News in brief

Meetings respond to A Framework for Action

Staff at Friends House have been reading and noting responses to the Framework for Action – so far, we have had feedback from 92 meetings and groups.

Responses are still coming in, with some meetings requesting more time to give the Framework adequate consideration.

Most meetings and groups have found the Framework consultation a useful exercise, allowing them to take stock of what they are currently doing and to consider how better to support each other in their existing work.

The responses we have received so far show that the Framework is welcomed by respondents, even by those who are not at present planning any action: the shift away from an emphasis on central work has been strongly supported.

These positive comments outweigh concerns expressed by some groups about the perceived cost of the document.

It is clear that three areas in particular commanded the attention of respondents: revitalising the spiritual life of meetings; communications within and between meetings and with those working at the centre; and sustainability. Staff will continue to consider responses and present a summary of findings to Meeting for Sufferings in June.

You can access the Framework for Action online at: www.quaker.org.uk/framework 

Developing children and young people’s work

Last year, we ran 20 workshops in local meetings, and further opportunities are in place for the coming year.

These include three new workshops for meetings to host: an introduction to Quaker engagement with children and young people; worshipping all together; and exploring relationship and sexuality issues with young people.

We have also arranged some days to explore storytelling, using the ‘Godly Play’ approach.

Finally, we can arrange visits to help your meeting think through issues relating to working with children and young people.

These opportunities, together with information about booking, were sent out to meeting clerks in the March mailing. You can also access this information at www.quaker.org.uk/cyp selecting training opportunities.

Contact:
Bevelie Shember
bevelies@quaker.org.uk
020 7663 1013 

Quaker Peace & Social Witness annual conference

A golden thread ran through the QPSW annual conference at Swanwick in March.

The image came from keynote speaker Marion McNaughton’s Friday evening talk when she compared everyday life with the tangle of yarns in her sewing box. Discerning that divine thread, and the importance of paying attention to it, led naturally into the descriptions given by staff of how and why QPSW does its work.

The 118 participants were mostly new to Quakerism as well as to QPSW. They showed great interest in learning about the work done in their name and the values and testimonies underlying it.

Some of that work is described elsewhere in this issue, for instance that of our peaceworkers, see Making a mark for peace.