Worship Sharing Guidelines

Worship sharing is an opportunity for group meditative reflection on a query or topic. Although not necessary, one person is usually designated as the facilitator. This person will read the guidelines, if appropriate have participants introduce themselves, and read the query or topic.

• We speak from our own experience.
• We do not discuss, dispute, or respond to another.
• We each speak only once, at least until everyone has had a chance to speak.
• Be mindful of the time so as to not take more that one's share of it.
• It is hoped all will contribute, but not required. It is helpful for one to indicate that he/she is passing if that is the case.
• When others are speaking we listen attentively, without judgment and without the distraction of our own thoughts.
• When one is finished speaking we allow a period of silence for reflection before anyone else speaks.
• Everything said is held in confidence not to be repeated outside the room except by, or with the permission of, the one having said it.

Other Resources

• Patricia Loring Listening Spirituality, vol. 1, pp.168-76.
  A shorter article excerpted from this may be found as the chapter "Worship Sharing" in Companions Along the Way, pp. 115-118, edited by Florence Ruth Kline and published by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 2000.
• Baltimore Yearly Meeting 's guidelines are very useful.
• FGC provides " Suggestions for Leading a Worship Sharing Group" by Shirley Dodson.
• PYM Young Friends have their own guidelines, to be found at this link.