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On arrival we like to settle down comfortably in the Meeting Room a few minutes before the appointed time. The Meeting begins when the first person sits down in the meeting room and begins the silent journey inwards, so it is important to be as still and quiet as possible right from the beginning. Make sure that you are sitting comfortably early in the Meeting.
The Meeting Room is a simple room with chairs arranged in a square around a central table.
On the table are copies of the Bible (in several languages), copies of Quaker Faith & Practice and Advices and Queries (these two books give the essence of the Quaker way). Anyone may refer to these books during the Meeting if they feel that they could be helpful to them. In some meetings there may be a lighted candle or some flowers.

Our Meetings are held in Silence. There is no ceremony or ritual; the Meeting takes the form of a silent contemplation or meditation. There is no priest or pastor; everyone is equally responsible for the silence and for the words that may be spoken. Anyone may speak if he or she feels that the Silence will be enriched by the message however hesitant or imperfect it may seem. In this Silence we become less aware of external noise, more aware of one another, and more able to tune in and listen to God. Through this we can find God in ourselves and in other people. We seek to 'know one another in that which is eternal'. If you find it difficult to stay focussed in the Silence, this may be because of some inner restlessness, troubled thoughts or external disturbances. Acknowledge their presence and gently let them go.

Our expectation is that the Silence will deepen. Gradually we develop our own methods of helping to achieve this, but it takes time and patience. Sometimes the whole hour is silent, but it is more usual for the Silence to be broken (but not interrupted) several times by a thought, a reading or a prayer from one of those present.

As the Meeting proceeds, you may notice a common thread running through it. If what is said does not seem right for you, remember that it may be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Try to be open to what lies behind the words that are spoken in the Silence. Quakers aim to build a community of trust and mutual acceptance. Remember: no two Meetings for Worship are ever the same, so it is a good idea to come on several different occasions if this is possible.

At the end of the Meeting, all those present join hands. Visitors are welcomed and you may introduce yourself if you wish. Information is then shared about activities in the Meeting and in the local area that may be of interest. Finally, after a few more minutes of Silence, everyone is invited to have tea / coffee. Do not be shy: speak to anyone present and ask him or her for more information about Quakers. Everyone will be happy to tell you what he or she knows.

Information leaflets and pamphlets about Quakers are available free of charge; please take them. Sometimes there are books for sale on Quakerism or subjects of interest to those who attend our Meetings. There is also a Newsletter; you are welcome to take a copy for free; you can add your name to the mailing list in order to receive this regularly if you wish.
We hope that you will enjoy our Meeting for Worship and feel comfortable with us. Please come again - it often takes some time to feel totally at home in the Silence.

-----'Stillness feeds the Spirit'----

Quakerism started in England in 1652 mainly as the result of the work of George Fox who was convinced that true religion was not about ceremonies and rites performed by a priestly caste or about complex theological arguments, but rather a personal inward experience, a direct link with God and a consequent transformation of everyday life. He acknowledged the 'Inward Light' as his authority in religious matters. He reminded us that we can meet 'that of God' in every person. The early 'Friends of Truth', as they called themselves, met in Silence so that this Inward Voice could speak through them and so that they could share the message it brought.

Quakerism began in a period when Christianity was central to the way of life of the whole of the community, so naturally the early Quakers expressed themselves in similar terms. Today, many Quakers would still see themselves as essentially Christian, while others adopt a broader religious vision and look for the truth in many different religious traditions.
Right until the present century, Quakers have continued to meet together in Silence, without priests, ministers, special ceremonies, holy days or beliefs precisely formulated in words, trusting only to the inspiration that is given them in Meeting for Worship, personal spiritual practice and the Quaker way of life.

Quakers often have widely different ideas and personal beliefs about almost everything, but this diversity is gathered into unity in the stillness of our Meeting for Worship. As an early Quaker said, 'when I came into the silent assemblies of God's people, I felt a secret power among them, which touched my heart; and as I gave way unto it I found the evil weakening in me and the good raised up...'

The Quaker vision that there is 'that of God' in everyone has led them to reject violence, discrimination and exploitation in all its forms. The Society of Friends (often described as one of the historic Peace Churches) has long worked for peace and against war; in periods of war, many Quakers have been conscientious objectors. Quakers were some of the first to accept women as equal members of the community (even if they did not always manage to live up to their principles), and to work for the abolition of slavery and the reform of prisons, for the rights of refugees, for education to be available to all and for the mentally ill to be treated as human beings who needed loving care and understanding. We try to continue this work today. There are also new ways to practise traditional Quaker simplicity by living a simple environmentally friendly life style.

We welcome the cultural diversity that modern global society has made possible and do our best to build a tolerant multi-racial, multi-cultural community. Quakers strongly support the work of international organisations such as the United Nations that attempt to establish and keep the peace and protect human rights. The Friends World Committee for Consultation acts as the parent organisation for the Quaker United Nations Offices in New York and Geneva. Friends seek to influence European Union policy makers on issues relating to human rights, peace and development cooperation worldwide via the Quaker Council for European Affairs, an organisation with which Belgium and Luxembourg Monthly Meeting has strong links.