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.
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
PYM Friends and Affiliates Participating in Food Distribution
Different Quaker meetings, organizations, and affiliates in our region are gathering food pantry items this season. During Fall Continuing Sessions, Friends attending are invited to bring non-perishable food to Arch Street Meeting House in support of the Friends Pantry.
If your meeting is collecting food or donations for a local pantry, please let PYM staff know so we can share your meeting’s work with the wider community. Friends can post this information on PYM Connect or email communications@pym.org.
[Read more…] about PYM Friends and Affiliates Participating in Food Distribution
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.
Resources from the Climate Witness: Let Our Actions Speak! Thread Gathering
During the Climate Witness: Let Our Actions Speak! Thread Gathering, Friends and organizations offered resources connected to their work and experience. Those who attended may find this a helpful way to revisit what was shared. Those who could not attend can begin here to access the same materials.
PYM Friends who have materials from the gathering are welcome to share them on PYM Connect so others can find and use them. [Read more…] about Resources from the Climate Witness: Let Our Actions Speak! Thread Gathering
West Philadelphia Friends: A Community Is Valued and Valuable
In West Philadelphia, on Baltimore and 48th, there’s a building where Friends gather to meet. It is not a meetinghouse, but inside those walls, a small community keeps a meeting thriving.
[Read more…] about West Philadelphia Friends: A Community Is Valued and Valuable
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
What Are Affinity Groups?
Affinity Groups within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting are small gatherings of Friends with shared experiences or identities. They offer time to connect, share, and learn together in practical ways. Some meet throughout the year; others begin when there is interest. Each group supports connection that fits within the wider life of PYM. [Read more…] about What Are Affinity Groups?
Continuation of PYM’s Middle School Friends Program
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s Middle School Friends (MSF) program connects the space between the Children and Families program and Young Friends. It is a time when youth continue to find their own place within our community, learning how to listen to Spirit, discern, and be together in faith. The care offered in the program helps MSF youth keep a sense of belonging as they move forward within the Religious Society of Friends.
[Read more…] about Continuation of PYM’s Middle School Friends Program
