Pennsdale Friends Meeting remained a source of peaceful inspiration for its many Friends and attenders throughout 2022. We have been continuously open for worship every First Day, and surprisingly the men attending generally outnumber the women.
Weddings are always a joyous event, and we welcomed Steven Lunger and Sophie Malin from Millville Meeting for their wedding in May. We are also looking forward to a gathered meeting for clearness for a request from a long-time attender to become a member. In June we held a memorial meeting for Carole Moses on what would have been her 75th birthday.
In May we presented the annual award to the Muncy graduating senior who most exemplifies Quaker values.
Barry & Juanita Bishop worked hard to craft a minute against gun violence which has been forwarded to the Quarter for their support. The meeting also endorsed the minute from Lancaster Meeting cautioning against Christian nationalism.
Barry and Juanita Bishop were again endorsed by the meeting to continue their work as chaplain and volunteer respectively, although continuing health issues have limited that work.
Our insurance company required an inspection, resulting in our contracting an electrician to certify that our wiring is adequate. We continue with our bi-annual termite inspections and additional required maintenance, to include 45 tons of composite material topping our driveway.
The Quaker Rake the second Saturday in November accomplishes gathering the leaves for Leanne’s cows, readying the grounds for Winter and planting daffodils for the Spring. The TKE brothers actually look forward to the outdoor community service and the hot lunch provided by the meeting.
At the request of a descendent of someone buried in the cemetery, we have purchased the tool and begun the time-consuming task of probing for lost headstones.
The community welcomed back the carol sing after its absence during Covid. An article submitted by Jim Toohey to the Sun Gazette appeared above the fold on the front page of the second section to bring new people to add to faithful singers – some of whom have been coming for over sixty years. We also again hosted a pot luck and carol sing for the Quarter after a break of several years because of Covid.
After years of attempting an annual budget in December, we have finally learned it is easier in the beginning of the year, when you know all of the actual numbers from the preceding year. The Meeting continues to be grateful to have the funds and energy needed to care for this over 200 year old building, grounds and cemetery.
Pennsdale Friends Meeting
