About Chico Friends Meeting
Chico Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends is an open and affirming faith community. We welcome all who come as religious seekers to share in worship and fully participate in the activities of our common life. The Religious Society of Friends cherishes a greater than 360-year tradition of witnessing to the spiritual belief in the equality of all people. We affirm the Inner Light," or "that of God in everyone," meaning that each person has direct access to Divine guidance. We make no distinction between the "ordinary" and the "sacred," believing that God is to be found in every place and time. Our Meetinghouse is not a consecrated space, but simply a convenient place to gather and worship together. Learn more about Quaker worship by visiting the "Worship" page on this website.
Chico Friends first began gathering for worship together in Friends' homes in 1979, organizing as a Worship Group and later as a Preparative Meeting under the care of an already established Quaker Meeting in Grass Valley, then eventually as a Monthly Meeting under the care of Pacific Yearly Meeting. Throughout the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s we rented space in various community facilities, including Congregation Beth Israel in Chico, until we were able to purchase our current Meetinghouse.
Our Meetinghouse is an historic building that was first built and occupied in 1909 by a conservative branch of the Church of the Brethren. The Brethren retained continuous ownership until 2004, when the property was purchased by the non-denominational New Song Fellowship before being acquired by Chico Friends in 2007. Having been a place of worship by both Brethren and Quakers throughout nearly the entirety of its modern existence, the property and Meetinghouse are uniquely representative of an historic "peace church," as both traditions hold peace and non-violence as central testimonies.
Chico Friends Meeting currently has about 20 recorded members and another 15 or so semi-regular attenders. There are typically 20-25 Friends at Meeting for Worship on Sunday. Children are cared for in First Day School and join the Meeting at the end of worship. In addition to Sunday Worship, Chico Friends meet on Zoom for an evening mid-week worship on Wednesdays, and for a variety of other social and spiritual enrichment events. Visit our online calender or the "News & Events" tab on this website for a more complete listing of activities.
Chico Friends first began gathering for worship together in Friends' homes in 1979, organizing as a Worship Group and later as a Preparative Meeting under the care of an already established Quaker Meeting in Grass Valley, then eventually as a Monthly Meeting under the care of Pacific Yearly Meeting. Throughout the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s we rented space in various community facilities, including Congregation Beth Israel in Chico, until we were able to purchase our current Meetinghouse.
Our Meetinghouse is an historic building that was first built and occupied in 1909 by a conservative branch of the Church of the Brethren. The Brethren retained continuous ownership until 2004, when the property was purchased by the non-denominational New Song Fellowship before being acquired by Chico Friends in 2007. Having been a place of worship by both Brethren and Quakers throughout nearly the entirety of its modern existence, the property and Meetinghouse are uniquely representative of an historic "peace church," as both traditions hold peace and non-violence as central testimonies.
Chico Friends Meeting currently has about 20 recorded members and another 15 or so semi-regular attenders. There are typically 20-25 Friends at Meeting for Worship on Sunday. Children are cared for in First Day School and join the Meeting at the end of worship. In addition to Sunday Worship, Chico Friends meet on Zoom for an evening mid-week worship on Wednesdays, and for a variety of other social and spiritual enrichment events. Visit our online calender or the "News & Events" tab on this website for a more complete listing of activities.
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Our Community Witness & Service
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Safe Space
In the winter months, dozens of unhoused Chicoans rely on the shelter of church buildings for warmth, safety, a meal, and a compassionate place to rest. In summer, shade and air conditioning is a necessity for those living outside. Chico Friends are regular volunteers with Safe Space to cook, greet guests and serve meals. CFM also makes the Meetinghouse available as a cooling center.
Chico Peace Alliance
Chico Quakers were among the founders of the Chico Peace and Justice Center in 1981 and were active on its Board until its final years. After its dissolution, Quakers and others formed a follow-up organization, which is the present Chico Peace Alliance. Its present board and membership includes Friends, and the organization has used our Meetinghouse for monthly Saturday educational events for the community and organizational sessions for its activism.
Torres Shelter
Chico Friends have purchased ingredients for, prepared and served one dinner each month at the Torres Shelter for over 10 years. All are welcome to volunteer for all or part of a shift for this important service opportunity at the Torres Shelter on the first Sunday of the every month.
Community Singing
Chico Friends love to sing, and we are blessed with some accomplished musicians in our midst. We host a Rise Up Singing Circle, open to the community, on the first Thursday of each month from 7:00-9:00PM at the Meetinghouse. Feel free to bring friends, musical instruments, and snacks to share with Friends, neighbors and townfolk. We also sing in our Fellowship Hall on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 10-10:50AM, and invite the community to join us.
Don't worry if you don't have an instrument--the only requirement is a love of raising your voice in song! |
Peace Vigil on 3rd & Main
The Chico Peace Vigil is a long-running weekly demonstration for peace, social justice, and against war, held every Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the corner of 3rd and Main Streets in downtown Chico, CA. Active since the 1960s, it is one of the nation's longest-running, continuous peace vigils. Chico Friends are regulars at this event.
Plastic Free July
Chico Friends have joined and promoted this global movement to reduce plastic waste by choosing to refuse single-use plastic during the month of July (and beyond). Chico Friends have partnered with other faith communities to learn and share how to reduce plastic consumption in lieu of more sustainable options. Look for our banner on the Meetinghouse fence as a reminder during the month of July.
Chico Interfaith Council
The Chico Area Interfaith Council exists to strengthen bonds among faith groups in service to the community. They provide educational programs to foster public understanding and tolerance, create opportunities for relationships across lines of difference, and facilitate cooperation on efforts reflecting shared values. Chico Friends have long been active participants in this body and have served in leadership roles.
Little Free Library
Chico Friends maintain a Little Free Library on the Meetinghouse grounds. We've discovered that the books of greatest demand are childrens books; they disappear most quickly and are also least likely to be added to the inventory of books left by neighbors. Friends began picking up childrens books at second-hand stores around town so that children in our lower-income neighborhood would have a steady supply of books available. We welcome your donations of childrens books at any time!
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Tabling at Festivals
Tabling at festivals and community events such as the annual Chico Pride Festival is one of the ways we engage with the Chico community, offering a presence that is welcoming and affirming. It allows Chico Friends to build relationships and offer information about our faith community and its testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, equality, social justice, and care of the earth.
Legislative Advocacy
The Chico Friends Legislative Advocacy Team joins more than 1,500 Quakers and friends across the country using their power as constituents to impact legislative changes. The teams research and lobby their Congressional representatives, building relationships with their staff, using media to raise awareness about our legislative priorities, and helping members of Congress become champions for peace and justice. Join our Chico team and learn how to be a legislative change-maker!
Food Insecurity
South Chico Community Assistance Center collects food donations to help residents of our South Chico neighborhood through a time of food insecurity. Food assistance is more important than ever, as SNAP benefits are delayed and future reinstatement may involve decreased funding. Chico Friends collect non- perishable food and products at the Meetinghouse for delivery to to the South Community Assistance Center.
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