lecture survey of Sacred Texts from around the world and through history, . The course is by Professor Grant Hardy through The Great Courses. The extent of sacred writings includes many of the most influential books ever written, such as the Hebrew and Christian bibles and the Quran of Islam, as well as sacred writings such as the Hindu Vedas, the Buddhist Sutras, Daoism's Daodejing, the Analects of Confucius, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Baha'i. The course covers the scriptures of seven major religions and nine smaller faiths, such as the ancient Egyptian and Mayan societies. 

2. Community Gatherings: After worship on various Sundays, folks met to speak freely and encourage one another to support the basic values of democracy. This sharing helped us outside of our regular worship hour to share on a more verbal level. 

3. Introduction to Quaker Faith and Practice: See details below

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Past programs and events sponsored by BFM committees

2025

1. Quakers, race, & reparations. A two-session series sponsored by BFM Ad Hoc Committee on Financial Reparations to further our ongoing efforts to more deeply understand racism and to stretch ourselves as a loving community: to think, feel, process, and learn together by looking at the complex legacy of our Quaker forebears as we build a sense of the Beloved Community among us. The series focused on the Pendle Hill pamphlet entitled “Hypocrisy, Racism, and Self-Interest on the Path to Reparations: Quaker Complicity with Slavery (1657-1776) and White Supremacy” by Mary Watkins. 
2. Quaker Dialogue re: Responding to Current Events: Ministry & Worship and Pastoral Care sponsored a Quaker dialogue on how we are responding to the fast-paced developments in the news. A Quaker dialogue is different from a general discussion, as it begins with settling into silence and being open to the guidance of Spirit. From that place, we reflect on one or two queries.
   

3. Sandwich Making for Bethesda Cares: Outreach & Communication (O&C) Committee sponsored making 150 sandwiches for Bethesda Cares soup kitchen, located just blocks from our meeting house, to help us make a difference in our community!

4. The Comparative Religions class watched and discussed a video lecture survey of Christianity from its Jewish roots to modern times by Professor Luke Timothy Johnson through The Great Courses. The lectures included, What Christians Believe; The Church and Sacraments; Moral Teaching; The Radical Edge; and Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant. Later lectures were Christianity and Politics; Christianity and Culture; and Tensions and Possibilities.