Sunday Morning Quaker Meetings at Street
A Visitor’s Guide
You might feel a little daunted about stepping inside a Quaker Meeting for the first time. But don't worry, most of us have had this experience!
We meet in silence, and the Meeting starts when the first person enters the
meeting room. A Quaker meeting creates a space of gathered stillness. We come together where we can listen to the promptings of truth and love in our hearts, which we understand as rising from God. Our meetings are based on silence: a silence of waiting and listening. Our meetings last for an hour.
The silence is different from the silence of solitary meditation, as the listening and waiting in a Quaker meeting is a shared experience in which we seek to experience God for ourselves. The seating is arranged in a square to help people be aware of one another and conscious of the fact that they are worshipping together as equals. We have no priests or ministers.
The silence may be broken if someone present feels called to say something which will deepen and enrich the worship. Anyone is free to speak, pray or read aloud if they feel strongly led to do so. This breaks the silence for the moment but does not interrupt it.
In the quietness of the meeting, we can become aware of a deep and powerful spirit of love and truth, transcending our ordinary, day-to-day experiences. This sense of direct contact with the divine is at the heart of the Quaker way of worship and nourishes Quakers in the rest of their daily lives.
If you are new to Quaker Meeting for Worship, we hope the following guide may be helpful for you.
Immediately after Meeting we have a few moments reflection for 'Afterwords'. This provides the opportunity for those who felt they wanted to speak but weren't able during Meeting for Worship. Then we hear from our children's meeting and share any notices.
After Meeting
After Meeting soft drinks, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided in the middle room. We welcome newcomers and are very happy to introduce ourselves, answer any questions you may have and make you feel welcome as we can. You can borrow books from our library, or pick up leaflets about other Quaker activities.
Why not try Quaker Meeting?