Book now for Quaker Gathering
A three-week summer festival of faith promises to be the highlight of the year for Quakers in Britain. Bookings are now open.
"We'll be together, even though apart," said Clare Scott Booth, clerk for Yearly Meeting Gathering (YMG). “An online YMG, at this time while Covid-19 restrictions persist, will mean we can take care of each other and think about how best to put our faith into action. We'll gather in stillness, to see each other's faces, as Quakers have done since 1668."
The theme for Yearly Meeting Gathering, “For our comfort and discomfort: living equality and truth in a time of crisis" will focus on Quaker work for climate and racial justice, as well as ongoing discernment around welcoming gender diverse people.
Around one thousand Quakers in Britain may attend YMG. Already 200 special interest groups are lined up for the Fringe. From 19 July, there will be worship and community-building activities and theme-related events. YM in session will be over the two weekends from Friday 30 July to Sunday 8 August.
Young Adults at YMG (aged 18-35 years old) will meet online to explore the themes together in the run-up to the festival.
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Our theme, “For our comfort and discomfort: living equality and truth in a time of crisis"
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Age appropriate events are hugely popular. Bookings for sessions for Children and Families, Young People's Programme, and Junior Yearly Meeting open on 1 June and close on 26 June.
Full joining instructions are here. All those taking part must register in advance for YMG. Once registration has been processed, participants will be able to select the events and YM sessions they wish to attend. They will create their own YMG Planner, an online calendar, via Sched, complete with Zoom links, programme and pastoral care. .
“Meeting online gives us the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint," said Clare Scott Booth. “As well as less travel, fewer documents will be printed as more of us work electronically. However, we will print copies for those with particular need. Be sure to indicate on registration if this applies to you."
Meanwhile, where public health guidance allows some local Quaker Meetings may encourage Quakers to meet together to take part. “We know many Quakers are confidently meeting for blended worship – some joining on Zoom and some in meeting houses. We hope local meetings will be imaginative and encourage everyone in our Quaker community to take part, in whatever ways they can," said Clare Scott Booth.