Staffordshire Quakers
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Staffordshire You do not have to be a Quaker to attend Meeting for Worship.
Staffordshire Area Meeting is made up of seven Local Quaker Meetings in Leek, Litchfield, Stafford, Stoke, Stone, Uttoxeter and Wolverhampton. See website for more information, including: dates and times of Meeting for Worship; individual Meeting contact details; room hire information; history of Quakers in Staffordshire; the Saffordshire Quaker newsletter. We welcome visitors from other faiths an
25/06/2024
If pressure is brought upon you to lower your standard of integrity, are you prepared to resist it? Our responsibilities to God and our neighbour may involve us in taking unpopular stands. Do not let the desire to be sociable, or the fear of seeming peculiar, determine your decisions.
Quakers have a long history of speaking truth to power, whether that's speaking out against the slave trade or working for peace in Palestine. The above advice comes from 1656.
23/06/2024
Quakers in Britain is marking Refugee Week by highlighting the UK's hostile immigration policies alongside Women for Refugee Women (WRW).
WRW has taken over Quakers in Britain social media accounts this week, to raise awareness of the intersection between climate and immigration crises.
Forced to leave their homes by climate crises, climate refugees face racist border policies when they reach the UK, a rich industrialised country whose greenhouse gas emissions have contributed significantly to climate change.
WRW works to counter these policies, supporting women seeking safety in the UK from persecution and extreme gender-based violence, sexual violence, and other torture, to rebuild their lives.
Quakers have long worked to offer sanctuary to people forced to flee their homes, including most recently opposing forced removals to Rwanda and protesting against the detention of asylum seekers.
With the general election only two weeks away, they are urging all political parties to draw up a humane, coordinated response to those seeking refuge.
Continue reading
https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/respect-the-humanity-of-all-quakers-urge-policy-makers-this-refugee-week
22/06/2024
Many people wrongly targeted in 2018 are still waiting for compensation.
Quakers believe that all people have equal worth. We welcome and appreciate the contribution of migrants.
Windrush Day: Everything you need to know about the anniversary and scandal Saturday 22 June marks the sixth national Windrush Day which commemorating the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush. However, the Windrush scandal’s painful legacy is very much ongoing.
Worship is our response to an awareness of God. We can worship alone, but when we join with others in expectant waiting we may discover a deeper sense of God’s presence. We seek a gathered stillness in our meetings for worship so that all may feel the power of God’s love drawing us together and leading us.
19/06/2024
'Alf's Walk' - Stafford Meeting House. Family and Friends are welcome this Sunday 23rd June Milford Common meet 1pm for a 'bring your own lunch' picnic followed by a walk, you do not have to walk just meet for lunch/chat if you prefer?
Contact [email protected] for more details
17/06/2024
As leaders of the world's richest countries meet at a G7 meeting in Italy, Quakers are urging them deliver new, adequate climate finance to developing countries.
In an open letter, Quakers in Britain and other members of the Climate Justice Coalition joined War on Want in reminding the G7 that their emissions are most responsible for climate change.
Signatories refused to accept that Global North countries do not have adequate public funds to deliver their climate finance obligations.
“In 2022, G7 countries spent over $1 trillion funding war and conflict," they wrote. “From 2020 to 2021 alone, G7 countries committed a total of USD 316 billion to public subsidies for fossil fuels.
“It is well within the power of Global North governments to redirect these funds for development and climate finance and raise more by taxing their elites and corporations – many of whom are top global profiteers and polluters – to raise funds for climate finance."
This letter is part of ongoing Quaker work for fair climate finance. For the Global Day of Action for climate finance on 11 June, Quakers also took part in a Whitehall protest, demanding the UK pays its fair share towards climate finance.
https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/quakers-call-on-uk-to-pay-fair-share-of-climate-finance
14/06/2024
SILENT PEACE VIGIL TO BE HELD IN LICHFIELD
Lichfield Quakers invite you to join a silent vigil for peace tomorrow between 11am and midday at The Friary Remains opposite the former library buildings in Lichfield.
It's an opportunity for all those who want to express their wish for peace to come together under one banner saying "Imagine peace" - but without bringing banners, placards or badges or wearing items in support of any particular group.
Children and young people need love and stability. Are we doing all we can to uphold and sustain parents and others who carry the responsibility for providing this care?
11/06/2024
The circular walk from the Meeting House via Brampton Park is a little under a mile.
For those not wishing to walk, you can watch films of these and other projects.
You can donate on the day or via BACS or cheque - details on website.
More info https://staffsquakers.org/news-and-events/walk-for-peace/
Palestine Trauma Centre UK/Gaza Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions UK
10/06/2024
Stafford Quaker Meeting House is the venue for The Julian Meeting - Christian Contemplative Prayer and Meditation second Tuesday of each month at 10.30 am (for around 30 minutes), next one this Tuesday 11th June 2024, stay for a chat and a coffee after? For further information [email protected]
10/06/2024
There will be a third Zoom meeting, on 19th June from 1 - 2pm, combining the topics of the ones on 11th and 17th (posts below), for any Friends who can't make the other two, so that as many Friends as possible can discuss and share views. Register in advance here:
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: SAQM supporting trustees and other AMs back-up. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: SAQM supporting trustees and other AMs back-up. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
10/06/2024
Staffordshire Friends, including members and attenders, are warmly invited to take part in two Zoom meetings to help shape the Area Meeting.
The second is on June 17th, also at 7.30, and is to consider what are the ways in which Staffs AM might join with or share governance with other Area Meetings. Both these issues are very relevant to how we can enable Staffs AM to survive and thrive. Friends will need to register for the second meeting:
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: SAQM Working with other AMs. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: SAQM Working with other AMs. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
10/06/2024
Staffordshire Friends, including members and attenders, are warmly invited to take part in two Zoom meetings to help shape the Area Meeting.
The first is on Tuesday 11th June at 7.30pm and is to gather ideas about how we can better support trustees of the AM.. There will be a short talk at the start by Oliver Waterhouse of Quakers in Britain about the work of trustees.
Friends wanting to take part will need to register in advance:
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: SAQM Supporting Trustees . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: SAQM Supporting Trustees . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
08/06/2024
SILENT PEACE VIGIL TO BE HELD IN LICHFIELD
Lichfield Quakers invite you to join a silent vigil for peace on Saturday 15th June between 11am and midday at The Friary Remains opposite the former library buildings.
It's an opportunity for all those who want to express their wish for peace to come together under one banner saying "Imagine peace" - but without bringing banners, placards or badges or wearing items in support of any particular group.
04/06/2024
Stafford Quaker Meeting House - as well the Sunday morning Meeting for Worship 10.30 am, we have an early morning Meeting for Worship first Wednesday of the month next one tomorrow 5th June 8.00 am for around 30 minutes. Might suit you if on way to work or college etc, in the town centre? For more information contact [email protected].
30/05/2024
Quakers in Britain has joined 21 other charities calling on the UK government to ensure Israel complies with its obligations under international law, including immediately halting its military offensive in Rafah.
Read the article ⤵️
https://www.quaker.org.uk/news-and-events/news/joint-statement-on-international-court-of-justice-orders-on-gaza
30/05/2024
Coffee morning Stafford Quaker Meeting House this Saturday 1st June 10.30 till 12.30 - Come and celebrate George Fox (Founder of Quakerism). Free refreshments & reflection garden.
ST16 2PX
27/05/2024
"Although we interpret the Spirit it is that Spirit which will lead us to minister..."
https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/chapter/2/
25/05/2024
Peace News, founded in 1936, is going through a big rethink at the moment. As part of that, they're talking to activists around the country about the big trends facing us all, the opportunities and the challenges, especially for the peace movement.
This discussion meeting with Milan Rai, editor of Peace News, will go ahead on Thursday June 6, 2024 from 14.00 to 16.00 at Central Manchester Quaker Meeting House.
Peace News, founded in 1936, is going through a big rethink at the moment. As part of that, they're talking to activists around the country about the big trends facing us all, the opportunities and the challenges, especially for the peace movement. This is an opportunity to take a step back from our day-to-day campaigning, to look at the big picture together, and think about our future and what we need to put in place to win the changes the world needs.
This discussion meeting with Milan Rai, editor of Peace News, will go ahead on Thursday June 6, 2024 from 14.00 to 16.00 at Central Manchester Quaker Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS, room G4. The event is free to attend but we are limited to 20 people maximum. If you would like to attend, please get in touch with GMD CND office on [email protected]
Are your meetings for church affairs held in a spirit of worship and in dependence on the guidance of God? Remember that we do not seek a majority decision nor even consensus. As we wait patiently for divine guidance our experience is that the right way will open and we shall be led into unity.
22/05/2024
Ever wanted to know more about Quakers?
Discovering Quakers is a place for people curious about Quakers to find out more through articles, blog posts, videos and podcasts; and join events organised by Quakers.
https://www.discoveringquakers.org.uk/
21/05/2024
Today is World Meditation Day 🙏
Experiment with Light is a meditation technique developed by early Quakers.
🕯️Discover what Experiment with Light is, where it comes from and how you can join a group. Guided meditation resources are available to download.
https://experiment-with-light.org.uk/
20/05/2024
URGENT: Stop the invasion of Rafah! Ceasefire now!
Use the template in the link to write to your MP and urge them to take urgent action to stop any further attacks on Rafah by the Israeli military. You can send the email as it is or if you have time, it's more effective if you customize it.
https://www.eyewitnessblogs.com/no-to-rafah-invasion/
19/05/2024
Ooh exciting!
📢 We have just launched our exciting new programme of courses for the second half of 2024! 📢
Discover our wide range of offerings, including courses, residentials, and sessions available both online and in-person at: www.woodbrooke.org.uk/our-courses/
Do you try to set aside times of quiet for openness to the Holy Spirit? All of us need to find a way into silence which allows us to deepen our awareness of the divine and to find the inward source of our strength. Seek to know an inward stillness, even amid the activities of daily life. Do you encourage in yourself and in others a habit of dependence on God’s guidance for each day? Hold yourself and others in the Light, knowing that all are cherished by God.
17/05/2024
This Sunday.
This Sunday we’re at B-Arts highlighting the ongoing Nakba with a 🍉 RALLY FOR PALESTINE 🍉
Yesterday the UK government’s deputy PM, Oliver Dowden, said that the beginning of a ground invasion into Rafah is not going to change Britain’s position on arms sales to Israel. Our government supports British companies profiting from the genocidal acts of the Zionist state - they do not represent us.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 35,000 with at least 57 people killed in the last 24 hours. This loss and bloodshed is a stain on our collective humanity.
📣This Sunday, we’re gathering again to hear from speakers from across the movement. We’ll be educating ourselves with a Know Your Rights summary, our very own chair Eyhab Alaassi will show a short film he produced on Palestine, and we’ll be joined by Leek PSC who will be selling Zaytoun products 🌴🫒
It’s important to keep showing up, to be in community, and to refuse the normalisation of genocide! This event is not ticketed and totally free - just show up.
📆 Sunday 19 May, 12-2pm
📍 B-Arts, 72 Hartshill Road, ST4 7RB
🚙 Closest Car Park: Vale Street
17/05/2024
Open Day Stafford Quaker Meeting House tomorrow Saturday 18th May 10 am till 4pm. Free refreshments, second hand book and plant sale, relax in our reflection garden. visit one of Staffords oldest buildings still in regular use. You will be very welcome. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Quaker silent worship can be challenging even for experienced Friends. We're not always in the right headspace and it can be hard to still our minds. It can also bring up intense emotions.
We want to be an inclusive space for everyone who is called to our way of life.
While it's important not to disturb other Friends if you can help it, there are things you can try to help you settle. You might find it helpful to read or crochet, or use headphones as long as they don't 'leak' sound. Having something to fiddle with can help such as prayer beads or fidget toys. If you need to get up and move about, you can leave the Meeting early. Make yourself a cup of tea and rejoin us for afterthoughts.
The Quaker Disability Equality Group has some suggestions for coping with the silence and stillness. https://quakerdisabilitygroup.org.uk/stillness-and-silence-suggestions/
If you want to chat with someone before you attend a Meeting for the first time you can find contact details for all our Meetings on our website. https://staffsquakers.org/meetings/
12/05/2024
Stafford Quaker Meeting House is the venue for The Julian Meeting - Christian Contemplative Prayer and Meditation second Tuesday of each month at 10.30 am (for around 30 minutes), next one this Tuesday 14th May 2024, stay for a chat and a coffee after? For further information [email protected]
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