Community directory

Religious Society Of Friends (Quakers)(Rickmansworth and Chorleywood)

Venue: Community Art Centre, Colleyland, Chorleywood.
Every Sunday 11.00am.

Although visitors to the local Meeting may wish to make contact with the above numbers prior to visiting, this is not necessary. All visitors are most welcome every Sunday, but should they wish to discreetly discover something about Quakers beforehand, a call through to the Friends House (Euston Road, London) can be helpfull (020 7663 1000).

Facilities: Public car park 50 yards away.


Summary:
There is something sacred in us all and everyone is equal before God. They meet in stillness to discover a deeper sense of God's presence. True religion has respect for the earth and the whole of life. Each person is unique, precious, a child of God.

Entering the silence:
There are no set rules saying what to do next. A generally quiet and receptive attitude is far more important than any beliefs or doctrines or reglious background. The Society of Friends draws much from the Christian faith; but participating in a Quaker meeting is not limited to Christians. The notice outside the CCAC says 'All are welcome'.

If pressed to say what they are actually doing in a meeting for worship, many Quakers would say they are 'waiting in their hearts' for the touch of something beyond their everyday selves. Some, would call it 'listening to the quiet voice of God' - without trying to define the word. Other would use more abstract terms: just 'listening', or 'looking for the inward light' or 'pure attention'. Quakers call this 'centring down'. Sometimes it happens easily, almost of itself, but often it requires a conscious effort, and according to their different needs and temperaments, Quaker adopt various techniques to help them. Some look at the thoughts and images arising in their minds and then put them aside. This is found to be beneficial in many ways - almost without realising it.

Ministry:
In some deeply gathered meetings nothing is spoken at all - those present feel the silence is ministry enough, but, more often than not, one or more people will rise and speak. Anyone may speak if so moved. Speaking is an important part of the meeting.

Registered charity number 211649