What to expect? Friends believe that if they wait silently upon God there will be times when God will speak to them in the heart. The silent Meeting of Friends is therefore the communion with God during which Friends lay themselves open to the leading of the Spirit. Sometimes Friends feel led to share a message with fellow worshipers, speaking out of the silence; but for an unprogrammed meeting like ours, there is no pastor or sermon. You will experience the peculiar energy of a group gathered in silent worship (which may feel like meditation or prayer).
In Carbondale, we meet in the main room of the upper floor of the Gaia House Interfaith Center. The seating is set up in a circle. Try to arrive about 9:50 AM to be welcomed and oriented to the worship format, and we hope you will remain for a while at 11:00 AM for fellowship and getting to know each other.
Parking is tight on Sunday mornings in the north side lot adjacent to the building (City Parking Lot 26), so if you are ambulatory we also recommend parking to the south across Grand Avenue in the long City Parking Lot 4 (free on Sundays); it is accessed at the stoplight across from the SIU entrance on US 51 South. Just drive all the way back to the northernmost spaces in the lot, and walk back across Grand Avenue to the building.
Children are warmly welcomed. We don't always have regular junior attenders, but we are prepared to encourage their participation in 10-15 minutes of silent worship, followed by activities, stories or lessons in the adjacent office space. A parent may choose to participate in the children's session or enjoy the adults' Meeting for Worship.
Accessibility: Only the lower level of the Gaia House is wheelchair-accessible (where there is a kitchen, dining area and accessible restroom). The upper level can be accessed from the front (south side) over a bridge (due for repairs in summer 2024). There are restrooms on the upper level, but they predate the standard dimensions for wheelchair access.
For a peek at our worship space, see this video which was recorded in the same room after moving the furniture around.
Here are links to short video testimonials on specific topics of interest to newcomers.