What Happens at a Quaker Meeting?
You do not have to be a Quaker to attend our meeting. Firstly, we always have a member outside the Cause entrance to welcome all those who wish to attend the meeting. If this is your first time you will be welcomed by a smiling face and directed to our room.
A meeting for worship lasts for an hour. In Quaker worship there are no ministers or creeds. We first gather together in silence to quiet our minds – we don't have set hymns, prayers or sermons.
You can sit anywhere you want. No seats are special or reserved. Our chairs are arranged in a circle. This helps us connect with each other and reminds us that we are worshipping as equals. The meeting starts as soon as the first person enters the room.
In the stillness we open our hearts and minds to new insights and guidance. Sometimes we are moved to share what we discover with those present. We call this 'ministry'. We listen to what everyone has to say to find its meaning for us. Anyone can give ministry, including visitors.
In the quiet we look for a sense of connection. This might be a connection with God, nature, those around us, or our deepest selves. As we feel this sense of encounter grow stronger, we may begin to see the world and our relationships in a new way. Our worship may take us beyond our own thoughts and ideas to help us respond more creatively to the world around us.
A copy of 'Quaker faith & practice' will be available on our central table. Quaker faith & practice is a collection of writings from our 375-year history. People may read from it quietly, or sometimes aloud as ministry. We also use a small booklet called Advices & queries, which is a collection of prompts, insights and questions.
How does a meeting end?
Meeting for worship finishes when two Quakers shake hands. The rest of the meeting joins in by shaking hands with those around them. Someone may then share news and information. After the meeting has finished we always have tea or coffee and biscuits whilst socialising for about half and hour. Feel free to approach anyone if you want to ask questions about the meeting or anything else about Quakers.
If you have any questions you'd like to ask before your first meeting do feel free to contact us in advance.