3. How We Worship

At our Meeting for Worship, we gather in silent prayer, to listen, to meditate and to wait while seeking divine guidance and understanding. We have no paid clergy, no ritual, dogma, neither icons nor liturgy; we all share the responsibility for ministry of the Meeting. We may participate in the Divine Presence silently or we may feel moved to give a message inspired by God. We strive to help and strengthen one another in our spiritual development and in our search for a better understanding of God’s will.

There are many ways to contribute to the wonder and power of Quaker worship. Below are guidelines for you to consider while you worship with us.

• Be Present

Attending regularly and being on time is a great sustaining gift. 
Leave behind cell phones and other worldly distractions to worship.

• Listen

Listening in Meeting for Worship, the bedrock of Quaker spirituality, requires us to center, or settle, into the silence in expectant waiting for the comfort, guidance, awareness, insight, or direction of the Inner Teacher.

• Vocal Ministry

Vocal Ministry comes from God out of collective silent worship. It is an opening from the Spirit with meaning beyond self. It is not a discussion, not a debate. Wait in stillness after a message, allowing silence to be fully established, so all may have time to find the Spirit within.

• GivingThanks 

Giving Thanks for the hour spent in presence of God and among Friends is a common practice. Welcome those around you with your handshake or rise and hold hands, when the hour ends.

• Take part

Take part in fellowship and other Meeting activities.

• Worship

Worship deepens as you come to love the community with whom you worship.