Economic Justice and Sustainability

'Equality' and 'simplicity'  are historic Quaker testimonies along with 'truth' and 'peace'. More recently, Quakers have added concern for the environment as being central to our faith. At Quaker Yearly Meeting at Canterbury in August 2011, the Society of Friends made a radical commitment to work towards economic justice and a sustainable global society. The words John Woolman, an eighteenth century American Quaker were echoed: 'The produce of the earth is a goft from our gracious creator to the inhabitants, and to impoverish the earth now to support outward greatness appears to be an injury to the succeeding age'.

Individual Quakers and Quaker meetings are being challenged to examine their own lives and how these are influenced and constrained by an unjust and destructive economic system. The Society of Friends as a whole, and Bristol Quakers locally, have given support to the 'Occupy Britain' movement. Clevedon Quakers, together with other Meetings in North Somerset are looking at the 'seven questions' which derived from the Quakers' 'Canterbury Commitment' and to see what action we can take. A study morning on Saturday, 21st January 10.00 am to 12.30 pm will be the start of this process. 

Make peace a way of life

'Make peace a way of life' is the main theme of Quaker Week (1st - 9th October) this year. Members of Clevedon Quaker Meeting will have an information stall at Clevedon Market on Thursday, 29th September. Anyone is always welcome at any meeting for worship at our Meeting House in Albert Road, but on the 2nd and 9th October we will specially provide opportunities for questions for anyone new to Quakers. On the evening of Tuesday, 4th October, at 7.30 pm (refreshments from 7.00 pm), Tom Leimdorfer will give a talk on the theme 'Make peace a way of life' and lead into a time of discussion.

Clevedon Community Bookshop

Some members of our Quaker Meeting, together with others, have set up a not-for-profit social enterprise to take over and develop the second-hand bookshop in Copse Road, Clevedon. There will be good quality books on a wide range of subjects as well as a variety of activities and literary events. There is to be a public meeting to launch the enterprise on Thursday, 22nd September at 7.30 pm at the Baptist Church Hall in Queens Square, Clevedon. You can also find out more by contacting Angela Everitt, Secretary to the Co-operative, on 01275 219171; k.angelaeveritt@gmail.com .

North Somerset Area Meeting

North Somerset Area Meeting handles both practical matters (finance and premises) and Quaker concerns (social, spiritual) at a level beyond the local meeting. It is one of 71 Area Meetings in Britain Yearly Meeting, which is the national Quaker body. North Somerset Area Meeting consists of the membership of the local Quaker meetings at Clevedon, Sidcot and Weston-super-Mare and it owns those three meeting houses. There are also Quaker meetings held monthly at Claverham Meeting House (owned by the Claverham Meeting House Trust).  North Somerset Area Meeting meets four times a year at Claverham (February), Clevedon (May), Sidcot (August), Weston-super-Mare (November). Attenders and enquirers not in membership can attend with permission from the Clerk of Area Meeting. The next meeting of Area Meeting is at Claverham Meeting House, Sunday 18th February at 1.30 pm. All enquiries to the Clerk of Clevedon Local Meeting. 

Study and discussion groups

Informal study and discussion groups are held normally on the first Tuesday of each month in the Meeting House, starting with tea/coffee at 7.30 pm and finishing at 9.00 pm. Sometimes there is an agreed topic beforehand, at other times we have an 'open group' when those attending bring up themes that happen to be on their minds. Forthcoming study groups:

Tuesday, 3rd January -- 'Dignity in care' -- a concern for our times

Study seminar -- Saturday 21st January 10.00 am to 12.30 pm:

'Economic Justice and Sustainability' : Addressing the 'Canterbury Commitment' of Quakers from Britain Yearly Meeting and looking at the 'Seven Questions' for Quaker Meetings'

Tuesday, 7th February -- Economic Justice and Sustainability -- follow-up and preparation of response to North Somerset Area Meeting.

All these study groups discussions are open to all.