New to Quakers?
The full name of Quakers is the "Religious Society of Friends" and we call each other Friends or Quakers.
Most Quakers today were not brought up as Quakers, so many of us remember what it was like to go to our first Meeting.
If you visit us on Sunday, you will be greeted at the gate by a Friend who is the 'welcomer'. If there is anything you are not sure about they will be happy to help you.
Everyone is welcome at our Meeting for Worship. Please use the contact form on the website if you have any questions.
There is usually another Friend to greet you at the entrance door and direct you towards the Meeting Room.
You can sit anywhere you like and the silence begins when the first person takes their seat.
The Meeting Room is a simple, peaceful space. The seats face inwards, with a central table where there are flowers, a candle, a Bible, and a copy of Quaker Faith and Practice. Anyone can use these books.
If you arrive a bit later (or very much later!), don’t worry – you will still be very welcome. Just come in and sit down quietly to enjoy the silent worship.
Worship
The Meeting officially starts when the Elder for the day welcomes everyone.
We seek to be still and centred, connecting with each other and attentive to the leading of the Spirit.
Someone may be inspired to speak, and this is called ‘ministry’. We are encouraged to stand to minister and leave a pause between each for reflection. The meeting lasts an hour.
The Meeting ends when two Elders shake hands and everyone else joins in. Then we have time to share any thoughts that may have come to mind during the silence (Afterthoughts) and any notices.
After Meeting there is tea and coffee - please feel free to stay and introduce yourself and find out more about us.
You can also use the contact form on this website to get in touch afterwards.