The Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)
About Boone Friends Meeting
Boone Friends Meeting is an unprogrammed Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). ALL are welcome! We gather every Sunday at 10am at 362 W. King St. in Boone, NC.
"Unprogrammed" Quaker meetings have no one individual who serves as minister or pastor; there is no set format, no pre-determined liturgy or sermon. Instead, all who gather at Meeting for Worship center into silence to listen for That of God in each of us.
We find the Friends General Conference description of Meeting for Worship particularly helpful:
Quaker worship is based on silent waiting, where we expect to come into the presence of God. In this living silence, we listen for the still, small voice that comes from God through the Inward Light. Worshiping together in silence is a way for a community to be brought together in love and faithfulness. During silent worship, anyone—adult or child—may feel inspired to give vocal ministry (speak out of the silence). After the person speaks the message, the silence resumes. Such messages may be offered several times during a meeting for worship, or the whole period of worship may be silent.
Quaker Faith and Practice
The Religious Society of Friends has no creed, so defining Quaker beliefs is ultimately both an individual and collective practice. As a starting point, though, we might provide the following text, offered by Friends General Conference:
Quakers, also called Friends, practice a religion of experience; a contemporary, simple, and radical faith. The Religious Society of Friends began in the 17th century in England. Today, over 81,000 Quakers live and worship in the United States and Canada.
We believe that every person is loved and guided by God. Broadly speaking, we affirm that “there is that of God in everyone.” Everyone is known by God and can know God in a direct relationship. We are called to attend to this relationship and to be guided by it.
Quakers use many words to describe the Divine. Many Quakers today draw spiritual nourishment from our Christian roots and strive to follow the example of Jesus. Many other Quakers draw spiritual sustenance from various religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and the nature religions.
Join Us!
We affirm that there is That of God in everyone. ALL are welcome at Boone Friends Meeting. We hold space for all ages, all races, all sexual orientations, all gender identities, all abilities, and all classes. For more information, email us at boonefriendsmeeting@gmail.com--or better yet, experience silent worship with us every Sunday at 10am at 362 W. King St. Boone, NC 28607