Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

First Contact Reconciliation Collaborative

The Work of PYM Collaboratives

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Last Saturday, June 28, Friends gathered to learn how Friends in our yearly meeting work together through collaboratives. Collaboratives engage individuals across local meetings in the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting  region. Members generally hold a concern for a joy, social justice issues, or perhaps spiritual formation; these ministries can transform and engage our yearly meeting into an interconnected, community organized space.

This gathering was one way to stay connected before Annual Sessions, which will take place July 23 to 27.

Follow this link to register for Annual Sessions.

[Read more…] about The Work of PYM Collaboratives

Program & Religious Life | A Year in Review

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Hello Friends,

How has spirit moved among us in 2024? As we, the staff of PYM’s Program and Religious Life Department, reflect on this question, we have many joyful tidings to share.

The Big Picture

This year we saw many examples on how being a part of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting community gives Friends a place to share their gifts and ask for support in times of need. This flow of sharing and receiving is a core part of what it means to be “part of the body.” Our PYM programs create spaces of joy, learning, spiritual nurture, and concrete resources. And none of it would be possible without Friends like you sharing their gifts, showing up, participating, and building community together. Thank you!

Read on to hear more about the programs and events we’re proud of this year.

[Read more…] about Program & Religious Life | A Year in Review

NJ Call for Action Toward Appropriate Mascotry

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We applaud ongoing courageous conversations advocating for children’s rights throughout our educational systems. And for decades we have carried a concern for Native “themed” mascots. By common definition, mascotry includes team names, images, and logos, as well as related game-day and fan rituals.

Let’s be honest with one another. Citizens of the United States have inherited a legacy of domination by doctrines. Public schools may be conditioned to accept rather than critically examine the use of identity, language, and traditions creating disregard by continuing to dehumanize Indigenous people. [Read more…] about NJ Call for Action Toward Appropriate Mascotry

First Contact Reconciliation Seventh Mo. 2022

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Through engagement, we find meaning in crafting genuine land acknowledgements as possible “first steps” in recognizing Indigenous Peoples who are the original stewards of the lands on which we now live and work. In creating, we are called into collaborating, being accountable, continuously taking up “next steps,” and tending respectful relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities by listening. We encourage the mindful practice of naming the Indigenous People(s) whose land you are on – at home, at work, and/ or while traveling. [Read more…] about First Contact Reconciliation Seventh Mo. 2022

First Contact Reconciliation Update

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Honor The Promise Campaign (Treaty of Amity: Perpetual Peace and Friendship)

Based on mutual attendance, Honor the Promise yard signs were taken to the 41st Annual Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Powwow, held at the Salem County Fairgrounds. Friends will be keeping alive the story of perpetual peace and friendship. Who is represented by this sacred wampum belt treaty; which rivers represent Lenapehoking; when might the yard signs be displayed? These and more relative inquiries are perpetuating The Treaty of Amity ‘story by the following monthly meetings: Atlantic City Area, Chestnut Hill, Kendal, London Grove, Woodbury, Woodstown; as well as Friends School Mullica Hill and Burlington Meetinghouse; and by request, gifted to the Native American Church/ St John UMC (Fordville) and Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation. [Read more…] about First Contact Reconciliation Update

Spirit of First Contact Reconciliation: What’s Going On?

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On February 5th, about 125 Friends gathered for the PYM program Thread Gathering: Restorative Racial Justice. Following a morning with Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting facilitators .O and Dana Reinhold, three different collaboratives–Middle East Collaborative, First Contact Reconciliation Collaborative (FCRC) and Eco-Justice Collaborative–offered overviews of  current work. Below is a follow-up story by FCRC. [Read more…] about Spirit of First Contact Reconciliation: What’s Going On?

One Book, One Community 2022

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January is a reflective month and First Contact Reconciliation Collaborative suggests Friends engage with an opportunity (below) to read a book about the forests we live among.  

Grassroots collaboration calls us back to selecting a One Book, One Community title. This winter we are vesting in Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest by Suzanne Simard. Finding the Mother Tree is available with local library systems or for purchase as a book, e-book, or tape. [Read more…] about One Book, One Community 2022

First Contact Reconciliation Collaborative: Healing and Story-telling on Federal Indian Boarding Schools

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First Contact Reconciliation Collaborative is seeking Friends’ truths. We are looking for those truths that work toward healing and involve humbly examining and sharing our stories.
[Read more…] about First Contact Reconciliation Collaborative: Healing and Story-telling on Federal Indian Boarding Schools

How to Prepare for Continuing Sessions: March 23, 26 and 27

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Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s upcoming Continuing Sessions on March 27th will feature three issues of importance to Friends; Membership, Climate Change, and AntiRacism.

It is hoped that Friends at every meeting or worship group will feel led to participate, and that these issues will be brought back to your communities to inform and sustain Friends in an ongoing partnership towards a better world.

[Read more…] about How to Prepare for Continuing Sessions: March 23, 26 and 27

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