Dorchester Quaker Meeting is active in supporting the local Churches Together which is part of Churches Together in England
Dorchester Churches Together has a membership from the churches across Dorchester and Poundbury and is a 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, and has set up some local organisations that are very active and influential.
Dorchester Poverty Action (DPA) was set up in 1990 by Churches Together in Dorchester to publicise the fact that there is real poverty in this rural area. It has launched independent projects, such as the First Dorset Credit Union which has grown to cover part of Somerset too. DPA provides small grants to individuals in the DT1 and DT2 area when they are in a financial crisis and works actively with the Citizens Advice centre.
The Churches’ Ecology Group is very active and shows the concern of the churches for sustainability, eg. by presentations and publicity about the Eco-Church, about energy contracts for churches, and has held meetings 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 but 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 a sponsoring church of Christian Aid and support its work through fundraising activities.
Interfaith Quiz night
This has become a popular event enabling fun fellowship together and is supported by many Dorchester churches
World day of Prayer holds several services during the WDP day in different churches around Dorchester in early March.
Dorchester Islamic Centre has events to mark the Islamic calendar which are occasionally open to guests and Friends actively engage when there are suitable opportunities to do so.
There is good work going on in this part of Dorset, well supported by all the churches, in town and in the villages.