Sunday Morning Meeting for Worship
The journey to Meeting on a Sunday morning is one of anticipation and pleasure as I think of who may be present at Meeting and what our Worship together may bring. It is good to see familiar faces as Friends return after Covid restrictions. There’s always the possibility of visitors. Maybe there will be ministry or maybe it will be a silent Meeting. Every Sunday is different. There is no planned service and the shape and depth of the Meeting depends on those present and how the spirit moves them.
We are encouraged to come to Meeting with Hearts and Minds prepared. This does not mean that we should prepare something to say or read. Rather it means that we should be open to whatever the Meeting for Worship may bring. We meet together at 10.30 am and sit in silence as the spirit comes amongst the gathering. The Meeting centres down into what is often a deep sense of cohesive energy and the spirit may move someone to give Ministry. Whilst this is a deeply personal experience, it is also one of sharing. It may be that the words speak to the condition of others present. Ministry can be uplifting and helpful as it may offer the listener a different perspective, or comfort or clarity. Sometimes Ministry can seem obscure but we never know just how it may touch somebody’s life. This is often confirmed as a Friend may confide that the Ministry was exactly what they needed to hear, that it spoke to their condition or was aligned with their own thoughts.
Meeting for Worship allows a quiet time for personal reflection and meditation. We are encouraged to find such time every day and Worship is certainly not confined by time or place but the dedicated hour on a Sunday morning facilitates our openness to the spirit. It helps renew our energy and gives us strength for the week ahead.
Another important aspect to Sunday morning is the social time after Meeting for Worship. During Covid restrictions we were unable to mingle after Meeting. We missed enjoying a cup of coffee or tea and chat with our Friends. When we were able to put the kettles on again, we were still somewhat restricted but were lucky that the weather favoured outdoor refreshments. Now we are back to our old routine and it is lovely to hear the chat and laughter combined with the clink of the coffee cups. We can access our small library and can enjoy full use of the Meeting House rooms again.
And of course there is the feeling of belonging to a community, being part of something more than just ourselves. Since returning after the Covid restrictions our numbers have dropped and we have not yet reinstated our Junior Meeting. Our usual attendance is about 25 people. We miss the Friends we have lost over the years although we feel their presence still. We miss too those that cannot attend physically on a Sunday morning but are part of our Meeting for Worship as we hold each other in the light.
Susanna Murdoch