All are Welcome! We are guided by and contribute to the Faith & Practice of the New England Yearly Meeting. The meeting is a diverse and supportive group of people who come together in worship and fellowship in the unprogrammed tradition, "...to meet in the presence of 'that which is Eternal', and to make that presence visible in our daily lives" (F&P 2005 revision). Please email or call for any reason.
Meeting for Worship Sun 10:30 - 11:30am (and Sept - May First Day School for children)
Why do Quakers Gather? |
The Quaker form of worship 
recognizes "that of God in everyone." We feel that worship, at its best, can bring direct communion with God, free of any prearranged form. We find that this individual experience of worship is deepened when it is shared with others. Worship is based on expectant waiting for guidance from the divine source within. From this we may return to our daily lives reaffirmed in our sense of direction and strengthened by the love and power of God. Friends believe that inward, shared worship leads to deeper spiritual insight and makes conscience more sensitive to truth. Moral truth, and the power to act on that truth, arise from the Inward Light which itself comes from God. It is a source of grace and illumination, leading our many diversities toward harmony, not only within the worshiping group, but in our relations with everyone around us. Quaker testimonies on peace, social and racial equality and religious liberty express this fundamental belief in the power and authority of the Inward Light in human affairs.
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What is Meeting for Worship? |
Come in as you are ready, and sit where you like. No matter what is pressing on your mind, bring it with you into the silent room. You may find it easy to relax in the silence, or you may be disturbed by the strangeness of the silence, by distractions outside, or by your own roving thoughts. Do not worry about this, but return again and again to the still center of your being where you can know the presence of the Light. During a "silent" Meeting for Worship, individuals at intervals may be moved to share their spiritual insights. This kind of vocal ministry is welcome from anyone present, not just from members. Brief messages can carry deep meaning reaching many others. After some one has spoken, allow sufficient time in silence for the Meeting to understand the meaning and spirit behind the words. Worship lasts for about an hour and is closed by someone designated to do so who turns to his or her neighbor and shakes hands. It is a pleasant custom for all of us to do this too. Immediately after Meeting for Worship we gather downstairs for friendly socializing and refreshments so that members, attenders and visitors become better acquainted with each other.
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