I am a Quaker and grew up in a Quaker family. There is no Quaker meeting where I live now, so one of the things I have been looking forward to about living in England is being involved with a meeting again. Quakerism began in England in the 1650s and many older towns, like Lewes, have Quaker congregations.
For those of you not familiar with Quaker worship practices, a few words of explanation that might help before you read the next post:
The official name for Quakers is The Religious Society of Friends. Our worship services focus on listening to God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and to each other. We usually sit in a square or circle. There is no order of service or a minister. Instead we gather in silent prayer and meditation. If the Spirit moves someone to speak, then that person stands and shares a message. Often people talk about how they believe God has and is working in their lives and the spiritual lessons they have gained. People also offer prayers, quote scripture, or share questions they are wrestling with or spiritual struggles they are experiencing.
Many meetings read “Advices and Queries” aloud during worship once a month. These generally are important questions that we all face and need to contemplate, such as the one read at this worship service about how we all must eventually cope with the deaths of those we love and our own death. After the questions are read, some advices are given.
Because we believe the Church is not a building, but Christ’s people, our gathering places usually are referred to as meetinghouses, not churches.
Lastly, Quakers are a “peace church.” We believe in using loving, non-violent action, rather than violence and force, to solve problems. Often people will speak out against wars and violence both in worship and in public.
For more info on Friends, see http://www.bym-rsf.org/quakers/faith.shtml
http://www.fgcquaker.org/what-are-quakers/worship
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