Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

Young Adult Friends

What’s Up with Young Adults?

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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.

[Read more…] about What’s Up with Young Adults?

PYM Youth Programs Welcomed Spring with a Series of Weekend Events

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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!

[Read more…] about PYM Youth Programs Welcomed Spring with a Series of Weekend Events

An Interview with Naomi Madaras, a Quaker Chaplain

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To attain the highest standard in chaplaincy is no easy feat and Naomi Madaras is taking it in stride, along with her full-time job as chaplain at St Luke’s University Hospital, a volunteer position as clerk of the Young Adult Friends community, a commitment to running a half marathon with her father every year, nurturing new friendships in Bethlehem, and caring for herself, her cat, and her home. [Read more…] about An Interview with Naomi Madaras, a Quaker Chaplain

Young Adult Friends 2023 Winter Retreat Recap

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During the weekend of January 13th-15th, young adult Friends gathered online and in person for the 2023 winter retreat themed Love Thy Neighbor.  In connection to the 2023 PYM theme “living with neighbors, growing into beloved community,” the theme of this retreat is a continuation of the call for us to come together in the joyful work of reweaving our connections after three years of the pandemic. [Read more…] about Young Adult Friends 2023 Winter Retreat Recap

Summer of Freedom: Ujima Friends Peace Center

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Last summer, Ujima Friends Peace Center launched a 100% outdoor freedom school that was designed to allow the neighborhood children to explore “friendly spaces” while engaging in activities that would be good for the mind, body, and spirit.  Our children participated in environmental projects, literacy activities, and self-care/conflict resolution sessions.  The summer was a resounding success!

Freedom Summer 2021 we were hosted by Abington Friends Meeting and the Historic Fairhill Burial Grounds. Our young people enjoyed trips to Snipes Farms, Taylor Wildlife Preserves, the Goat Project, One Art Community Center, Up from Salem and Salem Monthly Meeting.

We are planning for Freedom Summer 2022 and would love for our children to once again experience some of the green spaces in Quaker meeting houses and schools that so many of us take for granted but serve as a balm for the souls of many of our children.

We hope to serve 30 children and engage a team of college students.  We will bring all our own equipment and materials. We simply would like to have our children in spaces that are safe, green, and provide opportunities for bonding with the environment and with one another.

If you are interested in helping us this summer here are things you can do:

  1. Sign up to host our children in your meeting house or school grounds.
  2. Assist us in locating a place for our children to swim.
  3. Donate to assist us in paying for transportation and trips.

Please send donations to:
Ujima Friends Peace Center,
PO Box 50647,
Philadelphia, PA

Inviting Young Adult Voices into PYM’s Granting Ministry

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Photo Above: top left to bottom right: Lucas Richie (staff), Meg Rose (staff), Sarah Ennis, Yelena Forrester, Afroza Hossain, Naomi Madaras, Liana Irvine, Jeremy Graf Evans, Hanae Togami, Afiya Johnson-Thornton

From 2020-2021, PYM staff organized a program to learn how to better engage and include young adults in PYM’s granting witness. During the year-long experimental program, eight Quakers aged 18-35 (YAFs) served on one of PYM’s granting groups and then provided feedback on their experience to PYM’s Granting Committee.

[Read more…] about Inviting Young Adult Voices into PYM’s Granting Ministry

Meetings and Individuals Are Invited to Acquire a New Tool: Trust Circles

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In addition to being co-clerk of the yearly meeting, Jean-Marie Prestwidge Barch is clerk of PYM’s Ministry and Care Committee. She has shared this news story in the hope that meetings and individuals will be inspired to learn about Trust Circles and participate in transforming our yearly meeting. [Read more…] about Meetings and Individuals Are Invited to Acquire a New Tool: Trust Circles

Report on Upcoming Staffing Shifts

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On November 2nd, PYM hosted a second public meeting to provide a forum where Friends could hear and give feedback on the ongoing development of plans to shift PYM staffing structure.
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Friends Prepare for World Quaker Day

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The picture above shows Friends at Newtown Meeting as they assembled in 2018 to honor World Quaker Day. While the meeting has been gathering virtually during the pandemic, they are still planning to celebrate this ‘special day’ of Friends’ activities around the world. [Read more…] about Friends Prepare for World Quaker Day

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