Woodbrooke

White cloth armband with a red cross symbol displayed on a clear stand against a black background with text Quakers in Wartime: The Friends Ambulance Unit and ‘Children of the China Convoy’ Tuesday 31 March 19:00-20:30 (UK time) Pay as Led

In this session we will explore the Friends’ Ambulance Unit (FAU) and its humanitarian work in post-war China. The FAU was a volunteer service organised by Quakers that provided an alternative mode of wartime service focused on relieving suffering and promoting peace.
See https://ow.ly/pF3E50YhvkN

When language is used unthinkingly, without being related to the experience of either the speaker or the listener, it is meaningless. Words are only symbols and when there is no shared experience the symbolism breaks down. When we speak of our own experience, our feelings are always involved. The same is true when we listen to others: we may read into their words meanings which are not intended but which reflect our own emotions. Certain words or kinds of language may arouse such strong emotions that we are only able to relate them to our own experience and not to that of the speaker. Speakers too may be unaware of the effect of their words. The more important and profound the subject matter, the greater the need for sensitivity in choosing our words. This is no excuse for playing safe in what we say, or for not listening to others when what they say makes us uncomfortable. Conference: Exploring the fundamental elements of Quakerism, 1986 Quaker Faith and Practice 2.63

Conference: Exploring the fundamental elements of Quakerism, 1986
Quaker Faith and Practice 2.63

Half an avocado with seed on yellow fabric, with text Millennials, Gen Z and the Quaker Way 16 April - 23 April £25

Are Millennials and Gen Z too busy munching on sour dough, avocado sandwiches and watching TikTok to care about spirituality? We explore what draws younger adults to Quakerism, what might put them off, and how meetings can remain welcoming spaces for spiritual exploration.
https://ow.ly/wpNG50YcMYC

Quiet Diplomacy: Connection and Community - Woodbrooke As global tensions rise and crises escalate, this 90 minute session will consider why Quaker witness at the United Nations in Geneva emphasises dialogue

Is there a spiritual dimension to international relations? How does quiet diplomacy happen in practice and does it work? This session will explore how the Quaker United Nations Office fosters human connections in service of peace and justice.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/uexV50YcMNG

Painting of Margaret Fell reading to a group, with text Margaret Fell: The Mother of Quakerism 18 September - 20 September £295

This course will explore the life, writings and legacy of Margaret Fell, the ‘Mother of Quakerism’.
For more information visit https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/margaret-fell-the-mother-of-quakerism/

Metal artwork of a tree with intricate branches on a wall, with text Quakers and Animism Monday 23 March 19:00-21:00 (UK time) Pay as Led

What if the mountain is a relative? What if the river is alive? In this session, Friends will have the opportunity to explore the practice and ethics of Animism and its relationship to Quaker visions of God and the world.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/j5bu50YcMyR

In silence which is active, the Inner Light begins to glow – a tiny spark. For the flame to be kindled and to grow, subtle argument and the clamour of our emotions must be stilled. It is by an attention full of love that we enable the Inner Light to blaze and illuminate our dwelling and to make of our whole being a source from which this Light may shine out. Words must be purified in a redemptive silence if they are to bear the message of peace. The right to speak is a call to the duty of listening. Speech has no meaning unless there are attentive minds and silent hearts. Silence is the welcoming acceptance of the other. The word born of silence must be received in silence. Pierre Lacout, 1969 Quaker Faith and Practice 2.12

Pierre Lacout, 1969
Quaker Faith and Practice 2.12

Waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks with text Resourcing and Resilience for Social Justice (March) Tuesday 17 March 19:00-20:30 (UK time) Pay as Led

Sustaining our social witness can be deeply rewarding, but without care it may lead to burnout. This series offers embodied practices and Active Hope tools to build resilience in your community and create a lifelong toolkit for witness.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/Qlv150Y8FtL

Up the Quakers! How Did Darlington F.C. Get Their Nickname? - Woodbrooke Darlington Football Club currently sit in the National League North, the sixth level of the English football pyramid. While other teams in the league

⚽ Why are Darlington F.C. known as “The Quakers”?

In our latest blog, we dig into the history behind one of English football’s most distinctive nicknames.

https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/up-the-quakers-how-did-darlington-f-c-get-their-nickname/

Abstract art with a figure in warm tones against a textured blue and yellow background with text In Search of Stillness: A Simple Meditation for Inner Peace 3 March - 24 March £48

How can we find inner stillness in our lives today?

We may crave it but struggle to find it. Help is at hand. Inspired by early Quaker insights, this course uses a simple meditation to discover stillness, or peace, already present at our core.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/lY6i50YenwY

Hope For The Future in Dark and Difficult Times Working with other faiths and churches QCCIR & Woodbrooke Conference 2026 £115 Online Friday 13 - Sunday 15 March The Hayes (Derbyshire) & Online Image of a copse of trees

Residential places for the QCCIR & Woodbrooke Conference 2026 are now fully booked.

Online places are still available, but only for a limited time. Online bookings close at 2pm on Friday 27 February.

Reserve your spot and find out more: https://ow.ly/OSvv50Yekf9

Colorful prism casting vibrant light patterns with text The Experience of Convincement: A Weekly Retreat 8 April - 29 April £60

While Quaker convincement has its own particular shape for each person, this retreat over four afternoon sessions will give time to focus and deepen our appreciation of recurring elements of the experience.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/yXmj50Y8Fox

Ancient stone structure and green hills under a cloudy sky, with text The Start of the Quaker Way 8 May - 28 MayPay as Led.

This course explores the beginnings of the Quaker movement and the way the summer of 1652 proved pivotal for the start of the Quaker movement. Each week will take you step by step through some of the key figures and texts to better understand the foundation of Quakerism
See https://ow.ly/9GQZ50Y8Fgy

This series shares what we learnt about interconnectedness, intergenerational community, and intersectional inclusion at the 2025 Quaker Earthcare Gathering and what we are still working out. This session will explore including children in discernment on serious issues.
See https://ow.ly/jeIO50Y8Fa1

Now the Lord God has opened to me by his invisible power how that every man was enlightened by the divine Light of Christ; and I saw it shine through all, and that they that believed in it came out of condemnation and came to the Light of Life, and became the children of it, but they that hated it and did not believe in it were condemned by it, though they made a profession of Christ. This I saw in the pure openings of the Light, without the help of any man, neither did I then know where to find it in the Scriptures, though afterwards, searching the Scriptures, I found it. For I saw in that Light and Spirit, which was before Scripture was given forth, and which led the holy men of God to give them forth, that all must come to that Spirit, if they would know God or Christ or the Scriptures aright, which they that gave them forth were led and taught by. George Fox, 1648 Quaker Faith & Practice 26.42

George Fox, 1648
Quaker Faith & Practice 26.42

In this course we will explore the convincement of early Quakers during the political and social upheaval of the English Civil Wars and the execution of King Charles I. What effect did this context have on the fledgling faith and its membership?
For more information visit https://ow.ly/Jjh950Y4QNY

Sunlit forest floor with moss and trees, with text Exploring Our Quaker Roots: Moving Towards Repair 2 April - 3 September £54

Interested in exploring how we, as Quakers, can take responsibility for the actions of those who came before us and move towards repairing the future? Join this six-month programme to deepen your personal and collective engagement with Quaker reparations.
For more info see https://ow.ly/VxZO50Y4QKr

Small brown bird singing on a branch with text Healing the Voice Sunday 15 March 16:00-17:30 (UK time) Pay as Led

Have you ever felt unheard, silenced, or disconnected from your true voice? Do you feel nervous about singing? After this workshop you will want to minister, speak your truth with loving kindness and most of all sing!
For more information visit https://ow.ly/X5bo50Y4QqX

Partially solved Rubik's Cube on a tan background with text Quaker Business Method Surgery (March) Tuesday 3 March 19:30-21:00 (UK time) Pay as Led

Whether you have specific issues in your Meetings for Worship for Business as a role-holder or would like to explore the Quaker Business Method more generally, you are welcome to join this friendly space for Q&A.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/AcXS50Y4Q6T

Remember that to every one is given a share of responsibility for the meeting for worship, whether that service be in silence or through the spoken word. Do not assume that vocal ministry is never to be your part. If the call to speak comes, do not let the sense of your own unworthiness, or the fear of being unable to find the right words, prevent you from being obedient to the leading of the Spirit. Ask wisdom of God that you may be sure of your guidance and be enabled humbly to discern and impart something of his glory and truth. Pray that your ministry may rise from the place of deep experience, and that you may be restrained from unnecessary and superficial words. Faithfulness and sincerity in speaking, even very briefly, may open the way to fuller ministry from others. Try to speak audibly and distinctly, with sensitivity to the needs of your fellow worshippers. Wait to be sure of the right moment for giving the message. Beware of making additions towards the end of a meeting when it was well left before. Advices, 1964 Quaker Faith and Practice 2.55

Advices, 1964
Quaker Faith and Practice 2.55

Close-up of the red book 'Quaker faith & practice' fifth edition on a wooden table with text Essentials of Quaker Eldership (March) Monday 9 March 19:30-21:00 (UK time) Pay as Led

Being a Quaker elder can be inspiring but also challenging. This is a monthly space for those with eldership responsibilities to come together to consider and learn how to serve as an effective elder in your Quaker community.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/9OgG50Y19RV

Heart shape made of colourful flower petals on scattered papers with text Why Nominations Matter to Quakers Tuesday 17 March 19:00-21:00 (UK time) £15

Nominations are at the heart of the way we live and work together as Friends. But this fundamental Quaker practice is often undervalued, overlooked and even neglected. Come and learn about its potential to strengthen Quaker meetings and communities.
For more info visit https://ow.ly/AUJF50Y19LJ

Minimalist green leaves in a clear glass vase with text Enquiring Into: a Testimony to Simplicity 19 March - 26 March £25

Explore the Quaker Testimony to Simplicity using the P4C method. Together we’ll reflect on what simplicity means in daily life, how it shapes our choices, and how it can guide our values.
For more information visit https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/enquiring-into-a-testimony-to-simplicity/

Our gracious Creator cares and provides for all his creatures. His tender mercies are over all his works; and so far as his love influences our minds, so far we become interested in his workmanship and feel a desire to take hold of every opportunity to lessen the distresses of the afflicted and increase the happiness of the creation. Here we have a prospect of one common interest from which our own is inseparable, that to turn all the treasures we possess into the channel of universal love becomes the business of our lives… Oppression in the extreme appears terrible: but oppression in more refined appearances remains to be oppression; and where the smallest degree of it is cherished it grows stronger and more extensive. To labour for a perfect redemption from this spirit of oppression is the great business of the whole family of Christ Jesus in this world. John Woolman, 1763 Quaker Faith and Practice 23.14

John Woolman, 1763
Quaker Faith and Practice 23.14

Foundation Course In NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION The Course Explores: The basics of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Deepening personal relationships Connecting with yourself with empathy Compassion and understanding in difficult conversations Communicating with care in personal, work, and community settings 8 February - 25 March 2026 Wednesdays, 19:00-21:15 (GMT) Online www.woodbrooke.org.uk

Join others to learn the basics of Nonviolent Communication.

Find out more: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/foundation-course-in-nonviolent-communication/

Scrabble tiles spelling 'GOD' with flowers and text How Do Quakers Talk About God? Tuesday 10 March 19:00-21:00 (UK time) Pay as Led

Love, Light, Spirit, Christ, Buddha, Seed, Energy, and more: Quakers talk about the divine in many ways. They also value silence. In this one-off session we’ll have a brief tour of some of the expressions Quakers use and why it’s difficult.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/qja250XRS0L

The people whom I know who live a truly nonviolent life are in touch with the source of power, call it what you will; the Light, the seed, God, the holy spirit. Many others of us find this wellspring when we need it, and lose it again, find it and lose it, find it and lose it. Regrettably, I am one of the latter. When I have something very difficult to face that I know I can’t cope with, then I turn desperately to the source. One of the things I find most infuriating about myself is that I often let the contact go when the emergency is over and flounder along without it for months on end when my everyday existence could be transformed by it... More than anything I want to learn to live in the Light. So I think, anyway, but in fact I perhaps don’t altogether want to take the demands involved, don’t want to see all the dust in my life. Jo Vellacott, 1982 Quaker Faith and Practice 20.05

Jo Vellacott, 1982
Quaker Faith and Practice 20.05

Traditional white cottages with green trim set against a hillside at Glenthorne Quaker Centre with text God in All Things: A Quaker Look at Ignatian Spirituality 29 May - 31 May £295

Glenthorne Quaker Centre nestled in greenery with text God in All Things: A Quaker Look at Ignatian Spirituality 29 May - 31 May £295

How might Ignatian practices help Quakers grow in their spiritual life? This course weaves together the insights of Ignatius of Loyola and Quakers over the centuries with the aim of increasing our spiritual freedom and helping us find God in all things.
For more info visit https://ow.ly/7lRg50XRRMc

Abstract art with a figure in warm tones against a textured blue and yellow background with text In Search of Stillness: A Simple Meditation for Inner Peace 3 March - 24 March £48

How can we find inner stillness in our lives today? We may crave it but struggle to find it. Help is at hand. Inspired by early Quaker insights, this course uses a simple meditation to discover stillness, or peace, already present at our core.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/5MEW50XRRIY

YouTube video by Woodbrooke What is Nonviolent Communication?

Book your place here: www.woodbrooke.org.uk/courses/foun...

Learn more about NVC: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbo8...