2. Our Meeting

Diversity of Beliefs:

We, of Fort Myers Friends Meeting, welcome all seekers of God. We continually seek God and Truth with humility and, sometimes, even doubt. Friends find God’s message in the teachings of many religions, and through different sources, including writings and verbal communications, as well as by direct personal experience.

We find great joy in the diversity of members and attenders of Fort Myers Friends Meeting. For some, Jesus is a living presence in their daily lives.  For others, the life and teachings of Jesus are important and have a range of interpretations.  Still others are of a more universalist and/or humanist persuasion.  Differences among our members in theological traditions and beliefs are respected and valued, and we try to learn from each other’s spiritual path.

We believe that there is that of God in everyone, that God is present and is speaking to us today, and that each of us is capable of making direct contact with the living God.

Meeting for Worship:

Our worship service is from 10:30 – 11:30 AM on Sunday – First Day - morning. We have an unprogrammed) meeting – we sit in silence until someone is moved to speak.  For more, see “How We Worship.”

Meeting for Business:

On the 2nd Sunday of the month, after Meeting for Worship and a break for food and fellowship, we have our monthly Meeting for Business.  All are welcome to attend and participate.  Quaker Meeting for Business operates differently from most business meetings. The principle on which we operate is that God does indeed have a will for us, that God is actively trying to communicate that will, and that we are capable, through corporate prayer, to discover that will. There are no motions, seconds, amendments or votes in our process of collective decision-making. A sign that we have achieved our goal of discerning God’s will is the experience of unity which is recognized and affirmed by those gathered. The Clerk takes leadership in identifying when the group has reached unity, and the Recording Clerk records the decision as a minute.

Pastoral Care:

We do not have an individual pastor.  All Friends minister to and care for one another.  We have a Ministry and Counsel Committee with the responsibility to identify Friends who may need special care and or support and to help Friends to reach clearness about important life decisions.

History:

Our Meeting was founded in 1991 and we have worshiped in the Iona House at the Calusa Nature Center since 1992.

Finances:

If you want to make a tax deductible contribution to the Meeting, you can leave money or a check, made out to: Fort Myers Friends Meeting, in the "Friendly Gifts Box” on the table at the back of the Meeting Room. No one will ask you directly for a financial contribution or pass a collection plate. Any donation, financial or of time and work, is always appreciated.