Friends believe in the presence of God within each person, often referred to as the “Inward Light.” God is directly accessible to all without the need of either a pastor or ritual. God speaks in a manner that is personal, direct and certain - a continuing revelation. The Scriptures can be understood only by entering into the Spirit which produced them. Divine revelation did not end with the publication of the Bible but remains available to anyone open to receive it. Because we believe in the presence of God in every individual, we place a strong value on humanitarian and pacifist activities. Friends seek to remove the causes of conflict and war, striving to trust in love rather than to react in fear. The term “Quakers” comes from a description of early Friends as trembling at the word of God. While originally intended by the authorities as an insult, Friends now happily refer to themselves as Quakers. Out of these principles, Quakers have developed a number of testimonies, including Equality, Peace, Simplicity, and Community.

We sit in silence to hear more clearly God’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). Each worshiper is a listener. While some Friend’s meetings have pastors, Flushing Friends’ Meeting does not and our worship consists of “expectant waiting.” We have no prearranged prayers. We do have prearranged readings of the Queries and Advices set forth in our Faith and Practice book. During worship, a message may come to one of us that we wish to share. Friends value messages that are simple, come from the heart, and are prompted by the Spirit.

--Adapted from the Web site of Binghamton Community Friends Meeting