The Runway to Annual Sessions 2021 began on Tuesday, May 4, and runs through July 24. These weeks leading up to Annual Sessions week (July 27 – August 1) hold important workshops, gatherings, youth programs, a multigenerational documentary viewing and discussion, a Young Adult Friend retreat, a Collaborative Fair, Q&As, and reports from PYM representatives to other Quaker organizations.
The Young Adult Friends Spring Retreat is being held this weekend on May 14 and May 15. Young Adult retreats are open to Quakers and Seekers ages 18-35-ish and provide opportunities to connect with peers and explore shared interests.
Meg Rose has been supporting our YAF community for four years. Their gatherings include worship sharing, workshops, games, and fellowship. Because YAFs are at different places in their lives, coming together as a peer group really matters.
How has the pandemic affected the YAF gatherings?
We have been entirely virtual for the past year. We don’t get the experience of staying at a meeting house or Onas where a lot of informal time creates space for relationships to deepen and form.
What issues are YAFs interested in?
YAFs are seeking for the upcoming retreat to focus on grief. Honor the losses of the year that we have had.
What are the takeaways for people coming to the gathering?
Connection, fellowship, worship, relationships with other young adult Quakers.
What should the YAFs look forward to?
Programs for 2021-2022 to be announced soon!
Schedule for the YAF Spring Retreat 2021 [Grief and Reflection]
Friday, May 14
- 7 pm: Gather for opening program
- 8–9: Worship sharing
Saturday, May 15
- 10:00-10:45 am: Opening worship and welcome
- 10:45-11:00 am: Introductions
- 11:00-11:30 am: Lectio Divina
- 11:30 am-12:00 pm: Small Group Reflection
- 12:00-1:00 pm: Lunch (communal lunch option)
Folks may choose to take an off-screen break at this time (please return by 1:00 pm) or join a small group for a communal lunch and possible deepening of the morning’s learnings
- 1:00-2:30 pm: Revisiting Conversation on Membership
- 2:30-2:45 pm: Break
- 2:45-3:45 pm: Closing Program
