Mid Thames Area Quaker News
Henley Quakers join town march for COP26
A march through Henley on Saturday 6 November called for resolute decisions by the current international COP26 conference in Glasgow. We all need to reduce our carbon output dramatically if the world is to be saved. Rich countries like ours need to do more than the poorer ones, which produce little damaging gas. Quakers made…
Read MoreHenley Quakers distribute white poppies for peace
On Saturday 23 October Henley Quakers distributed white poppies in the market square. They explained to passers-by the significance of the white poppy. It’s a symbol established after the first world war by women wanting to see an end to war. Nowadays the white poppy represents a commitment to peace, and stands for remembrance of all…
Read MoreHenley Quakers proclaim the climate emergency
As part of Henley’s Great Big Green Week, Henley Quakers had a stall in the market place on Saturday 25 September. We invited passers-by to sign postcards addressed to Alok Sharma, MP, who will be president of the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow in November. The printed message on the postcards urged him to…
Read MoreAcross purposes – ‘the Friend’ article
Quakers have Christian roots, but a fully inclusive ethos. Bridging this tension is a challenge, which Newbury Friend Howard Grace addresses in the centre page spread article of the 17 September issue of ‘the Friend’. You can read it here.
Read MoreHenley Quakers’ Peace Walk
On Tuesday 21 September, Henley Quakers marked the UN’s International Day of Peace by a Quiet Walk through the town. Starting at the meeting house, the walkers (not all Quakers) paused for a few minutes in the market square and later at St Mary’s church, where we joined in a recited prayer. The walk finished…
Read MoreMaidenhead welcomes new member
Maidenhead Quakers after our Meeting for Worship on Sunday 19 September were delighted to welcome Robert Curry into membership, as requested by Area Meeting on 11 September.
Read MoreGlobal Population
Are you concerned about over population of the planet? The fact that global population grows by a billion people every 12 years, makes this quote from David Attenborough really worth pondering. Seventeen Quakers from our Area recently met on Zoom, to view a new Powerpoint production created by QCOP (Quaker Concern Over Population), followed by…
Read MoreCourage
‘Be honest with yourself. What unpalatable truths might you be evading? When you recognise your shortcomings, do not let that discourage you. In worship together we can find the assurance of God’s love and the strength to go on with renewed courage.’ This passage from ‘Advices and Queries’, the booklet of guidance and reflection for…
Read MoreHenley Peace Tree ceremony
Henley Quakers have given a tree to the town as a focus for peace. Henley has memorials for townsfolk who have been killed in war, but until now nothing to denote hope for the future – Peace. The tree was planted in Mill Meadows by the Parks Department. An inauguration by the mayor had to…
Read MoreA beacon of light in troubled Lebanon
Brummana High School in Lebanon is a co-educational, boarding and day school and provides education from infant to secondary school. It’s emphasis is on individuality, respect for others, tolerance and peaceful resolution. The school, owned by British Quaker charities, has a stunning campus in the hills overlooking Beirut and the eastern end of the Mediterranean.…
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