Your First Meeting

How do I choose which Quaker Meeting to attend?

It’s often good to start with a meeting that is close to home. There are 14 different meetings in Bucks Quarter, most of them in Bucks County, but one farther north in Lehigh County, and one in New Jersey, in Hunterdon County. Check out each meeting’s page, for more information.

I’m here — what happens next?

When you arrive, you may be met by a greeter who is able to answer any questions you may have. You might be asked to sign a guest book as well. As the time comes for meeting for worship, people will move into the worship room.

If there is no one leading the service how do I know when it starts? Or when it ends?

The meeting starts as soon as the first person settles into the worship space, so enter quietly and find a place to sit. Sit anywhere. Silence your communication devices. The worship service concludes when a designated member initiates the end of worship with a handshake.

What is everyone doing while they are silent?

It’s not unusual to feel uncomfortable your first time in a Quaker meeting, but there is no wrong way to worship. Begin to let your mind and body settle into the space. Try to lay aside the distractions of the world and begin to reflect on the spiritual presence within yourself. During the silence, an individual may be moved to speak. These spirit-led messages may occur several times during a meeting, or there may be none; anyone present can minister.

Can I bring my kids?

Absolutely! Meetings are welcoming to visitors of all ages. Many offer special children’s programs and childcare. They also know that sitting for a full hour for a child is near to impossible, so most recommend they sit with their family for about 15-20 minutes. Feel free to bring paper and crayons, or a book to read for older children. Afterward they leave the space and have activities with responsible adults. The sounds of small children and babies are welcome.