SOUTH BELFAST QUAKERS

That of God in everyone

May's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

In vocal ministry, the sharing of spiritual experience and insights can be a way through which fresh understanding is conveyed to others. Receive the ministry in a loving spirit, avoiding hurtful criticism.

IYM General Christian Counsel

When you are preoccupied and distracted in meeting let wayward and disturbing thoughts give way quietly to your awareness of God’s presence among us and in the world. Receive the vocal ministry of others in a tender and creative spirit. Reach for the meaning deep within it, recognising that even if it is not God’s word for you, it may be so for others. Remember that we all share responsibility for the meeting for worship whether our ministry is in silence or through the spoken word.

BYM Advices & Queries

February's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Cherish the privilege of communion with God through prayer and worship, being mindful to express praise and thanksgiving.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel



The Religious Society of Friends is rooted in Christianity and has always found inspiration in the life and teachings of Jesus. How do you interpret your faith in the light of this heritage? How does Jesus speak to you today? Are you following Jesus’ example of love in action? Are you learning from his life the reality and cost of obedience to God? How does his relationship with God challenge and inspire you?

BYM - Advices and Queries 4

December's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Be faithful in maintaining our witness against all war as inconsistent with the teaching and spirit of Christ. Endeavour, through His power and grace, to overcome in your own hearts the emotions which lie at the root of violent conflict. These may arise from too close an attachment to possessions, from untempered pride and from reluctance to be open to change. In industrial strife, racial enmity, religious, political and international tension, stand firmly by Christian principles, seeking to foster understanding between individuals, groups and nations. Remain responsive to the Holy Spirit and let the peace of God rule in your heart.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel



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.

BYM - Advices and Queries 31

November's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Is your way of life in keeping with the teaching of Jesus? Do you watch against conformity to commonly-accepted standards, and against the love of ease and self-indulgence which hinders your spiritual growth and service for Christ?

Ireland Yearly Meeting
Queries for Serious Consideration 4



If pressure is brought upon you to lower your standard of integrity, are you prepared to resist it? Our responsibilities to God and our neighbour may involve us in taking unpopular stands. Do not let the desire to be sociable or fear of seeming peculiar, determine your decisions.

BYM - Advices and Queries 38

October's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Cherish the privilege of communion with God through prayer and worship, being mindful to express praise and thanksgiving.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel



The Religious Society of Friends is rooted in Christianity and has always found inspiration in the life and teachings of Jesus. How do you interpret your faith in the light of this heritage? How does Jesus speak to you today? Are you following Jesus’ example of love in action? Are you learning from his life the reality and cost of obedience to God? How does his relationship with God challenge and inspire you?

BYM - Advices and Queries

September's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

When contemplating marriage, seek God’s guidance, desiring above all that your union may continually be blessed and strengthened by Him. Consider the importance of mutual understanding of religious principles and practice; lifelong happiness depends on respect and perceptive love for one another. Bear in mind the views of your parents, but also let parents be careful with the advice they give their children.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel



Marriage has always been regarded by Friends as a religious commitment rather than merely a civil contract. Both partners should offer with God’s help an intention to cherish one another for life. Remember that happiness depends on an understanding and steadfast love on both sides. In times of difficult remind yourself of the value of prayer, of perseverance and of a sense of humour.

BYM - Advices and Queries

August's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Watch lovingly over the opening minds and spiritual growth of your children, appreciating their desire for knowledge and maintaining a caring interest in their activities and use of leisure time. See that they have opportunity to learn about Christian faith, and its Biblical basis. Encourage in them a love of God as expressed in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Seek by your example to instill in them truthfulness, sincerity and self – discipline. Remember that each person is unique and that God’s Spirit may lead along paths you have not yourself travelled.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel



Rejoice in the presence of children and young people in your meeting and recognize the gifts they bring. Remember that the meeting as a whole share the responsibility for every child in its care. Seek for them as for yourself a full development of God’s gifts and the abundant life Jesus tells us can be ours. How do you share your deepest beliefs with them, while leaving them free to develop as the spirit of God may lead them?

BYM - Advices and Queries

July's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Are you concerned with the Preparative, Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly Meetings during which the business of our Society is conducted? Are these meetings held in a spirit of worship and dependence upon the guidance of God? Do you take your right share of service of these meetings, realizing they are essential for the support and development of our corporate concerns? Do you carry out discipline when advisable, in a sensitive and Christian manner?

Ireland Yearly Meeting
Queries for Serious Consideration



Are your meetings for church affairs held in a spirit of worship and in dependence on the guidance of God? Remember that we do not seek a majority decision nor even consensus. As we wait patiently for divine guidance our experience is that the right way will open and we shall be led into unity

BYM - Advices and Queries

Quakers & Ethical Investments

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The Ireland Yearly Meeting Investment Committee and Eco Quakers have produced a useful guide to encourage Quaker Meetings to invest within an ethical framework.

The 'Quakers and Ethical Investment' booklet grew out of a concern among Friends in Ireland about the investment of funds under Friends’ care and is designed to give broad guidance on investment.

Check it out here >> https://quakers-in-ireland.ie/2020/06/21/quakers-and-ethical-investment/

You can download the full booklet
HERE

June's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Are you convinced of the reality of God and do you respond to His Spirit at work within you? Have you individually, through repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, experienced true conversion of heart? Do you depend on the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and do you show this by your devotion to God and by your love to all people?

Ireland Yearly Meeting
Queries for Serious Consideration



Do you try to set aside times of quiet for openness to the Holy Spirit? All of us need to find a way in to silence which allows us to deepen our awareness of the divine and to find the inward source of our strength. Seek to know an inward stillness, even amid the activities of daily life. Do you encourage in yourself and in others a habit of dependence on God’s guidance for each day? Hold yourself and others in the Light, knowing that all are cherished by God

BYM - Advices and Queries

May's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Exercise care in the use of all drugs and be alert to the problems of their misuse. As with alcohol, many other drugs, including tobacco, have harmful effects on the individual and may lead to addiction. The abundant life does not come from artificial stimulation but from personal growth in physical, mental and spiritual awareness. Avoid all kinds of gambling and such activities as are cruel or demoralising.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel



Consider which of the ways to happiness offered by society are truly fulfilling and which are potentially corrupting and destructive. Be discriminating when choosing means of entertainment and information. Resist the desire to acquire possessions or income through unethical investment, speculation or games of chance.

In view of the harm done by the use of alcohol, tobacco and other habit forming drugs, consider whether you should limit your use of them or refrain from using them altogether. Remember that any use of alcohol or drugs may impair judgment and put both the user and others in danger.

BYM - Advices and Queries

April's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

In vocal ministry, the sharing of spiritual experience and insights can be a way through which fresh understanding is conveyed to others. Receive the ministry in a loving spirit, avoiding hurtful criticism.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel


Do not assume that vocal ministry is never to be your part. Faithfulness and sincerity in speaking, even very briefly, may open the way to fuller ministry from others. When prompted to speak, wait patiently to know that the leading and time are right, but do not let a sense of your own unworthiness hold you back. Pray that your ministry may arise from deep experience, and trust that words will be given to you. Try to speak audibly and distinctly, and with sensitivity to the needs of others. Beware of speaking predictably or too often, and of making additions towards the end of the meeting when it is well left alone.

BYM - Advices and Queries

March's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Friends, take head to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, who leads, through repentance and living faith in the Son of God, to reconciliation with our Heavenly Father, and to the blessed hope of eternal life, through the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. His life and teaching redirect us to dedication to God and to the love of our fellow men. For as we obey each leading we reach out to a fuller understanding and faith in the Eternal Truth.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel


Take heed, dear Friends, to the promptings of love and truth in your hearts. Trust them as the leadings of God whose Light shows us our darkness and brings us to new life.

BYM - Advices and Queries No. 1

February's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Is your meeting one to which all can feel a sense of belonging, taking their full share in its concerns and practical work? Do you as a meeting maintain a loving and watchful care over all who worship with you including those who are unable to attend?

Ireland Yearly Meeting
Queries for Serious Consideration No.9


How can we make the meeting a community in which each person is accepted and nurtured, and strangers are welcome? Seek to know one another in the things that are eternal, bear the burden of each other’s failings and pray
for one another. As we enter with tender sympathy into the joys and sorrows of each other’s lives, ready to give help and receive it, our meeting can be a channel for God’s love and forgiveness

BYM - Advices and Queries No. 18

January's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

4. The Bible is worthy of regular and searching study in private, in family and in other groups. There we learn of God’s relationship with man and of Christ’s redemptive love and find guidance and inspiration for our lives today. Encourage the reading of literature which may reveal the ways of God.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel


In worship we enter with reverence into communion with God and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Come to meeting for worship with heart and mind prepared. Yield yourself and all your outward concerns to God’s guidance so that you may find ‘the evil weakening in you and the good raised up’.

BYM - Advices and Queries No. 9

December's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Watch lovingly over the opening minds and spiritual growth of your children, appreciating their desire for knowledge and maintaining a caring interest in their activities and use of leisure time.  See that they have opportunity to learn about our Christian faith, and its Biblical basis. Encourage in them a love of God as expressed in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Seek by your example to instill in them truthfulness, sincerity and self-discipline. Remember that each person is unique and that God’s Spirit may lead along paths you have not yourself travelled.

Ireland Yearly Meeting
General Christian Counsel


Rejoice in the presence of children and young people in your meeting and recognise the gifts they bring. Remember that the meeting as a whole shares a responsibility for every child in its care. Seek for them as for yourself a full development of God’s gifts and the abundant life Jesus tells us can be ours. How do you share your deepest beliefs with them, while leaving them free to develop as the spirit of God may lead them? Do you invite them to share their insights with you? Are you ready both to learn from them and to accept your responsibilities towards them?

BYM - Advices and Queries No. 19

November's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Do you cherish an understanding and forgiving Spirit? Do you avoid unkind gossip and the spreading of rumour? Do you avoid damaging the reputation of others? Do you cultivate an appreciation of each individual’s worth?

IYM - Queries for Serious Consideration No.6

Respect the wide diversity among us in our lives and relationships. Refrain from making prejudiced judgments about the life journeys of others. Do you foster the spirit of mutual understanding and forgiveness which our discipleship asks of us? Remember that each one of us is unique, precious, a child of God.

BYM - Advices and Queries No.22

October's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Is your meeting one to which all can feel a sense of belonging, taking their full share in its concerns and practical work? Do you as a meeting maintain a loving and watchful care over all who worship with you including those who are unable to attend?

IYM - Queries for Serious Consideration No.9

How can we make the meeting a community in which each person is accepted and nurtured, and strangers are welcome? Seek to know one another in the things that are eternal, bear the burden of each other’s failings and pray for one another. As we enter with tender sympathy into the joys and sorrows of each other’s lives, ready to give help and receive it, our meeting can be a channel for God’s love and forgiveness

BYM - Advices and Queries No.18

September's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

The Bible is worthy of regular and searching study in private, in family and in other groups. There we learn of God’s relationship with man and of Christ’s redemptive love and find guidance and inspiration for our lives today. Encourage the reading of literature which may reveal the ways of God.

IYM General Christian Counsel

In worship we enter with reverence into communion with God and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Come to meeting for worship with heart and mind prepared. Yield yourself and all your outward concerns to God’s guidance so that you may find ‘the evil weakening in you and the good raised up’.

BYM Advices & Queries 9

August's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Live in love with one another as commanded by Christ watching over one another for good, bearing with each other’s failings, upholding one another prayerfully in times of difficulty and sorrow, and sharing in each other’s joys.

IYM Query For Serious Consideration 10

Do you cherish your friendships, so that they grow in depth and understanding and mutual respect? In close relationships we may risk pain as well as finding joy. When experiencing great happiness or great hurt we may be more open to the working of the spirit.

BYM Advices & Queries 14

July's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Are you concerned with the Preparative, Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly Meetings during which the business of our Society is conducted? Are these meetings held in a spirit of worship and dependence upon the guidance of God? Do you take your right share of service of these meetings, realizing they are essential for the support and development of our corporate concerns? Do you carry out discipline when advisable, in a sensitive and Christian manner?

IYM Query For Serious Consideration 8

Are your meetings for church affairs held in a spirit of worship and in dependence on the guidance of God? Remember that we do not seek a majority decision nor even consensus. As we wait patiently for divine guidance our experience is that the right way will open and we shall be led into unity

BYM Advices & Queries 14

June's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

Are you convinced of the reality of God and do you respond to His Spirit at work within you? Have you individually, through repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, experienced true conversion of heart? Do you depend on the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit and do you show this by your devotion to God and by your love to all people?

IYM General Christian Counsel

Do you try to set aside times of quiet for openness to the Holy Spirit? All of us need to find a way in to silence which allows us to deepen our awareness of the divine and to find the inward source of our strength. Seek to know an inward stillness, even amid the activities of daily life. Do you encourage in yourself and in others a habit of dependence on God’s guidance for each day? Hold yourself and others in the Light, knowing that all are cherished by God.

BYM Advices & Queries

May's Monthly Readings


A&Q.001

In vocal ministry, the sharing of spiritual experience and insights can be a way through which fresh understanding is conveyed to others. Receive the ministry in a loving spirit, avoiding hurtful criticism.

IYM General Christian Counsel

When you are preoccupied and distracted in meeting let wayward and disturbing thoughts give way quietly to your awareness of God’s presence among us and in the world. Receive the vocal ministry of others in a tender and creative spirit. Reach for the meaning deep within it, recognizing that even if it is not God’s word for you, it may be so for others. Remember that we all share responsibility for the meeting for worship whether our ministry is in silence or through the spoken word.

BYM Advices & Queries