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COVID UPDATE 23 MARCH

MEETING FOR LEARNING ON CLIMATE EMERGENCY: 19 APRIL 2020

The Meeting for Learning on Climate Emergency at St Albans on Sunday 19 April will not now happen as an “in-person” event, but the organisers of the event will provide an online version, led by Livvy Hanks from QPSW, who is very keen to continue in this way. [Details to be confirmed – including the possibility of a shorter event with follow-ups on a later day or days]. Colin Hall, one of the organisers says: “It is really important from so many angles that we carry on with our Quaker activities and life together, experimenting with new ways of doing things. An online event might even mean that more people could be able to attend.” More info to come.

VIRTUAL MEETINGS TO STAY CONNECTED

Britain Yearly Meeting is going to run an open session to teach Clerks how to use systems to connect with others like video conferencing tools that allow users to meet online, with or without a video camera. Our Clerk’s group are going to experiment with that this week and let our member and attender Friends know how we get on! In the meantime – let’s all keep connected by phone and/or email.

COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT 19 MARCH 2020

We have decided to suspend Meeting for Worship for the foreseeable future in the light of the government’s advice about avoiding all non-essential contact, especially for those in vulnerable groups, which includes all aged over 70.

This evening we have received a message from Friends House that this is their advice too. Here is part of what they said:

“We advise meetings not to gather in person while the current social distancing guidance is in force. Current guidance is that everyone should avoid all large gatherings and any gatherings in smaller places (such as cinemas, restaurants, pubs). Government statements have made clear that religious gatherings are included in this category. Many faiths and denominations have announced they will cease public acts of worship.”

Some Friends might like to set aside time for silent reflection at home, especially on a Sunday morning, knowing that some other Friends will be doing the same and will be with them in spirit.

How long it will be before we can restart Meeting for Worship, we don’t know. But even if we are not able to meet on a Sunday, let us continue to support each other in spirit and in practical ways until the situation improves.

Wishing you all good health,

In Friendship,

Kathy Lazenbatt

Clerk, Hemel Hempstead Local Quaker Meeting

What Do Quakers Say?

True religion leads to respect for the earth and all life upon it.

Whether in times of war or times of peace

the Quaker is under peculiar obligation

to assist and to forward movements and forces

which make for peace in the world

and which bind men together in times of unity and fellowship.

~Rufus Jones (1863-1948)

The Quaker Meeting House
1 The Alleys, St.Mary’s Road,
Hemel Hempstead HP2 5ZB