Andover Quaker Meeting

Sunday morning found a group of Andover Quakers gathering in the first floor office of the Mind charity. "They've moved us again into a different room!" No matter, the familiar props of a circle of chairs were quickly arranged around a central table, sporting well-worn copies of Quaker Faith and Practice, a Bible and a vase of flowers. As everyone settled into stillness, the room became transformed into a scene of deep reflective connection and nurturing presence.

"Andover Quakers have a lightness of spirit."

Without the fuss of lengthy business meetings or running a building , Andover Quakers have a lightness of spirit and freedom to devote their time to other concerns. Peter is active with the LGBT+ group Quaker Rainbow, Tim with the addiction group QAAD. For others, their values find expression in climate justice activity, caring for ageing parents or a spouse, or in raising a young family. 

Some grew up with Quakerism, but half of those present first came as adults. The combined wisdom and experience of all is much valued. For Helen, her recent background in Paganism led to an appreciation of the silence at the heart of our meetings. Our non-dogmatic welcome embraces a rich diversity of individual beliefs. All feel nourished and sustained in this warm fellowship, The Religious Society of Friends.

Curious about Quakers?

This short video gives a taster of our meetings, or take this five minute survey to discover how our values match your own.