Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

Demystifying Planned Giving

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Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

— 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Many people enjoy giving, whether of their time or resources. Giving fosters a greater sense of community, connection, service, and philanthropy – plus it is an amazing feeling! Philadelphia Yearly Meeting believes anyone can give regardless of age, race, or income.

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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.

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A Friend Leads with Compassion

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Any special Friend in the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting has likely crossed paths with the prolific and indefatigable Dick Nurse at some point. Dick Nurse’s work has made him a known and appreciated figure among Friends. Dick is the immediate past Clerk of Aging Assistance Granting Group, which he stepped down from in 2022 after six years in that role.

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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!

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Introducing Jean-Marie Prestwidge Barch and Frank Barch, PYM’s Co-Clerks

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Redefined clerking roles filled by some new faces

Annual Sessions 2020 saw some important changes in leadership. First, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s (PYM) clerking roles were re-adjusted to be better aligned with volunteer capacities and PYM’s needs, and Nominating Council then proposed a roster of skilled Friends to fill these redefined roles.

Jean-Marie Prestwidge Barch and Frank Barch, members of Schuylkill Monthly Meeting, were appointed to a two-year non-renewable term as Co-Clerks of PYM. Our Alternate Clerk, Jonathon Rhoads, was released from his stewardship role clerking for the community with much gratitude. Melissa Rycroft, formerly clerk of Nominating Council, and a member from Upper Susquehanna Quarter, accepted the position of Rising Clerk. James (Jim) Waddington was appointed Clerk of the Administrative Council.

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Interview with Janaki Spickard Keeler, FCS Coordinator

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PYM’s Friends Counseling Service (FCS) brings forward a spiritually sensitive, clinical expertise to care for the mental health and wellness of individuals in the wider Quaker community.

Janaki Spickard Keeler was recently appointed as the FCS Coordinator.  As part of her daily job, she interacts with local Quaker communities, supports present counselors, recruits new counselors, helps promote the service, and attends events throughout the yearly meeting to speak on matters related to mental health and wellness.

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YAF At-Home Spring Retreat 2020: In Light Together, Apart Week 5

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This series titled, “In Light Together, Apart” shares artwork of the attenders from the Young Adult Friend (YAF) retreat on May 15-16, 2020. The idea behind the retreat was to collaboratively create something that speaks to where young adult friends were at that time. The themes that emerged were: time, place, people, loss, change, searching, and reflection. The stories and art shared in this series reflect the feelings and opinions of the people who made them. YAF’s have been hosting weekly YAF worship services, and this week it will be on Sunday the 28th.

This week we feature art by Jen Schrandt of Haddonfield Monthly Meeting and Meg Rose of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. Meg also serves PYM as our YAF Coordinator. This week’s story comes from Naomi Madaras.

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Zenaida Peterson Leads A Poetry Project for All

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Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Poem 2020

Our Annual Sessions poet-in-residence, Zenaida Peterson, will weave
together a yearly meeting POEM based on your reflections!

All ages are invited to participate and Families with children can work together. You can assist younger children in writing their lines of poetry, or scribe for them. We hope everyone in a household will share as they are led!

The queries

How do we find Spirit in the shadows during this time?

What does it mean to be Faithful now?

  • Begin your poetry experience:
  • Pick one of the queries to reflect upon. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
  • Reflect. Discern. Write!
  • Tease out your favorite lines.
  • Email those lines to poetry@pym.org

Mail your poetry

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Attn: Annual Sessions
1515 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

The poem will be revealed at Annual Sessions

Zenaida will receive the reflections, and weave together all the lines Friends of our yearly meeting have submitted to create a Yearly Meeting Poem 2020. This will be revealed during the week of Annual Sessions, July 29-August 2.

YAF At-Home Spring Retreat 2020: In Light Together, Apart Week 4

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This series titled, “In Light Together, Apart” shares artwork of the attenders from the Young Adult Friend (YAF) retreat on May 15-16, 2020. The idea behind the retreat was to collaboratively create something that speaks to where young adult friends were at that time. The themes that emerged were: time, place, people, loss, change, searching, and reflection. The stories and art shared in this series reflect the feelings and opinions of the people who made them.

[Read more…] about YAF At-Home Spring Retreat 2020: In Light Together, Apart Week 4

YAF At-Home Spring Retreat 2020: In Light Together, Apart Week 3

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This series titled, “In Light Together, Apart” shares artwork of the attenders from the Young Adult Friend (YAF) retreat on May 15-16, 2020. The idea behind the retreat was to collaboratively create something that speaks to where young adult friends were at that time. The themes that emerged were: time, place, people, loss, change, searching, and reflection.

[Read more…] about YAF At-Home Spring Retreat 2020: In Light Together, Apart Week 3

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