Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

Neuroscientist, Quaker, and Amateur Genealogist: Robert Smith

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Robert Smith is a member of Germantown Meeting and a life-long Quaker. He is also a University of Pennsylvania neuroscientist who specializes in the study and mapping of neural circuits in the retina. His research identifies how retinal circuits process visual signals.

When he is not at work, Rob is building a deep and detailed genealogical record of all the Quaker families in his family tree, complete with interesting tidbits about the houses they lived in and the things they accomplished. Sparked by the impact of vitamin deficiencies on vision, he has also written two books on vitamins (one covering vision the other on arthritis).

As his family is all Quaker and Quakers kept excellent records, he can pretty much trace his ancestry all the way back to the first Friends. [Read more…] about Neuroscientist, Quaker, and Amateur Genealogist: Robert Smith

Quaker Farms Series – The Linvill Family Farm Story

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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

Clerks’ Report at Meeting For Business

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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.

[Read more…] about Clerks’ Report at Meeting For Business

Minutes of PYM’s Meeting for Business in Sessions – December 8, 2020

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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

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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

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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

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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

Report to Councils

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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.

[Read more…] about Report to Councils

Interview with Sean Connolly, Executive Director of Arch Street Meeting House

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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

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