Tag: spirituality

Whose Friends are we?

Mark Russ3 Comments

Quakers have always called each other ‘Friends,’ but what does this mean? Is ‘Friend’ just a quaint hangover from our past, or could it be a site of rich theological reflection? Emerging from my PhD research on Quaker theology and Whiteness, I’ve developed an online course for Woodbrooke reflecting on what it might mean for… Continue reading Whose Friends are we?

Join my online book group reading ‘A Testament of Devotion’ by Thomas Kelly

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There are still some places left on my online book group which begins on Monday 23 June with live Zoom sessions at 19:00-20:30 (UK time) every Monday for six weeks. We'll be reading A Testament of Devotion, a classic of Quaker spirituality. You can sign up here: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/book-group-a-testament-of-devotion-by-thomas-kelly/ Thomas Kelly (1893-1941) was a Quaker from… Continue reading Join my online book group reading ‘A Testament of Devotion’ by Thomas Kelly

Advent Reflections Week 4 – The God-bearer

Mark Russ2 Comments
A collection of frosty alder seed cones

The final of four Advent reflections centred on Mary and her song in Luke 1:46-55. "My soul magnifies the Holy One,and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,for she has looked with favour on the lowliness of her servant.Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;for the Mighty One has done great things… Continue reading Advent Reflections Week 4 – The God-bearer

Advent Reflections Week 3 – The Forerunners

Mark Russ2 Comments
A dense forest of silver birches, with white bark with black eye-like marks.

Part of a series of four Advent reflections centred on Mary and her song in Luke 1:46-55. "My soul magnifies the Holy One,and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." The third week of Advent is associated with John the Baptist, but as our focus is on Mary, this week we’ll spend time with Elizabeth,… Continue reading Advent Reflections Week 3 – The Forerunners

Advent Reflections Week 2 – The Prophets

Mark Russ2 Comments
Dark green holy with red berries in the centre.

Part of a series of four Advent reflections centred on Mary and her song in Luke 1:46-55. "She has shown strength with her arm;she has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.She has brought down the powerful from their thrones,and lifted up the lowly;she has filled the hungry with good things,and sent the… Continue reading Advent Reflections Week 2 – The Prophets

Advent Reflections Week 1 – The Ancestors

Mark Russ3 Comments

Part of a series of four Advent reflections centred on Mary and her song in Luke 1:46-55. "Her mercy is for those who fear herfrom generation to generation…She has helped her servant Israel,in remembrance of her mercy,according to the promise she made to our ancestors,to Sarah and Abraham and to their descendants for ever." I… Continue reading Advent Reflections Week 1 – The Ancestors