Many meetings have different ways of welcoming newcomers through pastoral care, committees, or through literature. The opportunity to provide hospitality in the tradition of Friends to those who join you in worship is different to navigate and there are different ways of embracing new seekers, below are opportunities and resources for monthly meeting as they welcome guests to their meetinghouses.
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News
Share the Story of Your Meeting in Response of the DHS Lawsuit
As Friends continue to worship, discern, and discuss PYM’s involvement in the lawsuit with the Department of Homeland Security, we encourage Friends, members, and attenders to connect with Christie Duncan-Tessmer, General Secretary of PYM, or Nikki Mosgrove, Presiding Clerk, with any questions or needs they have.
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PYM Young Adult Friends to Commemorate Black History Month
The Young Adult Friends (YAF) community (ages 18-35) have been exploring ways they can live their testimonies in alignment with their Quaker values. During February, they will gather to visit The Time is Always Now special exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in honor of Black History Month. This exhibition features 28 Black and African diasporic contemporary artists who celebrate the nuance and richness of Black contemporary life. YAFs will commemorate the legacies of Black artists and histories while reflecting on how they can carry their work forward in their daily lives, in community with Friends around them.
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Minute of Support for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting from Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting
This morning, February 2nd, 2025, Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting (LVMM) had a Called Meeting for Worship for Business. At that Meeting, LVMM approved the following minute of support to be sent to both of you (Nikki Mosgrove and Christie Duncan-Tessmer) as representatives of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
As is our practice, our Corresponding Secretary, Nancy Johnston, will forward you a printed copy of this minute on our official letterhead.
Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting offers support, encouragement, gratitude and Light to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting for its lawsuit, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Kristi Noem.
Light. Peace. Love,
Cori Rolon, serving as clerk of LVMM
Minute of Support for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting from Unami Monthly Meeting
Unami Meeting approved the following minute of support at a called meeting.
Minute of Support for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Unami Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends fully supports Philadelphia Yearly Meeting for the courage and conviction shown in joining New England Yearly Meeting, Baltimore Yearly Meeting, Aldephi and Richmond Monthly Meetings as plaintiffs in bringing a lawsuit to block the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from its abrupt shift in policy that enables federal immigration enforcement officials to enter houses of worship for their immigration enforcement actions. We appreciate the swift response of the General Secretary, Clerks and committee members who acted with purpose and clarity in making this happen. Unami is in unity with PYM and can affirm that you have acted on our behalf. We believe that houses of worship are sacred spaces and not a place where, “criminal aliens go to hide.” We fully endorse PYM’s position that the Court should “declare unconstitutional any policy permitting government agents to carry out immigration enforcement at or near houses of worship when the policy is limited only by individual agents’ subjective ‘common sense,’ vacate the 2025 Policy, and enjoin DHS and its constituent agencies from implementing or enforcing the policy.”
With deep appreciation and support,
Unami Monthly Meeting
Nancy Donnelly, clerk
Key Points on the Quaker Suit Against the Department of Homeland Security
Below is essential information about the lawsuit. This may be helpful to Friends in PYM for their own understanding and for discussing the case with others, including local media.
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Avoid Phishing Scams | PYM
Recently, a few scam emails have been circulating in our community, pretending to be from staff and requesting financial information or purchases.
To avoid phishing scams, it’s important to stay mindful and follow a few simple tips.
- Always double-check the sender’s email address—scammers often use slight variations to look legitimate.
- Be cautious if an email seems urgent, asks for personal information, or requests money unexpectedly.
- Hover over links to see where they actually lead before clicking, and avoid opening unexpected attachments. If something feels off, trust your instincts and contact the person directly to confirm.
- For added security, turn on spam filters and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Never share sensitive information over email unless you’re absolutely sure who you’re talking to.
- Observe closely for poorly formatted messages, typos, or emails that seem unusually urgent.
If you receive a suspicious request from PYM staff asking for money, please report it to communications@pym.org. Staying cautious and informed can help protect you and our community from these scams.
The PYM Library: An Opportunity for Community and Stewardship
The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Library, formally known as the Henry J. Cadbury Library, has been an important part of our community since the 1970s, offering valuable resources for Friends and the wider community. It houses a collection of materials, including books by Quaker authors, resources addressing modern and historical issues, and items for spiritual growth and discernment. The library has served PYM as a hub for individuals and monthly meetings seeking to deepen their faith, strengthen their community, and engage in social witness.
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PYM Involvement in DHS Lawsuit
Today, PYM joined our neighbors in New England and Baltimore Yearly Meetings as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against the Department of Homeland Security.
Friends are encouraged to learn more information about the lawsuit in the press release from Democracy Forward which filed the suit, as well as this article at NBC News. You can read complaint, by following this link.
The suit challenges an immigration enforcement decision that interferes with and could significantly impacts freedom of religion.
PYM’s Response to the Political Reality
This week has brought many changes our country, including ones that are out of alignment with Friends testimonies and the way we walk in the world. The PYM community and governance are actively listening and responding.
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