Diversity of Beliefs:

We, of Quaker Meeting of Melbourne, welcome all seekers of God. We continually seek God and Truth with humility and, sometimes, even doubt. Friends find God’s message in the teachings of many religions, and through different sources, including writings and verbal communications, as well as by direct personal experience.

We find great joy in the diversity of members and attenders of Quaker Meeting of Melbourne. For some, Jesus is a living presence in their daily lives.  For others, the life and teachings of Jesus are important and have a range of interpretations.  Still others are of a more universalist and/or humanist persuasion.  Differences among our members in theological traditions and beliefs are respected and valued, and we try to learn from each other’s spiritual path.

We believe that there is that of God in everyone, that God is present and is speaking to us today, and that each of us is capable of making direct contact with the living God.

Meeting for Worship:

Our worship service is from 10:30 – 11:30 AM on Sunday – First Day - morning. We have an unprogrammed meeting – we sit in silence until someone is moved to speak.  For more, see “How We Worship.”

Meeting for Business:

On the 2nd Sunday of the month, after Meeting for Worship and a break for fellowship, we have our monthly Meeting for Business.  All are welcome to attend and participate.  Quaker Meeting for Business operates differently from most business meetings. The principle on which we operate is that God does indeed have a will for us, that God is actively trying to communicate that will, and that we are capable, through corporate prayer, to discover that will. There are no motions, seconds, amendments or votes in our process of collective decision-making. A sign that we have achieved our goal of discerning God’s will is the experience of unity which is recognized and affirmed by those gathered. The Clerk takes leadership in identifying when the group has reached unity, and the Recording Clerk records the decision as a minute.

Pastoral Care:

We do not have an individual pastor.  All Friends, individually and collectively, minister to and care for one another.  We have a responsibility to identify Friends who may need special care and or support and to help Friends to reach clearness about important life decisions.

Meeting for Enrichment:

On the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, usually at 6 p.m.,  Friends gather for a celebration of F(f)riendship, breaking bread together over a potluck dinner. The location varies but invariably is held at a Friend's home. Following the meal, we join together to discuss a pre-determined topic, ranging from study of the Bible or scripture or the writings and thoughts of significant spiritual leaders to world developments. Underlying all is our quest for enlightenment through the Spirit. 

History:

Our Meeting originated as the Melbourne Worship Group at the initiation of Anna Owers and Molly Peters in 1951. On April 10, 1983, Larry and Hope Ascher requested during Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business that the Group transition to a Monthly Meeting and the Space Coast Monthly Meeting was formed. Meetings for Worship have taken place at Friends' homes, public parks and elsewhere. Since July of 2013, the Meeting has had a home at the Coffee House on the grounds of the Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship in Rockledge. In 2013, Friends agreed thatthe name "Quaker Meeting of Melbourne" spoke more to our geographic location and would make it easier for seekers to find us. 

If you want to make a tax deductible contribution to the Meeting, you can leave money or a check, made out to: "Quaker Meeting of Melbourne". . No one will ask you directly for a financial contribution or pass a collection plate. Any donation, financial or of time and work, is always appreciated.