Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

Quaker Traditions Series: Part I – Spiritual Practice

Written on:

The Quaker Traditions Series is a set of articles on the Quaker faith. In his role as Associate Secretary for Religious Life,  Zachary Dutton has listened deeply to Friends in the community. Working with the PYM staff community engagement team he has provided answers to framing questions for this four-part series. The answers are reflective as opposed to definitive.

The gift of the Quaker faith is that it is one of continuing revelation, so the article speaks to the ‘here and now’ of our faith even as it is tied to, and reflects, our history and tradition. If you have thoughts on these questions, please share them with Zachary – his email is at the end of this article. He is always looking for new ways to be in relationship with our wider Quaker community.

[Read more…] about Quaker Traditions Series: Part I – Spiritual Practice

Black History: Celebrate in February, Include All Year

Written on:

Updated 2/1/22

Let us center the experience and contributions of Black Americans and Black Quakers in the past — and today. The resources below provide an opportunity to do so while exploring racism, privilege, and bias with young people in our care. There is more work to do!

[Read more…] about Black History: Celebrate in February, Include All Year

Elizebeth Smith Friedman: A Quaker Poet and First Female Cryptanalyst

Written on:

Not many women are known to have studied codes or the art of writing and solving them. American cryptology saw few women listed in the history books, and cryptanalyst stars like Elizebeth Smith Friedman and Agnes Driscoll were completely overlooked until recently.

The National Cryptologic Museum in Maryland has dedicated a section of the museum to showcase the 20th Century contributions of  Elizebeth, Agnes, and many more gifted cryptanalyst like them.

Elizebeth and her husband, William Friedman, were considered American cryptology pioneers, although Elizebeth’s contributions gained recognition only recently.

[Read more…] about Elizebeth Smith Friedman: A Quaker Poet and First Female Cryptanalyst

How Meetings Coped with a (Mostly) Virtual Christmas

Written on:

As the nation welcomes new leadership in Washington, and our state health systems continue to confront Covid 19 with vaccine roll-outs, it’s important to celebrate what we have right at home: faith, connection, and fresh ideas.

This Christmas, PYM worship communities and meetings needed to reconsider exactly how to engage Friends in virtual or distanced Christmas celebrations. With the help of many people, including resources shared by PYM’s Youth Religious Life Coordinator, Melinda Wenner Bradley, Friends came up with the wonderful ideas shared below. [Read more…] about How Meetings Coped with a (Mostly) Virtual Christmas

Providence Young Friends Host Immigration Vigil At Delaware County Courthouse

Written on:

Providence Meeting’s Middle School Friends led a highly successful vigil for immigrant rights at the Delaware County Courthouse on October 3, 2020. The event was to focus attention on the treatment of immigrants on the U.S. border and a call for action to address this issue. Supporting our middle school Friends were a large contingent from the Movement of Immigrant Leaders of Pennsylvania (MILPA) and local elected officials. [Read more…] about Providence Young Friends Host Immigration Vigil At Delaware County Courthouse

Quaker Houses: Germantown’s Historic Johnson House

Written on:

The Johnson House is Philadelphia’s only documented, accessible, and intact Germantown stop on the Underground Railroad. It is open to the public as a place of historic importance. Johnson House was built in 1768 and owned by a family of Quaker abolitionists who worked with free and enslaved people to secure a safe passage to freedom for numerous African Americans.

[Read more…] about Quaker Houses: Germantown’s Historic Johnson House

Technology Access for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Written on:

Access to technology and social connection has become ever more necessary, particularly for those who for a variety of reasons remain predominantly inside their current place of residence. This includes seniors and people with disabilities across ages. TechOWL – part of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University – is a lending library sending iPads, laptops, and internet connections (via hotspot) to seniors and people with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania. This technology would allow Friends to participate in online community activities, including worship and sessions, as well as to stay connected with family and attend telehealth appointments.

All devices can be borrowed for 4 weeks with an option for longer. The program is free and a local TechOWL specialist will:

  • work with you to select the right device;
  • load the software and the apps that you need and want;
  • support and teach you throughout the process.

More information about the Assistive Technology Lending Library program can be found on the TechOWL website. You can also contact them at 800-204-7428 or send them an email at techOWL@temple.edu.

Pastoral Care for Our Children in These Times

Written on:

As the pandemic continues, and this week our nation struggles once more against the legacy of racial injustice and violence, our children look on. 

Children and teens are experiencing the continued uncertainty of Covid and its impact on school, peer relationships, and future plans. Additionally, the events in Washington D.C. on January 6 were deeply disturbing and young people may feel anxiety, confusion, fear, sadness, or anger, and have questions about what they see and hear in the media and from friends. As parents, we’re holding space for our children’s feelings alongside our own anxiety, fury, and questions about moving forward. What follows are resources specifically for children, youth, and families.*

[Read more…] about Pastoral Care for Our Children in These Times

PYM Statement Concerning the January 6th Capital Insurrection

Written on:

The events that have happened in our nation’s capital are deeply concerning. Below is a quote from Faith and Practice followed by a message from your Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Co-Clerks, Jean-Marie Prestwidge Barch and Frank Barch, and the General Secretary, Christie Duncan-Tessmer [Read more…] about PYM Statement Concerning the January 6th Capital Insurrection

Update your contact & Meeting information at pym.org/updates

© 2025 Philadelphia Yearly Meeting · Privacy Policy