While many meetings take a break in religious education programs during the summer months, there are opportunities during the summertime to connect with families and start to think ahead to next fall. Events and resource suggestions below! Later in June, watch for the Youth Programs staff to share activities for meeting and home in preparation for Annual Sessions, July 26-30. These will be shared for meetings to do over the summer, or send home to families. [Read more…] about Religious Education Resources & Events for Summer 2023
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Ashanta Washington Accepts Role as PYM’s New Director of HR and Inclusion
We are delighted to announce PYM’s very own Ashanta Washington has accepted the role of Director of HR and Inclusion. Ashanta has worked with PYM for the past five years. Please join PYM in congratulating Ashanta on her new role!
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Demystifying Planned Giving
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
— 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Many people enjoy giving, whether of their time or resources. Giving fosters a greater sense of community, connection, service, and philanthropy – plus it is an amazing feeling! Philadelphia Yearly Meeting believes anyone can give regardless of age, race, or income.
What’s Up with Young Adults?
Presbyterian author and theologian Frederick Buechner writes,
“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep needs meet.”
Greg Woods opened a workshop with this quote when young adults from across the yearly meeting gathered at Haverford Friends Meeting in early May. During our time together, young adults supported each other in deep discernment around who we are called to be in the world. The Spring retreat was the first overnight retreat since the pandemic shutdown in early 2020, and from the strong attendance and thoughtful reviews shared after, it is clear the young adult community hungers to gather, go deeper in Spirit, and learn from each other.
A Friend Leads with Compassion
Any special Friend in the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting has likely crossed paths with the prolific and indefatigable Dick Nurse at some point. Dick Nurse’s work has made him a known and appreciated figure among Friends. Dick is the immediate past Clerk of Aging Assistance Granting Group, which he stepped down from in 2022 after six years in that role.
Margaret Fell: “Mother of Quakerism”
A question that we might ask today, “How can we make our meeting a community in which each person is accepted and nurtured and strangers are welcome?,” is one that would also have resonated with Margaret Fell Fox. Known as “The Mother of Quakerism,” Margaret Askew was born in 1614 in the Lake District of northern England. She married and became Margaret Fell at the age of 17 and was the mother of eight surviving children with Judge Thomas Fell. When she died in 1702 at the age of 88, Margaret Fell Fox had outlived her second husband, George Fox, by eleven years. The Quaker movement in 17th century England survived early persecution and grew as a religious movement in part because of Margaret’s social privilege, organizing skills, care for community, and deep faith. [Read more…] about Margaret Fell: “Mother of Quakerism”
PYM Youth Programs Welcomed Spring with a Series of Weekend Events
PYM Youth Programs welcomed Spring with a series of weekend events that included young people of all ages! We’re excited for our upcoming Annual Sessions July 26-30th. Be sure to stay connected for news about Fall programs for children, youth, and families!
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PYM Welcomes New Director of Development & Executive Assistant
We are thrilled to announce Merri Brown as Director of Development (pictured left) and Cecilia Filauro (pictured right) as Executive Assistant to our General Secretary. With the addition of both staff positions, we are looking forward to increased relationship-building with PYM members as well as organizational support for leadership.
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FarmerJawn Agriculture to Steward Westtown School Farm
On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2023, Westtown School officially announced its partnership with Christa Barfield, owner, and operator of FarmerJawn Agriculture. Earlier this year, Barfield joined forces with Westtown School leasing 123 acres to create an organic farm. Westtown families and residents from the surrounding community celebrated the new partnership this past weekend on the school’s campus. Attendees witnessed a special blessing by Lenni Lenape elders and enjoyed tethered balloon rides, hayrides, and a host of family-friendly activities.
[Read more…] about FarmerJawn Agriculture to Steward Westtown School Farm
Eco-Justice Collaborative Spotlight Q&A With Patricia Finley
“The whole eco system is connected and we are a part of it!”
— Patricia Finley, co-clerk of the Eco-Justice Collaborative
Q: Why was the Eco-Justice Collaborative formed?
The Eco-Justice Collaborative (EJC) has been in many forms since 1988. It began as the Environmental Working Group (EWG); in 1993, there was a renewed desire and commitment to elevate the EWG after a young person, during Annual Sessions, shared their experience of having nightmares about the future of our planet. A husband-and-wife team, Ed Dreby and Margaret Mansfield, foundational in creating EJC, doubled their efforts in visiting 50+ meetings encouraging other Quakers to get involved. Then in 2009, the Environmental Working Group became the Eco-Justice Collaborative which focused on lifting leaders with environmental expertise and interest to support each other’s projects. [Read more…] about Eco-Justice Collaborative Spotlight Q&A With Patricia Finley
