--- title: What to Expect When Visiting | Quaker Silent Worship | Matinecock Friends Meeting description: Experience Quaker waiting worship at Matinecock Friends Meeting. Learn what to expect during your first visit to our historic Long Island meetinghouse, where we've welcomed spiritual seekers for nearly 300 years. image: https://www.matinecockquaker.org/hubfs/Images/Wide%20angle%20of%20Meeting%20house%20porch%20with%20logo%20and%20text%20-%20Rooted%20in%20faith%2c%20growing%20in%20light.jpg --- [Skip To Main](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/what-to-expect#main-content) [Skip To Footer](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/what-to-expect#footer) [Skip to content](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/what-to-expect#main-content) [![Matinecock Quaker Meeting House Logo](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Matinecock%20Quaker%20Meeting%20House%20logo.png?width=165&height=107&name=Matinecock%20Quaker%20Meeting%20House%20logo.png)](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/?hsLang=en) - About Us Show submenu for {{ link.label }} - [Our History](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/history) - [Community](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/about-us/community) - [Leadership & Committees](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/about-us/leadership-committees) - Quaker Faith Show submenu for {{ link.label }} - [Quaker Beliefs & Testimonies](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/quaker-beliefs-testimonies) - [Worship Practices](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/worship-practices) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/frequently-asked-questions) - [Resources for Further Learning](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/resources-for-further-learning) - [New Members Guide](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/new-members-guide) - Gatherings Show submenu for {{ link.label }} - [Monthly Meeting Schedule & Information](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/meeting-schedule-worship-times-events) - [Events](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/events) - Visit Us Show submenu for {{ link.label }} - [Directions and Location](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/directions-and-location) - [What to Expect](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/what-to-expect) - [Accessibility/Facilities](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/accessibility-and-facilities) - [Contact Us](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/contact-us) - [Log In](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/members) Open main navigation Close main navigation - About Us Show submenu for {{ link.label }} - [Our History](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/history) - [Community](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/about-us/community) - [Leadership & Committees](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/about-us/leadership-committees) - Quaker Faith Show submenu for {{ link.label }} - [Quaker Beliefs & Testimonies](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/quaker-beliefs-testimonies) - [Worship Practices](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/worship-practices) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/frequently-asked-questions) - [Resources for Further Learning](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/resources-for-further-learning) - [New Members Guide](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/new-members-guide) - Gatherings Show submenu for {{ link.label }} - [Monthly Meeting Schedule & Information](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/meeting-schedule-worship-times-events) - [Events](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/events) - Visit Us Show submenu for {{ link.label }} - [Directions and Location](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/directions-and-location) - [What to Expect](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/what-to-expect) - [Accessibility/Facilities](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/accessibility-and-facilities) - [Contact Us](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/contact-us) - [Log In](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/members) - [Upcoming Events](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/events) [Upcoming Events](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/events?hsLang=en) FINDING YOUR WAY TO MATINECOCK FRIENDS MEETING ## Where the noise falls away, and the Light within speaks.  Entering an unfamiliar spiritual space can feel intimidating, especially one with practices different from what you might be accustomed to. At Matinecock Friends Meeting, we've welcomed seekers, visitors, and curious neighbors for nearly 300 years—each bringing their unique backgrounds, questions, and spiritual journeys. Our community practices what we call "waiting worship," a form of silent gathering rooted in the belief that there is "that of God in everyone." This simple yet profound practice creates space for direct spiritual experience without intermediaries or programming. Whether you're spiritually curious, seeking community, or drawn to Quaker values, we welcome you exactly as you are. Learn More About Quaker Beliefs & Practices ![IMG_0798 (1)](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/IMG_0798%20(1).jpeg?height=2000&name=IMG_0798%20(1).jpeg) WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL ## Navigating your first meeting for waiting worship with friends who were once visitors, too. #### Before You Arrive Our meeting for worship begins at 10:00 am every Sunday (First Day) at our historic meeting house, located at the corner of Duck Pond Road and Piping Rock Road in Locust Valley. We recommend arriving a few minutes early, especially for your first visit, which gives you time to settle in and adjust to the space. #### What to Bring Just yourself. No books, offerings, or materials are needed for participation. If you enjoy taking notes or find scripture meaningful, you're welcome to bring a small notebook or Bible, though it's not necessary. #### When You Arrive As you approach our historic property, you'll notice the simple, gray-shingled meeting house. You'll likely be greeted by a Friend at the door who can welcome you and answer any initial questions. You'll be invited to sign our guest book if you wish, but you won't be singled out or asked to introduce yourself to the gathering. Inside, you'll find simple wooden benches arranged in a square or circle. Feel free to sit anywhere that feels comfortable. You might notice some Friends sitting quietly with eyes closed or gazing softly ahead as they center themselves while the meeting begins to settle into silence. #### During Meeting for Worship At 10:00 am, worship begins simply with shared silence. There is no announcement or signal—the meeting settles into a collective stillness that might feel unusual at first, especially if you're accustomed to more programmed religious services. This silence isn't empty but expectant. Some Friends describe it as "waiting worship" because we're collectively waiting to sense divine guidance. The quiet deepens as the meeting continues, creating a quiet, shared sense of presence that many find grounding and profound. Occasionally, someone may feel moved to stand and share a brief message—what we call "vocal ministry." These messages aren't planned but arise from the silence when someone feels called to speak. After speaking, they return to silence, allowing space for the words to settle and for others who might be moved to share. There is typically a generous silence between messages. Not every meeting includes vocal ministry—sometimes the silence itself is ministry enough. The length and number of messages vary widely from week to week, reflecting our belief in continuing revelation and the unique contribution of each person present. #### Children in Meeting Children are welcome to begin worship with the adults. After about 15–20 minutes, they may choose to join our Young Friends Program, where they explore Quaker values through age-appropriate activities. Families are also welcome to have children remain in worship for the full hour, if preferred. Parents and caregivers, please know that occasional whispers and movement from children are understood as part of their natural engagement with the world. #### Closing of Meeting Meeting for worship typically lasts about an hour. There is no formal signal for its conclusion—a designated Friend will simply shake hands with those nearby, after which everyone exchanges handshakes and greetings, marking our transition from worship back to everyday life. #### After Meeting Following worship, we share brief announcements about upcoming events and community needs. This is followed by a time for refreshments and conversation—a perfect opportunity for newcomers to meet community members, ask questions, and learn more about Quaker practices or our meeting specifically. No one will pressure you to return or to become involved, though we warmly welcome your continued participation, however it feels right to you. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT QUAKERS ## What you might have heard versus what you'll find.  Many visitors arrive with preconceptions about Quakers shaped by popular culture, historical imagery, or confusion with other religious groups. In reality, Matinecock Friends Meeting is a diverse community of contemporary seekers who share certain practices while honoring individual spiritual journeys. Understanding what we aren't can sometimes be as valuable as learning what we are. ##### **Misconception: Quakers are the same as the Amish.** While both traditions value simplicity, Quakers fully participate in modern society, using technology, pursuing higher education, and engaging actively in professions and public service. We seek to live with intention within the contemporary world rather than separating from it. ##### **Misconception: Quakers require certain beliefs or a Christian background.** While Quakerism arose from Christian roots in 17th-century England, today's Quakers embrace diverse theological understandings. Among us, you'll find those who use traditional Christian language and those who find meaning in other spiritual traditions. What unites us isn't uniform belief but our practice of seeking truth through direct experience. ##### **Misconception: Quaker meetings are completely silent with no speaking.** While silence forms the foundation of our worship, vocal ministry does arise when someone feels moved to share a message. Our worship isn't about enforced silence but about creating space where we can listen deeply, both to the divine and to one another when moved to speak. ##### **Misconception: You need special knowledge or preparation to attend.** Our worship requires no prior knowledge, special training, or familiarity with Quaker practices. Many Friends today weren't raised as Quakers but found their way to our community as adults. Newcomers are always welcome to simply come, sit, and experience waiting worship. ##### **Misconception: Quakers don't welcome questions or intellectual inquiry.** Far from discouraging questions, Quakerism embraces continuing revelation and the ongoing search for truth. [As one visitor shared](https://quakerspeak.com/video/my-first-quaker-meeting-for-worship/), "Joining Quakers, it almost felt as if this community of faith fell cleanly through my head and into my heart. It didn't insult my intelligence. It didn't discourage me from questioning." [Read Our New Member Guide](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/new-members-guide?hsLang=en) [![Matinecock Quaker Meeting House Logo](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Matinecock%20Quaker%20Meeting%20House%20logo.png?width=165&height=107&name=Matinecock%20Quaker%20Meeting%20House%20logo.png "Matinecock Quaker Meeting House Logo")](http:/?hsLang=en) Matinecock Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends 267 Duck Pond Road Locust Valley, NY 11560 [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/people/Matinecock-Quaker/61578329700914) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/matinecockquaker) Copyright © 2026 ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Locust Valley", "addressRegion" : "NY", "postalCode" : "11560", "streetAddress" : "267 Duck Pond Road " }, "alternateName" : "Matinecock Quaker Meeting", "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : "+40.86597594352573", "longitude" : "-73.59710001004099" } }, "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : [ "US" ], "availableLanguage" : "en" }, "description" : "Quaker Meeting House", "email" : "matinecockmonthlymeeting@gmail.com", "image" : "https://49715369.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/49715369/Images/Meeting%20house%20porch%20with%20logo%20and%20text%20-%20Rooted%20in%20faith%2c%20growing%20in%20light.jpg", "logo" : "https://49715369.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/49715369/Matinecock%20Quaker%20Meeting%20House%20logo.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.matinecockquaker.org/what-to-expect", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Experience Quaker waiting worship at Matinecock Friends Meeting. 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