Mid Thames Area Quaker News
‘Snowdrop Sunday’ at Henley
Each year the lovely garden of Henley Quaker meeting house has a splendid display of snowdrops. On the afternoon of Sunday 2 February, we were pleased to welcome some seventy of our friends and neighbours, who had come to admire them. Apart from the snowdrops, we enjoyed tea, cake and conversation together.
Read MoreMince Pie Sunday at Henley
Mince Pie Sunday at Henley Meeting was on 22 December this year, when we enjoyed mince pies together after meeting for worship. One of our former members, who recently moved to Caithness, was able to be with us. She commented that it was a little unusual to travel 600 miles for a mince pie.
Read MoreParliamentary candidates listened…
…and responded to questions and opinions from 60+ community members at Reading Quakers’ election hustings on 28 November. We focused on three topics: Our future relationship with Europe – including how long it takes to complete a trade deal, and what are the most positive values associated with the EU; A fairer society – including…
Read MoreLetlapa Mphahlele leads discussion on shared humanity
What is it that unites us as human beings, beyond all our different cultures and beliefs? Students and local residents recently took part in a thought-provoking discussion of this idea of ‘shared humanity’, led by guest speaker Letlapa Mphahlele and hosted by the Reading University Chaplaincy. Letlapa was born and grew up in South Africa…
Read MoreRemembrance at Henley
A delegation from Henley Quakers, wearing both red and white poppies, attended the service of remembrance in the market place on Sunday 10 November. A month earlier (Sunday 13 October), for the third year running, we distributed white poppies from our stall in the market place. We explained their significance as a reminder of all…
Read MoreClimate crisis protests
Quakers from the Mid Thames area took part in Extinction Rebellion protests in London over the past two weeks, highlighting the risks posed by the climate crisis. Here’s a personal view from John: “Like the April rebellion, the impressive things were the number of people of all ages coming together, the strength of humanity and…
Read MoreInterfaith week reception
Come and share food and thoughts about the theme: “Can our faith or spirituality bring us into a healthier relationship with the natural world?” Thursday 14 November 2019, 7-9pm, Reading Quaker meeting house, 2 Church Street, Reading RG1 2SB All are welcome to this free event, but please RSVP to readinginterfaith@outlook.com. If you can, please…
Read MoreEyewitness stories from the West Bank and Israel
Henley Quakers’ annual peace talk was held on 12 November. Some 25 people (Quakers, Henley townspeople and some from further afield) heard Nick Georges speak about his recent three months as a human rights monitor. Nick has recently returned from the West Bank and Israel, where he was a volunteer with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme…
Read MoreQuakers welcome new Reading Uni students
It’s been a busy start to the new academic year at the University of Reading Chaplaincy. The team of Chaplains – Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Chinese and Quaker – have met and greeted new students from many different countries. They’ve heard about students’ journeys so far and their hopes and fears for this new phase in…
Read MoreHow are we tackling climate change?
Read our 2018 sustainability report to find out what Mid Thames Quakers are doing to tackle climate change and other environmental challenges. The report covers all seven local Quaker Meetings in the Mid Thames area. We first look at specific actions and practices under three headings: Developing low-carbon and sustainable premises and core practices; Energy…
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