We welcome newcomers to our Meetings for Worship.
For Quakers, Meeting for Worship is at the heart of what it means to be a Quaker. It is probably different from what is normally associated with the word "worship".
Quaker Worship begins as people come together in silence. It is in this stillness that we settle our minds, calm our thoughts and open our hearts; and in the quietness we may experience insight or communicate directly with what some call God, the Light or the Divine.
It can be difficult to describe Quaker worship and the best way to understand it is to experience it firsthand.
When you arrive
Someone will welcome you at the door and will be happy to explain things if you wish. There will also be leaflets or other literature available.
The Meeting Room
This will be arranged with chairs in a circle around a small table. Quakers do not have a hierarchy and you can sit wherever you feel comfortable.
On the table there will usually be a copy of the Bible and the red Quaker book "Faith and Practice". This gives guidance on Quaker procedures and documents some experiences and thoughts from Quaker's 350 year history. The "Advices and Queries" booklet will also be available. This contains prompts and questions that Quakers read regularly as both a challenge and an inspiration. Some find it helpful to read a few paragraphs from this at the beginning of, or during worship.
During worship
Even for people who regularly meditate or spend time in silence, there are times when it can be a struggle to focus. It is best to try to relax, settle down and sit comfortably and perhaps focus on a particular thought or idea. Many Quakers talk about holding people or situations ‘in the Light’.
Don't worry if your thoughts start to drift or you get distracted. This does happen - perhaps just enjoy being in the tranquil environment and gently try to re-focus when you feel ready. Some find reading appropriate literature helpful.
Ministry
Sometimes during worship, someone will stand and speak. This is called ministry and results from a profound feeling that something is of real importance and a sense that it should be shared with others. These words will come from a deep place.
They might, for instance, refer to a situation that concerns them deeply or offer insight into what nourishes spiritual life. A short section of "Faith and Practice" or "Advices and Queries" may be read.
Sometimes this ministry will be helpful and even inspiring; occasionally others may say something arising from it; sometimes it won’t appear to mean very much at all. Perhaps simply listen to it, turn it over in your mind and if it helps, hold on to it - if not, let it go.
It might be that no one speaks and the whole meeting for worship is silent.
At the end
The end of the Meeting is marked by two Quakers shaking hands, then others shake hands with those around them.
Notices about forthcoming events and news are then read out.
Afterwards, over tea, coffee and biscuits, there is an opportunity to talk to others who are there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - we try to be a friendly bunch!
If you want to know more about Quakers generally, you can visit the "Quakers in Britain" website via the link in the blue section below.
Safeguarding
Bolton Quaker Meeting is committed to providing a safe environment and culture for all. We have a safeguarding policy in place (Pendle Hill Area Meeting Safeguarding Policy 2022) to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our designated safeguarding person via the “Contact Us” page or email safeguardingPHAM@protonmail.com
Other Activities
About once every month or two we have an informal get-together where we do various tasks in the Meeting House and its gardens. This keeps it looking nice and is a great opportunity to get to know one another.
For further information about Quakers, please either click on a link in the blue section below, or visit https://www.discoveringquakers.org.uk/