Thee Quaker Podcast

FCNL, QVS, FWCC, AFSC…there are so many Quaker nonprofits and their acronyms can leave your head swimming, so today we’re going to explore where they all came from. How have they served Quaker communities? We’ll explore the work of these groups — from serving chocolate soup to German children during World War I to a brand new organization that is supporting Quaker ministers. 

And then we'll check in about how it's going at our own nonprofit. What have we learned in the past year? What's been challenging? We'll sit down with some of the people who have been instrumental in Thee Quaker's growth.

Friends-Montessori School is an independent elementary school in Asheville, North Carolina that serves children ages 6-12. Based on Montessori and Quaker practices and values, our holistic, self-directed education honors the child and their place in society by fostering self, community, cultural, environmental, and spiritual awareness. We invite prospective parents as well as Friends who want to invest in the future of Quaker education to contact Canaan Brackins at [email protected].

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Indianapolis First Friends is a semi-programmed meeting that has seen an influx in membership since returning to in-person services after the pandemic. That has meant lots of people who are new to Quakerism. It also means lots of people who are unacquainted with the many Friends who have dedicated their lives to “Speaking Truth to Power.”

On this episode, Pastor Bob Henry shares a message that explores the life of outspoken feminist, pacifist, and abolitionist Lucretia Mott. We’ll also hear how music plays a part in this meeting and hear vocal ministry during waiting worship.

World Quaker Day!

Following a successful World Plenary Meeting, Friends World Committee for Consultation invites all Quakers to download the World Plenary Epistle and other documents outlining the experience. And then, share the epistle and other resources with your Friends church or meeting on World Quaker Day, Sunday, Oct. 6! 

Head to fwcc.world to learn more and take part.

Sign up for our live Zoom event: Help! There's an Election Coming. Join us Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 pm ET.

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Today, we’re going on a walk to see a tree that has been a witness to the Underground Railroad. It’s a tree that sheds light on Quakers and slavery. A tree that’s been around as long as the United States.

So, put on your sneakers and take a walk with our producer Georgia and historian James Shields as we uncover the rich history of brave Africans seeking freedom and the Quakers who helped them through these North Carolina woods.

NEWS!
Join us for our free Zoom event, Help! There’s An Election Coming! on Tuesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. Eastern with Diane Randall and Emily Provance. We'll talk about how Quakers can engage meaningfully during and after this election season.

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Friends schools are known for their holistic approach to education, and Friends Center for Children in New Haven, Connecticut, is no different. But this early childhood program has gone a few steps further. They have piloted life-changing initiatives that ensure their school community is representative of the community in which they live — from rent-free homes for teachers to tuition on a sliding scale that makes Friends Center affordable for all families.

Featured in the New York Times and on CBS News, Friends Center is getting noticed as they embody the Quaker Testimonies in new and creative ways.

For more information, visit our episode page.

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Popular Quaker author Brent Bill has written about prayer, how to live an abundant life, and sacred silence. Considering himself a “fellow traveler” rather than an expert, Brent invites his readers to join him as he explores topics of faith through a Quaker lens.

On this episode, Georgia sits down with Brent to discuss the Christian life, his self-proclaimed status as a “bad Quaker,” and lots more. Join us for this thoughtful and hope-filled conversation.

Visit our episode page for more information, discussion questions, and a transcript.

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As a PhD student in 1967, Jocelyn Bell Burnell made an astronomical discovery, only to have the Nobel Prize in Physics for that discovery go to her male colleagues instead. But instead of becoming jaded by the misogyny she’s experienced, Jocelyn has become a beacon for women in the sciences.

On today’s episode, we talk to Jocelyn about her Quaker roots, her move from evangelical to liberal Quakerism, her life in science, black holes, and more!

Visit our episode page for a transcript, discussion questions, and to share your thoughts.

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It is easy to be hard on ourselves and hard on other people, but what if we practiced gentleness? And what if we believed that God’s posture toward us is gentle?

That’s the message that Quaker pastor Hannah Lutz brings us on today’s episode, and it’s one that she learned when she realized there was “chainmail” around her heart. Join us as we hear some wise words from Hannah.

Find more information, discussion questions, and a transcript on our episode page.

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Thousands of Quakers left the American South in the 1800s because of their anti-slavery beliefs. And many of those Friends settled in Ohio. 

On today’s episode, local historian Christine Snyder takes us on a trip along the Quaker Scenic Byway in Ohio and shares some of the remarkable stories of these Quakers — tales of daring rescues, an outspoken minister who prophesied war, and so much more. 

Put on your seat belt and join us for a very Quaker road trip.

Visit our episode page for more information on the Quaker Scenic Byway, a transcript and discussion questions.

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As a professor at Earlham College, Michael Birkel was known for his dynamic and thoughtful teaching style. As an author, he is known for capturing Quaker theology and practice in an accessible way. 

Today, we’ve got this thoughtful Quaker scholar on the show to share his thoughts on mysticism, spiritual reading, and giving the next generation of Quakers room to express their faith.

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Unlike most Christian traditions, Quakers intentionally have no creed and so, of course, the question they get asked the most is: What do Quakers believe? There are no easy answers, but we’ve posed the question to long-time Quakers, new Quakers, Quaker scholars, and more. Join us as we explore this nuanced and rich discussion of Quaker beliefs.

Visit our episode page for links, discussion questions, and the transcript.

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