Elevator Speeches

During one of our Third Sunday, Adult Ed sessions this year, we explored how we speak about Quakerism and why we come to Fresh Pond Meeting.

Some Friends wrote “Elevator Speeches” to practice what they might say if asked:

“Quakers believe that people of all ages are able in direct contact with the Divine.  By being faithful to Divine Guidance we are transformed, and by doing this we transform our families, our communities and the world.  This is a journey or process that we undertake together.  We do not travel alone but we learn from each other.  We are all ministers, not just by our words but by the example of our lives.”

“The Religious Society of Friends is a community of people who are working together to understand their own beliefs about God.  We have no creed but do read the Bible and Quaker writings.  The Divine Spirit transforms our lives.  The sense of our silent meeting is guided by God’s will. We govern ourselves by being attuned to God’s will rather than particular individuals.  It’s a Christian religion with no minister – God speaks through each person.  The testimonies are the closest to a creed that we have.”

“Fresh Pond Meeting is a community of spiritual seekers who come together weekly to listen to the voice of God within and help each other on their spiritual journey.  There is a wide range of beliefs among Friends.  Each person is welcome.  We meet in silent expectant worship and value our time together.  Our outward lives are transformed by our inward journey.  Sometimes when we listen to God, we realize that we are moved to do something different with our lives as a way to make the world a better place.  We often support each other following these motions.  When we accompany each other on these spiritual journeys, the opportunity for deep spiritual friendship occurs.”