Two Stingrays by Ailish Carroll-Brentnall
Multitude of Marvellous Mushrooms by Jaya
The Earthcare Residential by Jonathan Dale
A Short Story of the Ages by Gerry Winnall
Difficult Conversations by Cilla de Lande Long
'Something' will Happen by Jackie Carpenter
Letting Go, Not Losing Hope by Bernie Jordan
Reflections on the Earthcare Gathering by Janet Saunders
Noticing and Encountering by Kathryn May
In this first EarthQuaker magazine following the Earthcare Residential at Swanwick, we have contributions from Friends responding to their experience of the gathering or to words that spoke to them in the Epistle (Gathering | Living Witness ). Many of the contributions contain questions, challenges or hopes for Friends to reflect on and respond to in the coming year of 2026.
Ailish and Jackie, with very different experiences, reflect on the way Quaker mysticism spiritually upholds them and how it is at our core, stilling us to be a living witness.
It is a delight to hear from Jaya who gives her impressions of the residential gathering. We gain insight into a young person’s experiences of Life and the needs of her age group.
Storytelling arising from a deeply spiritual encounter is shared by Gerry, making the connection between spiritual rootedness that leads to active witness with the wider world which is sometimes disturbing or surprising.
Memory recalls Jesus faced difficulties in being a prophet in his hometown, as one Gospel story relates. Cilla explores the dilemmas of being prophetic within your own family circle and the tensions that can create. She offers hope in coming together to share our experiences and explore different approaches which can support and strengthen us. Janet has hopes that Friends whose leadings are to campaign on the ‘big picture issues’ can find each other, connect and engage in building a stronger network. She would welcome hearing from you.
Searching and challenging questions are posed by Jonathan and Bernie for all Friends in the UK. Jonathan’s questions have connection with deep contemplation of what de-colonising yourself truly means for Friends. Bernie’s questions relate to understanding where our unity lies and links through from the ‘The Future of British Quakerism’ article (Issue 99 : The Future of British Quakerism | Living Witness), into her attendance at the Earthcare Gathering, to the Yearly Meeting 2026 first session in May 2026 in London. We are asked to reflect on a series of questions, starting with ‘In a divided world, what unites us as a Spirit-led community?’ (yearly-meeting-2026-calling-letter).
Kathryn May on behalf of the Earthquaker editorial team