Bethesda Friends (Quakers) gather together for an hour each Sunday morning. Most people attend the 11:00 a.m. Meeting for Worship and a smaller number come to the 9:30 a.m. Meeting. Our method of worship is "unprogrammed," which means that we gather in expectant silence and wait to be moved to speak. There may be vocal ministry of many types. Most commonly people speak from their experience, spiritual study and beliefs. Sometimes the worship includes Bible reading, poetry, or even song, but none of the messages are planned in advance. They arise from our shared experience of the divine. The structure of our Meeting for Worship includes a beginning (when the first worshipper sits down) and an ending (when the head of Meeting shakes hands with the person next to him/her), joys and sorrows, and announcements. The silence is a form of spiritual seeking and worship in itself and out of this silence it is expected that some will be moved to speak. Occasionally an entire hour may pass in silence. This is a very meaningful form of worship for it is a silence in which all are seeking together to make connection with the divine spirit. When the meeting ends, we greet those near us with a handshake.

How does a Quaker community operate without a minister?

Friends accept personal responsibility for their own spiritual seeking as well as for the support and nurturing of others who worship with them. Functions often carried out or directed by a minister or priest in other congregations, such as organizing the worship service, providing pastoral support for members, religious education, and fellowship are performed by committees. The Meeting as a whole gathers once a month for Meeting for Worship for the Conduct of Business where matters are brought forward by committees or individuals. Decisions are made by what Friends call the sense of the meeting, which is a process of allowing God, working through those gathered, to guide us to a right action. Voting is not necessary and individuals are asked to try to see beyond strong personal preferences to perceive how the divine spirit leads us. The business meetings are led by a Clerk of the Meeting, appointed by the Meeting for a three-year term.

To whom do people go with a family or personal concern?

At the rise of Meeting for Worship, a member of the Meeting acts as Friendly Ear to listen to concerns and suggest resources which might be helpful in addressing them. Friendly Ears are on the Oversight and Pastoral Care Committee, which sends flowers and notes to those who are ill, visits folks who are hospitalized, provides or organizes the provision of support for families in crisis. This committee also meets with those interested in membership in the Meeting. It assists those who wish to marry under the care of the Meeting.

Is Meeting for Worship open to everyone?

We welcome all people regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or previous religious affiliation. We believe that some people from all backgrounds are "natural Quakers" who find our manner of worship suited to their needs and we treasure the contributions that they bring with them if they wish to seek for spiritual truth with us. Although the Religious Society of Friends began as a Protestant denomination, the absence of formal creed means that there is a wide spectrum of religious belief from many religious traditions within our congregation.

How does one get to know Bethesda Friends?

Please join us for informal socializing after worship. We also have potluck lunch once a month to which all are welcome, even those who have not had an opportunity to bring food. The Friendly Eights Committee organizes social gatherings once a month from October through April in homes, at which a simple supper is served. The best way to enter into the life of the meeting is by active participation, by joining committees, taking part in forums and study groups, working with other Friends on social concerns and attending Meeting for Business.

Where does one make contributions?

Contributions for supporting the Meeting may be placed in a collection box on the table in the entrance hall or mailed to the meeting treasurer. Donations designated for specific social concerns may be placed in a separate collection box. The organization or concern being supported changes each month.

How can one learn more about Quakers?

At the rise of Meeting for Worship, you can consult the Friendly Ear who stands up each week to introduce him/herself, encourages people to come ask questions, and indicates where he/she will be sitting. Pamphlets that describe Quaker practice and belief are available on the hall table. There are books and other literature in the Meeting library as well as material for sale on the Literature Table. A weekly bulletin and monthly newsletter describe activities of the Meeting and tell of upcoming events. You can get on the mailing list by filling out the newcomer's card in the newcomer's packet and giving it to the head of Meeting or mailing it back. Regular adult religious education programs are offered by the Meeting.

What does the Meeting offer for children?

Religious education for school-aged children is provided during Meeting for Worship and child care for the pre-school ages. School-aged children generally attend Meeting for Worship with their families for the first fifteen minutes and then leave to attend First Day School. There are three Quaker camps during the summer which offer wonderful opportunities for older children to live and learn together in a supportive and challenging environment.

How does one become a member?