Message from the Pastoral Care and Eldership Team (PaCET) for Sunday Meeting 2nd February 2025

Dear Friends,

My interest in Quakers  began unexpectedly, sparked by the eloquence of Charles Lamb’s essay “A Quaker’s Meeting” in the Essays of Elia, a book my mother cherished from her school days. Bertrand Russell’s thoughts on Quakers further piqued my curiosity. Though life’s trials eventually led me to the Meeting House, the seeds of faith were planted much earlier through the power of words.

Charles Lamb’s words resonate deeply, capturing the essence of our silent gatherings as a sanctuary from the clamour of the world, a place for both solitude and community. In today’s weirdly frenetic world, such havens of tranquility are invaluable. Our meetings offer a space to commune with the Divine and our inner selves, free from maddening daily pressures.

As we gather in silence, may we open ourselves to the “still, small voice” within. May we cultivate a sense of spiritual togetherness, even amidst individual contemplation. Let us draw inspiration from those who preceded us, who faced adversity with unwavering faith and an enduring commitment to peace.

Lamb’s essay also holds profound lessons for our modern lives. He emphasizes the strength found in collective silence, a practice that fosters unity and shared purpose. In our social media world dominated by loud individual expression, the Quaker tradition of silent worship offers a counterpoint, reminding us of the power of collective introspection.

Furthermore, Lamb’s depiction of Quakers’ historical resilience in the face of persecution encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs, even when they are unpopular or challenged. Their example teaches us the importance of standing up for our convictions and remaining committed to our values, regardless of external pressures.

In a society that often equates solitude with loneliness, Lamb’s portrayal of Quaker meetings challenges this notion. He presents a vision of solitude that is rich and fulfilling, where individuals find solace and connection in shared silence. This perspective invites us to reconsider our own relationship with solitude and to explore the transformative potential of silent contemplation.

Finally, Lamb’s admiration for the Quakers’ simple lifestyle and unpretentiousness serves as a reminder to prioritize inner values over outward appearances.  Focus on authenticity, peace and spiritual substance offers an alternative to a world which seems increasingly overrun by war, and by greed,  materialism and superficiality.

Here is a link to Lamb’s Essays:
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/10343/pg10343-images.html

Alan Thompson

on behalf of the Pastoral Care and Eldership Team (Patricia Cockrell, David Hitchin, Tim Pitt-Payne, Caroline Pybus and Theresa Samms )