What Happens During and After Quaker Worship

Meeting for worship takes place, every Sunday, from 10:30 to 11:45 AM, including announcements. Quakers believe that there is “that of God” in every person and that this Inner Light can speak directly to each person, without an intermediary. So, in our worship, no minister is leading the service and there is no altar. Instead, all arrive at the meetinghouse as equals, and the pews are arranged in a square so all are facing one another.  During worship, there is no liturgy, and normally no prayers are recited aloud, no hymns sung, and no Scripture read. 

In place of a pastor, our Worship and Ministry Committee, made up of members of the Society of Friends, nurtures the spiritual life of the Meeting. A member of this committee opens and closes each meeting for worship.

In worship, we sit in expectant silence, hoping to enter into the presence of the Divine and listening for the voice of this Inner Teacher.  We call this “silent, un-programmed worship.” The goal of this silence is to make ourselves more receptive to Divine revelation. Quakers use many different words to refer to God, including the Light, the Inner Light, the Spirit, and the Divine.

Out of the silence, a person may stand up and speak when they hear a message given by the Spirit and feel called to share it. Everyone present is then silent for a period to reflect on what has been said. A worshipper may receive a message from the Spirit but decide it was intended solely for their own hearing. Thus, a meeting for worship may pass entirely in silence.

After about an hour, those present are invited by a member of the Worship and Ministry Committee to share “joys and concerns” – recent personal events that bring joy or concern. When that sharing ends, there is a period of silence. Then the Worship and Ministry Committee member turns to the person next to them and shakes their hand. Everyone then shakes hands with those nearby, bringing worship to a close.

Next, we welcome visitors and ask them, if they are willing, to stand and introduce themselves. Then the Worship and Ministry Committee member makes announcements about Meeting activities, after which Friends disperse, often pausing for conversation and light refreshments in the Social Room before leaving.

On the first and third Sundays of months from September to June, after meeting for worship our Hospitality Committee offers a light lunch. On the second and fourth Sundays, after meeting for worship, finger food with coffee and tea are provided. These social gatherings give everyone more time to visit with one another and introduce themselves to newcomers.

Meeting for worship is not the only time Friends look for “that of God” in everyone. We strive to keep that expectation foremost in all our dealings with others. Attending meeting for worship nurtures us spiritually as we seek to follow God’s leading throughout the week.