Lawrence-Andover Friends Meeting

​Lawrence-Andover Friends Meeting combines the former Andover Preparative and Lawrence Monthly Meetings of the Society of Friends (Quakers). The combined meeting is a member of Salem Quarterly Meeting and (through SQM) a member of the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends.

In the traditional manner of Friends, Meeting for Worship is un-programmed. Members and attenders sit in silence until moved to speak. The silence is dear, enfolding the people worshiping together, leading to clarity of thought and peacefulness of  spirit. Every Friend has a singular voice, led by different concerns, expressed with a distinctive tone and vocabulary. Messages focus on matters of faith, are often brief, and await a moving of the spirit within.

Friends were leaders in the anti-slavery movement, at the forefront of efforts to relieve sufferings caused by war, and are among many who press for social justice today. From the beginning of the Society, longstanding testimonies in favor of personal integrity -- simplicity, honesty, and hard work -- and in support of community needs -- peace, prosperity, and social justice -- have guided members in thought, decision, and action.

Until the Covid-19 pandemic, members, attenders, and visitors would come together Sunday evenings 6:30 PM at the Forest Street Union Church, Methuen in the traditional silent meeting for worship, seeking the light of love within all people and with it God's gifts and guidance. Quakers have worshiped in this way since the mid-1600s, living in love and hope, and bringing their devotion to ameliorating the pain and injustices of the world.

Update: Changes as of September 11, 2022

Time change: On September 11, 2022, Lawrence-Andover Meeting for Worship will begin at 5:30 PM, one hour earlier than has been our practice. Fellowship -- our time for checking-in and for discussion -- has often extended to or past 9:00 PM, impinging on the rest/sleep schedules of members and attenders.

Hybrid format: We will utilize the hybrid format, which allows attendance in-person or via Zoom. Individuals (with masks) can meet together at or they can attend virtually. Lawrence Meeting members and attenders will revisit the decision to hold hybrid meetings when temperatures no longer allow us to open windows and take advantage of the excellent cross ventilation at Forest Street Union Church (15 Forest Street, Methuen, Massachusetts). For the Zoom contact information, please telephone the Clerk at 508-265-0189.