Next week, PYM Connect reaches a new phase as many Friends will start engaging with this online space for the first time. It is a chance for our community to use the platform to share, collaborate, and celebrate among Friends. [Read more…] about PYM Connect Launches Next Phase in Second Week of January
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Selden Smith’s Call to Serve as Rising Clerk
Selden Smith has been a part of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting community for his whole life, bringing care, humor, and dedication to his work among Friends. Selden shared his reflections on his journey with Quakerism, his unexpected call to serve as Rising Clerk, and his hopes for the future of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. He highlights the importance of recognizing the gifts and talents within our community—both in ourselves and in others—and how these contributions sustain and strengthen the work we share as Friends.
[Read more…] about Selden Smith’s Call to Serve as Rising Clerk
December 2024 | Joint Council Update
The three councils that guide Philadelphia Yearly Meeting—Quaker Life Council, Administrative Council, and Nominating Council—recently gathered for their second meeting in a newly adopted joint format. In this structure, the councils come together as one Joint Council to worship, discern, and conduct business collaboratively. in an article written about this experiment this summer, this practice ensures that the Joint Council can promptly share its minutes with the PYM community after the meeting.
Strengthening Connections Across Philadelphia Yearly Meeting | PYM Connect
During Fall Continuing Sessions, Christie Duncan-Tessner, General Secretary, and Claire Kinnel, Community Engagement Coordinator, Had the opportunity to present on PYM Connect. This online community platform, set to launch in January 2025. PYM Connect is designed to support a more interconnected yearly meeting. Built as a secure, supportive space, PYM Connect will offer Friends a way to engage and share resources with one another across shared ministries and leadings.
[Read more…] about Strengthening Connections Across Philadelphia Yearly Meeting | PYM Connect
Children in Community: A PYM Family Gathering
Joy, laughter, and creativity filled the air as Friends of all ages gathered at Kennett Friends Meeting for an unforgettable PYM Family Meetup on December 7th! The day was filled with meaningful connection and fun activities for both children and adults.
[Read more…] about Children in Community: A PYM Family Gathering
Creating Community: PYM to Offer Disability and Caregiver Support Groups
Throughout our yearly meeting, individual Friends and Monthly and Quarterly Meetings are diligently working to make our communities more accessible for any and all who are impacted by disability. We are overjoyed to share that the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting will be offering two different support groups: a Disability Support Group for Friends with disabilities and a Caregiver Support Group for Friends who are caregivers of those with disabilities. These support groups are open to members and attenders of PYM who self-identify as having and/or supporting individuals with any kind of disability, physical or mental, visible or invisible.
[Read more…] about Creating Community: PYM to Offer Disability and Caregiver Support Groups
Providence Monthly Meeting Celebrated Its 340th Anniversary
Providence Monthly Meeting (PMM) in Media, PA, celebrated its 340th anniversary on October 26, 2024. The event began with a program led by PMM Clerk Meg Barney, which included a Land Acknowledgment delivered in both English and Lenape, a brief history of PMM, and introductions of guests from local faith communities, community organizations, and government representatives. During the celebration, attendees explored guided stations across PMM’s grounds, learning about the Meeting’s legacy through exhibits on topics such as the Underground Railroad, climate justice, and racial equity, as well as historical landmarks like the grave of abolitionist Graceanna Lewis. State Senator Tim Kearney presented a citation from the Pennsylvania Senate.
[Read more…] about Providence Monthly Meeting Celebrated Its 340th Anniversary
Friends in Business to Welcome Sara M. Lomax
Friends in business – or retired from it – join together through PYM twice a year to share ideas, nurture their network, and explore perspectives. These times together provide a space to reflect on the intersection of faith and professional life. Each event features a talk, often by a someone who shares their experience of integrating important values into their professional career.
[Read more…] about Friends in Business to Welcome Sara M. Lomax
Radnor Monthly Meeting’s Engagement in Outreach
Many meetings across Philadelphia Yearly Meeting participated in local fall festivals this year, engaging with communities through outreach. Hosting booths with inviting displays, they shared information about Quaker values, answered questions, and extended warm invitations to explore Quaker worship and practices. These events were wonderful opportunities for meetings to connect with neighbors and build bridges. If your meeting participated in a fall festival, we’d love to hear your story. Please send it to communications@pym.org.
[Read more…] about Radnor Monthly Meeting’s Engagement in Outreach
Aging Assistance For PYM Friends: What is Available and a Family Thank You
How to Apply: Aging Funds Available at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
AAGG and Greenleaf Granting Group clerks sat down Aging Support Coordinator, Sheila Sorkin, and Director of Grantmaking and Data, Joey Leroux to discuss the application process for funds to support Friends in need of financial assistance with their basic needs or to make it possible to live in retirement facilities, or to remain in their own homes.
[Read more…] about Aging Assistance For PYM Friends: What is Available and a Family Thank You
