Books in a Quaker service (attend, bible, worship, faith)

[Only Me]

This is my first post, so hi from Durham, Britain.

Does anyone know which books, other than the Bible, are used in a Quaker service of worship?
Thanks

[MidnightBlue]

I've never attended a programmed service, but I understand they have hymns, so maybe they have hymnals, too.

An unprogrammed service, or silent meeting, doesn't use any books at all. Friends speak-- or sing -- as they feel led.

[rhys]

Originally Posted by Only Me

This is my first post, so hi from Durham, Britain.

Does anyone know which books, other than the Bible, are used in a Quaker service of worship?
Thanks

'Used' in what sense? In that there is no fixed form of service, books are only 'used' in that a few are usually available to be read if required - 'Quaker Faith and Practice' and the ' Advices and Queries' usually, certainly.

I don't know what happens in the States. We cerainly have no hymns or anything of that sort.

[Only Me]

Ummm.... Used in the sense of read from or quoted from. I received an email from a lady off another site, who said that occasionally, poems are used when they relate to what the individual Quaker talks about.

[rhys]

Anything can be read from, as the Spirit moves people, but the silence is what matters. It is in that that particular bits of ministry 'speak to people's condition', if they do. I find that, quite often, the Spirit seems to have been reading Guardian editorials attentively, but I'm a believer in the old notion that you only speak if you absolutely have to, so I am unwontedly silent!

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Only Me

Ummm.... Used in the sense of read from or quoted from. I received an email from a lady off another site, who said that occasionally, poems are used when they relate to what the individual Quaker talks about.

That probably occurs, although I haven't seen it. My problem with reading poetry is that it means you've brought the poem with you, meaning you have come to meeting intending to read the poem, rather than waiting in silent expectation.

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by rhys

I find that, quite often, the Spirit seems to have been reading Guardian editorials attentively

Originally Posted by rhys

I'm a believer in the old notion that you only speak if you absolutely have to, so I am unwontedly silent!

I find that I generally prefer silence to the parts when people are speaking, anyway. I agree that the silence should not be broken lightly.