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Some
Background on Friends
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As seekers of Truth, and
in an attempt to recover the spirit of early Christians, a movement
began in mid 17th century England that became known as the Religious
Society of Friends, or Quakers. Members of this movement believed
there is an inner Light in each person that provides direct
access to God without need for intermediaries or literal readings
of Scripture. Waiting in silence, early Friends were inspired
by that "still, small voice of God" to work for justice,
for equality, for peace. The movement spread through many countries,
including the United States, where William Penn, a Quaker, founded
the Pennsylvania Colony.
Fort Worth Monthly Meeting
is an unprogrammed meeting affiliated with the Friends
General Conference and South
Central Yearly Meeting, the national and regional associations
of Friends. See www.scym.org
for more information about South Central Yearly Meeting and
meetings in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Southern
Missouri.
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What
makes Quakers Different
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meeting, we are all ministers. We have no paid clergy, and no
prearranged order or prepared readings, songs, or sermon on a
moral or religious topic for the worship meeting; hence, the meeting
is "unprogrammed." Quakers consider outward rites and
symbols unnecessary and even a hindrance to spiritual experience,
and therefore do not celebrate sacraments. "Friends affirm
the sacramental nature of the whole of life when it is under the
leading of the Spirit" (Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Faith
and Practice).
Working through committees, volunteers
from both members and attenders carry out the bulk of responsibilities
of the meeting. Service to others is also an integral aspect
of Quaker practice.
Quakers value certain principles, called
"testimonies". Some of these are simplicity, integrity,
peace and equality. We have no dogma or officially mandated
doctrine.
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Meeting
for Worship
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Meetings for worship are
held on Sunday mornings. These meetings for worship generally
last an hour, and are "broken" by shaking hands with
one's neighbors, usually initiated by the clerk. The meeting
for worship is based on silence, in which each attender "centers
down" and enters into communion with God. The fellowship
of the group intensifies this experience.
In the silence we seek to
become aware of the presence of God and wait expectantly for
guidance from the Inward Christ or the Inner Light. This guidance
may be purely personal. At other times, it will seem to be meant
for the meeting, and the worshiper then has a responsibility
to share that message. This is called "vocal ministry".
Silence is also a ministry.
After meeting for worship
(the "rise of meeting") members, attenders, and visitors
introduce themselves and announcements are made. At Fort Worth
Meeting, Young Friends attend First Day School or participate
in supervised activities during our silent meeting for worship,
joining older Friends for the last 10-15 minutes of silent worship.
We would be happy to answer
your questions about Quakers and the Religious Society of Friends,
so don’t hesitate to send us e-mail, call or visit our
meeting. Welcome!
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