Attending a Quaker meeting, What to expect?

[progressivegal]

Hi everybody.
I hope you don't mind if I pop in to ask a question.
I've been wanting to attend a quaker meeting for a long time and I think I'm finally going to tomorrow.
The only thing is I have really no idea what to expect. My knowledge is basically limited to a scene from "Six Feet Under", lol.
The meeting in my area is located in a meeting hall at the local Catholic University. I don't know how liberal or conservative this grop of people is and I'm wondering how I should dress. Is it OK to wear jeans? And what typically goes on at a Quaker meeting? From my understanding one can stand up and share something if they feel led to, but there is no sermon or set order of events? Is that at all correct? Please forgive my ignorance. Also, the information in the newspaper said that "worship and Sunday School" was at a certain time and "Fellowship" was at a later time. Am I correct to assume that "Worship and Sunday School" means the actual service/meeting and that "fellowship" refers to something like coffee and talking after?
I appologize for all of the questions. Because the meeting is located at the College I have no idea how to get in contact with anyone about it since there's no phone number or website that I can find.
Again, thank you so much for you help answering my questions, and peace be with you.

 

[CelticRose]

Progressivegal,
Every Quaker meeting is slightly different. Some are liberal to the point they are no longer really Christian in nature. Some do actually have a sermon but in general worship is conducted in silence. There are no hymns sung or rote prayers such as you would find in a liturgical church. Those so led may stand & speak briefly. You may find people reading their bible or other religious works. I find their services refreshing & am sorry to no longer be able to attend a meeting regularly as there is no meeting where I presently live.

I cannot answer your specific questions about worship, Sunday school & fellowship but Quakers believe deeply in the brotherhood of mankind & I am sure you will find a warm welcome.

 

[rockytrails]

on a serious note
why would a christian
attend quaker meetings that would be incompatable with
bible truths about our only savior from sin Jesus Christ ?

 

[CelticRose]

rockytrails:
I don't think a Christian would. I was merely pointing out that one needs to be aware that not all Quaker meetings hold to biblical truths, & though this is true of all denominations some Quaker meetings are extremely 'liberal' in their views. Caution & discernment are needed.

 

[progressivegal]

Progressivegal,
Every Quaker meeting is slightly different. Some are liberal to the point they are no longer really Christian in nature. Some do actually have a sermon but in general worship is conducted in silence. There are no hymns sung or rote prayers such as you would find in a liturgical church. Those so led may stand & speak briefly. You may find people reading their bible or other religious works. I find their services refreshing & am sorry to no longer be able to attend a meeting regularly as there is no meeting where I presently live.

I cannot answer your specific questions about worship, Sunday school & fellowship but Quakers believe deeply in the brotherhood of mankind & I am sure you will find a warm welcome.

I did, thank you And I plan to come back again soon (next week if possible, but they told me I'm always welcome, even if it's 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years later )
I was worried that I would have to wear a dress or cover my hair but when I got there almost every other woman was wearing jeans too which was a relief. The meditation was beautiful and much needed, and the people where so friendly. I was elated that everyone was so focused on peace and social justice which is what has often frustrated me about going church that issues like these seem to be ignored or mentioned quickly as a prayer petition and then just as quickly seem to be forgotten. I actually ended up already knowing 2 people at the meeting which was really cool.

As for what kind of Quakers they where, I can't remember but on the website (which I eventually did find!) i mentioned that they where FQC, which I guess in not the super conservative nor the most liberal. Regardless, I felt very welcome and very happy about the experience.

 

[CelticRose]

Happy for you.

 

[progressivegal]

Just an update, if anyone wants to know. We went back and liked it even better the 2nd time.
It might have helped that it was pot-luck week...
It was interesting, because I was telling my husband that it was just like the story of the loaves and the fishes in the bible. It looked like there wasn't nearly enough food (my husband whispered to me, "we can get something else later") but there ended up being more delicious, fresh, homemade, vegetarian (we're vegetarians so it was great) food than we could possibly eat if we wanted to, it was great

 

[Bessie]

Although I am no longer a Quaker myself, I've always loved the emphasis on peace and social justice. When I left it was the biggest piece of the culture that has stayed with me. I'm glad you've enjoyed yourself, they do tend to have awesome potlucks. You will also find (if they are FGC) very little pressure to "join up" but if you ever do feel moved to write that letter to the Clerk, I am sure you will be welcomed.

Bessie