Attending a Quaker (Friends) Meeting for the first time?

 Be still, and know that I am God

(Ps. 46:10)

Meeting for worship begins when we take our seats and

turn our minds to God.

Our meeting for worship is unprogrammed, which means

that we have no preset order of service. As we sit in the

silence each of us brings our life before God seeking

guidance, discernment, and grace. Allow the awarenesses

that come to you to rest lightly and then pass, asking

God/Jesus/the Divine for what you need, be it help,

forgiveness, direction, or rest. There are 168 hours in a

week. In this hour we put the other 167 into perspective. It

is appropriate to use the Bible or other devotional literature

to help center and deepen your worship, if you wish.

You may also find Queries (questions for self-examination)

helpful in centering.

If an awareness does not leave, it is appropriate to ask the

Stillness why. If it is something that needs to be shared

with the group, you should speak (or sing) loudly enough

so others can hear. It is our discipline that an individual

speaks only once during a meeting for worship. Often we

find that a developing awareness will be expressed in the

spoken message of another. Messages on similar themes

are not uncommon. But messages should not be a

discussion or correction of prior vocal ministry. There is

also an opportunity to share a message that you were not

sure about at the end of the meeting or in private

conversation later.

Meeting for worship closes with us greeting each other.