Simplifying Life - Mark II

ceridwen

Rachel021967 wrote: »

I'm going to a Quaker meeting in a couple of weeks time. What are they like and do they have a Sunday school for the children?

It will be a 1 hour length "Meeting for Worship" - which will be largely silent. No-one wears "special" clothes for it - just what they feel comfortable in. It is important to turn up on time - ie because they are largely silent - and its disruptive if people walk in when its started. Anyone who feels they have something to say does so - whatever age they are/whatever sex they are/etc and its listened to respectfully. There probably will be a "Sunday school" for younger children - its usually the case that someone will take the children out after about 10 minutes or so and they "do their own thing" in a separate room. There will probably not be any singing (of hymns - or anything else) - its possible if anyone wanted to - it just doesnt tend to happen. Its usually peoples own thoughts on Life and/or a reading from a relevant book (which may be the Bible/might be some other religions Holy Book/etc).

The Meeting Room is VERY plain - probably white-painted walls, individual seats (certainly not pews - just possibly a few benches). No incense/stained glass windows/hymnbooks/etc. If there are any candles - it will just be one or two plain modern ones on a table in the centre of the room. If there are any flowers it will just be a small, simple arrangement in the centre of the room. The seating will probably be set round in a circle (ie denoting everyone plays an equal part).

Quakers have a very high level of religious tolerance - and will accept a widely differing level of religious beliefs (in Britain - there are Quaker Christians, Quaker Humanists, Quaker pagans, etc, etc). It IS an extremely tolerant "church" in that sense. It is Christian-based - but accepts all other beliefs as valid. There certainly isnt either high level formality on the one hand OR "hellfire and damnation" stuff on the other hand (I've never ever come across anyone who would think that way).

At the end of the Meeting - a couple of the Elders will shake hands with each other as a sign that the Meeting is at an end. At that point - anyone else who wishes to will shake hands as well with their "neighbour". The Clerk of the Meeting will then make any announcements that need to be made (which will be along lines of any charitable things they are aware people might like to attend - eg Oxfam, Amnesty International, etc and these days Transition Town events are also likely to be announced as well - as Quakers tend to be very "socially aware" people usually and into many Causes).

After the Meeting there will likely be an open invitation for anyone who wants to stay for a while for a cup of coffee and a chat - and many of the people there will choose to do so.

There will probably be a bookcase - or two! - full of books about Quaker life/practice/etc that anyone is welcome to borrow if required.

Bitsy_Beans

Now I consider myself an agnositic in the sense that I don't prescribe to organised religions (am probably more leaning towards paganism, Mother Nature that sort of thing) but I have to say I like the sound of the Quaker way of doing things

Molly41

When I was a midwife I was very lucky to visit the Amish midwives in Tennessee (sp?). They are known as the plain people but I was very much taken with their lifestyle. I wrote a long reflective account, mainly around childbirth issues, but also focussing on their lifestyle.

u751904

I take my daughter to the meeting - she is 5.5yrs. I wasn't sure to begin with thinking it wouldn't work or whether I actually should take her in the first place. But the values of living life simply and tolerance of others, and respect for the environment is something that I thought would be good for her. So far she has enjoyed the meetings and sits with me for ten minutes looking at her picture books. No one minds if there is a little squeak from the corner of my room. Then she goes upstairs - always with at least two adult volunteers - who are crb checked etc. So far she has done work on insects and butterflies. More principals about being kind and values than a typical sunday school for her. There seems to be all sorts of quakers, met evangelical quakers, atheist quakers and would you believe it a jewish quaker. A methodist attended on day because he said he needed a break from 'all that signing' that make me laugh.

There is an amazing variety of beliefs in the UK today and the vast majority I am sure have these values which I think is great. Hard to argue against really. And like another poster put you don't have to 'attend' a group at all.

For these communities like the Amish I often wonder what they think of our money saving attempts. I am sure they must have some very interesting skills. We all have our limits with regards to what level of money saving is good but it would be interesting to peak into their world.

I suspect church / meeting membership might be increasing at the moment. Its all community including the MSE board.

It has certainly made me thinking of doing ethical investments if I were to do it and I also think if some of our politicians or leaders had these values a bit more the country would benefit.

Molly41

The Amish are very skilled in the art of money saving. For a start they dont borrow money but if in financial hardship say for medical bills then the community help them pay their way. They build their own houses and Old Style Amish dont use electricity or have telephones or cars etc so save money that way. All their foods are home grown and preserved, clothes hand made, plain wooden furniture, soft furnishings including the very famous quilts. Like I said previously its a very simple life, dictated by the seasons.

u751904

Molly41 - what the life expectancy - do they live longer? I saw the other day that US life expectancy is below the UK despite all the medical technology.

u751904

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

Last year I also had the opportunity to visit a very large 'Amish-style' community [about 250 people] in the South of England,

where were they ? what were they called assuming I can look them up on google which might not be possible etc of course.

Sambucus_Nigra

u751904 wrote: »

where were they ? what were they called assuming I can look them up on google which might not be possible etc of course.

I'm being deliberately vague because they do keep themselves to themselves...

tru

Plymouth Brethran?

Sambucus_Nigra

tru wrote: »

Plymouth Brethran?

No. But I'm not going to say who it is!

*Goes off to delete post