"Quaker Meeting - Elmira Monthly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends" What do Quakers believe? Beginning with George Fox in England over 350 years ago, Friends believe that there is "that of God in every person." This principle is called the Inner Light, The Seed, the Inward Christ, but whatever it's called, this divine spark is available to any person. The Inner Light continues to teach, and so we believe in continuing revelation, of which the bible and other works of spiritual importance are part. These convictions lead to a way of decision-making to test together our leadings. We gather as we worship, speak briefly to the issue at hand, and listen for what is true and unifying. Our belief in the Presence causes us to uphold freedom for all, equality of genders and races, and alternative means of transforming conflict. Quakers reject war and violence, and we pursue the end to the death penalty. In these ways, we hope to construct a community enlivened by respect, equality, and love. All are invited to join us in this joyful work. How do Quakers Worship? You're welcome to join us as we gather to wait in silence on the Spirit to comfort, instruct, guide, and enliven us. We have no pastor or planned ritual or readings. Instead, together we strive to attend the "still, small voice" in each other, in ourselves, and in all people. Each of us approaches the hour of worship in our own way, but typically we spend some time "centering down." This means we settle into a posture that is both comfortable and alert. Some briefly review spiritual reading, listening through the words for the eternal. Some review their week, attentive to the workings of the Inner Light to be grateful for, to be instructed by, or to be awed about. Always, we seek the guidance of love and truth. We don't go to meeting for worship planning to speak or not to. Anyone may minister out of the silence, if they discern the Spirit's given them a message for the group. Typically, we deliver the message briefly and from our own experience. Are Quakers active in the world? Encouraged to "let your lives preach" and bear witness to a very different society. Quakers hope to be practical mystics, continually applying spiritual insights to personal & social problems. This means resisting violence. We pursue alternative means of dealing with conflict, within individuals and families as well as between groups and nations. We seek to care for the victims of war and crime, but at the same time we seek to find the causes of their misery and eliminate it. About Elmira Monthly Meeting Small in number, the Elmira Quaker community is involved in supporting such activites as: 2nd Place East, the only homeless shelter in three counties Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops in the Elmira Correctional Facility to assist all who attend to transform conflict Peace activities to oppose the means and justifications of war The American Friends Service Commitee (AFSC), an international service agency expressing Quaker values Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), the lobbying group that presses for policies advancing peace and justice A First Day School may be available, so please call ahead if you plan to bring children. Join us for worship each week 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM On the third Saturday, worship is followed by Meeting for business, the distinctive manner of decision-making of Friends. Each month also includes an event after worship to build community, develop our faith, or express our service. For more information call (607) 962-4183