In 2000 I attended my first FGC Gathering in Rochester, NY. My daughter had been campaigning to go, and it was the last year she could be in the High School Program (which got rave reviews from her PYM friends), AND I had grown up in the Rochester Friends Meeting. I took a workshop on spiritual growth where we had prayer partners and shared deeply with each other. I felt so nurtured that I was able to take a big step in my personal life. We planned to go back the following year.
I’ve attended nearly every Gathering since, returning home spiritually nurtured, and strengthened with new resources and new friends. My workshops have varied from dance and art to spiritual practices to couple enrichment and more. There are always awesome evening plenary speakers. There is usually an intergenerational concert or event one evening – last year it was a dance party outdoors with a wonderful DJ! And there is excellent programing for children, youth and young adults. Children have programming in the mornings and evenings. Afternoons have opportunities to browse in the bookstore, hear other speakers, sing, play during intergenerational activities, and explore other interest groups – or simply take a nap.
I love going and meeting up with new and old f(F)riends from all across North America, learning new things, being spiritually nurtured and having fun. The six degrees of connection often end up being one or two, as I sit down with a new person and discover that we have someone in common.
I hope to see you this summer at Haverford College for “Rooted in Story”, the 2024 FGC Gathering from June 30-July 6!
Lynne Piersol
Swarthmore Friends Meeting
