October began for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting with the announcement that Chris Mohr will serve as the next General Secretary. Friends have come to know his work through the years, and the announcement invites tenderness across community of Friends as PYM continues through a time of transition. Christie Duncan-Tessmer’s final weeks in the role brought thoughtful messages and shared gratitude for her service; the month closed with thanks that her leadership has shaped how Friends move together in faith.
Staff
Celebrating Christie Duncan-Tessmer
After more than two decades of service to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, including ten years as General Secretary, Christie Duncan-Tessmer has stepped down from her role. Please join us and other Friends across our community in pausing to reflect with deep gratitude for her leadership, creativity, and commitment to the health and vitality of our yearly meeting.
At the Home of Martha and Mary
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
- Luke 10:38-42 New International Version
Gatherings for Business-Minded Friends
About Friends in Business
Whether it was John Cadbury and the Cadbury chocolate company, Paul Cuffe and his merchant enterprises, or Abraham Darby with his cast iron business, there is no shortage of notable Quakers throughout history who have had faithful service in commerce and industry.
While business leaders like these and countless other Friends practiced integrity, simplicity, peace, and other Quaker values in their professional lives due to their spiritual convictions, they soon found that faithfulness leads to trust and good order, helping them influence many of the business practices and movements we take for granted today. Notable contributions include being often associated with the early adoption of fixed prices and playing a key role in the Industrial Revolution due to their conviction to treat everyone they work with or employ with honesty, fairness, and quality. [Read more…] about Gatherings for Business-Minded Friends
Aging Support Coordinator for PYM Featured on Honestly Aging Podcast
Sheila Sorkin, Aging Support Coordinator for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, recently joined the Honestly Aging podcast by Friends Life Care VigR®. Speaking with host Cheryl Proska, she shared that she grew up in a three-generation household and learned from an early age to hold respect and value for older persons. That early experience continues to connect to her care for others. [Read more…] about Aging Support Coordinator for PYM Featured on Honestly Aging Podcast
Quaker Fund for Indigenous Communities Grants $2,000 to Indigenous Peoples Day Philly Inc.
The Quaker Fund for Indigenous Communities (QFIC) of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting supports Native American/Indigenous-led initiatives that strengthen communities and continue cultural heritage. This year, QFIC granted $2,000 to Indigenous Peoples Day Philly Inc., which has organized an annual cultural festival and awareness campaign for Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) since 2017. Since 2019, they have celebrated this Native American/Indigenous social justice movement at Shackamoxon, also known as Penn Treaty Park.
The QFIC funds that were granted included support for expenses to Lenape Delaware tribal members from the federally recognized tribe to participate in IPD Philly on October 13 this year as well as other programs in which they might participate at other times of the year.
[Read more…] about Quaker Fund for Indigenous Communities Grants $2,000 to Indigenous Peoples Day Philly Inc.
New Philadelphia Yearly Meeting General Secretary Named
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Mohr as the new General Secretary of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM), joining us starting November 8th! Chris brings the spiritual grounding and the administrative and governance experience to help shepherd PYM into the next stage in its long history.
[Read more…] about New Philadelphia Yearly Meeting General Secretary Named
PYM Welcomes New Development Associate and Friends Counseling Service Counselor
We are thrilled to welcome Alix C. Vallery as Development Associate (pictured left) and Ashley Slaff as a new counselor with Friends Counseling Service (pictured right). We are excited for the experience and dedication they will bring to their roles within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. [Read more…] about PYM Welcomes New Development Associate and Friends Counseling Service Counselor
Care for the Needs of PYM Friends 60 Years and older!
Aging Grants at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting support the needs of Friends 60 years and older and in financial need to age in place or in communities. [Read more…] about Care for the Needs of PYM Friends 60 Years and older!
This Month with Programs and Religious Life and Other Opportunities
July is a big month for the Programs and Religious Life Team! Why you may ask? It’s because we’re gearing up for Annual Sessions, which will be taking place from Wednesday, July 23, through Sunday, July 27, at Cheyney University. Sessions will offer a space for Friends to worship in community and practice our faith. The theme of sessions, Members One of Another, reminds us that our faith is not just about the places we meet, but the relationships we build, nourish, and support. If you haven’t already, be sure to register! [Read more…] about This Month with Programs and Religious Life and Other Opportunities
