Welcome to Media Friends Meeting
We come to meeting for worship in quiet anticipation, ready to open ourselves to experience. We meet each other with joy, for each of us has found that closeness can strengthen and deepen awareness. Each aims to center down to sweep away all self-directed thoughts, letting the mind be clear and ready. In a gathered meeting there is a vivid sense of the seamless web that ties every part of the universe to every other part and that knits us together in understanding and purpose. At the close of such a meeting, there is special meaning in reaching out to grasp the outstretched hand of a neighbor.
Participation means both disciplining ourselves and attuning ourselves to the group. Whether we are moved to speak or to keep silence, what matters, for the meeting, is that we be sensitive to the inner prompting that should be our guide. Not every message is meant to be shared, but where insights are shared there is often an amazing coherence among these expressions and the consciousness of other individuals.
Meeting for Worship is more than a peaceful hour set apart from the tugs, pushes, noises, and demands of a busy week. We may find that the habits of calm contemplation, of listening to learn God’s will, or seeing that of God in everyone can saturate our whole being and bring peace and steady purpose to every part of our life.
Meeting Worship
Friends gather for a period of unprogrammed worship which lasts about an hour.
As preparation for worship, many Friends study the Bible and other inspirational writings, either individually or in a group. Friends worship is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition and is also influenced by other religions. Friends believe that God’s word is still being made known to us; we call this “continuing revelation.”
In the absence of clergy, the responsibility for the spiritual life rests upon all members. Worshipping together often helps participants reach a greater depth of spiritual insight and to gain courage to act upon beliefs in daily living. We believe that there is that of God in every person.
The Religious Society of Friends has no formal creed, but since its beginning 350 years ago, the faith that there is in every person a spark of the Divine has remained central. Growing out of this are the testimonies, which include simplicity, integrity, peace, community, equality, and stewardship. We seek to live these testimonies in all personal and business relationships. Please click here to read more about the history of Media Friends Meeting.
We welcome everyone who has an interest in Meeting for Worship. Many are moved to come as visitors to explore the Friend’s way of Worship.