From the beginning, Friends have recognized the importance of being in community. As early Friends struggled to follow God’s will, the Friends community provided spiritual support for their discernment of that will and material support for their families when they were imprisoned for their faith. Today, Friends continue to seek to be faithful, and their community continues to provide discernment and care.
Though Friends meetings vary in the range and nature of their activities, all meetings strive to offer a sympathetic and welcoming community in which people can share the joys and challenges of daily life. Friends meetings also offer discreet, confidential and loving support when needed, such as when a member feels a call to service or faces a life transition. In particular, the meeting may form a clearness committee to assist the individual in sorting out what to do. The meeting may also refer the individual to other resources when support beyond what it can offer might be beneficial.
