"And
Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi,
Let
me now go to the field,
and
glean ears of corn after him
In
whose sight I shall find grace.
And
she said unto her, Go, my daughter."
Ruth
2:2 KJV
While
in Northern Ireland, we visited and learned about several Quaker Ministries and learned about the
work they are doing in and for their community and those that work in them - the paid staff and the volunteers. I thought I'd share a bit
about them here with all of you.
Monday, July 29th - Our first full day in Northern Ireland was spent in Belfast.
Monday, July 29th - Our first full day in Northern Ireland was spent in Belfast.
 |
| South Belfast Meeting House |
After
we parked the van at the South Belfast Meeting House, we rode the bus into West Belfast
where we took a Black Taxi Tour, walked around town a bit, visited the Linen Hall Library and had lunch at The Bobbin Coffee Shop inside City Hall. We then took the bus back to where we had gotten on to
begin hearing about some of the Quaker Ministries. There's a lot to share here,
so let's get started!
 |
| Donating jeans |
We
began with a quick stop in the Quaker Care shop to drop off a pair of jeans
that one of our Friends couldn't seem to find room for in her suitcase when she returned to the States - we promised to donate them to Quaker Care when we visited. We then went upstairs
where we met with the Director of the Quaker Service Office and enjoyed a cup
of tea and some biscuits while she gave us a brief overview of the services
they provide at Quaker Care, Quaker Cottage and the Monica Barritt Visitors'
Centre.
Quaker Service Office is the 'umbrella' for this group of ministries. I found it interesting that these are 'Quaker' ministries and yet there are a lot of non-Quakers working in the ministries. That being said, the ministries are done following Quaker ways. The best way to really tell you who they are is to use their own words, from one of their brochures:
Quaker Service Office is the 'umbrella' for this group of ministries. I found it interesting that these are 'Quaker' ministries and yet there are a lot of non-Quakers working in the ministries. That being said, the ministries are done following Quaker ways. The best way to really tell you who they are is to use their own words, from one of their brochures:
 |
| Quaker Care - first floor on left Quaker Service blue door on right |
"Quaker
Service is the charity formerly known as the 'Ulster Quaker Service
Committee,' which has been providing services since 1969. Quaker Service
contributes in a practical way to the understanding and reduction of the causes
of violence, suffering and social deprivation on our communities in Northern
Ireland. We provide services to support vulnerable and undervalued individuals,
families and children and when necessary, speak on their behalf."
Quaker
Service provides support to disadvantaged mothers and children
and supports those who are in prison and their families. They do this with
donations and funds generated at Quaker Care and through the
programmes they operate at Quaker Cottage and the Monica Barritt Visitors'
Center.
Quaker
Care is a 'resale shop,' and Quaker
Service depends on the 'unrestricted' funds generated from sales. Quaker
Care was established in 1998. There are two shops in Belfast, the one we
visited on Lisburn Road and the other one on Woodstock Road. All profits from
the shops help Quaker Service deliver much needed services for disadvantaged
and vulnerable families in Northern Ireland. Quaker Care provides volunteer
opportunities to many and it helps to raise the profile of the
charity.
Next we're off to see and hear more about Quaker Cottage . . .
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