Who are we?
Orange County Friends started meeting in 1965 as a worship group under the care of La Jolla Friends Meeting, and officially became our own independent Meeting in 1970. We are one of many Quaker Meetings on the west coast affiliated with Pacific Yearly Meeting, which traces its roots to a Quaker organization founded in 1889 in San Jose, California.
Like early Friends, Orange County Friends Meeting has neither clergy, liturgy nor steepled church, and follows the original form of Quaker worship by gathering in silence and expectant waiting, without prearranged singing, Bible reading, prayers, or sermon. The Meeting has no sacraments (communion, baptism, etc.). Members strive to answer “that of God” in every person, and to respect the essential oneness and equality of all persons, regardless of skin color, national origin, ethnicity, gender or sexual preference.
The Meeting comprises approximately 40 families, and meets every Sunday. Most Sundays begin with 45 minutes of focused discussion starting at 9:30. Meeting for Worship begins at 10:30 and lasts an hour, followed by introductions, announcement, and social time. Childcare is always available, and anyone is welcome to attend.
