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     When we consider the word “worship,” what does that image mean? There are historical and cultural references, such as bowing down, kneeling and other physical attributes. Worship can start with an attitude of thankfulness and praise. What do we praise as Quakers? What are we thankful for? We found that our worship can exist beyond the boundaries of Meetings and human centric awareness. We can find the Sacred in all our relations, both living and inanimate, the Spirit that dwells in a rock or a mountain.

     For some, the word “worship” refers to some Being that we are  seeking in harmony. Others might prefer centering prayer or meditation as a focus. Early Quaker words that can help connect us with attributes that are cherished in our faith include examples such as: the Living Presence, the Light Within, the Shepard, the Guide, that Still, Small Voice and others.

     There were several practices and centering disciplines that were raised up among us. Some would choose to envision God as a person on the margins of society, giving wisdom or a perspective we seldom consider (eg. a Black woman sitting on the earth, a disabled person sharing their thoughts, a gender nonbinary person revealing their experience. Others might settle on a special phrase or prayer such as “The  spirit must increase and I must decrease”.

     We were reminded that Bill Taber has referred to Meeting for Worship as a flowing Stream or  a River of Spirit, and that our vocal ministry is an opportunity to fully immerse and share that Movement of Spirit.

     We reflected on the changes that have allowed us to meet virtually and how this has impacted us individually and as a beloved community. The distant Friends among us find that the online Meetings for Worship have fed us and in some cases, have helped us practice a similar stillness on our own. We recognize that worshiping together is qualitatively different than seeking alone, and we affirm that there is a cherished presence when a small group can safely gather at the Meetinghouse, perhaps lending a seed of Hope for more pleasant times to come.

Approved First Day, Ninth Month, 2021

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