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A couple of weekends ago I went to the ‘Catching Light’ conference, a gathering of British Quakers focussing on what in other churches would be called evangelism, but Quakers call ‘outreach’. After a fun time networking and facilitating small discussion group, I came away with the strong impression that we are collectively inarticulate in describing… Continue reading Can we find a better word for ‘outreach’? →

It’s now five months since I began working at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre and I'm in the right place. Teaching ‘A Friendly Introduction to Membership’ at the weekend, I was constantly reminded of what a privilege it is to listen to participants share their journeys in faith. It’s a job that calls for a large emotional commitment,… Continue reading Nourished with Emptiness →

In October I ran a course at Woodbrooke called ‘Non-violent Apocalypse: Peace Church Perspectives on the Book of Revelation’. There were eight of us, all coming to this final book of the Christian Bible with our own perspective and enthusiasms. Two much larger groups were running alongside ours that weekend, and at every mealtime there was… Continue reading Five reasons why Quakers should read the book of Revelation →

From October 2015, Quakers in Britain are invited to read and reflect on one or two chapters a month of Quaker Faith and Practice, either by themselves or in groups, face to face or online, so that as a Religious Society we can better know our tradition and journey as a people of faith. I’ll… Continue reading Reading Quaker Faith and Practice – Personal Journey →

With the Greenbelt Festival, our ‘Purposeful Adventure’ reached its conclusion. Our travelling amongst intentional communities has ended (at least for now) and we’re settling into our new home in the West Midlands. After all the unpacking and associated life admin, I’ll eventually get to reflecting on the whole experience, but first our time at the… Continue reading Othona Bradwell: Messy and Glorious →

I am delighted to welcome Michael Wood as a guest blogger on Jolly Quaker. Michael has around eight years experience of Quaker youth work, and is currently co-ordinator of Friends Southern Summer Events (FSSE) Junior Gathering and Clerk of London Link Group. All views expressed here are Michael’s own, and not necessarily those of FSSE… Continue reading No Children Without Advance Notice →

Since moving to the Othona Community, my blog activity has, for many reasons, slowed somewhat. For all much-appreciated followers of the Jolly Quaker blog, here's a brief update on what's been going on over the last couple of months, and some news on what I plan to do with the blog in the near future.… Continue reading Latest news from Jolly Quaker →

Happy New Year blog-readers! After the busy mania of the festive season, and a wonderful holiday on the Norfolk coast (with no internet), our purposeful adventure continues. We've arrived safe and sound in Essex, and we're into our first week on the core team at Othona, Bradwell-on-sea. There's a lot to do. Once we've found… Continue reading Guest blogger: Adrian answers a practical question →

What has become clear to us through our visits to intentional communities, is that pastoral support, both individual and cooperate, is vital. Visits to personal spiritual directors and counsellors are common, and sometimes a requirement of community membership. Regular scheduled ‘check-in’ sessions, where people can share their struggles and triumphs, is a healthy rhythm to… Continue reading The importance of support →