Mid Thames Area Quaker News
Letlapa 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…
Read MoreQuaker stories
Quakers from Reading Quaker Meeting tell their personal stories of becoming Quakers. What led them to find out about Quakers; what does being a Quaker mean to them; how is this part of their everyday lives. Join us to hear their stories followed by a 30 minute Quaker Meeting for Worship. There will a be…
Read MoreQuakers for climate justice
Quakers and others met for an hour of quiet protest in Reading town centre, to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the need for people and governments everywhere to take urgent action to reduce carbon emissions. Despite constant rain we were noticed and had good conversations with passers by – most supporting, one challenging.
Read MoreGarden party
Reading Quakers gathered for an afternoon in the Meeting House garden and burial ground. Tea and conversation were enjoyed along with Boules, Scattles and playing the musical bottle organ and (pretending we were still in the heatwave) ice cream. The afternoon finished with a Meeting for Worship in the garden.
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