Milton Keynes Quakers welcomed people to explore Quakerism as part of this autumn’s Heritage Week
Milton Keynes Quakers opened their meeting house in Heritage Week, aiming to share an experience of Quaker worship and that Quakerism is a Way of Life. The day was a real success, bringing together more than 40 local Quakers and welcoming around 60 visitors.
On the day the Meeting house was alive with people and sharing the Quaker way. There were information boards and conversations about the guiding testimonies - Peace, Equality, Simplicity, Truth and Sustainability - and how living these testimonies is a challenge and that our community and collective -largely silent - worship enables us to support one another, as we endeavour to do this.
They offered visitors the opportunity to take part in one of four rolling mini-Meetings for Worship (15 minutes), followed by a chance for people to ask questions and hold discussions (another 15 minutes). One visitor who participated in worship for the first time reflected, “I know this may sound a strange thing to say, but I did not know that 15 minutes could be so profound."
There was a free café, and jams and chutneys for sale to raise money for Peace Works Zimbabwe and Milton Keynes Food Bank.
Ruth Iley, a local Friend described being part of creating the Open Day as a 'huge blessing', deepening Friendships across the meeting, reinvigorating an experience of how special our Quaker Way is and feeling energised to look for new ways to share spiritual journeys and the Quaker way with new people.
Quaker Life runs an online network for anyone interested in outreach, offering a chance to share ideas and learn from each other. Sessions run at lunchtime and in the evening.