[EcoQ Overview Page]
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Ireland
ECOQ and Preparative Meetings
Visits to Meetings
The following introductory note will shortly be extended with additional inputs from Natasha Harty and Tony Weekes:An important part of the activities of EcoQuakers Ireland is our goal of visiting each preparative meeting on the island, to discuss with them connections between the Quaker testimonies and concern and respect for the environment.
We have been making good progress with these visits. To date, we have spoken with Friends at 8 meetings or worship groups (Churchtown, Cork, Coleraine, Frederick Street, Limerick, Rathfarnham, South Belfast and Killarney). Dates have been set for visits to a further 2 meetings (Dublin and Monkstown), and we are in the process of deciding on dates for visits to another 7 meetings and worship groups (Bishop Street, Galway, Drogheda, Lisburn, Waterford, Clifden and Roscrea).
Each of these visits has proven to have its own unique character, and to provide its own themes and sources of inspiration. We very much look forward to our remaining visits, and whole-heartedly encourage the Clerks of those meetings from whom we have not heard to get in touch with us about scheduling an EcoQuakers visit to their meetings.
There is no need to hesitate if your meeting or worship group is small: we are very happy to come no matter the size of the group. In addition, this can actually provide interesting possibilities for outreach to other Christian Churches and the public.
Our visit to the Killarney Worship Group was co-sponsored by the Killarney Methodist Church, and indeed, the Methodist Minister was one of three speakers for that presentation. At Limerick, Denise Gabuzda gave a half-hour presentation starting with an introduction about John Woolman and leading into the theme of our Quaker testimonies and respect for the environment, which was attended roughly 50-50 by Friends and the general public (this was part of a lecture series by and about Quakers organised by Limerick Meeting).
Schedule of Visits:
The following schedule is being implemented:
Cork, 25 January 2009
Rathfarnham, 5 April 2009
Coleraine, 8 May 2009
Frederick St., 19 May 2009
South Belfast, 21 June 2009
Killarney Worship Group, 27 June 2009
Limerick, 13 October 2009
Churchtown, 18 October 2009
Dublin (Eustace St.), 22 November 2009
Monkstown, 24 January 2010
VISITS TO MEETINGS IN IRELAND
As a follow-up to our article in the November-December issue of The Friendly Word we bring you news of EcoQuakers Ireland's continuing visits to Preparative Meetings to speak about Quakerism and care for the environment. Since the last issue of The Friendly Word, we have visited two more Meetings: Dublin Meeting (Eustace Street) on 22 November and Lisburn Meeting on 13 December.Eustace Street
The presentation at Eustace Street by Denise Gabuzda (Cork Meeting), Michael Haslam and Ian Woods (both of Eustace St. Meeting) was well attended. Ian gave a brief account of the history of EcoQuakers Ireland, from its origins in the YM 2008 session "Caring for Creation-What Canst Thou Do?" up through the recognition of the group as a Committee of the Yearly Meeting at YM 2009. Denise explained how environmentalism can be viewed as a Quaker concern arising from an application of Friends' testimonies to the contemporary world, showing how each of the testimonies of peace, simplicity, truth and equality are linked to sustainable living and to care for the environment.
For example, non-consumerism and simplicity go hand in hand, as do peace and conservation of natural resources. Drawing on non-Quaker sources, Michael offered the quotation: "The bells of mindfulness - all of us know that our beautiful green planet is in danger. Our way of walking on the Earth has a great influence on animals and plants yet we act as if our daily lives have nothing to do with the condition of the world - we are like sleep walkers..." (Thich Nhat Hahn from "The World We Have"). This author's beautiful writing endeavours to show that our own attitudes to the planet start with ourselves, not through the competing facts and figures portrayed in the media. Through illustrating that we exist as interbeing, that we interare, he allows us to understand the interconnectivity of all our actions and the mindfulness of how we act. In essence, we need to cultivate an attitude of non-violence towards others and our planet in our thoughts and through to our daily actions. The presentation was followed by a stimulating time of questions and comments which helped to deepen our understanding of the concern and turned our minds to what practical steps should be taken to give it effect.
Lisburn
Our EcoQuakers presentation to Lisburn Meeting, by Denise Gabuzda (Cork Meeting) and Tony Weekes (South Belfast Meeting), was likewise well attended, and was followed by very lively and probing discussion, ranging from the simple but crucial question "What can we do?" to the more complicated "It looks like our whole economic system is based on unsustainable growth and will have to be changed - is anyone working on alternatives?" The discussion also encompassed a number of practical actions, such as making contact with other local churches, repairing rather than throwing away whenever this is feasible and acting as resources for each other to help spread information about making our homes and lifestyles more sustainable.
NEWS FROM RATHFARNHAM
We also have news from Rathfarnham Meeting about their activity following their EcoQuakers visit by Natasha Harty and Denise Gabuzda in April 2009. Rathfarnham Friends found this visit very inspiring, and decided to form a small Eco Committee to bring forward ideas for the Meeting House and the grounds. As a first step the Meeting changed its electricity supplier to Airtricity. Next, following the example of Cork Meeting, a decision has been taken to plant apple and nut trees in the garden, and it is intended to obtain the trees from the Irish Seed Savers Association, who provide native Irish varieties.There are also plans to leave a section of the lawn unmown so that a wild-flower garden can be encouraged, and also to plant a small raised herb garden. The Junior Meeting have raised money for Rain Forest Concern, a charity which is working to preserve, replant and protect rain forest plantations and wildlife. The Eco Committee has now begun the process of making an Eco Audit of the premises, using the suggested document from Eco-Congregation Ireland. This Eco Audit is highly recommended to other Meetings who are thinking of moving forward with some practical steps, and can be down-loaded from the Eco-Congregation website.
We look forward to bringing you news from other Meetings as they also begin and develop their own Eco activities!
More to come; RJ ed 16/12/2009.