How do Friends worship:
Friends worship together in silence, remembering the words of Jesus: "Where
two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of
them" (Matthew 18:20). In a meeting for worship in the "unprogrammed" tradition
of which Berea Friends Meeting is a part, there is no one minister and no
prearranged service. Instead, there is a common will to be gathered in prayer.
The silent worship provides an opportunity for all present to open hearts
and minds to the presence of God and to join in active waiting for the guidance
of the Spirit. The silence may be broken from time to time, as a worshipper
feels moved by the Spirit to share. Sometimes the worship hour passes in
sustained silence, without spoken messages.
Activities after the Worship:
After about an hour, the meeting for worship closes as one Friend turns to
a neighbor and all in the circle shake hands. Berea Friends Meeting then
has time for sharing and for announcements. This provides an opportunity
for all those present to introduce themselves, to offer any messages that
did not rise to be spoken during meeting for worship, and also to communicate
something of what is happening in their lives. Following the sharing circle,
worshippers announce meeting and community events. After a break for refreshments
and conversation, Friends usually reconvene for a period of singing, followed
by various First Day activities. Once a month, Friends gather during this
time for meeting for worship for business and a potluck meal.
Children and Young People:
Berea Friends Meeting has a particular commitment to nurture the spiritual
development of children and young people and to involve them in all aspects
of the life of the meeting. All ages come together in meeting for worship.
Children and infants are encouraged to remain as long as they are able. Childcare
is provided for young children and infants, if they need to leave meeting
for worship. The quiet room is available for older children (5 and older)
who need to go out. It is an extension of meeting for worship where children
can do quiet activities, in the care of an adult Friend.