How Does Unprogrammed Quaker Worship Work?

In theory, anything can happen in unprogrammed Quaker worship. We listen in silence and God leads us wherever God wants us to go. In practice, meeting for worship can look very similar every week – an hour of silence, into which a few people might offer some careful words. In this session, we'll explore the unwritten and sometimes secret guidelines which shape unprogrammed meeting for worship. We'll consider which of those guidelines are really about doing meeting for worship well, which help us connect with each other and the Spirit (however we understand that), and which are accidents of the culture in which Quakers exist. We'll address tricky areas of protocol, from lateness to predictable ministry, and there will be space for you to share your experiences and questions with the group.