Narberth meeting for Worship at Bloomfield Centre

Narberth Quaker Meeting for Worship is on the first and third Sundays of the month, at Bloomfield House Community Centre Redstone Road, Narberth SA67 7ES 01834 860293

From Penblewin roundabout direction, you need to take the exit signposted Maenclochog & Bethesda, don't take the next next right for Maenclochog, continue on your road and go over the new bridge and down Redstone Road, Bloomfield Centre will be on your left.

From Haverfordwest: after the second Roberston Wathen roundabout, on the new road, take the right turn signposted Maenclochog, Bethesda, Narberth, then turn right and continue down that road and Bloomfield Centre will be on your left

From south of Narberth follow round one way system, at the top of the high street bear right and turn left immediately after the pedestrian crossing, Bloomfield is on the left a little way up the road

The Meeting for Worships starts at 11am.

We are currently meeting in the Seminar room but check at front desk as there are ongoing changes

If you would like to attend and require more information; please email the Clerk, using the main Quakers in Britain website to do this LINK HERE you will also find a phone number there

The gathering is sometimes smaller than it used to be - some are worshipping online, also some have made the decision to not drive as much as they used to (climate crisis!) but we can be anything from 3 to 13!

People might still be wearing masks due to the vulnerability of themselves or their family members

Find out more about Quakers in Britain via this LINK

Other Meetings

There is an online meetings via Zoom for west Wales Quakers, on Sunday mornings contact preseliquakers@hotmail.com.

Also South Wales Area Meeting hold a half hour Meeting for Worship via zoom on a Sunday evening. Use the contact page on South Wales Quakers website to go on the mailing list use the contact form HERE

Preseli Meeting have two meetings for worship a month, on a Tuesday, early evening, in Dinas (between Abergwaun and Aberteifi) contact preseliquakers@hotmail.com

Milford Haven hold a Meeting for Worship every Sunday in person SEE THEIR WEBSITE. And St David's THEIR WEBSITE

There is a Quaker Meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at 18:00 in Carmarthen SEE HERE

And in Haverfordwest on the third Wednesday of the month at 19:00 Facebook page link

Link to: ALL Quaker meetings in South Wales / Cyfarfodydd lleol yn ne Cymru

Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre have a range of meetings for worship throughout the week via Zoom LINK HERE

Find us on Facebook

QWWAC - Quakers in West Wales Asylum Concern

QWWAC came into being when those worshipping and attending study groups online heard that single men seeking asylum were being put into an old army camp in Penally. Quakers in west Wales joined up with other groups in befriending also those who were medical doctors started a programme of proper assesmment. The camp was closed down. But Quakers locally continued to campaign and keep in contact with some of the men. Others initiated a Friends & Neighbours FAN group for refugees in west Wales to gather online and share their experiences while practicing English. Some have supported Ukrainian refugees

On the 15^th November 2022 the format of the meetings changed, people are still campaigning but it was felt that a supportive prayerful Quaker space would be most appropriate now:

"A place for spiritual support and nurture and sharing of asylum/refugee/migration concerns. People can bring concerns, campaigns, difficulties, hope, news of local refugee families etc not in a formal setting with an agenda and notes, but more like worship sharing and very much in the spirit of supporting one another."

Quakers in Britain have formed Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network QARN 

A theme that came out of the first meeting was listening - the importance of listening and listening well, particularly as a support to others, afterwards David sent us this:

this short teaching by Tick Nhat Hanh to be of value:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDJBKEOe7Pg

others might find it useful

Also there is a Kindler's book written by James McCarthy Listening as a Quaker Practice

monthly notices 10/2019 hysbysiadau misol BYM

Listings

October 2019 editions of Books of the Month LINK TO PDF and Children & Young Adults Books of the Month LINK TO PDF from the Quaker Centre Bookshop.

Woodbrooke Upcoming Courses October 2019 LINK TO PDF

 

2019 Swarthmore Lecture book now available LINK TO PDF flyer

‘On earth as it is in heaven’, the 2019 Swarthmore Lecture, explores Quaker eco-theology

– from early Friends to Quakers today. Eden Grace reflects on the theological, spiritual and biblical grounding of Quakers’ witness on climate breakdown. She relates the experiences of people whose lives are impacted by the climate crisis and asks how Quakers can act in solidarity with them. Please announce in notices.

Available to buy online at the Quaker Bookshop or call 020 7663 1030

Quaker values in politics

Preparing for a general election

General elections are a key opportunity to influence future decision- makers. Although a general election hasn’t been called yet, it’s likely that one will happen soon. How can we engage with candidates to share our views and values?

Grace Da Costa, the new Public Affairs and Advocacy Manager at BYM, has written a blog and briefing on how local meetings can prepare for a general election. Read it at www.quaker.org.uk/blog and contact politics@quaker.org.uk with any questions.

Conferences

QPSW Spring Conference 2020: Journeys of Witness

20-22 March 2020

The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire

A conference aimed at those fairly new to Friends or to the work of Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW), and at QPSW Correspondents. It will focus on the work that QPSW does in the

world on behalf of Quakers, and how QPSW seeks to support Friends individually and in meetings to translate faith into action. LINK TO PDF

bymevents@quaker.org.uk, www.quaker.org.uk/events

Event booking reminders

December Young Quakers Participation Day, 2019

Saturday 7 December 2019, Friends House, London

We have written to area meeting clerks with information about this year’s Young Quakers Participation Day.

For young Quakers (14-18 years old) who are interested in a day held alongside Meeting for Sufferings, seeking their views on issues of concern to them and also to Quakers in Britain.

Each area meeting can book places for two young people born

between 1.9.2001 and 31.8.2005, inclusive (aged 14-18).

Booking deadline: Sunday 17 November, 2019

Alex Zawadzka, 020 7663 1013, cypadmin@quaker.org.uk

www.yqspace.org.uk/FL2019

Quaker Activist Gathering 2019

2 November 2019, Friends House, London

The activist gathering is a free event for Quakers and Quaker curious to come together for an intergenerational, restorative and invigorating day focusing on how we do social action.

For information and booking: www.quaker.org.uk/events/quaker-activist-gathering-2019 Lyndsay Burtonshaw, 020 7663 1064, lyndsayb@quaker.org.uk

CROESO I BAWB WELCOME TO ALL: OUR MEETING WHEN & WHERE LINK

monthly notices November 2018 Tachwedd hysbysiadau misol

Newsletters & courses

Books of the Month November 2018 from the Quaker Centre Bookshop LINK to PDF

Training for Quaker Role Holders 2019 Details of courses for those serving in a variety of Quaker roles – both at Woodbrooke and online. LINK to PDF

The Retreat York Benevolent Fund Newsletter Link to PDF

Reminder

Answering that of God in everyone: A diversity and inclusion national gathering

Woodbrooke 18-20 January 2019

A diverse and inclusive community where all are welcomed has been an ever present aspiration for Quakers. This conference aims to equip Friends to make it a reality.

Booking is now open for this event. LINK to PDF flyer.

Remembrance

Ideas for Remembrance November 2018

What can you do to put peace on the agenda for Remembrance on the centenary of Armistice Day? LINK to PDF

Sahdya Darr, Sahdyad@quaker.org.uk, 020 7663 1108

Outreach

Outreach Conference 2019

15-17 February 2019, High Leigh Conference Centre, Hertfordshire

Making Quakers well known and widely understood. LINK to PDF flyer

www.quaker.org.uk/events/outreachconference2019 For more details: 020 7663 1017

Resist the arms fair

Are you part of resisting the arms fair?

Roots of Resistance is the new network of Quakers dedicated to mobilising to stop the DSEI arms fair in 2019. The biggest Meeting for Worship outside Yearly Meeting in 2017 was held in protest outside DSEI. The aim is for 1,000 to stop the arms fair.

Roots of Resistance are looking for people to help mobilise Friends to oppose the DSEI arms fair in London 2019. No experience required! LINK to PDF

hello@rootsofresistance.org.uk

Service of Remembrance for All Victims of War

Narberth Quakers will be holding their annual Service of Remembrance for All Victims of War from a multi faith viewpoint on November 11^th in Narberth at the Landsker Cross, Narberth

As it falls on Armistice Day we will gather in time to start with a two minute silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. We will be offering readings, poetry, prayers, insights from a range of faiths.  

All are welcome – whether of any faith or none!  

On Friday 10^th November there will be a table with white poppies in Narberth, in the car park entrance by Span Arts 10.00 – 14.00. Donations to Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders.

Landsker Cross: crossroads where Station Road, Spring Gardens, Jesse Road (A478) and St. James Street (A478) meet

Facebook event link

Epistle from Britain Yearly Meeting held in Coventry 29 July – 5 August 2017

To Friends everywhere

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” [James 2:26]

We send loving greetings from Britain Yearly Meeting gathered in community.

 

This is the third year in which we have explored our theme of Living out our faith in the world; this time we have considered how we work with others to make a difference and build a better world. We have been delighted by the presence of Friends from other yearly meetings and visitors from other churches and faith groups. They have helped us to recognise the way bonds form between different communities for the common good, and to value the richness which comes to us when we welcome diversity in our meetings.

Since our last Yearly Meeting our nations have experienced increasing uncertainty and insecurity. Inequality has become vividly apparent. We are distressed by the trashing of our planet, and angry at the greed, ruthlessness, violence and lies which blight the lives of so many. “What do you mean, says God, that you grind the faces of my poor?” [Isaiah 3:15] In this fractured world, how can we respond? What does Love require of us?

We ourselves are part of the problem. Many are too rich. We damage the land, the sea, and all living creatures. We are stealing the future. Change is urgent. We need to recognize our own selfishness and privilege: to be changed ourselves, to live as if the Kingdom of God were already fulfilled.

 

Throughout our gathering we have heard examples of Friends’ work and involvement in the world as Meetings and as individuals. We are reminded that we all find different ways of being faithful. Inspired by the Fox Cubs (3–5-year-olds) we have worn the ribbons which they gave us to share their concern for hungry and homeless people.

 

When we engage with the brokenness of the world, one of our tools can be our willingness to listen: to the vulnerable, to each other, to those with whom we disagree, and to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. This will enable us to work alongside others powerfully, telling the truth of what is wrong in the world. Sometimes listening will lead us to stillness, at other times to practical action. In all things the Spirit will direct us.

Working with others gives us strength. Their insights may lead us to see our own shortcomings. We can also hold conversations with those in positions of authority and influence.

 

Ours may be a supporting role. We may be called to comfort and uphold, to practise small kindnesses, to admit our own weakness, and to undertake practical tasks which enable others to act. Sometimes being there is enough.

Action may demand courage. This may mean taking part in public protests or acts of disobedience. We may be led to challenge rooted injustices and to use our energy to bring about radical change. Jesus overturned the tables of the money-changers in the temple. He taught that the blessed community was formed of the poor, the hungry and those suffering loss or persecution. [Luke 6:20-22]

 

When our call is clear, we need discipline to test it, and faithfulness to carry it through without counting the cost. May God give us strength and grace to be instruments of change.

 

“Therefore, dear Friends, wait in the Light, that the Word of the Lord may dwell plentifully in you.” [Quaker faith & practice 29.19]

LINK to PDF DOCUMENT OF ALL MINUTES FROM THE 2017 GATHERING
lots more reading - but an interesting overview.

May events in Lampeter: Belief and Action

 

 

TSD - Trinity St David's

February notices

Books of the Month February 2017 (PDF)

Woodbrooke upcoming events and courses February 2017 (PDF)

Young Quaker Calendar 2017 (PDF) provides information about events and resources available for young Quakers aged 11 and above. The calendar can also be viewed online at www.yqspace.org.uk/find-event. For further copies to give to young Quakers, please contact the CYP Administrator on 020 7663 1013 or email cypadmin@quaker.org.uk.

New economy booklet Quaker Peace & Social Witness’ new economy booklets explore what an economy in tune with Quaker testimony might look like. The latest booklet, Money, banks and finance in the new economy, is now available. Read it online at www.quaker.org.uk/neweconomy or order it by emailing neweconomy@quaker.org.uk or writing to QPSW at Friends House.

Making Waves Spring 2017 (PDF) Newly revamped annual journal of Quaker Peace & Social Witness’ Turning the Tide programme, containing a digest of articles and blogs, mainly from Turning the Tide’s website: LINK covering many aspects of nonviolence and social change. Join the mailing list by contacting: turningtide@quaker.org.uk, 020 7663 1064/1

Swarthmoor Hall Programme 2017 (PDF) Including courses and retreats in the Woodbrooke at Swarthmoor Hall programme; non-residential performances and special events; activities for the Quaker community – from meetings for worship to 1652 pilgrimagesDocuments relating to the numbered items in the local and area meetings letters (numbered as per the items in the letter):

Yearly Meeting Gathering 2017 leaflet (PDF)

Spirituality and End of Life Conference 2017 flyer and booking form (PDF)

4 March 2017, York Friargate Meeting House, York
Any interested Friends are now invited to attend this one day conference to hear from Christian and other faiths about spiritual approaches to end of life issues. Further details on the day’s agenda and speakers are on the enclosed flyer along with a booking form. If you would like to attend see link above or contact Graham Spackman, grahams@quaker.org.uk

 Journeys into the Spirit: This free resource to aid work with children, young people and even adults has over 1,100 subscribers. Current issues offer approaches to encourage the reading of Quaker faith & practice in line with the BYM initiative. Links to an updated catalogue and a leaflet with a subscription form. All issues are available on the Being Friends Together website http://together.woodbrooke.org.uk/resources.php.

cypadmin@quaker.org.uk
Journeys in the Spirit 2017 leaflet (PDF)
Journeys in the Spirit 2017 catalogue (PDF)

 

For young people who are interested in international affairs and the United Nations that the Geneva Summer School 2017 is being advertised and the closing date for applications is 15 March 2017.
Geneva Summer School 2017 flyer (PDF)
Helen Bradford, 020 7663 1071, helenb@quaker.org.uk

Young Friends General Meeting

24–26 February, Edinburgh Meeting House
Young Friends General Meeting (YFGM) is a national community of young adult Quakers aged 18–30ish. We meet several times a year to spend time together, explore our faith, and have fun! Our next meeting will be north of the border, in Edinburgh from 24–26 February.
We encourage meetings to consider funding representatives who could report back on the activities of this vibrant community.
To find out more or to register, go to the YFGM website at yfgm.quaker.org.uk or contact the YFGM Office: 020 7663 1050; yfgm@quaker.org.uk; Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ

Quaker chaplaincy – support is available

We need more Quaker chaplains!
A talk or workshop on Quaker chaplaincy may help with the recruitment of Quaker chaplains. We can also help you organise a visit to the chaplaincy team in your local prison, university, hospital or other workplace where possible, to help raise awareness within your meeting about this important Quaker work/role. There is a pool of existing Quaker chaplains to support you with this, so please do get in touch.
Marleen Schepers, 020 7663 1143, chaplainsupport@quaker.org.uk www.quaker.org.uk/chaplaincy

FWCC hiring Organisational Assistant

Friends World Committee for Consultation: the World Office and the Europe and Middle East Section are sharing a full time Organisational Assistant and are seeking applications.
Application deadline: 28 February
For further information, contact Kim at kimb@friendsworldoffice.org
FWCC job advert 2017 (PDF)

Experiment with Light

Quaker Life recognises that for some Friends, Experiment with Light can be a powerful way of deepening their spiritual life. Experience has shown that the practice contributes best to the life of the meeting when it is undertaken in a group that is in the care of the meeting and supported by elders. Below  are enclosing details of opportunities in 2017 for learning more about the practice.
Susie Tombs, 07967 111338 experimentwithlight@gmail.com, www.experiment-with-light.org.uk
Experiment with Light 2017 flyer (PDF)

Joint Libraries Development Project

A Joint Libraries Development Project is being undertaken by Britain Yearly Meeting and Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre. The libraries  at Friends House and at Woodbrooke are working together to increase use of their collections. They are exploring the possibility of an online digital library and wish to hear your views. Whether currently a library user or not, all input is helpful.
Action: Please encourage individual Friends to contribute to plans for the joint library service by completing the survey at:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JLDP1 Survey open until the end of February 2017
Any queries contact project manager Adrienne Speake: Adrienne.speake@woodbrooke.org.uk

Quaker News No. 96 Autumn 2016

In case you missed the paper version of Quaker News an update on Quaker work in the care of British Yearly Meeting

Link to a PDF to view online

it includes an article about the four posters produced for Quaker Week 2015 [I saw one this week used as an advert in Private Eye!]

monthly notices December 2016 1 of 2

The books of the month. Link to a PDF document

Woodbrooke: upcoming course. Link to a PDF document

Among Friends no. 127 Winter 2016 Europe & Middle East Section of Friends World Committee for Consultation Link to a PDF document [note from blog author - I always find this publication interesting and inspiring!]

Kindlers & Leaveners

further to leaflets and information given out at Meeting on Sunday 20th December 2016 if you weren’t there or didn’t pick up a leaflet….

A link to Kindler events in London and Leeds in 2017

http://thekindlers.webs.com/other-kindler-events

The following Kindler booklets are all £3 and available from Friends Book Centre [link]. And Narberth Meeting library

Signposts: Quakers exploring interfaith by Eva Tucker and Stephanie Ramamurthy.

Breakthrough to Unity: the Quaker Way held within the mystic traditions by Roswitha Jarman.

Journeying the Heartlands: exploring spiritual practices of Quaker worship. Elizabeth Brown and Alec Davison (eds.)

Explorations: discovering a spiritual way by Judith Fullard Smith.

Answering that of God: discovering spirit within by Peter Parr

But Who do you Say that I am? Quakers and Christ today by Douglas Gwyn.

Through us not from us: vocal ministry and Quaker worship by Rex Ambler, Alec Davison, Janet Scott and Michael Wright.

This I Warn You in Love: witness of some early Quaker women by Catie Gill and Elaine Hobby.

Love Growing in us: questioning the Quaker peace testimony by John Lampen

Visioning new fire: working for Quaker renewal. Conference inputs and outcomes

The Power we call God: threshings matter for Quaker visioning by Frank Parkinson.

Why Silence?: revisiting the foundations of Quaker worship by Brian Holley.

The Kindler’s On the Road series http://thekindlers.webs.com/the-kindlers-on-the-road

 

The Leaveners : art inspiring change

Their vision statement

"To lead on socially and ethically conscious programming based on Quaker values, so that we are an exemplar for community arts; encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and opportunities to learn and interact with other cultures to explore new ways of thinking and being.

Their website: http://www.leaveners.org/

And appeal [unlike many arts organisations they do not apply for lottery funding  http://www.leaveners.org/support/appeal/

A link to a pdf of the annual review and appeal - when it is online I'll change the link [they are updating their website]