Silent v loud! I’ve been reading about the Quakers and their traditional silent meetings. I haven’t read everything on the topic and am no expert, but wanted to write here about it because it is such an interesting topic.
The traditional Quaker “meeting” has no alter, is silent (until a person is moved by the Holy Spirit to give testimony), lay leadership. The Methodists are all about programming, singing loud and proud no matter our singing ability, and being led by an educated pastor. However, both include moving away from self-centeredness to group focus in the Holy Spirit. Both value each person, being made by God. Both value incorporating knowledge in decision-making.
In business, I’ve seen so much self-centeredness (rather than selflessness). People working to get ahead and compete harsher than the other guy. Competetiveness is fine, but I’m talking about the people that really don’t care as they move forward or just do their daily work. I wish my business meetings were a little more like meetings at church… working as one team, valuing each person and their opinion, listening, voicing opinion in turn. In general, as Aretha Franklin sang “R. E. S. P. E. C. T.” which is central to the Christian value of all persons being made by God.
Well, I suppose that’s all I had to say! Interesting to me and I hope to you too.
Peace be with you,
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September 5, 2008 at 6:51 am
mormonsoprano
Amen!
The Mormon Sunday meeting fits somewhere in-between the Quakers and Methodists. We have an unpaid lay ministry. People are chosen from the general congregation to serve in “callings” for a period of time. Someone may get chosen to be a sunday school teacher, or the music director, or a nursery leader, or a youth leader, etc. (I’ve had all of those callings at least once in my life) Everyone gets an assignment/calling. After a year or two, we get released from that calling and given a new calling to serve.
The acting bishop of the congregation is a man called from the general membership of the congregation. He has no formal ministry training, but relys upon the Holy Spirit to guide him in his service to the congregation. He is set apart as the shepherd of the flock and generally serves for 4-5 years. Then, he will be released and another man from the congregation will be called to serve. All men living worthy in the church hold the Priesthood, beginning at the age of 12 the boys receive the Aaronic Priesthood, and as they get older receiving higher levels of priesthood duties. Women also are given major assignments, such as being the President of the Young Women’s organization (age 12-18) or the Relief Society President. The LDS Women’s Relief Society is one of the oldest women’s organizations in the united states. It was founded in 1842. The President of this society is called from each congregation to serve for 4-5 years, similar to the bishop. She has the responsibility and stewardship over all of the women in her congregation – to watch over them, to be aware of their needs, to organize compassionate service and help with funerals, and to conduct the Sunday womens meetings, and the monthly activity nights. She calls couselors to serve with her. (I have served in this capacity once as a newlywed. It was very demanding and yet very rewarding)
Our main worship service is called “Sacrament Meeting”. Each Sunday hymns are sung led by the current person called as music leader, and these hymns are usually sung in a pretty solemn, quiet manner (No drums and guitars – but it sure would be fun once in awhile!) Prayers are given by selected members of the congregation (everyone gets a turn). The Sacrament (communion) is blessed and passed to the congregation by the 12-18 year old Aaronic Priesthood boys. Afterwards, there are 2-3 talks given by members of the congregation chosen in advance by the bishop to speak about a gospel subject. Usually these are about 10 minute talks each. Every member of the congregation gets a turn to speak during the course of a 1-2 year period (depending on how large or small the congregation is depends on how often it comes around to being your turn). There is usually a special musical number performed in-between the speakers. (a vocal solo, a flute, violin, organ, choir, etc.) – I’ve done a lot of ’special musical numbers’ in my life! At the conclusion of the meeting there is a closing hymn and prayer. The meeting usually lasts 1 hour.
However, on the first Sunday of every month our Sacrament meeting is a little closer to what the Quakers practice. All members go without meals that day (fast) and donate the money they would have used for food to a fund used for world humanitarian needs. Everyone comes to church fasting and with prayers in their hearts for help with specific problems they are dealing with, or on behalf of someone else who may be ill or suffering. After the Sacrament (communion) is taken, the whole congregation sits very quietly and reflects upon the Savior. There are no assigned speakers this day. When a person is moved by the spirit, they can stand and bear testimony. It is always a very beautiful meeting filled with a peaceful holy spirit, and it bonds the congregation together very closely. Listening to each other’s testimonies, and communing with each other heart to heart is a sweet experience. Although our bodies may feel hungry, our souls are nourished.