Welcome to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions
Gathering as a community is part of our shared commitment to each other and our faith. Friends can expect keynote speakers, worship, opportunities for fellowship, and a return to the beloved tradition of community-led workshops!
Annual Sessions will take place at Cheyney University and on Zoom. We are grateful to be partnering with Cheyney – The first Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Cheyney University was founded in part with a grant from a Quaker family. This partnership is an opportunity to nourish meaningful relationships. Friends are invited to join as a community – either in person or online – based on what works best for you.
You’re Invited to Annual Sessions 2026!
The Annual Sessions Planner contains information to help prepare you for the events and activities during our time together as a yearly meeting. Theses sections provide details for joining online, commuting, or staying on campus at Cheyney University.
This planner shares the logistical information and activities you may participate in, such as workshops, fellowship, and evening fun. The weekend at Cheyney University will also include programming for children and teens to share in community with their age groups and in intergenerational programming. Download the Annual Sessions 2026 Planner: Here.
We are eager to gather in person and online for this time of being together in community and listening to Spirit. To learn more and apply:
Program Schedule
- 12:00 pm: Worship
- 1:00 pm: Spiritual Formation
- 4:00 pm: Break
- 5:00 pm: Online Dinner with Chris Mohr, General Secretary
- 7:00 pm: Keynote: Clinton Pettus
The Wednesday of Annual Sessions is completely online through Zoom. Registered participants will receive the link or links for these happenings which will be sent closer to the date of Annual Sessions.
- 9:30 am: Worship
- 10:30 am: Bible Study
- 12:00 pm: Lunch Break
- 2:00 pm: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
- Nominating: Approve recommendations for new positions within the PYM council and volunteer structure
- Budget: Approve PYM’s annual operating budget
- Climate Witness Stewards: Update on PYM’s work to address our carbon footprint and reduce emissions
- 5:00 pm: Online Dinner Break
- 5:00 pm: Registration Opens at Cheyney University
- 6:00 pm: Dinner and Fellowship in Dining Hall
- 7:00 pm: Memorial Meeting for Worship
On Thursday of Annual Sessions, Friends staying at Cheyney University are invited to arrive between 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm that evening to register and check into dorms. The morning and early afternoon activities will be held online through Zoom.
- 7:30 am: Breakfast
- 8:00 am: Registration Opens
- 9:00 am: Worship
- 9:30 am: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
- Land acknowledgement
- Welcome
- Clerks Table Introductions
- Welcome: Visitors and First Time Attendees
- Love, Peace & Justice ~ Friends Witness in the World
- Arch Street Update
- General Secretary Report: General Secretary will share observations and initiatives relevant for the PYM body
- 10:00 am: Children’s and Young Friends Program
- 12:15 pm: Lunch
- 1:30 pm: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
- 1 Pamphlet, 1 Yearly Meeting: Meetings and individuals are invited to join a “book club!”
- Joint Council Update: PYM’s volunteer councils will share about their work
- First Epistle Reading
- 3:30 pm: Ice Cream Social and Meet Artist in Residence
- 5:00 pm: Dinner
- 6:45 pm: Keynote: Dr. Christy Daniel Randazzo
- 7:00 pm: Children’s Program: Movie Night
- 8:45 pm: Vespers
- 9:00 pm: Fellowship
Friday is hybrid. Friends who have not checked into their dorms are invited to do so. All other participants can come to Cheyney University or continue joining by Zoom.
- 7:30 am: Breakfast
- 8:00 am: Registration Opens
- 9:00 am: Worship
- 10:00 am: Intergenerational Activity
- 10:30 am: Children’s and Young Friends Program
- 10:30 am: Morning Workshops
- 12:15 pm: Lunch
- 1:30 pm: Afternoon Workshops
- 1:30 pm: Children’s and Young Friends Programs
- 3:15 pm: Table Fair and Artist in Residence
- 5:00 pm: Dinner
- 6:30 pm: Kickball and Drum Circle
- 7:00 pm: “Song, Silence & Sanctuary”
- 8:00 pm: Outdoor Fellowship and Song Circle
Saturday is hybrid. Friends who have not checked into their dorms are invited to do so. All other participants can come to Cheyney University or continue joining by Zoom.
- 7:30 am: Breakfast
- 9:00 am: Dorm Checkout
- 9:30 am: Intergenerational Activity
- 10:00 am: All Ages Worship
- 11:00 am: Children’s and Young Friends Program
- 11:00 am: Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
- Welcome
- Reading of Epistle
- 12:15 pm: Lunch
Sunday is hybrid.