Worship with Us!

Bluffton Worship Group

118 S Spring St
Bluffton, OH 45817
United States
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Sunday Worship
1st Sunday, 10 am, gather with Toledo via Zoom
2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday, 10 am, in Bluffton
3rd Sunday, check calendar or phone for location
Book discussion or other activity at 11 am

Toledo Worship Group

The Victory Center
3166 Republic Blvd N
Toledo, OH 43615
United States
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Sunday Activities
Sunday Worship, 10 am, in-person and Zoom
Coffee hour or activity at 11 am
Young Friends, 1st and 3rd Sundays at noon

How We Worship

We gather in silence until a participant feels led to share a message with those present.  Sometimes Spirit brings us — any of us — a message that seems clearly to speak to the condition of those gathered.  When we are convinced that such a message is within us, we may rise to give that message as “vocal ministry.”  When messages are shared, it is appropriate to leave time for silent worship between them.

During the meeting, there may be many or few messages shared.  Sometimes a deep, shared stillness continues throughout the meeting with no spoken messages at all.

At the end of the worship time, a designated Friend takes hands with neighbors, then others do the same.  Friends are invited to share thoughts that may have come to them during worship that did not rise to vocal ministry.  Afterward, we are invited to share our joys and sorrows, followed by any announcements.

Guests and visitors are welcome to introduce themselves and join in the sharing that follows worship.  Worship usually lasts about an hour.  Clothing is casual.  If you would like to make a donation, donations are made privately, before or after the meeting.  You can use the donate button below or ask who handles donations in person.

How We Conduct Business

Much of the work of Quakers is done in committees, where members seek together for Spirit-inspired leadings, unity, and discernment in their decision-making.  Our committees include:

• Ministry and Nurture
• Youth and Children
• Finance
• Site and Arrangements

In lieu of oversight from a minister or governing board, our committees bring proposals and updates directly to our wider Broadmead community.  Everyone, from both worship groups, is invited to participate.  This helps ensure that every voice is valued and that our actions align with our collective discernment of Spirit’s leadings.

Traditionally Quaker meetings are known as “monthly meetings” because they gather monthly for business meetings.  We are called “Broadmead Monthly Meeting” but we have found it works well for us to hold business meetings quarterly rather than monthly.  Our business meetings for business take place after meeting for worship on the third Sundays of January, April, July, and October.

• Can I come to a business meeting if I am not a member?
  Yes, all are welcome to attend and to support our process with their presence.
• How long will the business meeting last?
  Business meetings often run 60-90 minutes but may run longer or shorter depending on how much business there is.  The clerk of the meeting should be able to give you an idea of how long a particular business meeting will last.

Our business meetings are called “meetings for worship with attention to business” to remind us that Quaker decision-making in business meetings is based on the same communal discernment as Sunday worship.  Quakers do not make decisions by voting but look for a unity deeper than majority rule.  This involves careful listening — inwardly and to each other — to recognize Spirit-inspired leadings.  During our time of worshipful attention to business, Friends can come into a powerful experience of unity.

Click below to learn more about the purpose and responsibilities of our committees.

What is a Quaker

Quaker Silence

How Quakers Make Decisions (It’s Not Just Consensus!)