Our form of worship arises from our basic beliefs, as does our embrace of diversity of all kinds and our commitment to social justice. We value the promptings of individual conscience, tempered by the corporate discernment of our community and by the guidance of wisdom from sacred and revered texts. In a world in which God is speaking always and everywhere, we’re open to inspiration from many and sometimes unexpected places.

Worship in our meetings is characterized by a silent, contemplative gathering where participants seek spiritual guidance and connection. The meetings begin and are centered around a period of silence. This silence is not merely an absence of speech but is intended to be a time of inward reflection, prayer, and waiting upon the Spirit. Unlike programmed meetings, there is no set liturgy, sermon, or order of service in our meetings.

Participants come without a planned agenda, allowing the meeting to unfold organically. We believe in the concept of the Inner Light, which holds that everyone has direct access to the Divine. Therefore, there is no designated clergy; anyone present may feel led to speak. If someone feels moved by the Spirit to speak, they do so. This is known as offering vocal ministry. Messages shared are typically brief and come from a place of personal spiritual insight or inspiration. After speaking, the meeting returns to silence. 

Although the meeting is silent, it is also communal. Participants are aware of the presence of others and share a collective spiritual experience. The silence allows individuals to discern personal leadings and the meeting community to seek collective guidance. There is an emphasis on waiting for a clear sense of divine leading before taking action or speaking. The meeting for worship usually lasts about an hour. It often concludes when a designated person shakes hands with a neighbor, signaling that worship has ended. Others then follow suit.

After the formal worship, there may be a period of sharing reflections or announcements, known as afterthoughts, joys and concerns, or simply announcements. This approach to worship fosters deep spiritual engagement and a sense of equality among all participants, as everyone is considered capable of receiving and sharing divine guidance.

Youth Ministry

We have a special curriculum for youth of all ages which emphasizes the values of honesty, kindness, sharing, mindfulness, taking care of the earth, gender and racial equality, and community service. While the adults are at worship, we have lesson plans for activities related to these topics, which are supervised by adults who love being with children and are certified in our statewide Child Abuse Prevention training program.