Greenville Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

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www.greenvillescfriends.org

Invitation to Worship

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm, 46:10

Walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.

-George Fox, 1656

What is Quakerism?

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) is a Christian denomination that traces its origins to 17th-century England.  Though Quakerism means different things to different people, Greenville Friends adheres to a few basic  tenets:

• We worship in silence, speaking (or not) as we feel moved. We seek Gold’s direction in quietness.
• We do not pass a collection plate, nor do we require participants to wear formal clothing.
• We are all on a first-name basis, irrespective of age, experience, or position.
• We do not insist that all agree on what faith means because we cannot fully describe it.
• We believe there are many ways to meet and experience God, and to live justly and compassionately.
• We emphasize equality (the oldest Quaker precept), simplicity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among all individuals, groups, and nations.
• We respect and cherish the environment
• We accept all who come into our midst as spiritual seekers.

How we Worship

We gather in silence, gently attuning ourselves to the Light, the Divine Spirit that we believe is accessible to every attentive mind.  There is no human leader and no planned program.  All of us are learners growing in faith, sharing our worship experience with each other, dwelling together in the Light.

Sometimes speaking arises out of the silence, sometimes no words are spoken.  Those who speak should be brief and those who listen should do so in quiet attention.  A period of silence should follow each message. Each person present contributes to the depth of worship we reach as a group.

The meeting is concluded after about an hour, by the shaking of hands initiated by persons appointed to do so. At the close of worship, we greet one another, welcome newcomers, and share thoughts or news of interest to the whole group. We then partake of a simple feast (light snacks), to which all are invited.

About Greenville Friends

The Greenville Meeting was formed in 1991 and is a member of Palmetto Friends (of South Carolina) and the Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting and Association (SAYMA).

The Greenville Meeting believes that all people possess inherent worth, dignity, and the capacity to perceive the Inner Light.  Whatsoever their understanding of God might be, we welcome all who wish to join us in silent worship and/or in our community activities. We do not discriminate against, or make distinctions among seekers on the basis of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, spiritual views, political affiliations, social creeds, physical or mental condition, criminal records, age, or education.

Greenville Friends Meetings and Activities

The Greenville Friends meet for worship each First-day (Sunday) at 10:30 a.m. in a conference room on the lower level of Furman University’s Daniel Chapel.

On the first First-day of each month, we hold a shared meal at the rise of Meeting for Worship.  This is an especially good opportunity to get acquainted, but we welcome inquiries, visitors, and attenders at any of our Meetings for Worship.

On the second First-day of each month (except in summer), we hold a meeting for Worship with Attention to Business. 

We also support a variety of local and international  organizations dedicated to the alleviation of poverty, growth of ecumenical understanding, promotion of peace, and increased well-being for humans and other species.

More information about the Religious Society of Friends can be found at :

www.sayma.org

www.pfgquakers.com

The Greenville Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends is not affiliated with Furman University.