meetings

Meeting for Worship

Please see 'News' for Meeting information during COVID-19 restrictions

We recognise that stepping into a Quaker Meeting House for the first time might be a little daunting, so let us tell you what to expect.

Quakers usually hold a Meeting for Worship every Sunday (even though we believe no day is more special than any other). Worship is at the root and source of all that it is to be a Quaker and a Quaker community. We seek a place beyond words or thoughts, where hearts may be open, challenged and inspired.

As you step through the front door you will be welcomed by a Friend (Quaker) before entering the Meeting Room. The seating will often be arranged in a circular fashion, emphasising that there is no clergy or hierarchy in a Quaker Meeting. In the centre of the room there will be a table with Quaker books (Quaker Faith & Practice, Advices and Queries) a Bible, flowers, and a small carafe of water. A blended meeting is one with the equipment to enable Friends to be part of the Meeting for Worship from wherever they are in the world.

Meeting for Worship can last up to an hour, based in silence. If one or more present at the Meeting is moved to speak (minister), he or she will stand and speak for a short time. It is customary for everyone then to take time to consider what has been said and what meaning it has for them.

At the end of the meeting an Elder (a Quaker appointed to foster the spiritual life of the Meeting, ) will shake hands with the person beside them to indicate to the Meeting that the worship is concluded. Everyone else then shakes hands with the people around them.

Some time is then given to Afterthoughts, which is an opportunity to mention something or make a response to the ministry that didn't feel appropriate to offer into the Meeting for Worship. Someone will then read out news and announcements. After this Friends and Attenders have an opportunity to talk to one another over a cup of tea or coffee.

For more information and to get a feeling of a Meeting for Worship please watch this video from Quakers in Britain