How We Worship
Meeting for Worship
In our Meeting for Worship, we sit in silence together. As we center ourselves, we enter into that space that is open to the workings of the Spirit. Out of the silence a person may be led by the Spirit to stand and share a brief message, prayer or song. We do not come to worship expecting to speak or not to speak, but with the belief that each person can serve as a pathway for Truth. Thus we share responsibility for ministry, rather than having a minister or pastor. When vocal ministry is given, a time of silence afterward allows for thoughtful and reverent consideration. Messages may relate and build upon each other, but this is not a time for debate. One message may be followed by further messages or a deepened silence. Some weeks no messages are offered, and we rest in the peace and power of quiet worship. We call it a “gathered” meeting when those present experience a profound sense of spiritual community. After approximately one hour, Meeting for Worship ends. Immediately following, Friends are invited to share joys and sorrows in a way similar to how vocal ministry is shared--without discussion, but held thoughtfully by those in Meeting.
Meeting for Worship for Business
On the third Sunday of the month, we gather again for Meeting for Business. This meeting is a unique Quaker practice where all Friends are encouraged to participate in decision-making that affects the life of the Meeting and our relationships with the larger community. Decisions are reached by seeking a “Sense of the Meeting,” where all present engage in a deep, Spirit-led practice looking for a truth recognized, as much as possible, by all. All are welcome to attend.
Quaker decision making: https://quaker.org/decision-making/
Video: The Gathered Meeting https://quakerspeak.com/video/quaker-worship-gathered-meeting/
In our Meeting for Worship, we sit in silence together. As we center ourselves, we enter into that space that is open to the workings of the Spirit. Out of the silence a person may be led by the Spirit to stand and share a brief message, prayer or song. We do not come to worship expecting to speak or not to speak, but with the belief that each person can serve as a pathway for Truth. Thus we share responsibility for ministry, rather than having a minister or pastor. When vocal ministry is given, a time of silence afterward allows for thoughtful and reverent consideration. Messages may relate and build upon each other, but this is not a time for debate. One message may be followed by further messages or a deepened silence. Some weeks no messages are offered, and we rest in the peace and power of quiet worship. We call it a “gathered” meeting when those present experience a profound sense of spiritual community. After approximately one hour, Meeting for Worship ends. Immediately following, Friends are invited to share joys and sorrows in a way similar to how vocal ministry is shared--without discussion, but held thoughtfully by those in Meeting.
Meeting for Worship for Business
On the third Sunday of the month, we gather again for Meeting for Business. This meeting is a unique Quaker practice where all Friends are encouraged to participate in decision-making that affects the life of the Meeting and our relationships with the larger community. Decisions are reached by seeking a “Sense of the Meeting,” where all present engage in a deep, Spirit-led practice looking for a truth recognized, as much as possible, by all. All are welcome to attend.
Quaker decision making: https://quaker.org/decision-making/
Video: The Gathered Meeting https://quakerspeak.com/video/quaker-worship-gathered-meeting/