*Click here to attend our Platform Meeting via Zoom*
Join us Sunday mornings at our weekly Platform Meetings where adults and children gather in a congregational community. All are welcome, as Ethical Culture affirms the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of religious creed, ethnic origin, race, gender, age, or sexual orientation. Adults attend what we call a “Platform” Meeting, usually a talk, while children participate in a separate program of Ethical Education for Children appropriate for their ages.
We hold Platforms from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, during the regular public school year. We generally follow the following agenda:
Welcome & Opening Words
One of our members or the speaker says a few words or reads from a book or quotation that he or she finds significant or relevant to the speaker’s topic.
Sunday School Presentation
The speaker shares the main ideas of his or her talk with the children. Then children go upstairs for their day’s activities at Sunday School.
Musical Interlude
Moment of Reflection or Heartfelt Thought
A short minute or so for quiet reflection or for people to share a personal thought.
Guest Speaker
On most Sundays we welcome a speaker to share his or her thoughts on matters of ethical concern. Speakers may be Ethical Culture Leaders, invited guests with knowledge and experience of contemporary or enduring ethical issues, or Society members with expertise to share. Our intent is that speakers will encourage our learning and understanding of philosophical, societal, scientific, aesthetic, and other topics of importance so that we may participate in an informed and active way in the life of our communities, nation, and world.
We also have “Festivals” which recognize and celebrate the cycles and seasons of the natural world, and we enjoy several traditions, like our Founders Day, Darwin Day, Origins (members lives and paths), Stone Soup sharing, and our Children’s Platform. A list of the upcoming speakers and topics can be found in our Calendar.
Final Musical Interlude
Closing Words
Concluding comments or readings from our guest speaker or person presiding.
Coffee Hour
A time to socialize over refreshments, discuss the morning’s presentation, catch up with fellow members, and make new friends.