The Religious Society of Friends witnesses to the truth of our times. In this moment, we recognize that we are facing an existential crisis that requires a response greater than individual actions. The systemic structures as well as the daily choices of peoples, governments and faith communities across the globe must act in radical concert to address the climate catastrophe we have created. [Read more…] about PYM Statement on the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)
Public Interest
A Look Back at 2023 Fall Continuing Sessions
It was a brisk Saturday morning on November 11th as Friends gathered at Arch Street Meeting house in Philadelphia from all over the PYM network of meetinghouses for our 2023 Fall Continuing Sessions. [Read more…] about A Look Back at 2023 Fall Continuing Sessions
A Friend’s Love for Extreme Couponing Turns Into an Old City Food Pantry
In 2010, Hazele Goodridge, member of Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (MMFP) at Arch Street Meeting House and longtime Philadelphia resident, felt the call to serve her community and joined Philabundance’s Community Food Center Choice Food Pantry as a volunteer. During those days, Philabundance’s food pantry drew an estimated 300 people daily seeking assistance and support. Hazele differentiates the benefits of a choice food pantry versus a traditional food bank as one allows people in need and struggling with food insecurity to shop for what they needed instead of simply accepting what was given that may or may not serve either their dietary restrictions or an immediate need. [Read more…] about A Friend’s Love for Extreme Couponing Turns Into an Old City Food Pantry
PYM Friends Learn to Lobby with FCNL
On October 30, PYM Friends gathered for a workshop about lobbying and its place within the world of political advocacy. The workshop was facilitated by the Senior Director for Quaker Leadership, Alicia McBride, from Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). For twenty years, Alicia has worked in multiple roles with FCNL . She’s a member of Sandy Spring Meeting, part of the Baltimore Yearly Meeting footprint. She was joined by Deb Hejl, member and Friend of Gwynedd Meeting, who has been actively involved with FCNL for a quarter century and serves as a PYM representative to FCNL. [Read more…] about PYM Friends Learn to Lobby with FCNL
Feature Film about Friend Rustin Bayard Opens November 3rd
A movie focused on the life and work of Friend Bayard Rustin is being released in the coming days, joining the 2002 documentary Brother Outsider and offering a new way for the wider public to learn about the peace, labor, and civil rights organizer and activist. [Read more…] about Feature Film about Friend Rustin Bayard Opens November 3rd
Overnight at Arch Street Meetinghouse – Middle School and High School Friends REWIND
Young Friends and Middle School Friends gathered this weekend at Arch Street Meetinghouse for fellowship and Halloween-y fun.
Pendle Hill Chorus – Many Voices with One Song
Have you ever been part of a project that has different parts working together? Like building something, gardening with others, planning an event? It can be challenging – especially when you think you don’t know what you need to do. Will you be given the right tools? The right instructions? Will the product or event be what we want? With a bit of coordination and commitment, something both memorable and magical can happen! [Read more…] about Pendle Hill Chorus – Many Voices with One Song
250th Anniversary of the Crosswicks Meeting House
Come join us for an afternoon of celebration as we mark the semiquincentennial of the Crosswicks Friends Meeting House, which was built beginning in 1773. We’ll have music, exhibits, presentations, a visit by John Woolman himself (who was married in our previous meeting house in 1749), and a big birthday cake! This event is co-sponsored by the Chesterfield Township Historical Society, who will open their museum (in the 1831 Crosswicks Orthodox Meeting House) after our program. This event is free and open to everyone, and it will be a great opportunity for non-Quakers in our region to get to know some of the history and traditions of West Jersey Quakers and our current Meeting family.
Fall Monthly and Quarterly Meeting Leadership Gatherings
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s General Secretary, Christie Duncan-Tessmer, invited Friends in monthly and quarterly meeting leadership roles to gatherings on Zoom on September 21 and September 28. Many leaders attended to share, listen, and learn from each other.
[Read more…] about Fall Monthly and Quarterly Meeting Leadership Gatherings
PYM Celebrates World Quaker Day During A Super Quaker Weekend
As Friends around the globe gathered to celebrate World Quaker Day, PYM Friends joined in on the festivities, attending and even volunteering at events throughout the Delaware Valley and Upper Susquehanna regions hosted by monthly and quarterly meetings. There was truly something for everyone! So, how did you celebrate World Quaker Day this year?
[Read more…] about PYM Celebrates World Quaker Day During A Super Quaker Weekend
