THIS MONTH'S CHARITY
QBL is an international development organization guided by Quaker principles and dedicated to reducing poverty among the indigenous peoples of Bolivia. QBL works with the indigenous people to fund, construct, and monitor community-based projects, in a non-sectarian manner, to provide clean water, improve food security, promote better health, and generate local income.
Our History and Structure
Quaker Bolivia Link (QBL) was founded in the UK. After returning from a study tour of the region, 20 Quakers convened to address the tremendous poverty they had witnessed.
Where We Work
We have developed an interactive Google map of many of QBL’s project sites. We are continuously working on updating the information about each project.
QBL People
Today, QBL operates through a dedicated local staff in La Paz, Bolivia, and three Boards, one each in Bolivia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
NEWS & VIEWS
Milford Haven Quakers - What's happening.
MEETINGS FOR BUSINESS
9 August 2020
THE LOVING EARTH PROJECT
13 April 2020
The idea of making textile panels which can be exhibited if we wish and can travel to be displayed at the International Climate conference in Glasgow.
The idea arose at a conference on climate change at Swarthmore Hall. Some lovely textile panels were made. The project is now being supported by Woodbrooke.
People were asked to respond to three questions:-
1.What or who do you love that is in danger from environmental breakdown?
2.How do you and your lifestyle contribute to that threat?
3. How can you be part of the solution? Small things make a difference!
We are asked to make a design in any way using textiles of any kind on a 30 centimetre square. It should have a border around which I think should be at least a centimetre and I would make a bigger border at the top in case we want to hang it or put a small rod through it. ( probably about 4 or more centimetres).
The design could be knitted, crocheted, appliquéd, embroidered, a fabric collage applied to the square with glue if you don’t like sewing! Etc,?!
I would invite the other Meetings to join us and we will have an exhibition at Milford Haven Meeting House and then it could travel to other venues before going to Glasgow—-if that is a what you would like. Please invite your non-Quaker friends to join the project!
There is a website & Facebook page: LovingEarthProject
Best wishes and please let me know if you are going to have a go.
Anne Gregson.
BUILDING WORK
4th August 2020
It is hoped that work will start soon on improving the drainage to the front of the building soon. The aim is to help dry the walls by lowering the ground water level next to the foundations. A French drain will be installed, and extra vents fitted. It will not be possible to visit the Meeting House whilst the work is being done.
75TH ANNIVERSARY HIROSHIMA DAY ONLINE COMMEMORATION
6 June 2020 & thereafter
75th Anniversary Hiroshima Day Online Commemoration Calling for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons August 6, 2020 Hosted by the New Mexico 75th Anniversary of Hiroshima/Nagasaki Committee and Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service
The online commemoration will begin 8 p.m. Eastern /5 p.m. Pacific, on Thursday evening, August 6, 2020. It will be hosted by Rev. John Dear, who has helped lead annual Hiroshima day peace vigils for the last nearly twenty years at Los Alamos, New Mexico. We will begin with an opening blessing from Evelyn Naranjo of Pueblo de San Ildefonso. Then we will hear from Jay Coghlan of Nukewatch.org on the history of the Los Alamos labs, where the bomb was designed and fabricated, and how it continues to play the leading role in the creation of most U.S. nuclear weapons since then. Then we will hear a reflection of commemoration, remembrance and recommitment by Roshi Joan Halifax, longtime peacemaker and founder of Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe. The keynoter speaker will be Dr. Ira Helfand, one of the leaders of ICANW, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, who will explain why we need to work harder then ever to build a global grassroots movement to abolish nuclear weapons. Then Archbishop John Wester, of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, NM, will speak about nuclear weapons and offer a blessing. John will close the call at the end of the hour.
SUTTON BURIAL GROUND
10 August 2020
The Friends Burial Ground at Sutton to the West of Haverfordwest is well worth visiting. Friends might want to help maintain it by cutting back some of the overgrowth each time, which will help preserve the access. Every little will help!
It is a wonderful place to sit and meditate awhile because of its tranquil ambiance. The approach through the avenue of beech trees is very atmospheric.
It must be the oldest Quaker related site in Pembrokeshire still in the hands of the Society, having been in use since 1661.
BEING INVOLVED
Quakers do not stand apart from the world but have a history of being involved, joining with other to bring about change.
True godliness don’t turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it, and excites their endeavours to mend it: not hide their candle under a bushel, but set it upon a table in a candlestick.
William Penn, 1682
ADVICES & QUERIES
Each week an Advice & Query will be posted here
Since 1682 it has been our practice to ask "How the Truth has prospered amongst them (Quakers) since the last yearly meeting, and how Friends are in peace and unity?"
That question has evolved into our 42 Advices and Queries. Each month one is chosen to be read to the Meeting for those present to reflect on. Periodically they are revised in the light of contemporary experience.
During this time of abeyance of our weekly Meeting Advices and Queries will be posted here. Please take time to read and consider how they bear on your life.
Advices & Queries No. 31
We are called to live ‘in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars’. Do you faithfully maintain our testimony that war and the preparation for war are inconsistent with the spirit of Christ? Search out whatever in your own way of life may contain the seeds of war. Stand firm in our testimony, even when others commit or prepare to commit acts of violence, yet always remember that they too are children of God.
A History of Quakers in Pembrokeshire
by Stephen Griffiths
£4.95 plus postage.
Stephen Griffiths was a member of our Meeting form 1949 until his death in 2010 at the age of 101. He taught for many years at Pembroke Grammar School. He was born and raised in Blaenau Ffestiniog and wrote several books and articles in his native Welsh.
