The Meeting for Worship is at the core of Quaker practice. In unprogrammed Meetings, we gather together in expectant silence to still the inward chatter and listen for the voice of the Inner Guide, God, or Love. Other branches of Quakerism have programmed Meetings that are clergy-led and directed.
We strive to be faithful to the small, still voice within. This may require an outward silence, or it may require one to discern whether they’re being called to rise and speak. We do not prepare for Meeting for Worship in advance. Rather, we come ready to strive for openness and receptivity.
During worship, God may call upon any one of us, regardless of experience or education, age or gender, to be a messenger. All share responsibility for vocal ministry, and no one is excluded from the possibility of such service just as no one is appointed in advance to preach or
pray at a particular Meeting for Worship. Often the words do not come easily, may not be fully understood, or may be uncomfortable.
When someone does offer vocal ministry we listen, seeking to be open and listen into the speaker’s words. An unexpected message may touch hearts, reveal the wisdom from the Source, and encourage the growth of the Seed within.
During Meeting for Worship, Friends seek connection to one another and to God dwelling amongst them. Not every Meeting is a gathered Meeting, and not everyone may have the same perception of a particular Meeting.
After Worship, we hold dear ones in The Light, have announcements of import to The Meeting, and then appreciate a social period with refreshments. We welcome those interested in joining us in worship and community.
Links to Quaker Organizations
American Friends Service Committee
Founded in 1917, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action.
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Friends Committee on National Legislation is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship.
Friends Committee on North Carolina Legislation
FCNCL is an organization of North Carolina Quakers advocating for legislation and good government practices that embody the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, equality, community, integrity and stewardship.
Friends General Conference
Friends General Conference, with Divine guidance, nurtures the spiritual vitality of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) by providing programs and services for Friends, meetings, and seekers.
Friends Journal
Friends Journal is a monthly Quaker magazine that combines first-person narrative, reportage, poetry, and news. It is an independent publication of Friends Publishing Corporation based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Friends United Meeting
Friends United Meeting (FUM) is an association of thirty-seven Christ-centered Quaker Yearly Meetings and Associations, thousands of local gatherings and hundreds of thousands of individuals in North America, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Pendle Hill
A Quaker study, retreat, and conference center located on a 23-acre campus near Philadelphia. Programs include online/residential study programs, short-term courses and retreats, conference services, publications, leadership training, and a walk-in bookstore.
Quaker.org
A good source of information about what Quakers believe and what we do.
Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting and Association (SAYMA)
Our Yearly Meeting. A community of Meetings and Worship groups in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia meeting annually.
Celo Friends Meeting 