Chester Quarterly Meeting (Quakers)

Quaker Worship

Meeting for Worship is the heart of the Religious Society of Friends. It draws us together in the enlightening and empowering presence of God, sending us forth with renewed vision and commitment.

Worship may begin with stilling the mind and body, letting go of tensions and everyday worries, feeling the encompassing presence of others, and opening oneself to the Spirit. It may include meditation, reflection on a remembered passage from the Bible or other devotional literature, silent prayer, thanksgiving, praise of God, consideration of one's actions, remorse, request for forgiveness, or search for direction. Even in times of spiritual emptiness, Friends find it useful to be present in worship.

Worshiping together strengthens the members of the worshiping community and deepens the act of worship itself. Such communal worship is like a living organism whose individual but interdependent members are essential to one another and to the life of the greater whole. It is like the luminous unity and individual fulfillment that arise when musicians, responding to the music before them, offer up their separate gifts in concert. The gifts and participation of each member are important in maintaining and enriching the spiritual life of the Meeting for Worship.

There is a renewal of spirit when we turn away from worldly matters to rediscover inward serenity. Friends know from experience the validity of Jesus' promise that "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). When we experience such a profound and evident sense of oneness with God and with one another, we speak of a "gathered" meeting for worship.

What to Expect at Meeting for Worship...

Meeting for Worship begins as Friends gather together in a silence that grows deeper as it progresses. Here we open ourselves to the love of God and to that of God in each other. Quakers do not have priests or other ordained clergy as we believe every person can have a direct relationship with God. During our meetings for worship some may feel moved to speak. This is something anyone may do, as all are considered equal. Anyone may speak when he or she feels inspired to do so; this is known as vocal ministry.

• Visitors are always welcome. You will be greeted at the door and made to feel welcome. There are always Friends available to answer any questions you might have.

• There is no dress code or formal seating arrangement.

• If it is your first time at Meeting for Worship, you may be given a leaflet which you can read during the meeting. There are also bibles and copies of Quaker Faith & Practice available for your use. You are welcome to read these.

• Meeting begins at different times at different Meetings. If you're late, you may be asked to wait for a moment or two before entering the meeting room.

• Meeting for Worship begins as soon as the first person enters the room.

• There will normally be a period of silence out of which someone may speak. This is known as vocal ministry. Several individuals may offer messages, and there is usually a period of silence between messages wherein worshippers may reflect upon what has been said.

• It is not a problem if your mind starts drifting during the meeting. The silence can be quite strange if you're new to Friends worship, and it is not uncommon for one's mind to wander. Simply try to let distracting thoughts pass on through your mind and return to the spirit of the meeting.

• Meeting for Worship ends when two members sitting on the facing benches shake hands. Then you may feel free to shake hands with the people sitting near you.

 

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