What Happens in Quaker Meeting for Worship?

We wait in silence for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, seeking the divine through the simplicity of unprogrammed worship.

A period of time is used to center into an inward stillness.

When we are moved to speak, we speak the truth as we understand it from the depths of our own experience.

Each message is followed with a period of silence so that each may take root.

When the vocal and silent ministry speak to the condition of those present, a profound sense of spiritual communion occurs that awes and delights. Friends call this experience a “gathered meeting.” Such meetings require both faith and practice.

For more information about what to expect, visit our Is the Quaker Way for You? page. It includes descriptions of our service and a short video.

Regular Sunday Schedule

If you have never been to a Quaker meeting, you may find it rather unique.  We are part of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).  We meet on Sundays at 10:00 am.  Our worship services are generally pretty quiet unless someone feels moved to speak briefly.  After an hour, we introduce ourselves and do an informal check-in.  This is followed by some light refreshments and a second hour with a variable program.  It generally follows this pattern:

1st Sunday of the month:  Potluck. People are welcome to bring their own lunch or share with others. We sometimes have a topic to discuss as we fellowship informally over lunch.

2nd Sunday of the month:  Business meeting – actually, we have a longer name for this, “Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business.”  This expresses our desire to come to decisions from a position of unity as opposed to voting.  Our business meetings are open, and visitors are welcome.

3rd Sunday of the month:  Tacoma Friends Peace and Social Justice Committee holds an open meeting at this time each month. All are welcome to participate. This committee works for social justice, environmental protection, and peaceful alternatives to conflict. Core strategies include community engagement, advocacy and policy influence, and education/awareness.

4th Sunday of the month:  Adult Quaker Education and Spiritual Development Exploration. Specific content varies. Visit the Spiritual Enrichment page for more information.

5th Sunday of the month:  Informal Singing Circle or other timely topics as interest arises.

Tacoma Friends Meeting is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people. The gatherings described above invite all to attend.