A message has been described as a pebble tossed into a pond. The resulting ripples are received by others in the meeting and may contribute to their own spiritual journeys.
Sunday worship lasts about an hour and ends when the head of Meeting stands to shake hands and encourages us to greet one another. This is followed by introductions, announcements or messages that were not considered vocal ministry. After worship, messages last about ten minutes or so. Please plan to stay longer when a program, or food and fellowship is scheduled. You’ll learn what is scheduled on our website calendar.
Creating space for a “gathered meeting” is treasured during worship. A gathered meeting can attain more-than-the-usual sense of Divine presence. Some describe the feeling as the Spirit moving among us—offering a sense of togetherness that unites worshippers in holy fellowship. Then, we prepare to take it out into the world.
Continuing Revelation
In the Religious Society of Friends, continuing revelation comes from the Inner light or the light within. This light has traditionally been identified as the spirit of Christ or Christ
within, although not all Friends associate the inner light with Christ. It is understood as the presence of God which provides illumination and guidance to the individual and through individuals to the group.
Because Friends believe that revelation is ongoing, we have no set creed or dogmas and we believe that new truth is revealed to us as we continue our spiritual journeys individually and with one another.
As early Friends listened to the inner light and endeavored to live accordingly, a common set of beliefs gradually emerged, which became known as Quaker testimonies. Although rooted in the immediate experience of the community of Friends, these testimonies are based on what Friends believe are verified in the Bible, especially the Gospels regarding the life and teachings of Jesus, and in our ongoing discernment of God’s desire for us to fulfill loving relationships with each other and the world.
PYM (Philadelphia Yearly Meeting) Quakers consider the inner light to be above and beyond the Bible and other formalistic, written dogmas. We trust that the continuing revelation of the inner light speaks to us in our everyday lives.
For more in depth information on Quaker worship:
More Information About Gwynedd Meeting:
Meeting for Worship
Adult Quaker Education
Youth Quaker Education - Childcare during Worship
Attend Meeting via Zoom
Quaker Life at Gwynedd
Other FAQs