Area Meeting update and notices
We held our Area Meeting on Saturday 21st March and we were pleased to welcome Friends from all six of our Local Meetings, as well as being joined by Friends from Evesham Local Meeting.
We began by recording the sad death of a Friend. We also appointed three Pastoral Care Friends and a Trustee. We agreed to ask our Local Development Worker to help us organise a retreat day for Area Meeting role holders, and we considered ways we could support and nurture Friends who serve in this way. We are reminded that funding is available for Woodbrooke training courses.
We heard an update from our Trustees regarding our policies. We were also encouraged to take up the opportunity they have provided for Safeguarding training, as well as being reminded of the importance of DBS checks for those who work with children and Young people. Trustees also updated us on the proposed merger of Worcester Friends Charity with the Area Meeting.
We heard a report from the very last Meeting for Sufferings. This is a body of Friends who have met for 350 years to do the work of Britain Yearly Meeting when it is between sessions. This has been replaced by a new continuous Yearly Meeting that will meet throughout the year. Our Area Meeting Nominations committee will appoint representatives for the first session in May. We were moved by their closing minute, which included the words, ‘We are not called to be remarkable, but to be faithful; to lay foundations, to support one another, and to trust that our service matters.’
Finally, we considered the proposal to contribute to the funding of a Midlands Children and Families worker. Whilst we did not agree to provide this funding, we did agree to explore the different possibilities and opportunities such a role might present for us.
Next Area Meeting will be held in Church Stretton on Saturday 16 May 2026, 11am to 3pm. There will be an afternoon session on ‘Welcoming All’ run by a Friend involved with Quakers in Criminal Justice.
Notices
Leighton Park School will hold their General Meeting on Tuesday 5th May 2026 and their Celebration Day is Saturday 27th June 2026. We do not appoint representatives to these events but are happy to support Friends who wish to attend.
The Quaker Truth and Integrity Group are seeking nominations for their annual Truth and Integrity Award. These can be made as individuals or as meetings. The closing date is 30th April. Please contact the Area Meeting clerk for their contact details.