Feeling the warmth and welcome in Sittingbourne
The Local Development Worker for Kent, Sussex and Surrey shares her story of worshipping with Quakers in Sittingbourne, a small town in Kent. After a long, rainy journey, she found a warm welcome and strong connection with the Spirit and deep care for one another.
Sittingbourne Quakers meet in their local heritage museum; in a tiny shop unit, packed with display cases filled with museum pieces. There was a warm welcome and chat about the traffic, speculation it could be delaying the others - which made it was clear it was known exactly who would be there, where they were coming from, what they might need to be comfortable in the space. When all had arrived, cushions placed and heaters moved, everyone was settling into worship when they were joined by an enquirer – who was instantly given one of the existing seats, whilst the previous occupant found a folding chair from under a shelf. All were welcomed into the relative warmth of the circle on such a cold day.
Ministry was warm, heartfelt and connected. Afterwords were gently held.
After worship, the newcomer was welcomed and included in the conversation about the regular Zoom meeting for spiritual conversation and invited to join Friends for their monthly social meet-up and for worship in January and February in the (warmer) home of one of those present. The group are planning a retreat day together in the spring.
This is a small worshipping group, with no appointed role holders, who meet monthly for worship in a chilly, cluttered space with no running water. “I experienced it as a warm, welcoming, joyful and spiritually rich community in which individuals are seen, known, valued and cared for. Newcomers are welcomed and included simply and generously." reflects Ruth Audus, Local Development worker.
The Friends in this group are not young. Yet they manage to get to this unusual meeting place to joyfully worship together. When it gets hard because it's cold they worship in one of their homes for a couple of months. There's no angst about this - on Friend simply says, 'We just need to put something on the website to say we're not meeting'.
How can we build warm, welcoming communities where all are seen and cared for, and the Spirit is at the heart?