Leeds Quakers - About us

Meetings for Worship are open to everyone. A meeting usually lasts for an hour. There are no ministers or creeds. We first gather together in silence to quieten our minds – we don't have set hymns, prayers or sermons.

In the stillness we open our hearts and lives to new insights and guidance. Sometimes we are moved to share what we discover with those present. We call this 'ministry'. We listen to what everyone has to say to find its meaning for us. Anyone can give ministry, including visitors.

In the quiet we look for a sense of connection. This might be a connection with those around us, with our deepest selves, or perhaps with God. As we feel this sense of encounter grow stronger, we may begin to see the world and our relationships in a new way. Our worship may take us beyond our own thoughts and ideas to help us respond more creatively to the world around us.

You can sit anywhere you want. No seats are special or reserved. Chairs are usually arranged in a circle or a square to help us connect with each other and remind us that we are worshipping as equals. The meeting starts as soon as the first person enters the room.

Meeting for Worship finishes when two Quakers shake hands. The rest of the meeting joins in by shaking hands with those around them.

After a few notices, and possibly "afterwords", Meeting for Worship is followed by refreshments and conversation.

Quaker Worship