The Roots of Quaker Belief
The Religious Society of Friends, commonly called “Friends” or “Quakers,” began in England around 1650 following the vision of a young Englishman, George Fox. Fox believed in the existance of “the Light within”—a spark of the Divine which resides in every person regardless of social status or origin. Fox led his followers to eschew the ritual and outward symbols of traditional Christian worship, so that they might “wait upon the Lord” in silence. This expectant waiting in silence is the core of the Quaker worship service, called the Meeting for Worship. Friends believe that by waiting in such a manner a person becomes able to receive direct communication with God and that intervention by specially trained clergy or use of specific ceremonies is therefore unnecessary.

Of the many followers of George Fox who influenced Quaker thought and ideas in the United States, perhaps the best known is William Penn, who founded the colony of Pennsylvania in 1681. The organization of the Society of Friends differs from that of most religions in that there is no central authority or body which governs and dictates the beliefs or practices of its members. Decision making and policy originate at the local level (the individual “Monthly Meetings,” of which Midcoast Meeting is one) and flow up from there to regional and national bodies. Within Monthly Meetings, emphasis is placed on individual responsibility and group process. In all decision making, Friends labor together to reach “the sense of the Meeting,” a point somewhere beyond consensus, in which all are united in the decision to be taken. The work of the Meeting, both pastoral and practical, is done by committees on which all members and active attenders are encouraged to serve on a rotating basis. While Friends adhere to no strict doctrine or theology, Quaker groups traditionally have published extensive ‘guides’ for the conduct of individual lives and our practices as organized Quaker groups. Faith and Practice of New England Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends is one such guide.

Quakerism is based on the values and life of Jesus and in the mystical and personal experience of the Divine within each individual. The Quaker belief in “that of God in every person” guides all aspects of life; our gatherings together for worship, the activities of our individual daily lives, and the use of our time and material resources. This Quaker concept of the Iinner Light, God, or the Holy Spirit which is present in all persons, is fundamental to our social attitudes, humanitarian service activities, political or civil engagement, and treatment of others. Our lives can become a testimony to our religious beliefs.

The Peace Testimony
The Peace Testimony of Friends, articulated by George Fox in 1660, is another foundation of Quaker faith. He wrote from prison, ”We ...utterly deny...all outward wars and strife and fighting with outward weapons, for any end or under any pretense whatsoever... and we certainly know and so testify to the world that the spirit of Christ, which leads us into all Truth, will never move us to fight and war against any man with outward weapons, neither for the kingdom of Christ nor the kingdoms of this world.” As a group and as individuals Quakers have evolved and are still evolving in the extent of their actions regarding nonviolence. Ways in which some present-day Quakers witness to their peace testimony include providing humanitarian aid to the suffering, negotiating agreements to prevent and to intervene in conflicts, conscientious objection to participation in military service, tax resistance to military expenditures, and providing educational activities to enhance human knowledge, respect, and understanding. Each Friend is called to live nonviolence in ways unique to the person while supported by the Quaker community.

Meeting for Worship
Friends Meeting for Worship is a gathering of worshipers who sit quietly together, each seeking a sense of the Divine presence and guidance. The reverent silence affords the opportunity for each to quiet the turmoil of thoughts and to center on the search for truth. Group silence enhances each individual’s awareness of being in a company united in a common search and a shared willingness to be obedient to Divine guidance.

When someone is moved to speak as God leads, he or she rises and speaks briefly in a manner that all can hear. We allow some time to elapse between messages, so that the full import is not lost. We believe that the messages are inspired by the source of the Light within us and merit our attention. Sometimes it is easy to immerse oneself in the silence, and at other times some of us may be disturbed by distractions outside or by our own unsettled thoughts. On these occasions we return again and again to the still center of our being where we can know the presence of God. We try, if only briefly, to be quiet in body, mind, and spirit. Meeting for Worship is always a high venture of faith, to which we invite you and welcome you.

Following Meeting for Worship, which lasts approximately an hour, it is customary at Midcoast for people to introduce themselves by name and town of residence. This practice helps us to get to know each other. Following the introductions, there are usually a few announcements, after which we share modest refreshments in the Social Room and enjoy each other’s company.

Organization of the Meeting
Midcoast Meeting is an “unprogrammed” Meeting with no paid clergy. The practical work of running the Meeting is done by committees. The business of the Meeting is discussed and are decisions made at a Monthly Meeting for Business (open to all), which is conducted by the Clerk of the Meeting.

The Ministry & Counsel Committee has oversight of the spoken ministry and pastoral care of the Meeting. Personal problems or concerns may be brought to the Clerk of Ministry & Counsel or the Clerk of the Meeting.

No collection is taken during Meeting for Worship; however, donations are always welcome.

Social and Educational Activities
Midcoast Meeting is active in peace and social concerns, questions of health and aging, community services, and environmental issues. Periodic programs, discussion groups, and forums are organized to explore topics of interest.

A book discussion group, which is open to all, meets twice a month and explores a wide range of books on ethical and spiritual questions.

“Friendly 8s” is a dinner program in which small groups of approximately 8 people each take turns meeting in each other’s homes to share a potluck dinner about once a month. In this way, Friends get to know each other better and enjoy the sociability of each other’s company outside of Meeting.

There is a First Day School (education) program for children on the first and third First Day (Sunday) of the month. Children usually join the adults for the first ten minutes or so of Meeting for Worship, then adjourn to the Social Room for their activities. If they wish, children are welcome to worship with the adults for the entire Meeting for Worship.