How do you pray? What personal practices do you have that bring you into relationship and conversation with the Spirit? How do prayer practices nurture your spiritual life and anchor your experience of gathering with others for meeting for worship? In my experience, we don’t talk a lot about prayer in Quaker religious education — how to pray with children, teach prayers to children, or why we might offer this as a practice for their “spiritual toolbox.” I’ve been collecting ideas and resources over time, hoping to bring together interested Friends to talk about prayer with children. On December 2, several Friends gathered for an online Religious Education Conversation on “Prayer with Children,” and what is shared below is from a presentation, participant sharing, and group reflections. [Read more…] about How Do We Pray with Children?
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Events to Look Forward to at Arch Street Meeting House
After hosting a successful Meetinghouse by Candlelight fundraising event last weekend, followed by the Tempesta di Mare Baroque Orchestra, several more rich and exciting events are coming in the next two weeks. [Read more…] about Events to Look Forward to at Arch Street Meeting House
George Schaefer: On the Practice of Pastoral Care
There are not many people who know George Schaefer and do not turn to him for wisdom, or for a much-needed and deft delivery of just-in-time Quaker advice and knowledge. This has been true on PYM staff, at every Annual Sessions, in crisis situations, and for those moments of song, fellowship, and joy that come our way as Friends in community.
[Read more…] about George Schaefer: On the Practice of Pastoral Care
General Secretary Report, November 2021
On a regular schedule PYM’s General Secretary, Christie Duncan-Tessmer, publishes a report to PYM Councils detailing work that PYM Staff has completed. You can read a full archive of reports to councils or read her report for November 2021 below. [Read more…] about General Secretary Report, November 2021
Letter from a Quaker Translator for Indigenous Peoples in Brazil
Meg Kidd is a Friend who has been translating human rights documentation for indigenous peoples in Brazil. The people she has been working with, the Mbya Guarani, have a deep relationship with nature and keen knowledge of botany, which makes this conversation by email an interesting story to share on Thanksgiving.
With thanks to Richard (Dick) Nurse, (Princeton Meeting) who brought this story to PYM.
[Read more…] about Letter from a Quaker Translator for Indigenous Peoples in Brazil
City of Philadelphia’s Efforts to Welcome Afghan Families Fleeing Afghanistan
On September 16th PYM featured a list of resources on how to support Afghan refugees. This was one of our most widely read stories this fall, and meetings have stepped into the work of welcoming and resettling refugees with passion and dedication. Now the City of Philadelphia is coordinating a Spiritual Care Presence at the Airport to welcome Afghan families fleeing Afghanistan. Today’s story shows how Friends meetings, and individual Friends can connect with the city around that work.
The City of Philadelphia is continuing this effort and is also working to reactivate the Interfaith Prayer space to provide spiritual counsel and reflection at the airport. It includes Noon Prayer and providing daily spiritual care between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Many religious leaders in Philadelphia are participating in these efforts by lending support.
[Read more…] about City of Philadelphia’s Efforts to Welcome Afghan Families Fleeing Afghanistan
Deborah Cooper on Fox and Buddha: What Do Buddhism and Quakerism Have in Common?
Following a Friday night gathering for song and fellowship with Molly Hicks, 68 Friends joined Continuing Sessions virtually on the morning of Saturday, November 6th. The day’s program began with All Ages Worship at 9:30 a.m. followed by a talk on Buddhism and Quakerism and a mindfulness meditation session with Deborah Cooper. The talk was developed by Deborah in consultation with George Schaefer, PYM’s Care and Aging Coordinator.
Deborah Cooper (Germantown Monthly Meeting) is a licensed professional counselor in private practice and is a counseling services provider for the Friends Counseling Service. She has been practicing mindfulness and Buddhism for the last 15 years and studied Mindfulness Stress Reduction at Thomas Jefferson Hospital. For those who missed it, the talk is captured below.
[Read more…] about Deborah Cooper on Fox and Buddha: What Do Buddhism and Quakerism Have in Common?
Report on Upcoming Staffing Shifts
On November 2nd, PYM hosted a second public meeting to provide a forum where Friends could hear and give feedback on the ongoing development of plans to shift PYM staffing structure.
[Read more…] about Report on Upcoming Staffing Shifts
Fall Continuing Sessions News and Minutes
On a sparkling fall weekend in November, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting convened Fall 2021 Continuing Sessions, offering opportunities to be in Quaker community across generations on multiple days. Friends participated as they were led. The theme for fall sessions and the coming year is: Across the generations as we repair broken foundations, we become unified in beloved Quaker community. [Read more…] about Fall Continuing Sessions News and Minutes
2021 YAF-BIPOC Retreat: Conversation with Interim Young Adult Friends (YAF) Coordinator Afroza Hossain
PYM Young Adult Friends (YAF) recently hosted a Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Young Adult Friends retreat from October 8 – 10. The retreat was a space offered to BIPOC between the ages of 18 and 45(ish) from anywhere in the world who are Quaker, Quaker-leaning, or Quaker-curious for virtual and some in-person opportunities for community, empowerment, and fun.
Former YAF Coordinator Meg Rose wanted to offer a gathering in a safe BIPOC space with other Quakers and Quaker-adjacent folx. The interim YAF Coordinator Afroza Hossain and Community Engagement Associate Kimani Keaton took Meg’s initiative and led their first PYM event. The retreat had 14 attendees for the virtual event and six at the in-person gathering. Quaker artist Zeinada Peterson facilitated the online workshops.
