Who are the Quakers, and what do they believe?
The Society of Friends began in the religious turmoil of England in the 1650s. Founder George Fox's insight was that anyone could directly know God's guidance. Quakers rejected public affirmations and rituals, meeting in silence to experience God's presence. Quakers understand that the light of God is present in every person. Quakers place less emphasis on theology than many other religious groups. We do not dwell much on themes of sin and redemption. Quakers have in common some values and practices: meeting for worship and testimonies (discussed below), and recognizing the Light in each person. At Barnegat Friends, some of us were raised Quaker and others have come from different faith traditions. Each of us is seeking our own way to know God. We welcome you to worship with us.
The Society of Friends began in the religious turmoil of England in the 1650s. Founder George Fox's insight was that anyone could directly know God's guidance. Quakers rejected public affirmations and rituals, meeting in silence to experience God's presence. Quakers understand that the light of God is present in every person. Quakers place less emphasis on theology than many other religious groups. We do not dwell much on themes of sin and redemption. Quakers have in common some values and practices: meeting for worship and testimonies (discussed below), and recognizing the Light in each person. At Barnegat Friends, some of us were raised Quaker and others have come from different faith traditions. Each of us is seeking our own way to know God. We welcome you to worship with us.
What are the Quaker Testimonies?
Quakers find that attending to the Light Within influences the way we act in our personal lives, as well as the changes we work for in the wider world. We have noticed that certain values seem to arise more or less consistently when we try to stay close to the guidance of the Inward Teacher, and we call these principles our “testimonies.” They are not so much rules that we try to obey as the outcomes of our efforts to live in harmony with the Holy Spirit. Some commonly recognized testimonies include peace, integrity, equality, simplicity, community, and care for the earth.
Quakers find that attending to the Light Within influences the way we act in our personal lives, as well as the changes we work for in the wider world. We have noticed that certain values seem to arise more or less consistently when we try to stay close to the guidance of the Inward Teacher, and we call these principles our “testimonies.” They are not so much rules that we try to obey as the outcomes of our efforts to live in harmony with the Holy Spirit. Some commonly recognized testimonies include peace, integrity, equality, simplicity, community, and care for the earth.
What happens in Meeting for Worship?
Worship in Meeting may begin with stilling the mind and body, letting go of tensions and worries, feeling the fellowship of others, and opening oneself to the Spirit. It might include meditation, reflection on a passage from the Bible or other devotional literature, silent prayer, thanksgiving, or search for direction. The silence may be broken if someone present feels called to say something which will deepen and enrich worship.
There is a renewal of spirit when we turn away from worldly matters to rediscover inward serenity. Friends know from experience the validity of Jesus’ promise that “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20).
Worship in Meeting may begin with stilling the mind and body, letting go of tensions and worries, feeling the fellowship of others, and opening oneself to the Spirit. It might include meditation, reflection on a passage from the Bible or other devotional literature, silent prayer, thanksgiving, or search for direction. The silence may be broken if someone present feels called to say something which will deepen and enrich worship.
There is a renewal of spirit when we turn away from worldly matters to rediscover inward serenity. Friends know from experience the validity of Jesus’ promise that “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20).