Many thanks to Cotteridge Quakers who have shared this guide to holding meeting for worship remotely.

Holding meeting for worship via Zoom

1. You will require one paid for account which will cost c. £12/mo or £144/yr.  The person who has this account (the “host”) is then able to invite others to any meeting.
2. Friends can join either through video links on a computer, smart phone or tablet or by telephone.  Whichever they do they will be able to hear others in the meeting.
3. Below is the message that Cotteridge Meeting is probably going to send around to our members later this afternoon–slightly edited but still obviously needs more editing if you were to copy it!
4. Download and share this guide to using zoom

Template message

to invite members & attenders to join your remote meeting for worship:

Dear Friends,

There will be no face-to-face meeting for worship at [local meeting] this Sunday or for the foreseeable future.

This Sunday:

Some people may want to hold their own quiet time at home from 10.30, in the knowledge that other Friends will be doing the same.

There will be an online meeting for worship at the usual time using Zoom. It is possible to join in with this by phone as well as using a tablet or computer.  See below for instructions.

Woodbrooke/Friends World Committee for Consultation also offer public online meetings for worship at various times, and a number of other initiatives are springing up which you could search for.

How to use Zoom:

Chris Martin has created an instruction sheet which is attached [download the guide above and attach]. 

There are some helpful video tutorials on the zoom website.

To join meeting for worship, go to http://zoom.us/i/ [Your host should be able to tell you what the your meeting number is] between [meeting times].  Please try to observe the start of worship as you would normally!  Children might want to join us as usual to begin with, and families will need to judge their own timing for ‘leaving the room’.

If you have a camera on your computer your face will be visible for others in see in a small window.  You will be seeing everyone else in other windows. Please mute your microphone unless you want to speak..

You can also join by phone (sharing sound only) by dialling one of these numbers: 023 481 5240, 0131 460 1196, 0203 051 2874 or 0203 481 5237.  When asked for the number of your meeting enter [Your host should be able to tell you what the your meeting number is.]

What about the future?

Things are changing daily.  We will keep you posted of other ideas as they develop – for example, telephone circles or WhatsApp groups for those who want; asking how to ensure the best possible practical and spiritual care when people may be unwell or feeling under pressure; wondering how we might hold further virtual meetings including the children; and so on. Meanwhile, if you have ideas yourself please let one of us know.

Each of us will be facing these unprecedented times in our own way.  It is challenging to us all to seek, find and live out answers to the question of what it means to be a Quaker community of faith when we can’t meet as we usually do. We send you love, support and encouragement, not only to be alongside others but also to seek whatever help you may need.  Please do get in touch with one of us if there is any way we can support you.