Mid Thames Area Quaker News
Of many faiths…
Friends from Reading’s Christian, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim and Quaker communities enjoyed each other’s company in an afternoon of fun, relaxation and food. This inclusive and all-age event was organised by Reading Interfaith Group, whose mission is to: Enable members of different faiths to learn about and experience each other’s beliefs, practices, and traditions Acknowledge each…
Read MoreSharing the Quaker experience
Quakers in Reading recently met to consider how we might reach out to people who wish to accompany us in our spiritual seeking. We do not seek to ‘evangelize’ in the traditional sense*, but to talk about our faith, and welcome anyone who wishes to experience our unique way of worship and community, even if…
Read MoreWhat was a Quaker doing at Vatican II?
On the 4th July at 7:30pm our Quaker History Group will be meeting to discuss the life and work of one of the driving-forces behind modern Quakerism, Douglas Van Steere (1901-1995). He had a unique approach to ecumenism and interfaith initiatives, brought faith leaders into dialogue, and had a massive impact on peace-work worldwide. Steere…
Read MoreHenley Quakers Peaceful Garden
Getting ready for Yearly Meeting
The 2022 Yearly Meeting of Quakers in Britain will be held at Friends House, London, from 27 May to 30 May, and several Quakers from Reading will be attending. There will be online preparation sessions, and special interest sessions available from 21 May. The theme will be ‘faith, community and action’: how do we experience…
Read MoreBiscuit crumbs at Reading Quaker Meeting House
The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) have produced a self-led 3km walk highlighting places of historical significance to the Huntley & Palmer biscuit manufacturers in Reading. This includes the Quaker Meeting House, where the families worshipped, and several members are buried in the burial-ground. The Biscuit Trail leaflet is free and available online or…
Read MoreMental health matters
Quakers at Reading Meeting met this afternoon for their monthly Meeting for Learning to consider insights into mental health care provision, and hearing service-user, professional and carer experiences. Care in the community for those with mental illness, as national policy, is now in its fourth decade and mass institutional care is a thing of the…
Read MoreAshes ceremony for departed Friend Dianne Bhardwaj
On May 7th 2022 Maidenhead Friends gathered on a fine day for an ashes ceremony for our much loved departed Friend, Dianne Bhardwaj. Dianne shared her love, time and broad knowledge (from arts to the natural world) generously with family, friends and the community.
Read MoreWas James Naylor really guilty of blasphemy?
History enthusiasts at Reading Meeting have set up a group which meets monthly to look at the life and context of Quakers from the past. A presentation is given on an individual, ‘worts and all’, followed by a discussion on how this person speaks to us today. For our fourth meeting, we will be considering…
Read MoreQCOP latest Newsletter now available on our website
The Spring Newsletter of QCOP (Quaker Concern Over Population) is now available on the Mid Thames Website. It features news about the QCOP art/poster competition. A talk to pupils at William Penn School. ‘Breeding Grounds’, a new play commissioned by QCOP. How to support CHASE Africa, a charity helping women and the environment in Africa.…
Read More