Meeting for Worship

The Colorado Springs Friends Meeting is a part of the Religious Society of Friends; we are sometimes known as Quakers.

We worship in a form that is called unprogrammed. We center in silence to listen to ‘that of God’ which we believe to be active in each person. With no designated minister, each of us is called to minister, whether in spoken ministry during worship, in our daily lives, or in social action. The current Clerk of the Meeting oversees the Meeting for Worship and the business of the Meeting.

Scripture and Quaker tradition are accepted as sources of inspiration and guidance, but we recognize first and foremost that God may speak directly to each of us in a process of continuing revelation. Friends refer to the presence and guidance of the Divine in our hearts and lives as the Inner Light.

Sometimes during the silent worship of unprogrammed Friends, the Light operating through each individual results in a ‘gathered’ fellowship. The group may feel such a heightened sense of Divine Presence that it feels united in a common experience. Many single ‘openings’ and insights are forged into a more complete and unified understanding of God’s will.

We welcome you to come and share this journey of discovery with us in a community committed to realizing God’s love on earth.

Speaking in Meeting

We arrive at Meeting with an open and expectant spirit, but not with a prepared message. Although we prepare for Worship by study, reflection and prayer throughout the week, during worship we are led to speak as we listen to the Light within which guides our lives.

A Friend speaks clearly and simply and we listen with an open heart, seeking the thought behind the words and holding the speaker in love. After a message has been given, Friends take time to ponder its meaning and to search themselves before another speaks.

In speech or in silence, each person contributes to the Meeting. We listen to the Inner Light and allow it to shape our values and actions. We are strengthened and refreshed in the Life of the Spirit.

Meeting for Worship for Business

Our organizational entity is called the ‘Monthly Meeting’ because Meeting for Business is conducted once a month. It is our custom to take a short break between Meeting for Worship and the beginning of Meeting for Business. Our business is conducted while we consciously seek Divine guidance.

The Meeting for Business reaches decisions through ‘the sense of the Meeting’ rather than by voting. Unity and direction come when we wait upon and follow the Light of Truth within.

First Day School

First Day School is held each First Day. After a brief period of sitting in silence with the rest of the Meeting, the teacher and students go to another room for activities and discussion.