On Saturday, June 13, the three councils that support Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM)—Quaker Life Council, Administrative Council, and Nominating Council—held their meeting in the joint format. In this structure, all three councils meet together as one Joint Council to worship, discern, and conduct business collaboratively. Their practice is to share the minutes in a news story with the PYM community in the weeks following the meeting.
Each month, the council selects one item from its agenda or conversation to lift up. This month the council is lifting up the significance of attending Annual Sessions.
There is so much excitement around the 346th Annual Sessions of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Friends from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Delaware, central and southern New Jersey, and eastern and central Pennsylvania will gather at Cheyney University and on Zoom, as will visitors from other yearly meetings and Quaker organizations, under the hope that as much of the yearly meeting can attend in the way that works best for them.
Annual Sessions, this year is under the theme of Members One of Another, is a long tradition in the life of PYM. This time together gives Friends opportunities to worship, participate in business, share in fellowship, and continue our shared ministries together under the guidance of Spirit.
This year’s Annual Sessions will include opportunities for learning and sharing through community-led workshops. These workshops have been prepared by Friends and friends of Friends throughout the spring and summer. Children, youth, and teens will also have their own activities and time to be in community which includes a field trip to Tyler Arboretum, a Faith and Play workshop, and so much more.
Saturday evening will include intergenerational activities including kickball, outdoor fellowship, and musical experiences, both in person and online.
For Friends attending Annual Sessions with PYM for the first time, this year offers a clear way to experience the care, joy, and fellowship of the yearly meeting community.
