How do we practice?
A Quaker Meeting is based on silence, but it is a silence of waiting in expectancy. The silence may last for quite some time, perhaps a half hour or more. But that does not mean that nothing is happening. All of us are trying to come nearer to each other and to God as we are caught up in the still spirit of the Meeting. We do not worship in isolation but try to hold an awareness of all those gathered with us, uniting in a common purpose, so that the waiting and listening becomes an act of sharing.
We come to Meeting because we feel the need to worship. It is important to us. We do not recite creeds, sing hymns or repeat set prayers. There is no ceremony, no priest, no prearranged service.
Meeting for Worship starts as soon as the first person enters the room and sits down. It is helpful if the Meeting can settle a few minutes before the appointed time.
In the quietness of a Quaker Meeting those present can become aware of a deep and powerful spirit of love and truth that transcends their ordinary experience. We seek to become united in love and strengthened by truth so that we may enter a new level of living, despite the different ways in which we may account for this life expanding experience.
After about an hour, two Elders will shake hands to mark the end of the worship. The Clerk then may announce forthcoming events and give news of members. Afterwards feel free to speak to anyone, particularly if you have questions. Literature on Quakers is usually available in the Meeting House and books can often be borrowed from the library.
We come to Meeting because we feel the need to worship. It is important to us. We do not recite creeds, sing hymns or repeat set prayers. There is no ceremony, no priest, no prearranged service.
Meeting for Worship starts as soon as the first person enters the room and sits down. It is helpful if the Meeting can settle a few minutes before the appointed time.
In the quietness of a Quaker Meeting those present can become aware of a deep and powerful spirit of love and truth that transcends their ordinary experience. We seek to become united in love and strengthened by truth so that we may enter a new level of living, despite the different ways in which we may account for this life expanding experience.
After about an hour, two Elders will shake hands to mark the end of the worship. The Clerk then may announce forthcoming events and give news of members. Afterwards feel free to speak to anyone, particularly if you have questions. Literature on Quakers is usually available in the Meeting House and books can often be borrowed from the library.