Woodbrooke

@woodbrooke

Woodbrooke provides opportunities for Quaker learning, research and worship across the world - offering adult education since 1903. www.woodbrooke.org.uk

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Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· 24d

An opportunity to explore a variety of seasonal themed practices and to discern what might be useful in our own spiritual journey across the year, whether that’s a refreshed version of our established practice or something new and ‘shiny’. For more information visit https://ow.ly/YcOX50Zobj7

Colourful seasonal leaves arranged in a fan shape with text Celebrating Times and Seasons As Quakers with Gill Sewell 21 September - 21 June £60

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· 25d

British Quakers have made commitments to racial justice and to exploring reparations. Young people racialised as Black and Brown are still disproportionately excluded from schools and represented within the justice system. Who is challenging this? How can we support them? https://ow.ly/RniR50Zob74

Black man holding prison bars, with text
Black Lives Matter: Challenging the School to Prison Pipeline with Edwina Peart and Tanya Hubbard Wednesday 16 September 13:30-15:00 (UK time) Pay as Led

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· 26d

This course offers an introduction to the history of Quakerism in Bolivia, exploring the origins of the Religious Society of Friends and the evolution of the faith within the Bolivian context, particularly among Indigenous communities. For more information visit https://ow.ly/68aA50Zob2j

Group of Bolivian Quakers in traditional clothing gathered outdoors for a cultural event with text
Quakers in Bolivia: A History to the Present with Emma Condori Mamani 18 September - 23 October £72

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· 27d

Part of that sharing is learning to know of our past as Quakers and of our Christian roots but even more necessary is the sharing of what we as Quakers believe today and how this should be shaping our lives both individually and corporately. Peggy McGeoghegan, 1976 Quaker Faith and Practice 10.10

Do we have enough confidence in each other to know that our problems as well as our convictions and uncertainties can be shared with understanding? How is the child and the stranger received amongst us? Do we see our young people as individuals we want to know and care for and do we want to provide opportunities when they can get to know and care for us? Are they encouraged to feel that they have much to give us, that we value them and are the poorer without the insights and questioning they provide? Are we across all the ages a community learning together? Do we consciously look for experiences which can be shared by the whole community? Children and young people need their own peer groups but are encouragingly appreciative of the whole group sharing when they feel an integral part of it and can share in situations which deepen relationships and form lasting friendships. Part of that sharing is learning to know of our past as Quakers and of our Christian roots but even more necessary is the sharing of what we as Quakers believe today and how this should be shaping our lives both individually and corporately. Together we have a task in exploring our faith today with all its implications for action.

Peggy McGeoghegan, 1976
Quaker Faith and Practice 10.10

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· 27d

The first complete draft of Our Quaker way will be available to Friends at the next Yearly Meeting session in November. Explore the opportunities Woodbrooke and Quakers in Britain are offering to help Friends read, reflect and respond to the draft. Visit www.woodbrooke.org.uk/rrr to find out more

Our Quaker way
Read. Reflect. Respond.

The first complete draft of Our Quaker Way will be available to Friends in November 2026.

Woodbrooke is working alongside the Book of Discipline Revision Committee and Quakers in Britain to support Friends across Britain in engaging with the draft. Together, we're creating opportunities to read, reflect and respond before Yearly Meeting in July 2027.

You'll be able to access a wide range of resources and opportunities, including online materials and events, courses, in-person and online gatherings and Woodbrooke Where You Are workshops for Quaker communities.

Britain Yearly Meeting
and Woodbrooke
working in partnership

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· 28d

We’re excited to share that applications are now open for Equipping for Ministry (EfM). This two-year learning journey, starting in December 2026, offers Friends the chance to deepen their understanding of Quakerism. Applications close Tuesday 1 September Learn more: https://ow.ly/WVZQ50ZonsR

efm
Equipping for Ministry
Applications Open Now
Closing Date: 1 Sept
Woodbrooke.org.uk/efm

Woodbrooke

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 15

What can Genesis teach us about living inside flawed communities? Through the book’s sometimes tortuous depiction of broken and conflicted families, we consider the joys and challenges of ‘finding that of God in everyone’, even in the midst of frayed relationships. See https://ow.ly/w5Tc50ZlV5a

Open Bible pages with colorful highlighted text with text A Quaker Guide to Genesis with Josh Selfe 7 September - 5 October £60

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 14

This session will explore the future of Quaker membership numbers in Britain, drawing on recent mathematical modelling carried out by Rahela Rashid at the University of Southampton. For more information visit https://ow.ly/M4af50ZlUZY

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 13

The Gospel of Mary reveals a radical re-visioning of Christianity from a woman’s perspective nearly 2000 years ago, yet its non-conformist approach seems surprisingly modern. An ancient text, but what does it mean to each one of us today? For more information visit https://ow.ly/gvYR50ZlUVf

A serene painting of Mary reading a book, with text The Gospel of Mary: A Friendly Study Group with David Curtis 17 September - 15 October £60

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 12

Quaker Faith and Practice 22.22

At the age of 16 William Caton, an early member of the Swarthmoor household, wrote in 1652 of the love that enfolded all who became part of Margaret Fell’s home:

Truly willing we were to sympathise and bear one with another, to be helpful one unto another, and in true and tender love to watch over one another. And, oh the love, mercy and power of God, which abounded to us, through us and among us; who shall declare it? And hence came that worthy family to be so renowned in the nation, the fame of which spread much among Friends. And the power and presence of the Lord being so much there with us, it was as a means to induce many, even from far, to come thither, so that at one time there would have been Friends out of five or six counties… I was cherished and encouraged in the way of life by my entirely beloved friend Margaret Fell, who as a tender-hearted nursing-mother cared for me and was tender of me as if I had been one of her own children; oh, the kindness, the respect and friendship which she showed me ought never to be forgotten by me.

Quaker Faith and Practice 22.22

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 11

One session using the Philosophy for Communities (P4C) method. This offers the opportunity for personal exploration and for the group to understand what this means for our community. For more information visit https://ow.ly/PpKt50ZjxOE

Hands gently holding a cluster of ripe cherry tomatoes with text Enquiring Into: Being a Gathered People with Rosie Carnall Thursday 3 September 19:00-21:00 (UK time) Pay as Led

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 10

In the 2026 George Richardson Lecture, David Harrington Watt will examine how writers from the 1930s to the present have described Quaker encounters with Nazism, highlighting the major themes that emerge from those accounts. For more information visit https://ow.ly/u2Lg50ZjxsW

Picture of David Harrington Watt with text
George Richardson Lecture: Quakers and Nazis: The Stories We Tell Tuesday 8 September 19:00-20:30 (UK time).

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 9

Quaker Meetings across Britain have begun to interrogate their historic connections to structures of oppression and colonialism, including chattel slavery. This session explores Central England Area Meeting’s research and its efforts to address their ongoing legacies today. https://ow.ly/VHw350ZjxIo

Historic street scene with colonial-era buildings and a flag, with text Researching Reparations: Central England Area Meeting Wednesday 2 September 19:00-20:30 (UK time) Pay as Led.

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 7

This course considers what the birth-stories of Buddha and Jesus tell us about the beliefs, imaginations and assumptions of the people who wrote them. Friends will have the opportunity to consider some of the deep spiritual similarities between the two visions of the world. https://ow.ly/U49050Zjxmo

Close-up of Buddha and Jesus statues with text The Birth Stories of Buddha and Jesus with Ben Wood, 4 September - 11 September £36

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 6

Pastoral care lies at the heart of Quaker community life. This course explores the essential aspects of serving as a Pastoral Care Friend, a role which can be surprisingly complex as well as joyful. For more information visit https://ow.ly/Lq8s50Zjxgn

Two people sitting on a park bench in a sunlit green space, with text The Essence of Quaker Pastoral Care 3 September - 24 September £60

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 5

Christopher Holdsworth, 1985 Quaker Faith and Practice 26.28

From early on, too, I became aware that the movement into a place where in an ineffable way God became real, was not dissimilar from what went on when I entered into the space of imagination. That kind of space was one which attracted me from as far back as I can go in memory, whether it was opened up by someone reading to me, or when I was older by my reading to myself, or by games which drew open that part of me. And I sense that what went on when we sat round the table for reading after breakfast, or when I said my prayers before getting into bed, or when we went to worship on Sundays, belonged to the same kind of experience. Other ways into that space which opened up very early were through music, both listening to it and making it, and through the beauties of the world. Obviously now I realise that there are differences, a sense of the presence of God is not just the result of the use of imagination, or attending to something lovely, but the thing which is germane for me now is that inner space of various kinds has called my attention and has been a large and enlivening place.

Christopher Holdsworth, 1985
Quaker Faith and Practice 26.28

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 4

Curious about Quakerism? This course offers an introduction to the essentials of the Quaker way. Together we’ll explore Quaker worship, discernment and witness, with space for questions, discussion and reflection on how these practices shape daily life. Book your place: https://ow.ly/LfKZ50Zh3xp

Sign that reads 'Start Here'

Essentials of Quakerism 2 September - 23 September £30 with Wendy Hampton

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 3

Do we have buried feelings around money? Are our relationships troubled by it? Do our money behaviours embody our true selves? This course offers a supportive space to explore money through the Quaker values of Simplicity, Equality, and Sustainability. Book your place: https://ow.ly/nK9150Zh3u6

Jar of coins

Lifting Our Hearts Around Money 1 September - 29 September £48 with Katie Barron

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jul 1

Do you feel despair or numbness at the state of the world? Join us to develop a deliberate practice of ‘active hope’, that helps overcome feelings of helplessness in these turbulent times. Book your place: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/hope-as-a-practice/

A heart shaped stone with Hope written on it

Hope as a Practice 1 September - 22 September £60 with Simonne Wood & Ella Asheri

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 30

Who are you today? What do you want to do? How do you get there? This session offers time for self-discovery and discovery of possible future directions, with opportunities to share ideas and learn from the experiences of others in a confidential space. https://ow.ly/8XZY50Zh2iz

A glass ball

Life Reflections Sunday 23 August 14:00-16:00 (UK time) Pay as Led with Daniel Flynn

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 28

We are building towards the climax of crisis. The spiritual crisis is folding into the ecological crisis and the ecological crisis is folding into the economic crisis... Keith Helmuth, 1990 Quaker Faith and Practice 25.14

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 25

What does it mean to be truly welcoming when people experience the world, faith, and community differently? This course opens a thoughtful, honest conversation about neurodiversity and the Society of Friends. Find out more: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/welcoming-difference-neurodiversity/

Welcoming Difference: Neurodiversity 8 September - 22 September £48 with Kate Fox & Wendy Hampton

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 23

As we consciously embrace a substantial period of silence we open ourselves to things we need to see and acknowledge, whether that’s old hurts and habits or new paths and projects. Life-changing surprises and deep insights become possible. Find out more and book: https://ow.ly/6JRm50ZeAM9

Time Set Aside: An Individually Guided Retreat 7 September - 11 September £940 with Tim Ashworth & Annique Seddon

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 21

Caroline E Stephen, 1890 Quaker Faith and Practice 2.02

On one never-to-be-forgotten Sunday morning, I found myself one of a small company of silent worshippers who were content to sit down together without words, that each one might feel after and draw near to the Divine Presence, unhindered at least, if not helped, by any human utterance. Utterance I knew was free, should the words be given; and, before the meeting was over, a sentence or two were uttered in great simplicity by an old and apparently untaught man, rising in his place amongst the rest of us. I did not pay much attention to the words he spoke, and I have no recollection of their purport. My whole soul was filled with the unutterable peace of the undisturbed opportunity for communion with God, with the sense that at last I had found a place where I might, without the faintest suspicion of insincerity, join with others in simply seeking His presence. To sit down in silence could at the least pledge me to nothing; it might open to me (as it did that morning) the very gate of heaven. And, since that day, now more than seventeen years ago, Friends’ meetings have indeed been to me the greatest of outward helps to a fuller and fuller entrance into the spirit from which they have sprung; the place of the most soul-subduing, faith-restoring, strengthening, and peaceful communion, in feeding upon the bread of life, that I have ever known.

Caroline E Stephen, 1890
Quaker Faith and Practice 2.02

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 19

Join us on Thursday as we revisit the foundations of racial justice work and explore why these commitments still matter. We'll hear from speakers representing Black Lives Matter UK, Quakers in Britain and Woodbrooke.

Black Lives Matter: What is Racial Justice today? Thursday 25 June 11:00-12:30 (UK time) Pay as Led with Edwina Peart & Tanya Hubbard

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 18

Explore embodied spirituality through gentle body-based contemplative prayer, deepening body awareness and felt-sense listening, attending to the language of the body and noticing how the Sacred moves and meets us in our bodies. https://ow.ly/ZfL450Z9WlY

Listening Through the Wisdom of the Body Thursday 13 August 19:00-21:00 (UK time) Pay as Led with Althea Banda-Hansmann

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 16

This is a monthly space for those with eldership responsibilities to come together to consider and learn how to serve as an effective elder in your Quaker community. The focus of this session is 'Serving as a Quaker Elder and Vocal Ministry'. https://ow.ly/fkoa50Z9WfK

Image of a book

Essentials of Quaker Eldership (Aug) Monday 10 August 19:00-20:30 (UK time) Pay as Led in partnership with Quakers in Britain

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 14

London Yearly Meeting, 1986 Quaker Faith and Practice 2.88

We see our meetings for church affairs not as business meetings preceded by a period of worship, but as ‘meetings for worship for business’. Ideally the sacred and the secular are interwoven into one piece. Believing that all our business is brought before God for guidance we deprecate all that may foster a party spirit or confrontation. We therefore seek for a spirit of unity in all our decision making.

London Yearly Meeting, 1986
Quaker Faith and Practice 2.88

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 10

Could this be your next role? We are looking for a Programme Coordinator – Faith and Spirituality to help develop and coordinate programmes that support people in exploring Quaker worship, spirituality and faith in practice. Find out more and apply: www.woodbrooke.org.uk/vacancies/

We are recruiting a...
Programme Coordinator -
Faith and Spirituality
Closing Date: Thursday 25 June
Apply Now: woodbrooke.org.uk/jobs

Woodbrooke@woodbrooke· Jun 8

From the beginnings of the Quaker movement, Quakers refused to be buried in consecrated ground, believing all ground to be God's ground. In this session, we explore how early Quakers met with challenges regarding where and how they wished to inter their dead. See https://ow.ly/ErNk50Z72GX