EarthQuaker Issue 102
Quaker Earthcare Gathering 2025
I was the oldest of six children, a third of whom were toddlers, and attended the children's programme. One positive thing was learning about Wangari Maathai, who planted many trees in Kenya to combat deforestation. We learnt a couple songs and chants, and participated in a retelling of the book, Trees of Peace, which was listened to by the rest of the gathering.
Outside in the grounds there were a multitude of marvellous mushrooms, which were fun to look at, and near the lake there were some young goats. When we went on nature walks, leaves in shades of green and yellow and red would cascade from the autumnal trees and festoon the ground.
One session at the gathering was on the topic of nature art which is sustainable and impermanent. Another focused on the debate: is it right to use animal products? The overall format included some unstructured time where people could choose interesting and valuable sessions as well as some all-age time and worship. I ministered for the first time which felt fulfilling.
I think the residential could have been made even better by having more practical advice, because for me at least, that would have been more helpful as that would inspire me the
most. Also it being more affordable so that more people could attend, and it being more
diverse could improve it even more.
I made a brilliant friend and we had fun acting and playing together. She was two years younger than me and knew lots of animal facts. I hope I can see her again in the future.
Jaya