Being A Quaker

A Guide For Newcomers

BY GEOFFREY DURHAM
British friend Geoffrey Durham looks at modern Quakerism and explains what can be said (for instance how a Quaker meeting for Business operates), and looks at what cannot be said (what Quakers think happens after death) and why. He talks of the testimonies, being led by the spirit, the gathered meeting, and what being an experiential religion means. A full and inspiring, but distinctively different introduction to the Society of Friends.

Britain Yearly Meeting 2011 134 PP. Paper

$16.00 (out of stock but can be backordered)

Coming Into Friendship As A Gift

The Journey Of A Young Adult Friend

BY CHRISTINA VAN REGENMORTER
By naming the gifts she has received from her meetings, Christina Van Regenmorter offers a resource both for young adult Friends and for meetings striving to welcome, support and nurture the young people in their midst. Includes queries and a resource list. "If Friends desire their meeting to be a spiritual community where love is the first motion and a place where young Friends feel welcomed, nurtured and supported, prayerful engagement with this text would be a fruitful place to begin." - Deborah Shaw, Assistant Director of Friends Center and Campus Ministry, Guilford College.

Quaker Press of FGC 2008 32 PP. Paper

$6.00 (in stock)

Confident Quakerism

BY BEN PINK DANDELION
After a personal crisis shook his confidence in himself, Ben Pink Dandelion considered seriously the spiritual meaning of "confidence" (literally, to live and act "with faith"). His reflections led him to delve more deeply into early Friends' understandings about spiritual growth and religious development, and to apply those principles to the community of Friends as we practice our faith today. His insights are especially meaningful for liberal Friends, individually and as a society, as we look toward the future. This essay is based on Ben's 2009 FGC Gathering address and a subsequent presentation at Pendle Hill. Discussion questions included.

Pendle Hill Pamphlet 2010 31 PP. Paper

$6.50 (in stock)

Costing Not Less Than Everything

Sustainability And Spirituality In Challenging Times

BY PAM LUNN
The Swarthmore Lecture for 2011. With quiet urgency and deep honesty Pam Lunn addresses the unsustainability of the way we all live in the industrialized West, but this is not a counsel of despair or guilt. Realistic and well informed about the evolutionary basis of cooperation as well as the spiritual dimension, she puts forward and unsentimental argument for the possibility as well as the necessity of community.

Britain Yearly Meeting 2011 147 PP. Paper

$18.00 (in stock)

Decision Making & Spiritual Discernment

The Sacred Art Of Finding Your Way

BY NANCY BIEBER
Quaker Nancy Bieber writes on the practice of spiritual discernment . Drawing on twenty-five years of experience as a psychologist and fifteen years of experience as a spiritual director she presents three essential aspects of Spirit-led decision-making: Willingness - being open to God's wisdom and love; Attentiveness - noticing what is true, discerning the path right for us; Responsiveness - taking steps forward as the way becomes clear

Skylight Paths 2010 195 PP. Paper

$16.99 (in stock)

Deepening The Spiritual Life Of The Meeting

BY EDWARD HOARE
"How do we deepen the spiritual life of the meeting?" "Since there were no birthright Friends in the 1650s, what made them Quakers?" The author approaches these questions based on conviction, conversion, and convincement.$1.50 each (fewer than 10). $1.25 each (10-49). $.85 each (50 or more).

Quaker Press of FGC 1994 10 PP. Tract

0-10 $1.50, 10-50 $1.25, 50 or more $0.85 (in stock)

Encounter With Silence

Reflections From The Quaker Tradition

BY JOHN PUNSHON
"John Punshon has written a small and excellent essay on Quaker tradition. He presents the uniqueness of Quaker faith and practice while also relating it to the tradition of Christian spirituality. (His section on silence and the cross, for example, is superb.) The grace of Punshon's message is matched by the grace of his writing style. I hope this book will find its way into many hands, and minds, and hearts."-Parker J. Palmer, author of To Know As We Are Known

Friends United Press 1987 131 PP. Paper

$15.00 (in stock)

Essays On The Quaker Vision Of Gospel Order

BY LLOYD LEE WILSON
Essays address facets of Quaker faith and practice, articulating the ways in which Gospel order has shaped lives and beliefs of Friends. Wilson gives the reader both a historical perspective and a contemporary understanding of basics like meeting for worship and for business, spiritual gifts, leadings and ministry. Seasoned Friends and those new to Quakerism will find much to ponder.

Quaker Press of FGC 2002 200 PP. Paper

$17.00 (in stock)

Four Doors To Meeting For Worship

Php 306

BY WILLIAM TABER
"Some people `find it' almost instantly when they attend their first Friends meeting for worship; as they settle into the silence they feel themselves gathered into a living Presence and they know they have come home at last. Others may experience their first Quaker worship as difficult and strange, but something keeps drawing them back until they gradually grown into a richer and richer experience of worship." -from the introduction. William Taber offers four doors, or ways to access, worship so as to experience the living Presence.

Pendle Hill Pamphlet 1992 31 PP. Paper

$6.50 (in stock)

Friend

The Story Of George Fox And The Quakers

BY JANE YOLEN
First published over 30 years ago Friend: The Story of George Fox and the Quakers remains a timeless gift. It brings to light, for young and old Friends, the life and legacy of the founder of Quakerism. Fox was a larger than life personality in a turbulent period in English history. Jane Yolen's biography sets the context and chronicles Fox's spiritual development. Never released in a paperback edition, we are pleased to offer this new edition with a foreword by Larry Ingle. "Torn by war and wracked by uncertainty and doubt, the people of Fox's age wanted answers, and our author demonstrates those he offered." - Larry Ingle

Quaker Press of FGC 2005 192 PP. Paper

$13.95 (in stock)

Friends For 350 Years

BY HOWARD BRINTON, HISTORICAL UPDATE BY MARGARET HOPE BACON
This is the updated edition of Brinton's classic overview of basic Quaker understandings, practices, and history. Topics covered include the Light within, meeting for worship, vocal ministry, reaching decisions, the meeting community, the meeting and the world and the four periods of Quaker history (now updated to include the last 50 years). An essential book for every meeting and member.

Pendle Hill 2002 348 PP. Paper

$16.00 (in stock)

God Is Silence

BY PIRRE LACOUT
Translated from the French by John Kay. The author, a French priest, with a deep sympathy for Quakerism speaks about preparing for silence, obstacles to silence, the psychology of silence, stages of silence, silence and Jesus, and silence and pacifism. In print in many different editions since 1969.

Britain Yearly Meeting 2008 27 PP. Paper

$6.00 (in stock)

Ground And Spring

Foundations Of Quaker Discipleship - 2007 Swarthmore Lecture

BY BETH ALLEN
Beth Allen offers her understanding of faithful discipleship, starting with how we experience and think about God. She explores how we can think and worship today in integrity to our inner selves and to our knowledge of the world, and takes a practical approach to theological and philosophical concepts, from her Quaker and Anglican experience. The author contends that we need a solid foundation to ground us as we reach for the ideals, the actions which will make peace and justice real today. The cool stillness of the Spirit is the source of enormous, exuberant life.

Britain Yearly Meeting 2007 128 PP. Paper

$15.00 (in stock)

Holy Silence

The Gift Of Quaker Spirituality

BY BRENT BILL
"There is the silence of monastic discipline, of contemplative prayer, of Zen meditation - but the particular ways of Quaker silence are distinctive. And that distinctiveness has contributions to offer across spiritual traditions. J. Brent Bill, in this beautiful reflection on the Quaker practice of silence, makes these gifts available to a wide range of contemporary readers. . My counsel to you regarding the book is this: find a quiet place, settle down with the book, and listen for holy silence." - Stephanie Ford for Friends Journal

Paraclete Press 2005 165 PP. Paper

$15.95 (out of stock but can be backordered)

An Introduction To Quakerism

BY BEN PINK-DANDELION
This is the first comprehensive introduction to Quakerism which balances a history of the theology of the Quakers or Friends with an overview of present day practice. It charts the growth of the Quaker movement through the 1650s and 1660s, its different theological emphasis in the eighteenth century, and the schisms of the nineteenth century which resulted in the range of Quaker traditions found around the world today. The book focuses in particular on notions of 'endtime,' 'spiritual intimacy', and what counts as 'the world' as key areas of theological change. The second half of the book uses extracts from Quaker texts to highlight differences in belief among the branches of Friends.

Cambridge 2007 296 PP. Paper

$19.95 (in stock)

Inward Light

How Quakerism Unites Universalism And Christianity

BY SAMUEL CALDWELL
Quakerism is presented as a "powerful amalgamation" of Christianity and universalism. First published by the Quaker Universalist Fellowship as That Blessed Principle: Reflections on the Uniqueness of Quaker Universalism.

Philadelphia YM 2010 10 PP. Paper

$5.00 (in stock)

A Living Faith

An Historical And Comparative Study Of Quaker Beliefs

BY WILMER COOPER
This book is a theological and historical exploration of Quaker beliefs from its earliest days to the present. Includes chapters on the Quaker view of God, Christ, human nature and the church, as well as chapters on the sacraments, testimonies, Quaker service and the future. "I have not found a comparable book for making accessible the full spectrum of contemporary Friends." -Max L. Carter, Guilford College

Friends United Press 1990 217 PP. Paper

$24.00 (in stock)

A Modest Proposal

For The Revitalization Of The Quaker Message In The United States

BY BRENT BILL
"I was not so much interested in the institutional survival of the Religious Society of Friends (and it's various structures) as I was a recapturing of the vitality of the Quaker understanding of the Gospel,-- a Good News that combines the story and work of Christ Jesus with the amazing power of the testimonies as an understanding of how the Gospel is to be lived..." aThis is a compilation of blog posts from Brent Bill. A .pdf file - Brent gave this file to us to sell at a minimal cost to assist in raising money for the booktore. We will send it to you the day after you order.

Proposition Bill 2010 PDF Blank

$1.00 (in stock)

Mystery Of Quaker Light

Php 385

BY PETER BIEN
Light is the central metaphor in the religious lives of Friends, but not of Friends alone. "The light that lighteth every person who cometh into the world" has served as an image of sacred mystery for ancient Hebrews and Greeks, for Dante, for modern poets, and for theorists on the physics of electromagnetism. What has Light meant to different people throughout the ages? How did various ideas about Light influence the prologue to John's Gospel? What did early Friends understand Light to mean? In this pamphlet, Peter Bien explores the theology and poetry of Friends' favorite religious symbol.

Pendle Hill Pamphlet 2006 30 PP Paper

$6.50 (in stock)

One Explorer's Glossary Of Quaker Terms

BY WARREN SMITH, EDITED BY MAE SMITH-BIXBY, REVISED BY DEBORAH HAINES
REVISED AND UPDATED! For students and those new to Quakerism having trouble with the peculiar lingo of Friends "here are some of the words and phrases that keep cropping up in Quaker talk and writings, with some casual and completely unauthorized commentary" says the author Warren Smith. Brought into the 21st century, this revised book will be an invaluable aid for speaking and understanding Quakerese.

Quaker Press of FGC 1992 42 PP. Paper

$10.00 (in stock)

Practicing Peace

A Devotional Walk Through The Quaker Tradition

BY CATHERINE WHITMIRE
This is an accessible, well presented, comprehensive and fascinating book on the Quaker peace testimony written by the author of Plain Living: A Quaker Path to Simplicity. Stories of successful nonviolent movements throughout history are partnered with quotes from over 350 years of Quaker teachings on peace. Queries lead readers on a journey to self-discovery, through the stages of practicing peace: first by focusing within themselves, then looking outward to practice peace in the world around. Includes a brief biography of each Quaker quoted in the book, a glossary of common Quaker terms as well as a guide to further online resources.

Sorin Books 2007 272 PP. Paper

$16.95 (in stock)

Quaker Strongholds

BY CAROLINE STEPHEN
Though 100 years old, this book is an exquisitely clear vision of Quaker faith. "I wish to trace, as far as my experience as a `convinced Friend' enables me to do so, what is the true life and strength of our Society; and the manner in which its principles, as actually embodied in its practice, its organization, and, above all, its manner of worship, are fitted to meet the social needs of an important class in our own day." -from the Introduction

Wind & Rock Press 1995 180 PP. Cloth

$14.95 (in stock)

Quaking Meeting

Transforming Our Selves, Our Meetings And The More Than Human World

BY HELEN GOULD
The James Backhouse lecture from 2009. In early Quaker Meetings the expectation was you would really have to literally quake under the "Power of the Lord" to know there was a message that you HAD to deliver from the silence. Helen Gould believes modern friends can still open themselves to this immensely powerful and loving divine energy, and that from it transformation can flow through us to others, in an ever widening spiral.

Australia Yearly Meeting 2009 69 PP. Paper

$13.95 (in stock)

Silence And Witness

The Quaker Tradition

BY MICHAEL BIRKEL
This is a meaty and inviting introduction to Quaker thought and spiritual life. The detailed examination of discernment about when to speak in meeting and other leadings is worth the cover price. His chapter entitled 'The Facing Bench' lifts up well selected quotations of prominent Friends on topics such as 'The Immediate Presence of God,' 'The Universal Light of Christ,' and 'The Spiritual Basis of Peace.' His chapter on the inward experience of worship is both an excellent introduction and a seasoned examination of centering techniques. This is a book that belongs in every meeting house and in every new attenders' home.

Orbis 2004 144 PP. Paper

$18.00 (in stock)

The Testimony Of Integrity

In The Religious Society Of Friends - Php 296

BY WILMER COOPER
The call for integrity in daily life lies at the heart of Quakerism. It reflects Friends devotion to truth, honesty, authenticity, and wholeness. This pamphlet claims that the Testimony of Integrity should undergird all the Quaker testimonies and should become the guiding principle for daily living.

Pendle Hill Pamphlet 1991 32 PP. Paper

$6.50 (in stock)

Wisdom Of Group Decisions - Paperback

Principles And Practical Tips For Collaboration

BY CRAIG FRESHLEY
A collection of 100 one-page tips for making thoughtful, equitable, lasting group decisions for meetings , communities, organizations, governments, families, and our planet. Each tip is a provocative meditation and the book as a whole is a complete toolkit. The book is based on Caroline Estes' simple premise that "We each have a piece of the truth and we make our best decisions when we put all our pieces together." Freshley is a Quaker and while this book is not spiritually rooted, much of it is inspired by the Quaker idea of consensus.

Good Group Decisions 2010 134 PP. Paper

$12.00 (in stock)

Without Apology

A Manifesto Of Liberal Quaker Theology

BY CHUCK FAGER
Chuck Fager brings his wit to the serious task of laying out a distinctive, optimistic examination of the essence and prospects of today's liberal Quakerism.

Kimo Press 1996 125 PP. Paper

$11.95 (in stock)