National Quaker Week

Source: Quakers in Britain

National Quaker Week runs from Saturday 29 September to Sunday 7 October. The theme is 'room for more'. Quakers are known formally as the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain. Around 22,400 people attend 476 Quaker meetings in Britain.

Across the country, Quakers are preparing a feast of opportunities to welcome everyone to see how the Quaker faith makes a difference. From the north of Scotland to the south coast of England, there are discussions and dramas, vigils, heritage open days and bring and share tea parties. All to give food for thought about faith that leads Quakers to work for peace and truth, equality and simplicity.

The 'room for more' theme is inspired by the joyful welcome that meeting houses across Britain have offered to migrants and refugees. Many events held by Quaker Sanctuary Meetings
involve sharing meals across cultures and traditions. www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/social-justice/migration

Gill Sewell, staff member for Quakers in Britain said, "Quakers warmly welcome everyone to explore their faith. There's room for more at the table, and Quakers value everyone's experience. Gathering and sharing together enriches everyone."
There are dozens of events lined up on local Quaker events page www.quaker.org.uk/about-quakers/local-quaker-events

Here are a few:

Birmingham: Harvest Home

29 September, 10.30am - 2.30pm, Cotteridge Friends Meeting House, 23A Watford Road, Birmingham B30 1JB

In aid of B30 Foodbank and the project: 'Food for Thought' display, Re-use/Re-home table-top sale, garden produce and preserves, children's activities. Free tea/coffee and cake. Soup and bread £1 from 12.30pm. For more information contact Cotteridge Quaker Meeting (Birmingham): centralenglandquakers.org.uk/events

Colwyn Bay: Bring and Share / Rhoi a Rhannu

30 September, 2.00pm - 4.00pm, Quaker Meeting House, 21 Erskine Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8EU

Community event for all people who want to share their pre-loved items with others and take what they need. A small example of free exchange and bartering as a little cell of a just society. For more information contact Colwyn Bay Meeting: efawulle@gmail.com

Durham: Who are Quakers and why do they matter today?

4 October, 7.00pm, Durham Town Hall, Market Square, Durham, DH1 3NJ

Paul Parker, recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, is speaking on Tackling Social Changes.

Dorchester: Quaker Service Exhibition

29 September - 6 October, Day time, United Church Foyer, South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BY

The exhibition commemorates Quaker Service from WW1 to present day. Dorchester Quakers will be available to chat and answer any questions about how Quaker Worship supports Quaker service today. For more information contact Dorchester Quaker Meeting Warden 01305 263544

Ealing: Hostility or hospitality?

6 October, 7.00pm, Ealing Quaker Meeting House, 17 Woodville Road, Ealing, W5 2SE

What it's like to be a young refugee arriving in the UK? Find out what happens when young refugees, who have travelled on their own across Europe, arrive in the UK. What challenges do they face as they navigate the systems? For more information contact Ealing Meeting via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/1751770895063839

Manchester

1- 6 October, Friends' Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS

Includes family-friendly Open Day to meet local Quakers, learn about a spiritual path that is simple, adventurous and radical and to share refreshments. There will be opportunities to drop in on an all-day meeting for worship. For more information contact Manchester and Warrington Area Meeting: www.manchesterquakers.org.uk

Portree, Isle of Skye: Exhibition / display 'Quakers and What Do They Do?'

14 September - 8 October, Library Opening Hours, Portree Library, Portree High School, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9ET

Exhibition / display 'Quakers and What Do They Do?' Our exhibition will explain what Quakerism stands for and the activities they are involved in.

On 7 October Friends World Committee for Consultation runs World Quaker Day, www.worldquakerday.org - now in its fifth year. The theme is 'Crossing Cultures, Sharing Stories'.

Read Suki Ferguson's blog about Quaker Week 2018: www.quaker.org.uk/blog/quakers-say-there-s-room-for-more-at-the-meeting-house-table

Link: www.quaker.org.uk