Worship

The basis of Quaker life and practice is a conviction that there is something of the Spirit of God in each of us. Meeting for worship is one aspect of a discipline and belief which permeates all we do. Sitting quietly in worship, we seek the immediate sense of Divine leading and first-hand knowledge of that Spirit. Quakers believe that there is continuous revelation by God of Truth and Light. Meeting for worship revolves around the efforts of the group to uncover the Light within, to share it, and to live by it.

We call this approach to the Spirit or Inner Light "expectant waiting." We begin this waiting in the meeting for worship by stilling our bodies and directing our minds beyond the distraction of the immediate environment. It is not easy to clear our minds of outside concerns. A phrase of poetry, a passage from the Bible, or an idea from our reading may serve to focus attention away from crowding thoughts. As we quiet our senses and "center down," we reach a deeper level within ourselves and approach the spiritual center of the Meeting. On this deeper level we may become aware of a clearer relationship to God, a fresh understanding of experience, or an awareness of our leadings in obedience to God's will.

Since there is no designated minister, we are all charged with the responsibility for participation. Anyone present may feel moved to speak, to share an insight, to pray, to praise. Before rising to speak, one should first sense a leading of the Inner Light, then respond with a brief, simple message. When someone speaks, each of us should listen with an open heart. If a particular message does not "speak to your condition" you can still seek the Spirit behind the words and hold the speaker in love. A period of contemplation is appropriate between speakers.

Whether one is moved to speak or to worship in silence, what matters is that each of us be sensitive to the inner prompting that should be our guide.

A meeting for worship is spontaneous and unplanned. Until we have gathered and settled into the silence as a group, none of us knows in advance what needs or creative powers may surface. Each meeting for worship is a spiritual adventure. We invite you to share it with us.

The gathering of Willistown Friends to meeting for worship takes place in a building of traditional Quaker architecture, representative of the simplicity, integrity and other Quaker values one finds within. We meet together each First Day (Sunday) morning at 10; after an hour of worship, two pre-selected members will shake hands, indicating that the meeting for worship has come to a close. We have no organ or choir, however we are a hymn singing group and our voices are raised at the rise of Meeting each week accompanied by a member playing the piano we keep in one corner of the room. Following brief announcements and the introduction of visitors, we repair to the social room for refreshments and fellowship.

A Children's Guide to Meeting for Worship

Quakers believe that there is that of God in every person. This makes us live in ways that respect others, work to prevent wars and violence, and practice care for our environment.

Meeting for worship is a time for us to think about God, to listen for God, and to feel God. We sit quietly, sharing the silence with other people in the room. Sometimes a person will stand to speak, pray, read, or even sing.

At Willistown Meeting, children join meeting for worship for the first 15 minutes, before leaving for First Day School. While you are in meeting for worship you may want to: