Welcome to Lancaster Friends Meeting.
We welcome all visitors, inquirers, and seekers to join us as we seek the Presence of the Divine in the expectant silence of our “Meeting for Worship.” As Quakers, we seek to “walk cheerfully over all the world, answering that of God in everyone” (George Fox, 1656).
That of God, the Inward Light, Spirit, the Light of Christ, the Inward Teacher, the Divine: by whatever name we know this Truth, our belief and our experience is that it dwells in each and every one of us.
We offer a wholehearted welcome to people of any age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or family structure, economic or social status, emotional, mental or physical ability, educational level or faith background. We invite all to participate in the life of Lancaster Monthly Meeting through leadership, ministry, mission, social engagement, worship, marriage and sharing in one another’s lives, joys and blessings.
This is the basis of our spiritual community. Believing this, we aspire to be an open and inclusive community, affirming the diversity of our individual spiritual paths while seeking that unity which celebrates and transcends our human differences.
Whether you are an occasional visitor or a regular attender here at Lancaster Friends Meeting,
we want to welcome you to our community, and help you to get to know us better.
Lancaster Friends Meeting warmly welcomes all visitors, inquirers, and seekers to our weekly worship.
First Day (Sunday) Schedule of Events
8:00-8:55 a.m. Early Meeting for Worship
9:00-9:45 a.m.: Quaker Talk (in the Community Room) (does not meet in July and August)
–2nd Sunday of the month: Group singing in the Community Room (instead of Quaker Talk)
10:00-11:00 a.m. Meeting for Worship
11:00-11:30 a.m. Sharing of Joys, and Concerns, and Announcements,
followed by social time and refreshments in the Community Room
12 noon (in the Meeting Room)
–Forum (1st, 4th, and 5th Sunday (except July and August)
–Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business (2nd Sunday, including July and August)
–Community meal (3rd Sunday) (except July and August)
Parking At The Meetinghouse
The main parking lot for the meetinghouse is accessible from Wilson Avenue; overflow parking is available across Wilson Avenue, in the parking lot of the shopping center.
A Brief Introduction to Quaker Worship
Quaker worship begins in outward silence, as we seek to still our minds and open our hearts. For most of us, most of the time, our ministry consists simply of entering into and participating in the deep and gathered stillness.
However, from time to time, one may find that a message arises from within. If so, one should carefully consider: is the message truly from the Spirit? Is the message meant to be shared, or is it a message just for me? If it is to be shared, is this the right time and place? If so, one should stand, speak clearly, concisely, and to the point—and with enough volume to be heard by all.
It is our custom for no individual to speak more than once in a meeting, and also to allow sufficient time between messages so that the previous message can be truly taken in.
After about an hour, the Friend designated to close our time of worship will invite others to share any joys or concerns, gratitudes or sorrows, that have arisen since we were last together. Our worship then closes when we greet one another. Following this, visitors are invited to introduce themselves, followed by a few brief announcements, before we adjourn to the Community Room for refreshments and a time of fellowship.
Welcome, Friend !
110 Tulane Terrace
Lancaster, PA 17603 USA
717.392.2762 | lancasterpaquakers2@gmail.com