Newcomers

You do not have to be a Quaker to come to a Quaker Meeting – all are very
welcome.

Often the best way to learn more about Quakers is to experience Quaker worship for yourself.

Ours is an experience-based faith, so when you are ready,
come and see what it's like.

Quaker Meetings for Worship begin when the first person to arrive has sat down in silence.

As others join the Meeting, we move into silent worship together. There is no pre-arranged order of service and when we meet, the shared silence can take on a life of its own. This means that a newcomer or visitor cannot take one or two Meetings as typical: the serious enquirer should stay with us awhile.

Silence for Friends is not merely stillness or the absence of sound. A living silence is a time for listening, a time for self-surrender, a time for a deep sense of fellowship with one another and an opportunity to experience the presence of God (whatever
“God” may mean to each individual).

The Meeting ends with the words ‘Thank you, Friends’, spoken by a member of the clerking team.

At Dorking Meeting, we pride ourselves on giving a friendly welcome to all who visit our Meeting House, and the opportunity to chat over tea and biscuits after Meeting is an important part of proceedings!