Local Meetings

At the heart of the Quaker movement are local spiritual communities where the practice of Friends' faith is encouraged. Across New England and beyond, we nurture, support, and challenge each other as we journey together. 

Many of our congregations have monthly meeting in their name. This refers to how often they meet for business (community decision-making). It does not mean they only worship once a month!

Similarly, the terms preparative meeting and worship group relate to how the meeting conducts business decisions.

Some of our congregations are pastoral meetings (often called programmed or semi-programmed), meaning a pastor leads worship, which may involve hymns, a sermon and silent worship. Most of our meetings are unprogrammed, meaning worship is based in silence—while no pastor is appointed, participants may offer vocal ministry as led.

Quarterly meetings are designed to bring together a larger group for inspiration and counsel and to consider more varied interests than any single meeting (local congregation) embraces.

A quarterly meeting consists of the entire membership of its constituent monthly meetings. Each monthly meeting appoints representatives to attend the sessions, although all other members are encouraged to attend and take part.

The tiles below link to the list of local congregations in that region. 

Scroll down for a downloadable directory of meetings.