No. Quakers believe in the direct, unmediated experience of God. This means we don't have intermediaries like ministers or priests to connect with the divine.

In our unprogrammed worship, anyone may speak if moved by the Spirit. We see each person as having equal access to God's truth, which can be revealed to anyone, regardless of religious beliefs, education or status. This practice of equality has been central to Friends since our beginnings in the 1600s.

We practice what we call "waiting worship" or "unprogrammed worship." We gather in silence, creating space to listen for God's presence. The silence isn't empty—it's expectant. We're waiting together for divine guidance. Sometimes, a person may feel moved to speak briefly, sharing a message they feel comes not from themselves but through them. After each message, we return to silence, allowing the words to settle. 

Many meetings pass entirely in silent communion. Worship ends when designated Friends shake hands.

Friends understand God in diverse ways. Some use traditional Christian language, while others prefer terms like "the Light," "Spirit," "Truth," or "Love." What unites us isn't uniform language but a shared experience of a divine presence that can be directly accessed through silent worship. As Arthur Larrabee, lifelong Quaker and a member of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, describes, "There is a living, dynamic, spiritual presence at work in the world which is both within us and outside of us." We believe there is "that of God" in everyone—a divine spark in each person that deserves respect and honor.

Many Quakers identify as Christians, while others draw from multiple spiritual traditions or have no religious affiliation. The Quaker movement began in 17th-century England, and many Friends continue to find meaning in Jesus' teachings about peace, simplicity, and equality.

However, we welcome people of all spiritual backgrounds. Matinecock Quaker Meeting honors both our Christian roots and the diversity of spiritual paths among us. What unites us is not uniform belief but our method of seeking truth through direct experience of God and our commitment to living our values.

While Quakers avoid formal creeds, we share certain core convictions:

• There is a divine Light within everyone that provides direct access to God
• Worship is based on silent waiting and listening
• Our understanding of truth is nurtured in community
• Continuing revelation means God's truth is still being revealed today
• Living our faith matters more than professing beliefs
• Simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality (SPICE) guide our lives
• All people have inherent dignity and worth

The most distinctive features of Quakerism include our unprogrammed worship based in silence, our belief in direct access to God without clergy or sacraments, our decision-making through seeking unity rather than voting, and our commitment to living our testimonies in everyday life. Unlike many faith traditions, we have no formal creed or statement of faith that members must accept. We believe revelation is continuing—God's truth is still being revealed today. Our emphasis on equality has led Friends to historic and ongoing work for social justice, peace, and human rights.

Becoming a Quaker is a journey that begins with attending meeting for worship regularly. Most people attend for months or years before formally joining. The process typically involves:

• Attending worship and community events to experience Quaker practice
• Learning about Quaker beliefs, history, and testimonies through reading and discussions
• Getting to know members of the community
• Meeting with a clearness committee to discern if membership feels right
• Writing a letter requesting membership to the monthly meeting

Remember, many committed participants in Quaker communities remain "attenders" rather than formal members. Both are equally valued.

In our busy, noisy world, Quakers offer several countercultural practices that many find deeply relevant:

• The gift of silence in a world of constant noise and distraction
• Direct spiritual experience in an age of spiritual hunger
• Community discernment in a polarized society
• Simplicity amidst consumerism and environmental crisis
• Equality and inclusion in addressing injustice
• Peace witnessing in a world of ongoing conflict and violence

For 300 years at Matinecock, our community has been "building a small plot of heaven on earth." We invite you to experience how these ancient practices speak to modern needs.

Both terms refer to the same religious group. "Friends" comes from our formal name, the Religious Society of Friends, inspired by Jesus' words: "You are my friends if you do what I command" (John 15:14). "Quaker" began as a nickname. Early Friends were said to "tremble at the word of the Lord" or "quake" with religious fervor. Though initially derogatory, we embraced the term, and today "Quaker" and "Friend" are used interchangeably. At Matinecock, you'll hear both terms in our conversations and materials, reflecting our 300-year history as part of the Long Island Quaker community.

No. While Quakers are often associated with progressive causes due to our peace testimony and social justice work, the Religious Society of Friends welcomes people across the political spectrum. We like to say that Quakerism is “God's big tent,” speaking spiritually and politically. We count among our members Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and those of various other political affiliations. What unites us isn't political ideology but shared spiritual practice and testimonies. Many Friends are politically active as individuals, which we consider "the right and duty of all living in a democracy," but the meeting itself doesn't endorse political parties or candidates.