Seekers Welcome
While many members of Birmingham were raised as Quakers, there are also a large number who were not. In our Meeting are found former members of many other religious groups and denominations. Some have had no religious upbringing. Others have previously experienced religious alienation. As a result, we have a wide range of religious thinking with a shared belief in the key Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, stewardship and equality.

How to Attend a Meeting for Worship
Quakers begin worship by entering quietly and finding a seat in the meetinghouse. As the faith of Friends rests on the belief that each of us has that of God within, we gather in prayerful silence with neither clergy nor liturgy. Stillness is an integral part of the meeting for worship as all of us try to center in the gathering silence and to be open to the living word of God. Listening together, we share the experience of being filled with and led by the spirit. Anyone who feels that God requires them to share the “Light” given to them may rise and speak. Vocal ministry in meeting for worship may vary: a prayer, a spoken message, a song, or a reading from the Bible or other source of inspiration. Afterwards the silence resumes so that all can reflect on the spoken word. Speaking in meeting is not an occasion for dialogue or debate. Friends try to enter each meeting for worship resolving neither to speak nor not to speak, but to await the inspiration that grows out of the silence. Meeting is closed when a designated Friend breaks meeting by shaking hands with and welcoming the neighbors sitting nearest. Others shake hands with those nearby, and meeting is officially ended. Before everyone rises, there is an opportunity to share joys and concerns, welcome visitors and ask them to introduce themselves and to make announcements. The rise of meeting is often followed by a refreshment period which allows additional opportunity for fellowship.

Information Materials to Download
Download a pdf of “SPICES” poster
Download a pdf of “Famous Quakers – Past and Present"
Download a pdf of our “Schools” poster

Links to the Wider Quaker Community
Index to Everything Quaker
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Friends General Conference
Friends Council on Education
Jobs and Service Opportunities
Pendle Hill Quaker Center
Quaker Publications