Dorchester Churches Together

Dorchester Quaker Meeting is a member of  Dorchester Churches Together, which is part of Churches Together in England.

Churches across Dorchester and Poundbury are members of this vibrant ecumenical group. It holds a few events during the year, including having a visible and active presence at the Dorset County Show each September. It has set up the following active groups:

  • Dorchester Poverty Action (DPA) was set up in 1990 because there is real poverty in this rural area. DPA started the First Dorset Credit Union, which has grown to cover part of Somerset too. DPA provides small grants to individuals in need in the DT1 and DT2 postal areas, and it works with the Citizens Advice centre.
  • The Churches’ Ecology Group  is very actively concerned with sustainability, with publicity about the Eco-Church movement, and lower energy contracts for churches. We meet regularly with the local MP to discuss the government’s environment policy.
  • The Quiet Space is a tranquil garden and building in Poundbury. It is run by trustees from local churches. The Quiet Space is open daily to the public for quiet reflection and is also used by church and community groups.
  • The Town Centre Retail Chaplaincy offers support for those who work in local shops and offices including in the Town Council offices. It is proving to be very well-appreciated. There is also a Chaplaincy at the Dorset County Hospital.

Other interfaith activities

Christian Aid hold fund-raising stalls and a ‘big breakfast’ during Christian Aid Week. Quakers in Britain are one of the founding churches of Christian Aid, and support its work through fundraising activities.

The Interfaith Quiz Night is a popular event, enabling fun and fellowship together, and is supported by many Dorchester churches.

World Day of Prayer (formerly Women’s World Day of Prayer) holds several services during the WDP day in different churches around Dorchester in early March.

Dorchester Islamic Centre has events which are sometimes open to guests, and Quakers attend these.

There is good work going on in this part of Dorset, well supported by all the churches, in town and in the villages.