Quakers in Yorkshire
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Quakers in Yorkshire |
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Explore the Quaker Quest:If you are looking for a spiritual path that is simple, contemporary and radical, the experience of Quakers could speak to you. Come and join us in a series of informal presentations, discussions and workshops with time to meet new people and browse literature. ● When and where?Regular sessions covering different issues. Open to all. Generally, arrive from 6:30pm for refreshments with 7:00pm start (but check the links for your preferred location, below).
Recently Quaker Quest has been held in Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, High Flatts, Rawdon (location, details), Skipton (details), Huddersfield, Leeds, Ilkley and York
● Who is it for?Everyone is welcome. All you need is to be open minded and interested. Do come along; make new discoveries; have your questions answered and see if there's something for you. ● What does it cost?Nothing, but voluntary contributions will be accepted for refreshments.
Typical Sessions:Quaker Quest sessions involve several presentations on each evening’s subject, opportunities for those present to talk with others attending and with the Friends present and also to ask questions of the presenters. The style is informative and informal. Light refreshments are available before the 7.00 pm start. Each session concludes with a period of Quaker Worship. • Quakers and WorshipQuakers think that everyone can sense something within them that shows how to grow closer to God, however we interpret that name. We come together in a Meeting for Worship to search ourselves in stillness and silence for this spiritual truth, (much as a plant turns towards the energy of the sun). We worship without using rites or symbols. All those present are equally responsible for the worship as we have no paid ministers. In this session Quakers will share their personal experience of the Meeting for Worship, how they approach it as a discipline, and how at times people may be rightly prompted to speak. • Quakers and Faith in ActionJust as our worship re-energizes or enhances our sense of the Divine so it also makes us more sensitive to where that spirit is most lacking in society. Friends are known for their engagement with society and their work to include all, such that the Quaker way is often is described as a ‘practical’ faith. In this session we explore how we choose what to do in the light of the spirit (‘discernment’), how individuals involve the worshipping group in this, and how faith is developed through action. We will draw on examples of Quaker involvement in a wide range of social action • Quakers and PeaceThe Quaker Peace Testimony is a seamless unity of faith and practice which starts from the conviction of the worth and sacredness of all. We seek first to find inner peace, leading to a commitment to peaceable behaviour and non-violent relations with others. We do not deny the existence, or even the benefits, of conflict, nor do we condone injustice, but we do reject violence and war, even as ways to achieve desirable ends. This session explores the spiritual basis of our understanding of peace and some of the ways we are lead to act including involvement in conflict areas, mediation, humanitarian work, conflict resolution, protest and non-violent direct action. We will also consider some of the challenges faced by advocates of non-violence in a world which readily condones the use of force. • Quakers and God‘God’ is beyond our comprehension yet we experience something of God in our daily lives. How that feels will be described as differently as people are different - but as each is free to speak with integrity so we can recognise both familiar and new truths about the Divine. Whilst our understanding is rooted in history in practice it evolves as we absorb new understanding and expression. In this session three Quakers will describe their experience of God and then say what difference that makes to their lives. • Quakers and EqualityOur understanding of the Divine leads us to value each individual as unique and precious. As we welcome individual insight so we both work to include individuals in society and for the integration of society itself. Within that we enjoy the diversity of humanity with its different sexual, racial and cultural differences. Our form of organisation gives opportunity for anyone to serve our own Society and stresses the shared responsibility of all. Our business meetings are conducted in the spirit of worship, searching for divine guidance on all matters through anyone present. This session will include Friends describing their personal experience of seeking and practising greater equality. • Quakers and ChristianityThe Religious Society of Friends (of the Truth) came about as in response to the interpretations and practices of the 17th Century Churches. Present day Quakers emphasise personal responsibility in discovering spiritual truth yet draw deeply on their Christian roots. Whilst many Quakers find inspiration in the historic Jesus, they incorporate inspiration and understanding of God from a variety of sources. In this session Quakers expand on their viewpoint and explain how, with no Quaker dogma other than our belief that each can sense the Divine, we can worship together with tolerance, openness, and respect for our different spiritual journeys. |
