Spiritual Life of the Group

Worship                     Fellowship                        Study

Worship 

Meeting for Worship:

1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore, 401 W. Monument St. 21201 Enter through the single door in the middle of the front of the building.

The building is in Seton Hill four blocks west of Mt Vernon's Washington Monument at the corner of West Monument Street and Eutaw Street (across from where once stood the old Eutaw Street Friends Meeting House). Enter through the middle door. 

At our meetings,  we begin with a short lesson and discussion and perhaps a song or two. We then introduce ourselves, share our joys and sorrows so that we know each others' conditions, and then begin worship. 

We usually sit in a circle around a candle-lit table and try to listen to God's "voice." The focus of worship is the Presence of Christ amongst us.

Rather than have a set program, we try to be still and wait silently. Whether we sense Christ or not, he is there, as wherever two or three gather in his name, he promises his presence. It is a gift when we are able as a group to sense his presence. We listen and hear as a unified group.

We try to come to worship having prepared ourselves during the week with some private spiritual practice. However, we do not come with the intention to do anything other than be still and wait. As we wait on the Inward Teacher, someone may feel called to kneel and offer a vocal prayer, stand and share a message or sing a song.  If any among us feel led by God to do so, we may support the person offering ministry by singing along, by praying with them (even standing in support as they pray) or by holding them in the Light as they seek to be faithful. The group's response to any of this "vocal ministry" is to listen and when the person is finished, to hold what was offerered in the Light.  We do not respond to each other's vocal ministry, but we will have considered what was offered before offering additional ministry.  Often, being directed by God to offer ministry during worship can be nerve-wracking; it's not uncommon to feel shaky or to tremble in fear (hence the nickname "Quakers"). A nice, tidy sermon or prayer or well-sung song is not expected. God gives both the ability and power to speak, and the speaker is held in love by the group. If those who offer ministry have been faithful, the result is a spiritual deepening each time ministry is offered. Some meetings may be completely silent. This is not an indication of some failure. At times, these meetings can be most refreshing!

At the end of worship a pre-appointed person shakes hands with a neighbor, and we all do the same, wishing peace and good will on each other.

Children are welcome, though we do not have child care at this time.  We recommend bringing books or coloring books appropriate for the occasion so that they may join in worship. We find that having quiet time at home can help prepare you and your family to worship with us. 

We are going to be adding an additional meeting for worship, probably on Thursday evenings.  We are in beginning talks with the McKim Community Center about possibly meeting regularly in the Aisquith Street Meeting House for our meetings.  Stay tuned!

Read HERE about Quaker worship.

Fellowship

Some of us keep up socially or at other Quaker functions. Others of us keep up through phone calls and emails.  We are a new group, getting to know each other in time.  We keep open for "Opportunities" with each other.

Study

 

July 5:  5:00 to 5:30

Short presentation & discussion on Jerimiah 31:31-35.  With the Bible readily available to us to know how God has worked in history in people's lives, what does it mean to have God's law written on our hearts?  How does this affect our choices in life, our behavior? How do we discern what is of God and of ourselves?

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Contact:  setonhillfriends@gmail.com