October began for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting with the announcement that Chris Mohr will serve as the next General Secretary. Friends have come to know his work through the years, and the announcement invites tenderness across community of Friends as PYM continues through a time of transition. Christie Duncan-Tessmer’s final weeks in the role brought thoughtful messages and shared gratitude for her service; the month closed with thanks that her leadership has shaped how Friends move together in faith.
Friends
Resources from the Climate Witness: Let Our Actions Speak! Thread Gathering
During the Climate Witness: Let Our Actions Speak! Thread Gathering, Friends and organizations offered resources connected to their work and experience. Those who attended may find this a helpful way to revisit what was shared. Those who could not attend can begin here to access the same materials.
PYM Friends who have materials from the gathering are welcome to share them on PYM Connect so others can find and use them. [Read more…] about Resources from the Climate Witness: Let Our Actions Speak! Thread Gathering
At the Home of Martha and Mary
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
- Luke 10:38-42 New International Version
Poetry as Spiritual Practice – FGC eRetreat Series
The Poetry as Spiritual Practice workshop invites you to experiment with words as a way to deepen your connection with your Inner Guide. Participants are welcome to come to any or all three events in this series. No writing or poetry experience necessary. Just bring yourself and writing materials.
In Poetry as Spiritual Practice you will:
- Read and listen to poets who have come before, from Rumi to the Psalms to Ada Limon, Mary Oliver and others.
- Write during the workshop in response to mindful writing prompts, with the option to read aloud.
- Support positively others’ explorations of words and metaphors, and receive support.
- Explore writing and reading practices that can deepen your everyday connection to Spirit as you understand Spirit.
Poetry as Spiritual Practice – FGC eRetreat Series
The Poetry as Spiritual Practice workshop invites you to experiment with words as a way to deepen your connection with your Inner Guide. Participants are welcome to come to any or all three events in this series. No writing or poetry experience necessary. Just bring yourself and writing materials.
In Poetry as Spiritual Practice you will:
- Read and listen to poets who have come before, from Rumi to the Psalms to Ada Limon, Mary Oliver and others.
- Write during the workshop in response to mindful writing prompts, with the option to read aloud.
- Support positively others’ explorations of words and metaphors, and receive support.
- Explore writing and reading practices that can deepen your everyday connection to Spirit as you understand Spirit.
Poetry as Spiritual Practice – FGC eRetreat Series
The Poetry as Spiritual Practice workshop invites you to experiment with words as a way to deepen your connection with your Inner Guide. Participants are welcome to come to any or all three events in this series. No writing or poetry experience necessary. Just bring yourself and writing materials.
In Poetry as Spiritual Practice you will:
- Read and listen to poets who have come before, from Rumi to the Psalms to Ada Limon, Mary Oliver and others.
- Write during the workshop in response to mindful writing prompts, with the option to read aloud.
- Support positively others’ explorations of words and metaphors, and receive support.
- Explore writing and reading practices that can deepen your everyday connection to Spirit as you understand Spirit.
Friends Counseling Service: A Source of Support in Difficult Times
The Friends Counseling Service (FCS) is a program of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) that offers members and regular attenders professional counseling by licensed Quaker mental health professionals at a discounted rate. In times of stress and uncertainty, counseling can be a source of strength and support. [Read more…] about Friends Counseling Service: A Source of Support in Difficult Times
PYM Connect Launches Next Phase in Second Week of January
Next week, PYM Connect reaches a new phase as many Friends will start engaging with this online space for the first time. It is a chance for our community to use the platform to share, collaborate, and celebrate among Friends. [Read more…] about PYM Connect Launches Next Phase in Second Week of January
Nikki Mosgrove Begins as Presiding Clerk of PYM
On August 1, 2024, Nikki Mosgrove stepped into the role of Presiding Clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (a collection of 105 Quaker congregations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania). She is tasked with facilitating business among as . Among unprogrammed Friends, who eschews religious hierarchy, a clerk is the first among equals. Her discernment process in accepting this role involved 30 days of prayer and reflection with people of many different spiritual practices: Presbyterians, Baptists, Nontheists, Pentecostals, and Quakers.
[Read more…] about Nikki Mosgrove Begins as Presiding Clerk of PYM
Upcoming Grant Deadlines: December 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Funds are available for outreach, traveling for interfaith dialog, service, or ministry, Indigenous people and communities, and more. Apply today!
[Read more…] about Upcoming Grant Deadlines: December 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
