ABOUT US
At Chatham Friends, We Believe…
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that true religion involves an immediate, inward, personal encounter with God - that this, rather than ritual and ceremony, is what we must experience to obtain salvation.
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that each individual has worth, dignity, freedom and responsibility before God. (John 1:9)
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that worship is a personal, positive act of seeking, rather than a performance – that communion is an inner spiritual experience rather than an outward observance.
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that moral purity, integrity, honesty, simplicity and humility are essential to the Christian life.
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In Christian love and good will as a way of life which makes hatred and violence impossible.
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that Christ-like love and concern for suffering and unfortunate people must find expression in humanitarian service and social justice.
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in the continuing revelation of the Holy Spirit of God who grants us new openings, insights and revelation of spiritual truth.
What to Expect at Chatham Friends
A simple and Meaningful worship-
We are light on ritual. We blend the singing of hymns, prayer, and preaching
in a way that combines good order and flexibility to make room for God to be
present as our Leader.
A Time of Open Worship-
This is a traditional emphasis among Friends. Each Sunday, a portion of the
service is set aside for a quiet waiting on God to speak to the inner being
of each worshiper. During this time, worshipers may remain in silent
meditation or may share a vocal prayer or message as they feel led by God.
A Message (sermon)-
Our pastor shares a thoughtfully prepared message to encourage and aid in
spiritual growth. Through the year, effort is made to cover a variety of
topics and learn from both the Old and New Testaments.
Friends-
We try to be open to one another and to visitors. We take seriously God’s
charge that we should become a caring community of believers.