Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

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A Letter from Green Street’s Reparations Committee

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As Friends Meetings initiate conversations about how to address racism, a number have looked into how their communities might make reparations. Two meetings, Trenton and Green Street have taken action. The story below shares the path Green Street Friends are now on. It has been a multi-year discernment process done under the stewardship of a reparations committee. For the Green Street Meeting, the project represents a deep spiritual commitment, and they feel that by working in relationship with Black Germantown residents their community is being enlivened. The committee has submitted much of the content for this report, and a list of committee members’ names follows the report along with ways to learn more about the project.

[Read more…] about A Letter from Green Street’s Reparations Committee

Faithfulness Among Friends

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On the cusp of the New Year, and just before retiring from his position as Care and Aging Coordinator, George Schaefer shares this powerful perspective on faithfulness among Friends. As one Friend recently said, Quakerism is a 24 hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week “faith” process of exploring the individual relationship with God, or Spirit, and building community with those around us while we try to live “in the Light.”  In the work of faithfulness, and across the yearly meeting, George has been helpful and knowledgeable in his support to meetings and individuals. At the end of George’s essay, we have included a beautiful December 19th  minute of appreciation from Haddonfield Quarter. [Read more…] about Faithfulness Among Friends

Advent Program Invites Reflection and Transformation

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Over the last four weeks, more than 50 Friends registered to gather on Sunday evenings for an online adult religious education series exploring Advent — the time of expectant waiting before Christmas — with scripture, discussion, guided activities, prayers, and readings. [Read more…] about Advent Program Invites Reflection and Transformation

Third Haven Friends Meeting: Floats Dove of Peace for Easton Parade and Gives Back to Local Community

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Friends have multiple ways of engaging with their communities, and Third Haven Meeting seems to do many of them. They have created a sister church relationship with a nearby African American Church; they offer programs on aging, meditation, and addiction; and they organize a summer camp that is open to local non-Quaker families. 
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2022-2023 Research Fellowships at Haverford College Libraries

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Quaker & Special Collections at Haverford College is now accepting applications for its 2022-2023 Fellowship programs. These Fellowships provide funding for scholars at any stage of their careers to engage with our unique materials. [Read more…] about 2022-2023 Research Fellowships at Haverford College Libraries

How Do We Pray with Children?

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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?

Events to Look Forward to at Arch Street Meeting House

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Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust (ASMH) continues to build a sense of joy and connection in the iconic 200+ year-old Old City meetinghouse by offering fresh events that explain Quaker history and attract new visitors in engaging ways.

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

Religious Education Resources for December 2021

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Dear Friends,

After I became a parent, I wanted to slow down the approach to Christmas for our young children. I hoped to celebrate more than one morning with presents under the tree, and wanted them to understand the story behind the familiar Nativity pageant scene of robed humans and animal acolytes. That was when I rediscovered the weeks of Advent in a new way, through the Godly Play story and its words: [Read more…] about Religious Education Resources for December 2021

George Schaefer: On the Practice of Pastoral Care

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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

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