The Quaker way of life is simple, contemporary and radical. Quakers worship in stillness, seek out the light of God within us all and work for peace, social justice and the environment.
Please see Events to find out when we are having online meetings for worship and when we are meeting in person. Please email woodbridgeqclerks@gmail.com to join us.
To find out more – click on the menu items below.
Worship
The bedrock of the Quaker way is the silent meeting for worship. We seek a communal gathered stillness, where we can be open to inspiration from the spirit of God and find:
peace of mind joy in creation impetus to act positively in the world
During our meeting for worship some may feel moved to speak, something anyone can do, as all are considered equal. Quakers do not have priests, or a hierarchy, as we believe all people can have a direct relationship with God.
You do not have to be a Quaker to attend Quaker meetings, which are open to all. If you would like to join us and share in our stillness you would be most welcome.
Here in Woodbridge during normal times there are usually around 12-15 of us together face to face on a Sunday morning, between 10.30 and 11.30a.m. often including a visitor or two and six or so on Zoom. In a typical meeting several people may be moved to spoken ministry followed by a few moments’ silence between each ministry for others to consider and process what has been said. Occasionally the whole hour passes in silence, which can be a powerful experience if the Meeting is truly ‘gathered’, as Quakers put it. At the end of the hour there will be time to share information about Friends unable to be present and for notices to be given. There will also be a brief presentation about the charity that is being supported for the monthly appeal. Following this we usually chat and have a coffee or tea.
Currently, we meet in the Shire Hall, Market Hill, Woodbridge on Sundays from 10.30-11.30 except on the first Sunday of the month and occasionally elsewhere.* Meeting for worship is held every Sunday on Zoom*.
* for latest details and Zoom link, contact woodbridgeqclerks@gmail.com
Please refer to our Newsletter page for latest details.
Please contact the clerk for more information: woodbridgeqclerks@gmail.com.
Finally, Friends are also invited to hold worship at home on Fridays at 2.30 for half an hour.
Please contact the clerk for more information: woodbridgeqclerks@gmail.com.
Beliefs
There is no Quaker creed – it is an evolving faith that values practice more highly than dogma. What unifies us is the fact that we are all seekers who value the fellowship and insights of fellow seekers. We share a general approach:
- there is something of God in every person
- we owe it to others to recognise and respond to ‘that of God’ in them
- we are rooted in Christianity but open to new light from wherever it may come – we draw inspiration from Jesus but refrain from making dogmatic statements about him,
- the Bible is a source, but not the only source, of wisdom and inspiration – inward spiritual growth is a continuing and individual process – we seek to act on the promptings of love and truth in our hearts
We strive to live our beliefs and insights in our daily life. This leads us to four particular concerns:
- truth and integrity
- equality and justice
- simplicity
- peace
You can read more about these concerns at www.quaker.org.uk/quaker-faith-action
Quakers in Britain use Quaker Faith and Practice as a source of guidance and inspiration. It contains guidance on the way we run our affairs, and insights from Quakers on many matters
Newsletter
Our Groups
Woodbridge Quakers’ Walking Group
The Walking Group meets most months on a Saturday. The walks tend to be circular for about two hours and based on a place where parking and refreshment are accessible. Other Friends may prefer to meet at the refreshment place and not take part in the walk. Inclusivity is the name of the game whenever possible. This activity provides a way for friends to come together socially.
For more details about the group please contact woodbridgeqclerks@gmail.com. Please put ‘Walking Group’ in the subject line of the email.
Woodbridge Quakers’ Poetry Group
The Poetry Group usually meets about once a month on Zoom often on a Tuesday morning. Members choose a poem in advance to send to the group convenor who collates and circulates the poems in advance of the meetings. Friends participating take it in turns to lead the group. The poems shared have been varied and exciting, often opening up new poets and ideas to members of the group.
For more details about the group please contact woodbridgeqclerks@gmail.com.
Please put ‘Poetry Group’ in the subject line of the email.
Woodbridge Quaker Burial Ground
