--- title: Quaker Worship Practices | Sunday Meeting | Matinecock Quaker Meeting on Long Island description: Experience the tradition of Quaker worship at Matinecock Quaker Meeting. Join our Sunday gatherings where silence, sharing, and spiritual community meet. 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/worship-practices#main-content) [Skip To Footer](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/worship-practices#footer) [Skip to content](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/worship-practices#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) QUAKER WORSHIP PRACTICES ## In silence, we are gathered into the Light At Matinecock Quaker Meeting, we enter into the divine which is always there for us. The center of our worship is the experience of direct and unmediated communion with God. For nearly three centuries, seekers have found in our historic meeting house a space where they can discover what early Quakers called "the still, small voice within." Whether you're curious about Quaker practice or seeking a spiritual home, we invite you to join us for worship. [Join us in Worship](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/meeting-schedule-worship-times-events?hsLang=en) ![Dimly lit room with 3 small candles](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Background/Dimly%20lit%20room%20with%203%20small%20candles.jpeg?width=588&height=545&name=Dimly%20lit%20room%20with%203%20small%20candles.jpeg) ![Side view of Quaker meeting house with plants blurred in foreground](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Side%20view%20of%20Quaker%20meeting%20house%20with%20plants%20blurred%20in%20foreground.jpg?width=1075&height=1146&name=Side%20view%20of%20Quaker%20meeting%20house%20with%20plants%20blurred%20in%20foreground.jpg) WAITING WORSHIP ## The center of Quaker practice. When you enter our historic Meeting House on Sunday morning, you'll find no altar, pulpit, or order of service, just Friends gathered on simple benches, sitting in shared silence. This practice creates space for an inward journey. We begin simply by settling into the silence together. Some Friends close their eyes, others gaze softly ahead. You might notice the gentle sounds of birds, rain on the roof, or the wind moving through the trees. There's no "right way" to participate—some focus on their breath, others hold up loved ones in the Light, while some might reflect on scripture or simply rest in the presence of community. Ultimately, we come to an inward place where the group settles into a ‘gathered’ unity beyond thought and feeling. [Join us for Sunday Worship](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/meeting-schedule-worship-times-events?hsLang=en) ![Tulips on a sunny day in the park, with blurred background of grass and trees](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Tulips%20on%20a%20sunny%20day%20in%20the%20park%2c%20with%20blurred%20background%20of%20grass%20and%20trees.jpg?width=1318&height=1156&name=Tulips%20on%20a%20sunny%20day%20in%20the%20park%2c%20with%20blurred%20background%20of%20grass%20and%20trees.jpg) SILENCE AND WAITING IN QUAKER WORSHIP ## The winds of the spirit move through our stillness. "Meeting for worship has to do with waiting," explains a member of our community. "Waiting for the spirit to talk to us. And the spirit is always there, just like the air—but sometimes it moves like the wind." In our gathering, we create conditions where that movement can be felt—not through ritual or liturgy, but through the simple, profound act of becoming collectively quiet enough to notice what has been present all along. This waiting isn't passive but alive with expectancy. The silence deepens to a stillness, and as you wait in fellowship with others, you enter a state not only of peace, but of inspiration." Many newcomers are surprised to find that even those who typically find meditation challenging often experience a sense of being "held" in the collective silence. It is from these depths that spoken ministry arises. [Join us for Worship](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/meeting-schedule-worship-times-events?hsLang=en) VOCAL MINISTRY ## In true ministry, it is not we who speak, but the Light through us. During worship, anyone may feel moved to stand and speak briefly, sharing what we call "vocal ministry." This isn't planned or arranged in advance but springs from the silence when someone feels a message rising within them that seems meant not just for themselves but for the gathered community. Vocal ministry at Matinecock might take many forms: a brief reflection, a personal insight, a passage from scripture or other inspiring text, or occasionally a spoken prayer. These messages typically last only a minute or two before the speaker returns to silence, allowing space for the words to settle in our hearts and for other messages that might arise. How do Friends discern whether to speak? Many describe a physical sensation—a quickening of the heart, trembling, or sense of clarity—that signals a genuine leading rather than just an interesting thought. We ask ourselves: "Is this message for me alone, or for the meeting? Is it ripe? Is it timely?" We're encouraged to speak only once, if at all, and to allow generous silence between messages. Not every meeting includes vocal ministry—sometimes the silence itself is ministry enough. As early Friend Isaac Penington observed, the purpose of words in meeting is "to bring people to the knowledge of things beyond what words can utter." Our worship typically lasts about an hour, concluding when a designated Friend shakes hands with those nearby, then everyone exchanges handshakes and greetings. ![Close up of mans hands holding a Bible](https://www.matinecockquaker.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Close%20up%20of%20mans%20hands%20holding%20a%20Bible.jpeg?width=893&height=960&name=Close%20up%20of%20mans%20hands%20holding%20a%20Bible.jpeg) CHILDREN IN QUAKER WORSHIP ## Since the beginning, family has been at the heart of Quaker spirituality. At Matinecock Quaker Meeting, children are valued members of our spiritual community. We believe that children have their own experience of the Divine and can teach adults much about wonder, authenticity, and finding joy in the present moment. Young people are always welcome. We understand that children experience silence differently than adults—more embodied, sometimes more brief—and we cherish their presence just as they are. Parents and caregivers, please know that wiggles and whispers are natural and expected. Your children are welcome to stay with you throughout worship. A young attender sits with families with children and helps them discover the treasures in the silence. **Your family belongs here exactly as they are.** [![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/worship-practices", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Experience the tradition of Quaker worship at Matinecock Quaker Meeting. 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