About Meeting for Worship
In our Quaker tradition, waiting on God in silence is at the center of our religious practice. We gather together in our Meeting for Worship for about an hour to seek a direct experience of the Divine, listening for inner guidance or the "still, small voice" of God. We do not have paid clergy or a set order or "service"; we all share in the communal act of quieting the mind to listen inwardly, and for any spoken ministry that may arise.
Friends usually worship in a circle or square, facing each other in our simple Meeting room. When you enter the Meeting room you are invited to sit anywhere you like. Some Friends may have eyes closed, while others may maintain a soft gaze as they "center down" to listen inwardly.
Friends usually worship in a circle or square, facing each other in our simple Meeting room. When you enter the Meeting room you are invited to sit anywhere you like. Some Friends may have eyes closed, while others may maintain a soft gaze as they "center down" to listen inwardly.
If someone feels a spiritual leading, they will stand and speak briefly and (hopefully) loudly enough for all to hear, sharing the truth they have been given in words, prayer, a reading, or even song. The community listens to the shared message without interruption or debate, allowing this vocal ministry to settle deeply on their hearts. Spoken messages are offered in the spirit of worship rather than as lectures, discussion, rants, or sharing of purely personal problems.
When the Meeting has concluded, an appointed Friend, or "clerk," will initiate a handshake (or gentle touch) of those sitting nearest, and others will join by greeting those Friends around them. There will be introductions and an opportunity to briefly share joys, concerns, announcements, or community news. The clerk will formally ask the Meeting to "rise," meaning that the Meeting for Worship is officially concluding, and Friends and visitors may move next door to the fellowship hall for coffee, tea and other refreshments. And please do sign our guestbook if you would like to receive an electronic copy of our monthly newsletter.
If you are new to Friends, you may also find our "Visitors and Newcomers" page to be helpful.
We are glad to invite you here to worship with us.
When the Meeting has concluded, an appointed Friend, or "clerk," will initiate a handshake (or gentle touch) of those sitting nearest, and others will join by greeting those Friends around them. There will be introductions and an opportunity to briefly share joys, concerns, announcements, or community news. The clerk will formally ask the Meeting to "rise," meaning that the Meeting for Worship is officially concluding, and Friends and visitors may move next door to the fellowship hall for coffee, tea and other refreshments. And please do sign our guestbook if you would like to receive an electronic copy of our monthly newsletter.
If you are new to Friends, you may also find our "Visitors and Newcomers" page to be helpful.
We are glad to invite you here to worship with us.
Helpful short videos about Quaker Worship
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Or for some VERY brief TikTok takes on Quakers...
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