You may be wondering why we call ourselves Quakers one day and Friends the next, or why we call this building a Meetinghouse instead of a Church.  You might also wonder why there is so much silence in our worship services. Below are some quick explanations, however if you want an even deeper understanding don’t hesitate to ask the pastor, other members or visit Quaker Information here for more information.

 

Quakers and Friends mean the same thing.  Quakers/Friends are not: Amish, Anabaptists, Shakers or Puritans--we come from a separate tradition than these groups. We generally do not dress like the man on the box of Quaker Oats anymore, and today we seldom ever call people "thee."

 

Because early Friends practiced simplicity they gathered together weekly for worship in simple structures and referred to them as their house to meet, Meetinghouse.

 

Understanding and Practice Of Programmed or Unprogrammed Worship

 

Hadley Monthly Meeting of Friends includes both programmed and unprogrammed worship opportunities. Programmed worship may include hymns, scripture readings, special music and pastoral message. Unprogrammed worship is a time of openness to God’s presence and leading that is surrounded by silence.

 

The scriptures advise us to.. “let all the earth be silent before God.” (Habakkuk 2:20) A cornerstone of the Quaker way is the silent meeting for worship. We see a communal gathered stillness, where we can be open to inspiration from the Spirit of God. During our silence some may feel moved to speak: something anyone can do, as all are considered equal.

 

Some Guiding Thoughts on Unprogrammed Worship

 

Center down in silence. “Centering down” means clearing the mind and heart from distracting thoughts, concerns and cares, seeking with God’s help, to hear and discern the ‘still, small, voice of God.’ Silence can be full of hope and healing.  

Be aware of others around you. Be aware that they are seeking to be open to God’s spirit as well.

 

Knowing When to Speak

 

One of the hardest things to determine in a Quaker Meeting for Worship is when to speak and when to be silent. To indulge in one’s own opinions, to rise quickly to speak without reflecting on whether these thoughts are from God, is a challenge. Discipline is necessary to arrive at clearness about a call to speak. However, it is equally inappropriate to remain silent when you sense that God is leading you to speak, whether you understand the leading fully or not. Seek God’s presence, not determining ahead of time to speak or remain silent.

 

Listening to Ministry

 

Keep listening when someone breaks the silence. Their voice may first appear to be a jarring interruption to your thoughts, but listen to what God may be saying to you through another. Be sensitive to how you are led to respond, either vocally or in silent prayer. Take time to reflect.

• Allow a few moments of silence after each speaker – to assimilate the message.

• You may stand up when you speak or pray and speak clearly and distinctly so that others may share.

• Allow the prompting of the Spirit (sometimes emotional butterflies) to move you to share. You may even sing.

 

Comments on Silence from Well Known Quakers and Others

“Silence itself..has no magic. But it may be an intensified pause, hush, a creative quiet..a moment of correspondence with God.” Rufus Jones

 

 “True silence is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” William Penn

 

“Silence renews my heart, mind and spirit. And thus, hopefully, I may speak with greater thoughtfulness.” Dr. Elton Trueblood

 

“Through silence, I have learned to wait.” John Punshon

 

“Silence is like a river of grace inviting us to leap unafraid into its beckoning depths. It is dark and mysterious in the waters of grace. Yet in the silent darkness we are given new eyes. In the heart of the divine we can see more clearly who we are. We are renewed and cleansed in the river of silence. There are those among you who fear the Great Silence. It is a foreign land to you. Sometimes it is good to leap into the unknown. Practice leaping.” Macrina Wiederkehr. Benedictine Sister

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