Step by step
What happens when you arrive
Here is exactly what a typical Sunday morning looks like from the moment you pull into the parking lot to the moment you leave. Nothing here will surprise you.
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Park and walk in There is a parking lot on the property. Enter through the main door facing N. Chester Road. No one will stop you or ask who you are.
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You will likely be greeted A member of the meeting is usually near the entrance and will welcome you warmly. They can answer any questions and point you to a seat.
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Find a seat and settle in Seats are arranged in rows or a circle facing the center. Sit wherever you feel comfortable. The room will be quiet.
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Worship begins in silence Meeting for Worship starts at 10:00 AM and lasts about 50 minutes. There is no program or order of service. Simply settle in and be present.
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Someone may speak Any member may stand briefly to share a thought or reflection if they feel moved. This is called ministry. There is no obligation to respond.
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Meeting closes At 11:00 AM a rotating volunteer welcomes everyone, invites announcements from the group, and then closes worship for fellowship.
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Stay for fellowship Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are served in the West Room. This is the best time to meet people, ask questions, and get to know the community.
Practical details
What should I wear?
Whatever you are comfortable in. There is no dress code. You will see people in everything from jeans to dress clothes.
Do I need to bring anything?
Nothing at all. No books, no materials, no offering envelope. Just yourself.
Will I be singled out as a newcomer?
Not during worship. After meeting closes someone may introduce themselves, but there is no newcomer spotlight or visitor card to fill out.
Is it okay to leave early?
Yes. If you need to leave before meeting closes, you are welcome to do so quietly.
How early should I arrive?
Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early gives you time to find a seat and settle before the silence begins. Arriving late is also fine -- just enter quietly.
Is the building accessible?
Please contact us at clerk@goshenquakers.org to discuss your specific accessibility needs and we will do our best to help.
Getting here
Location & Directions
Parking
There is a parking lot on the property. Enter from N. Chester Road. Parking is free. If the lot is full there is also street parking available along N. Chester Road.
No need to call ahead
The door is open every Sunday at 10:00 AM. There is no registration, no membership requirement, and no commitment expected. Just come.
Questions? Contact us →Families welcome
Bringing children?
Children are always welcome at Goshen Friends. We provide a supervised children's program every Sunday so that parents can worship in peace, knowing their children are in good hands.
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Children start in the meeting room At 10:00 AM children join adults in the meeting room for the opening of worship.
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Children's program begins Children move to their own supervised space with caring adult leaders while parents continue in worship.
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Children rejoin at 10:50 AM The children come back into the meeting room for the final few minutes of worship so the whole community closes together.