look at Becoming Friends, also available on paper and with a companion to support you if you wish;
following links elsewhere on the web; our Links page
has suggestions for newcomers and others.
If you prefer something on paper:
lots of leaflets are available for free from our Meeting House (and others),
information packs are available free from Friends House, fill in this
form,
lots of books are available from the
Quaker bookshop. You might like to try:
Listening to the Light
by Jim Pym. This introduction to Quaker ways suggests
how you can use Quaker practices in your daily life. While it invites you to try
going to a Quaker meeting it does not assume that you will do so.
Quaker Faith and Practice:
a big book that may look daunting, but is really
good for browsing in. Most of the content is extracts from the writings of Quakers,
some historic, many quite up to date. It covers all aspects of Quaker life. If
you want something a lot shorter, the first chapter is printed as Advices and
Queries, available free. This is the Quaker book that I always keep handy and
refer to frequently. An online copy is available.
If you prefer to hear someone speak in person:
Try attending a Quaker Quest session.
Visit www.quakerquest.org for locations.
Come to Meeting: just turn up at Watford Meeting House at 10.30 am any Sunday.
We sit together in an expectant, waiting silence, which is interrupted, but not
broken, by those who feel called to vocal ministry. After about an hour, the
meeting is ended by two experienced members shaking hands. It is then usual for
worshippers to greet one another and for the Clerk to make some announcements.
We follow this with refreshments and an opportunity to chat, for those who want
to. Everyone is welcome, and you are free to leave whenever you wish.
Attend an Enquirers weekend. These are for those who know little or nothing
about Quakers but who want to know more. They are held at
Charney Manor in Oxfordshire
and at Swarthmore Hall in Cumbria
several times a year.
Learning even more:
We recognise that there is always more to learn, for everyone, so we provide
a range of opportunities, for those who want to join in, to study together and
share their experiences. In Watford these currently include a Bible study group,
a writing group and a Spiritual Journeys group.
Other opportunities will be posted on our events page from time to time.
