Tuesday evenings 7:30PM - 8:30PM
At the Soapstone Chapel.
There will be 10 min of gathering music at 7:30 PM, the meeting will then start and run about 30 min,
followed by fellowship. It will be very simple if you'd like coffee during fellowship bring a thermos
(perhaps an extra cup to share). There is no program the meeting will be mostly (or completely) silent.
Contact: Marc Segre
What is a friends meeting ?
The Society of Friends are commonly known as Quakers. The name "Quaker" came from one of George Fox’s
frequent trips before trial magistrates (he was sentenced to prison six times). Instead of pleading for
the court’s mercy, Fox sternly adjured the judge to "tremble with fear of the Lord." The judge turned
the advice back on Fox, and called him a "Quaker".
George Fox (1624-1691) much like John Wesley (1703-1791) grew up in the Church of England but
strayed away. Both emphasized a personal relationship with God. Believing people should read the Bible
and allowing a fair amount of latitude in interpretation.
John Wesley "In opinions that do not strike at the root of Christianity, we Methodists think
and let think."
George Fox preached the "Inner Light", meaning God is ever present within every human being. He can be approached
and experienced directly by anyone who sincerely seeks Him.
They both became itinerant preachers founding religions that spread to the new world. The Quakers are known
for simplicity, pacifism and an interest in social justice. Because of the emphasis on a personal relationship
with God, Friends study the Bible (usually there is no pastor) and hold their service in a simple alterless
meetinghouse (since God is everywhere and in each of us they don't use the term Church).
Friends Meetings are held on "The First Day" (Sunday), the congregation gathers silently unless someone
is moved to speak, there may be a scripture read, a prayer or a brief testimony or message. Several
people may choose to speak but it is not a conversation, rather personal thoughts shared by each individual.
It is common for the entire meeting to be silent. The leader will end the meeting by shaking hands with a
neighbor, then everyone will shake hands with their neighbors.
The meeting I attended for about 5 years was quite small, about 30 people
of all ages gathered in an old one room school house. We sang simple songs, without accompaniment.
After about 15 min the group became silent, small children were quite comfortable with the silence.
After 20 min children under 6 left for Sunday School. The rest including the other children stayed,
after another 40 min the lay leader broke the silence and made announcements. Fellowship time followed
the meeting, we also meet for Bible, social gatherings and mission (mostly in support of social justice).
These meetings were the most relaxing and refreshing times I've had. The meeting house resembled the Soapstone
Chapel but smaller and on farm land donated by several families. Completely surrounded by nature we mostly
meditated as a group. Naturally some of the time my mind wandered and nodding off was acceptable, most
of the time was spent experiencing, and in conversation with, God.
Links about Quakers
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