About
Archdale Friends Meeting
Statement of Faith
Archdale Friends Meeting solely affirms the Holy Bible as the unchanging Christian foundation of our faith, especially God’s Son, Jesus Christ as the true Savior who died and rose again for the atonement of our sins. We also affirm, North Carolina Yearly Meeting “Faith and Practice, edition 2012” as our denomination guideline as members of the Religious Society of Friends.
We believe in strengthening one’s relationship with God.
- Teaching the Holy Scriptures
- Worshiping the Risen Christ
- Sharing the Love of Christ
- Building Community
- Serving Others
Anyone is welcome at Archdale Friends. Each individual is loved and respected. There is that of God in each person and we desire to help each person find the path to Christ and His salvation.
Whether you are brand new to the church thing or you’ve been around church for a while; we want to say welcome! Our goal at Holy Church is to create environments and experiences where you can encounter God in the midst of your life. When you come to Holy Church on a weekend, our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is here!
AFM
Our History
Quakers settled in this area in the late 18th century. They belonged to Cane Creek, Deep River, and then Springfield as the nearest monthly meetings. Friends worshipped in the Bush Hill area – later named Archdale – by at least the 1880s. Archdale Friends petitioned Springfield Monthly Meeting and Deep River Quarterly Meeting and were granted official monthly meeting status, the first monthly meeting for business held July 30, 1924.
Archdale Friends has changed and evolved through the past century. While a few members connect across generations of Quakers, some have moved away and new friends/Friends have joined us. Sunday School classes and Bible studies evolve around the current demographics: more young adults and families some years, more preschoolers and youth other years. While some early 20th-century members focused on prohibition and public morals issues, early 21st-century members focus on feeding our neighbors who have insecure resources. Christian education continues as a theme through the years, including Vacation Bible School and the Archdale Friends preschool.
One thing that doesn’t change is that we strive to be followers of Jesus Christ. We come together to listen to his Spirit and shine that Light out into our community and the world.
Quakers
Quakerism
The Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers or just Friends, was founded in England in the 17th century by George Fox. He and other early Friends, were persecuted for their beliefs, which included the idea that the presence of God exists in every person. Quakers rejected elaborate religious ceremonies, didn’t have official clergy and believed in spiritual equality for men and women. Quaker missionaries first arrived in America in the mid-1650s. Quakers, who practice pacifism, played a key role in both the abolitionist and women’s rights movements.
Basic Quaker Beliefs
Friends hold many beliefs in common with other Protestant denominations. As Protestants we emphasize the redeeming grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. We believe in the life everlasting. We believe in the inspiration of the holy scriptures, and we especially emphasize the continued guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit which gave us the scriptures. Our statements of faith are based upon the teachings of Jesus as we understand them, and upon the realities of our own spiritual experiences.
THE QUAKER TESTIMONIES
SIMPLICITY
Friends focus on the inward matters of the heart and mind, not the outward – possessions, titles or status. It is not what we possess materialistically that is important, but what is primary is we possess the Spirit of the Living God.
PEACE
INTEGRITY
Being honest, sincere and trustworthy people at all times. Early Friends were known for their honesty and people knew their word was as good as their bond. Friends did not wish to take an oath on the witness stand, but would affirm they would tell the truth. To take an oath meant they could, at other times, not tell the truth and this did not lead to holiness and righteousness.
COMMUNITY
People of the Meeting working cooperatively together to further the gospel, to help and encourage each other in good times as well as in times of need. We are to support a healthy and viable membership as we reach out into the community. Friends have held to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25: 35-40.
EQUALITY
Everyone should be treated with love and respect. No one should be above anyone else in the Monthly Meeting or society. Friends don’t use titles such as Reverend or Doctor because such a practice gives rise to the thought that some people are valued more than others. Friends had women in ministry at the beginning of their movement. All people have need and we all need the Lord. Treating everyone, everywhere, as equally precious to God, recognizing that everyone has gifts to share.
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