Poetry and Music Inspired by Nature
15 September - 3 pm followed by tea and cake
United Reform Church, 120 High Street, Street, Somerset BA16 0ER
Free Admission, donation to URC / Friends of the Earth
Mid-Somerset Quakers celebrate the beauty of the world, mourn and rage over what is being lost. Poems by Hardy, Mary Oliver, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Clare. Music for piano, strings and voice by Handel, Vaughan-Williams, Arvo Part and Frank Bridge.
September - What's On
August - Tuesday 10 September - Linking Climate Justice and Demilitarisation
The live Zoom sessions are at 19:00-20:30 (UK time) on Wednesday 7 August and Tuesday 10 September.
Tutor: Charlotte Cooper
Tutor: Kim Harrison
In this two-part exploratory space, held in partnership with Quaker Peace and Social Witness, we will delve into the links between militarism and climate and explore how re-envisaging these challenges is necessary for shaping a safer, fairer world.
https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/linking-climate-justice-and-demilitarisation/
Thursday 5 September and Tuesday 8 October - Addressing Ecocide : Quaker Contributions
The live Zoom sessions are at 17:30 - 19:30
Tutor: Hilary Saunders
This course delves into the concept of ecocide, exploring its definition and the necessary steps towards establishing it as an international crime. We will also address Quaker concerns that this may conflict with our commitment to restorative justice.
https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/addressing-ecocide-quaker-contributions/
Thursday 12 September and Thursday 3 October - Refugees, Migration Rights & Climate Justice
The live Zoom sessions are at 19:00-21:00
Tutors/Speakers: Sadie Decoste, Nick Cullen
This two-part course explores the links between migration rights and Climate Justice, and what this could mean for local communities, our faith, and how we might re-vision this. Resources for reading and reflection will be provided between sessions.
https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/refugees-migration-rights-and-climate-justice/
Starting Monday 16 September (ending 13 February 2025) - Quaker Eco Church Network : Steps to Accreditation
The live Zoom sessions are 19:00-20:30 once a month (for all dates use Woodbrooke link below)
Tutors: Gordon Benson, Kim Harrison
Does your Meeting wish to make meaningful steps towards sustainability? Would you appreciate support in your journey? The Quaker Ecochurch Network helps Meetings share experience, achieve eco-accreditation, and act on our commitment to sustainability.
https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/quaker-eco-church-network-steps-to-accreditation/
Friday 20 September - Sunday 22 September - Voices of the Earth
The course begins with evening meal at 19:00 on Friday and ends with lunch on Sunday.
Location: Glenthorne Guest House and Conference Centre
Tutors/Speakers: Philip and Zelie Gross
A weekend of hands-on creative exploration, play and reflection seeking renewed perspectives for these complicated and unsettling times.
https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/voices-of-the-earth
Saturday 28 September - Hope as a Practice
London Quakers
Venue: Friends House, Euston Road, London
Time: 10 am - 4.30 pm
What does it mean to ‘practise hope’? How do we maintain hope when things seem to be getting worse rather than better?
In this workshop, participants will be invited to take part in a range of activities to explore “active hope”, a transformative set of practices that help us to face our concerns about the world, find genuine grounds for hope and discern our unique contribution to the healing of our world. Drawing on ideas from the book Active Hope, by J. Macy and C. Johnstone, this workshop will also highlight how this approach resonates with Quaker faith and practice.
Our tutors from Woodbrooke Where You Are, Simonne Wood and Jacquie Cole, are both Quakers with a rich variety of interests and substantial experience in a wide range of Quaker learning.
Booking on Ticket Tailor https://www.tickettailor.com/events/londonquakers/1332901
October - What's On
Saturday 5 October - George Fox : An Ecological Quaker Perspective
One-off live Zoom session 16:00 - 17:30
Tutors: Cherice Bock, Rhiannon Grant
This single live session is part of a series celebrating the 400th birthday of George Fox, in which key speakers assess Fox’s legacy from a variety of positions. In this session, Cherice Bock will consider George Fox from an ecological perspective.
https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/george-fox-an-ecological-quaker-perspective/
Thursday 24 October - 21 November - Natural Inspiration : Elemental Qualities for Positive Change
Live Zoom sessions every Thursday from 18:30 - 20:30
Tutor: Kim Harrison
Exploring how nature-connection and the unique qualities of the elements can inspire and support our change-making witness. Bringing us into deeper relationship with the interconnectedness of all life and the spirit that flows through all things.
https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/natural-inspiration-elemental-qualities-for-positive-change/
November - What's On
Tuesdays 12 - 26 November - A Quaker Approach to Capitalism and Climate Justice
Live Zoom sessions every Tuesday from 19:00 - 21:00
Tutors: Paul Hodgkin and Gill Westcott
Quakers want an economic system that has equality, justice and sustainability at its heart. Does our faithfulness require new discernment about capitalism? If so, what possibilities for change can inform our witness as individuals and as a Society.
https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/a-quaker-approach-to-capitalism-and-climate-justice/
December - What's On
Saturday, 7 December - Creatively Visioning the Future - A Winter Retreat
Live Zoom: 10:15 - 16:00
Tutor/Speaker: Linda Murgatroyd
This creative participatory retreat offers a space to explore what a future based on love and truth might bring. Acknowledging that governments and corporations aren’t acting swift enough, how can we inspire positive actions and re-envision society?