This past weekend, November 8-10, our Fall Continuing Sessions at Arch Street Meeting House, and online, gathered us into a shared journey of worship, fellowship, and reflection as we closed our theme of “Called to Healing”. In the spirit of Lucretia Mott, this Mott Memo captures the essence of our time together. The Minutes from these sessions will soon be available on the PYM website under Session Minutes, so Friends can read and reflect on the work and joy we shared.
Friday, November 8, 2024
On Friday afternoon, we gathered with for the Memorial to the Lost, honoring lost by gun violence. Friends Ending Gun Violence Collective organized the memorial and the dedication. Molly Grace Hicks, from Old Haverford Meeting, opened with a heartfelt song, creating a space filled for reflection. Christie Duncan-Tessmer, our General Secretary, shared words that spoke to the heartbreak of families affected by gun violence. Christie shared the story of Zachariah Julye, whose parents have a deep interconnection to the PYM community.
Bryan Miller, Executive Director of Heeding God’s Call, spoke about how his organization encourages local gun shops to adopt ethical practices. Movita Johnson-Harrell, founder of The Charles Foundation, shared her journey as a mother who has lost sons to gun violence, reminding us of the impact this issue has on families and communities.
After the dedication, we held a Memorial Meeting for Worship, lifting those lost in the Light. Later, Friends walked through the Memorial to the Lost display, gathering for a silent vigil supported by pastoral care.
Later, Friends gathered for an evening plenary with Tom Gates, who led us into a powerful exploration of Healing Across Cultures: Two Stories. Tom, a retired family physician and member of Lancaster Friends Meeting, drew upon his experiences serving at Friends Lugulu Mission Hospital in Kenya, where he and his family lived and worked among the local community. His stories spoke of the challenges and beauty of cross-cultural service, reminding us of the work within communities that are our own. With sensitivity and insight, Tom shared how healing is not just care but about listening, adapting, and building trust with those whose life experiences may differ from our own. His reflections invited us to consider how, in all spaces, we respect as we seek to support one another in true healing.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Saturday morning began with Worship for All Ages, bringing us together in a spirit of unity. Presiding Clerk Nikki Mosgrove guided us into our Meeting for Business, where George Schaefer shared the Nominating Report, followed by Nikki’s update on the search for our next General Secretary. Jean Elberfield then shared insights from the Lobbying Sprint. Followed by Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting’s Minute of Solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Friends was read, highlighting commitment to inclusivity.
In the afternoon, Friends were invited to join online for a worship-sharing circle, where they shared reflections and deepened their connections, finding strength in the care of our Quaker community, or in person at Arch Street Meeting House. Lisa B. Collins of Fallsington Meeting led a Meeting for Worship for Healing. This time allowed Friends to bring forward their own concerns for healing—whether for themselves, loved ones, or wider issues in the world. Friends held each other in the Light, offering support through silence and Spirit-led messages. Others joined in an online worship-sharing circle, where they shared reflections and deepened their connections, finding strength in the care of our Quaker community.
Later, The Collaboratives and Sister Organizations table fair gave Friends a chance to explore the different ways our shared work is alive across PYM and beyond. With displays and conversations, Friends learned about projects and partner groups, strengthening our community’s commitment to shared goals and action.
In the evening, we gathered for an intergenerational potluck dinner filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of sharing across ages. Afterward, Katy Hawkins, PhD, a longtime Friend and member of Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, led us in a workshop titled The Somatics of Centering. Through gentle movements and breathing exercises, Katy guided us to connect physical awareness with spiritual grounding, helping us feel how Quaker practice can be sensed not only in our thoughts but in our bodies. This experience helped Friends settle into the Spirit, creating a shared sense of peace and unity in the community.
Sunday, November 10th, 2024
Sunday began with All Together Worship at Arch Street Meeting House, uniting Friends both in person and online. After, Meeting for Business continued, with updates from the three PYM councils—Administrative, Quaker Life, and Nominating—about their “Joint Council Experiment,” an effort to improve communication and unity within our leadership. Friends also spoke on the three climate action goals: measuring our carbon footprint, striving for carbon neutrality by 2030, and encouraging monthly meetings to reduce emissions by 50%.
Amy Duckett Wagner shared reflections from the recent FWCC conference, focused on Ubuntu and the connections of Friends worldwide. General Secretary Christie Duncan-Tessmer and Community Engagement Coordinator Claire Kinnel introduced PYM Connect, a new platform designed to help Friends connect, share resources, and collaborate across monthly meetings.
We closed the weekend, reflecting on the depth of discernment, witness, and community-building we experienced together. Presiding Clerk Nikki Mosgrove, rising clerk Seldin Smith, and the PYM staff were acknowledged for their guidance and service. Friends held a final period of silent worship as an end to Fall Continuing Sessions.
Young Friends
Our youngest Friends spent the Saturday of Fall Continuing Sessions creating cornhusk dolls, playing at the playground, and baking cookies for the community potluck dinner. They joined with the Young Friends to talk about the meaning of the Inner Light, and they listened to the story Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story, a Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition.
The Young Friends, in grades 8 to 12, spent time in worship sharing and reflecting on their thoughts about our theme of “Called to Healing” and the recent election. They joined the larger community for the Meeting for Healing, created a mini-workshop for the younger Friends about George Fox and the Inner Light, and enjoyed creative projects, strengthening their sense of community together.
Young Adult Friends
Young Adult Friends and Seekers, ages 18-35, gathered with open hearts at Fall Continuing Sessions, embracing time for connection, reflection, and growth. The warmth of shared meals brought laughter and deeper conversation, strengthening bonds within our community. As they engaged in the Business Meeting, the Memorial to the Lost, and plenary sessions, YAFs delved into what it means to be called to healing, both individually and collectively. Each experience—whether in worship, dialogue, or fellowship—became a meaningful step in understanding and embodying healing together. Looking ahead, YAFs are filled with gratitude and anticipation for our December potluck, eager to continue building on these moments of unity and care.
Looking Forward
Spring Continuing Sessions will be on March 8, 2025. Until then, may we all continue in the spirit of community we shared this weekend.
