Invitation for Newcomers
What to Expect at Meeting for Worship
We welcome all who desire to worship with us. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Friend who has “care of Meeting” for the day. Worship begins when the first person enters our meeting room. We are an unprogrammed meeting based on silent worship. By 10:00 a.m. we are waiting in silent anticipation of experiencing the presence of God/Spirit/Light Within.
- We try to be prompt in order to minimize disruptions during the meeting for worship, but in case of late arrival, adults will be requested to wait until 10:10am before entering the meeting room.
- We welcome families with children. We don’t currently have a formal young people’s program, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your children. We encourage older children to sit in quiet worship with us.
- At the end of the hour, A few minutes before the meeting ends the Friend who has “care of meeting” asks if anyone would like to hold a person or situation in the Light with concern, joy, or gratitude. Following this time we share afterthoughts, introductions and announcements, and are invited to fellowship and conversation in the social room.
- After meeting, we will be happy to answer questions and invite you to join us for fellowship. Please sign our guestbook and feel free to read our literature.
Worship with Us! We meet Every Sunday at 10am – All are welcome.
Video Resources for Newcomers
You may find this video below helpful. Our Meeting is slightly different from what is shown but the video gives a good portrayal of what you can expect.
For Newcomers
If you’re visiting us for the first time:
- We worship in contemplative silence with occasionally spoken ministry. Friends believe that access to God comes from the Light within each of us.
- First, we center ourselves, and then we focus our awareness on the Divine presence and gradually allow distractions to slip away.
- Some of the deepest or most “gathered” meetings may be largely or entirely silent. We can minister through unspoken prayer and attentive listening to spoken worship.
- Spirit may lead us to speak. This is not known in advance, nor are messages prepared beforehand.
- To discern whether one is being called to spoken ministry: Let the meeting return to silence for several minutes after someone has spoken. Wait in silence to discover whether the message or insight changes. Question whether the message is meant for oneself alone or for offering to the entire meeting. Become certain it is a spiritual ministry, not a political statement, lecture, or personal announcement.
- Please stand and speak strongly, clearly, and briefly. A few heartfelt words are more welcome than long explanations.
