Ten years ago, a non-profit child welfare organization ran a program called Family School that worked with parents at risk of losing custody of their children for neglect and abuse. One of the most wonderful field trips they organized each fall was a hayride and apple picking excursion at Linvilla Orchards. This simple but grounding visit brought families together, helping to rebuild a sense of connection between generations. [Read more…] about Quaker Farms Series – The Linvill Family Farm Story
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Clerks’ Report at Meeting For Business
PYM Presiding Co-Clerks Frank and Jean-Marie Barch presented the following report in the called December 8th Meeting for Business in Continuing Sessions. They shared information gathered from Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in response to the three PYM Initiatives launched at Annual Sessions in July 2020.
Clerks of Meetings who have not already submitted feedback to Jean-Marie and Frank Barch may use this form to do so.
Minutes of PYM’s Meeting for Business in Sessions – December 8, 2020
Meeting for Worship with Attention Business at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is held at Fall and Spring Continuing Sessions and during the summer at Annual Sessions in late July. Nominations are approved and yearly meeting wide initiatives are reviewed or established.
The following minutes were taken by recording clerk, Kri Burkander and approved in Sessions on December 8th. There were 104 participants in the meeting, which began at 6:30 and closed at 8:45. [Read more…] about Minutes of PYM’s Meeting for Business in Sessions – December 8, 2020
Land Acknowledgment Prayer – December 8th, 2020 Meeting for Business
Land acknowledgments connect us with the rich heritage and spiritual thinking of the native people of this land. They appear as prayers and help convene Friends in the truths of the past and opportunities of the present. Each time we gather for Sessions, a land acknowledgment is offered as vocal ministry out of worship. This one was offered on Tuesday, December 8th by sandra o’scheyichbi (Boone Murphy).
[Read more…] about Land Acknowledgment Prayer – December 8th, 2020 Meeting for Business
Christmas Together in New Ways
Meetings may be seeking to create meaningful Christmas programs that keep Friends connected while also being safe about Covid-19. Two online Conversation Circles were hosted by the Youth Religious Life Coordinator to share ideas and support each other with how to plan for celebrations in this challenging time. [Read more…] about Christmas Together in New Ways
Part II: Interview with Sean Connolly, Executive Director of Arch Street Meeting House
This is the second part of our interview with Arch Street Meetinghouse‘s Executive Director, Sean Connolly. The first interview was published two weeks ago. The current story deals with the Historic Arch Street Meetinghouse’s planning for a new outdoor interpretive exhibit. [Read more…] about Part II: Interview with Sean Connolly, Executive Director of Arch Street Meeting House
Prayers for this Holiday
Below are prayers for this week. It was an idea to offer these along with a sense of why these prayers were meaningful to the people who shared them. [Read more…] about Prayers for this Holiday
Report to Councils
General Secretary Report – Autumn 2020
Program and Ministry:
- Fall Continuing Sessions was held by Zoom on its regularly scheduled date, which fell on the Saturday after the election. In anticipation of having not knowing in advance what would be happening in our world on that day, Continuing Sessions focused on worship and youth programs only. It postponed business until Tuesday, December 8.
- Over 160 Friends gathered for worship with storytelling and traditional waiting worship. The election results were called during our worship.
- Participation in afternoon events was decreased as a result of the election results. Some Friends joined together for lunch by zoom in small groups. Some Friends returned for worship sharing in the afternoon.
- Youth Programs Virtual gatherings for Children & Families, Middle School Friends and Young Friends took place in the afternoon.
Interview with Sean Connolly, Executive Director of Arch Street Meeting House
Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust preserves, operates and interprets the meetinghouse and grounds which will serve to increase public understanding of the impact and continued relevance of Quakers and Quaker history. Executive Director, Sean Connolly talks to us about his work at the historic Meeting House. [Read more…] about Interview with Sean Connolly, Executive Director of Arch Street Meeting House
Providence Meeting Unites on Racial Justice and Anti-Racism Statement
Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This fall Providence Meeting united around the following statement on Racial Justice and Anti-Racism.
Consistent with our mission, Providence Friends Meeting seeks to involve members and attenders as partners in the ongoing work of racial justice, advancing equity, and undoing the effects of racism. This work requires us to examine and transform our own individual beliefs and actions, the beliefs, actions and policies of our meeting as a corporate body, and to challenge the effects of racism in the larger society. These include, among others, disparities in healthcare, economics, housing, voting access, climate justice, the workplace, criminal justice, and education.
Goals
- As Providence Friends Meeting acknowledges and honors the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals, we strive to be a culturally safe space where all individuals and groups are treated with respect in regard to their unique cultural needs and differences.
- We strive to build a pluralist, anti-racist community that encourages participation and leadership among all Friends, and supports and elevates partners and community members most affected by racism and bias.
Providence Friends Meeting resolves to use these queries to further these goals.
Corporate Queries
- How does our meeting support, model and encourage active and ongoing anti-racism work? How do we move all members forward on their journey to being their best selves?
- How are we working to change the ways that our meeting benefits from privilege and systemic inequality?
- How do we create “space at the table” for all individuals and groups?
- How do we actively consider the effects of our decisions on those who have been harmed by racism?
- How do we use Spirit-led decision making to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion rather than support structures that reinforce inequities?
- How do we carry this work into our worship and committee work?
Individual Queries
- How do I regularly examine myself for attitudes and behaviors that indicate any hidden prejudice?
- If someone suggests that something I have said or done is racist or discriminatory, do I listen and consider their point of view?
● How do my lifestyle choices affect the causes of justice and injustice in our nation and the world?
● How do I seek ways to make my local community, state and nation more just and equitable?
● How do I challenge statements, practices, behaviors, and interactions that diminish, demean, disempower, or otherwise harm others and their identities?
How do I do this with loving kindness that honors that of God in each person?