Here’s What to Expect
Curious about Quaker worship? We're glad you're here.
When You Arrive
Come as you are, there's no dress code. Someone will greet you at the door with a handshake and welcome. Feel free to sit anywhere; there are no special or reserved seats. We arrange seating in a square so everyone faces each other as equals. There is no leader standing apart from the group and we're all here together.
The meeting begins as soon as the first person enters the room. People arrive gradually and settle into silence together.
During Worship
We gather in silence for about an hour, listening and waiting. In the quiet, you might find connection with the people around you, with yourself, or with something greater that some call God or Spirit. There's no single way to experience it.
What about speaking? Sometimes, someone feels moved to share a message that comes from within. We call this "vocal ministry." It might be a thought that won't go away, words that seem to arrive fully formed, or a passage from a book that suddenly feels urgent to share. Anyone can speak if they feel called to—or the entire hour may pass in silence. Both are completely fine. We try to remain silent for a few minutes after a message is delivered to give those present time to absorb it.
Why do people share messages aloud? Because the message might not be just for the speaker. It could be exactly what someone else in the room needs to hear that day. Quakers call this “vocal ministry” and believe that anyone regardless of age, gender, or status can provide vocal ministry.
How will I know if I should speak? The truth is that it's different for everyone. Some describe it as a persistent thought, others as a clear inner voice, and still others as their heart beating faster. If you're new, we encourage you simply to listen and observe. There's no pressure or expectation for you to speak.
How the Meeting Ends
Before the Meeting ends, we reserve a time to share joys and sorrows and to hold others in the light for joyful or sorrowful reasons. This is also the time for messages that were not ready for Meeting for Worship. After about an hour, two Friends will turn and shake hands with each other. This is the signal that worship has ended. Everyone then shakes hands with the people sitting nearby.
After handshakes, there are brief announcements and welcomes for visitors. We then go around the room and introduce ourselves and those attending Meeting on Zoom. We then gather for coffee, tea, fellowship and conversation downstairs. This is a great time to ask questions, meet people, and learn more about our community.
Accessibility & FAQs
We strive to make New Haven Friends Meeting welcoming and accessible to all. If you have questions about accessibility or need special accommodations, please contact us at nhquakers@gmail.com.
-
Off-street parking available. If lot is full, parking is available along East Grand Avenue.
-
The Meetinghouse is accessible. We have accessible parking in the lot next door, with ramps both to our upper and lower levels. An accessible bathroom is located on the lower level.
During meeting, we use a microphone to ensure all members can hear, including those on Zoom. -
Meeting begins at 10:30am. It is expected that all should be seated in the Meetinghouse by that time. If you arrive after 10:30am, we ask that you remain in our library until 10:45am, at which time all who arrive late can enter so as not to disturb the meeting. There will be signs guiding you.
-
Email us at nhquakers@gmail.com to request the Zoom link.
-
Children are welcome at all ages. We offer professional childcare for infants and toddlers, and First Day School for older children. Children can also stay in worship with you if you prefer.
-
Come as you are. There's no dress code.
-
No. Quakers hold diverse beliefs. Some center their faith on Jesus, while others draw from many spiritual traditions or none at all. What unites us is the practice of listening together in silence. All are welcome.
-
Whatever feels right to you. Some pray, some meditate, some reflect, and some simply sit and breathe. There's no right way to be in the silence.
-
No. Most people sit in silence. If you're new, we encourage you to simply listen and observe. There's no pressure or expectation to speak.
-
No. We do ask that you wear a mask if you are sick out of respect to others.
Sunday Service & Meeting for Worship
10:30am - 11:30am
In-Person & Online
First Day School & child care available at 10:30am
Third Sundays: Worship ends at 11:00am for Meeting for Business. All welcome.