THE FRIDAY BEE                                                         February 14, 2025 ♥️ 

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

10:20am

Greeter

Jonathan Busser

10:30am

Child Care

Starts in kindergarten building across the driveway from Meetinghouse

10:30am

Meeting for Worship

(Hybrid: In-person & on Zoom)

10:50am

First Day School

Older children attend Meeting for Worship with their families until 10:50 am, when their teachers will lead them to the Committee Room. Questions? Please contact Carla Childs. Note: Children of any age are always welcome to join their families in Meeting for Worship.

11:30am

Introductions & Announcements

Karen Lightner

11:40am

Refreshments

Peter Samuel

PROTOCOL FOR MEETING FOR WORSHIP (Zoom, hybrid, in-person)

Please maintain silence as you enter the Zoom meeting or the meetinghouse so Friends can center and settle into worship.

Our current COVID-19 safety measures for the meetinghouse are as follows:

  • Masks are optional. Feel free to wear one if you wish. We have a supply if you’ve forgotten yours.
  • If you have a fever or are feeling unwell, please stay home and join our worship on Zoom.

MEETING NEWS

☮️THANKS TO THE SEWING CREW THAT MADE & HUNG THE NEW BANNER! ☮️

CHILDCARE POSITION OPEN – AT GERMANTOWN MEETING

If you know of any responsible, caring person(s) who are available to join our Child Care team to care for our members’ and attenders’ children during weekly Meeting for Worship and monthly Meeting for Business, please contact our member Lois Volta: loisvolta@gmail.com for details. Coverage required weekly for Meeting for Worship. Periodic coverage required for Meeting for Business. Child care clearances required.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Food Distribution on Coulter Street

When?  This Sunday, February 16, 12 pm - 3 pm (set up help needed at 9:30am)

Where? In front of Germantown Friends Meeting - on Coulter Street

Questions?  Contact Jondhi Harrell at info.tcrccommunityhealingcenter@gmail.com 

TCRC Community Healing Center Food Distribution takes place every 3rd Sunday out on Coulter Street, in front of the Meetinghouse. Helping hands are always appreciated!

BRING CRITICAL, BASIC SUPPLIES TO MEETING – SUPPORT THE GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY!

This is an easy ask – please bring soap, shampoo, TP, etc. (see list below) to Meeting during February.

We are supporting the work of Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry - to support neighbors in need. Show some love!

Items most needed: 

  • Unopened soap, toothpaste & toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, body lotion, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish detergent, band-aids, vitamins, gloves, new socks, scarves, hats and shopping bags.

Where to bring items?  Marked boxes in the Meeting Social/Committee Rooms

When?  Throughout February… bring something to share whenever you come to Meeting!

LEARN MORE ABOUT QUAKERISM

Come to a Quakerism 101 – Asking & Teaching Session!

For members and attenders who want to learn more about Quakerism, there are 2 upcoming adult classes.

Child care will be provided.

February 23, 9:00 - 10:15am 

Quaker Perspectives on Truth, Simplicity and Conscience (led by Michael Moulton)

March 23, 9:00 - 10:15am 

Discernment: Individuals Within a Community (led by Dorothy Cary)

READ TO GFS LOWER SCHOOL STUDENTS -- FEB 27 & DURING MARCH & APRIL! 📚📖

Choose a story with meaning to you and read it to a GFS lower school class on a Thursday morning (8:30-9:30)  when they have "informal" Meeting for worship. It is a meaningful and fun way to interact with lower schoolers. (The great library staff at Friends Free Library can help you pick out a book!)

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR REFRESHMENTS IN MARCH & APRIL! ☕🍪🍎

Thank you to those who have been providing refreshments in recent months. You provide the fuel for social hour! We need others to sign up for this rewarding job.

Please consider these available dates:

  •  March 23  -  March 30
  •  April 6 - April 13 - April 20 - April 27

To sign up, please contact Becky Johnson. THANK YOU!!

Note: Refreshment expenses are reimbursable or can be credited as in-kind donations to GMM.

2025 MOTTO CALENDARS ARE HERE! – $1

These handy, inspirational calendars are available while supplies last. Cost: $1

They will be in a box on the back counter of the Committee Room during Refreshments on Sundays. Please put $1 in the small wooden donation box on the wall leading to the Social Room. Enjoy!

From January: The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it. - Amanda Gorman

QUAKER NEWS & EVENTS

DAILY QUAKER MESSAGE * - NEGATIVES CANNOT CAST OUT NEGATIVES

"What we need is a program or movement based on what we believe in rather than on the things to which we are opposed… Negatives cannot cast out negatives. Fear will never rid the world of fear. We must begin to base our actions solely on what we know to be right, not on expediency." — James E. Bristol, 1961 (Quaker peace activist & former GMM Member!)

 *  [from The Daily Quaker Message ~~ A daily Quaker devotional email designed for an audience of Friends, seekers, and the spiritually curious. Each email has three parts: a query to ground you; a message to inspire you; and an invitation to participate in a spiritual exercise. Wherever you are in your journey, the Daily Quaker Message is your Friendly companion.]

REGISTER FOR PYM SPRING CONTINUING SESSIONS - HAPPENING MARCH 8-9

This gathering invites us to come together as a body, recognizing the vital role each Friend plays in our shared spiritual life. Join in from home or at one of five monthly meetings hosting in person! Together, Friends will explore the new 2025 Sessions theme: Members One of Another.

FRIENDS GENERAL CONFERENCE (FGC) JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST HOMELAND SECURITY!

From FGC - “Friends General Conference (FGC) has joined a multifaith coalition and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) in opposition to the rescission of ICE’s sensitive locations policy, which is a direct violation of the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” This follows the original lawsuit filed on January 27, by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and other Meetings.

PATHS TO LIBERATION IN PALESTINE & LESSONS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Quakers for Peace in Palestine & Israel is hosting a panel discussion with Dov Baum of AFSC, South African activist Stephanie Urdang and Swarthmore professor Sa’ed Atshan.

  • What role can grassroots activism play in challenging systems of oppression and working for liberation and justice in Palestine?
  • How was the global anti-apartheid movement, including boycotts and divestment, instrumental in pressuring the South African government to end apartheid?
  • How are the systems of oppression similar in South Africa and Israel/Palestine?

Check out and share the flyer.

WHEN?  Thursday, February 20, 7:30 - 9:00pm  – on Zoom

FRIENDS & THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW) is hosting a State Advocacy Panel to explore how Friends are engaging to address the Climate Crisis at the state level all across the country! Come learn how we can be more effective in our own states. These experienced Friends will share valuable lessons learned!

When? Saturday, February 22nd, 4:00 pm

REGISTER HERE for QEW's State Advocacy Panel.

FEBRUARY ECO-JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE NEWS (PYM)

The Eco-Justice Collaborative (EJC) of PYM issues this monthly bulletin to provide Friends with timely information and resources to help in their ongoing work witnessing for social and climate justice.

Check out this month’s issue to learn about upcoming events, conferences, webinars, podcasts, and resources – to support activism, to increase awareness, and to minimize our own impact on the environment.

Also, they are collecting stories, actions & resources related to Eco-Justice for future issues. Read more here.

PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL (GFS) NEWS & EVENTS

FRIENDS FREE LIBRARY - Honoring Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, Friends Free Library has curated a collection of titles representing this year’s theme: “African Americans and Labor.” This theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, “focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds—free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.” Read more about this year’s theme & see selected titles

  • Remember - Friends Free Library is open each afternoon after school until 6pm to members of the Germantown Monthly Meeting!
ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK

GFS welcomes GMM to attend Meeting for Worship during the school year. Schedule for upcoming week:                

  • Lower School Worship: Thursday, 2/20, 9:00 - 9:30am
  • Upper School Worship: Friday, 2/21, 10:10 - 11:00am  ** Note: This week’s change from usual Thursday slot! **

TAKE ACTION!

PHILLY SCHOOLS AS HUMANE SPACES! Advocate for kids!

Join a community conversation advocating for the rights and needs of public school children in 2025

– especially immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and Black & Brown children.

FREE EVENT - Registration Required by Monday, 2/17/25

When?  Wednesday, February 19, 7:00 - 9:00pm

Where? First United Methodist Church of Germantown (6001 Germantown Avenue) & livestreamed

ANGRY AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN DC: WRITE OR CALL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS!

“An old-fashioned printed or hand-written letter, stamped and mailed to the Senator or Congressperson’s office is the most effective way to express your opinion,” as member Bill Cozzens reminds us.

Bill compiled a handy list with contact information for our US Senators & Representatives – Click here, or see attached.

POWER INTERFAITH - NORTHWEST CLUSTER MEETINGS, IN FEBRUARY!

Gather with members of POWER’s NW Philly congregations for prayer, lament, and to share the resources and needs of our respective congregations. We will hear updates on POWER’s emerging Affordable Housing Campaign as well as POWER’s ongoing campaigns for Full Fair Funding in Education and others.

When & Where? 

In-person:  Thursday, February 20, 6 - 8:00pm @ United Universalists of Mt. Airy, 6900 Stenton Ave

    OR 

On Zoom:  Saturday, February 22, 12 - 2:00pm – Zoom link here

ANTI-RACIST COMMUNITY NETWORK

An online anti-racist, multiracial community of members who are involved in learning, activism and organizing to achieve racial justice and to end white supremacy.

Who is it for?

  • People who are working to achieve racial justice and end white supremacy through activism and organizing.
  • People who want to learn about what it means to be active and organizing against racism and white supremacy.
  • People who want to support others who are active and organizing against racism white supremacy.

Upcoming events include:

February 19:  Murphy's Rule: Researching African American Genealogy

February 27:  "What Now? Building Cultural capacity to Mitigate racism and survive the new administration"

ACLU TRAINING (on Zoom): KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AROUND MASS DEPORTATION

Join one of the ACLU's Know Your Rights Trainings to learn about your rights and understand how you can protect immigrant communities facing these escalating threats.

During the training you will learn how to:

  • Arm yourself with the knowledge to stand up for your rights and the rights of others in your community
  • Understand how to push back against unconstitutional immigration enforcement
  • Join the fight to defend immigrant families and take bold action for justice and equality

When?  Feb 20, 8:00pm ET; March 2, 4:00pm ET; March 20, 8:00pm ET - Pick date that works for you 

POWER HOUSING JUSTICE ASSEMBLY - FOLLOW UP

POWER Interfaith is inviting us to share your story about how housing affordability has impacted you or your community at City Council Hearings. Remember that our testimonies will be as powerful as the number of people you talk to.

The testimony training dates are below. You only need to attend one.  Please register ahead of time:

Monday, February 24th, 6-8 PM on zoom – Click here to register 

      OR

Thursday, February 27th, 6-8 PM on zoom – Click here to register 

JOIN THE VIGIL with FRIDAYS AT FETTERMAN’S

When? Every Friday from 11:15 – 12:15pm

Where?  In front of Senator Fetterman’s office (230 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia)

What?    Join together with people committed to a Middle East peace solution to urge Senator Fetterman to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Fridays @ Fetterman’s is supported by the AFSC, Brandywine Peace Community, Granny Peace Brigade, IfNotNowPhilly, Prayers for Peace Alliance, the Simple Way and The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Phila. Branch.

GERMANTOWN & NEARBY

BLACK HISTORY MONTH MURAL TOUR – HISTORIC FAIR HILL BURIAL GROUND
When?  Saturday, February 15, 1:00 - 2:30pm (Free)

Where? Historic Fair Hill Burial Ground – 2901 Germantown Avenue

Join history educator Carolyn Singleton for a tour of the murals surrounding the Fairhill Burial Ground. Learn about leaders of the Underground Railroad, the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society, and the neighbors leading the charge towards justice today. (Rain date – February 22nd) 

Admission is free. They suggest making a book donation to one of the Little Free Libraries in Fairhill, if you can.

WILD INDIGO POETRY

“We live in wild times of incredible tumult with so many crises we may want to shut out the news or find ourselves wondering what fires to tend and which to put out. We may even find ourselves overwhelmed by suffering to the point of numbness. We welcome you to feel, in this month of love and beyond it. In community, in care, in resistance of feeling and against dehumanization, we do the necessary work that flourishes in connection. We need you. We must dare to love and move with love!” – Wild Indigo Poetry, host

Featured Poets (+ open mic): Grisel Acosta and Vincent Toro

When?   Sunday, February 16, 5:00pm

Where?  Young American Cider, 6350 Germantown Avenue

  • Suggested donation $5 online or at the door

QUAKER RESOURCES

OTHER (VIRTUAL) WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
  • Pendle Hill – Daily Zoom meeting for worship online from 8:30-9:10 am.
  • Friends Council for National Legislation (FCNL) Witness Wednesdays: Weekly worship at 5:15pm (ET)
  • Friends General Conference’s (FGC) has many options for worship & discussion, including Newcomers & Seekers, Friends of Color Monthly worship, BIPOC Womxn’s space, White Friends Confronting Racism, Gen X Friends (new), Neurodivergent Friends (new). The offerings keep growing! Click here for the calendar
QUAKER ORGANIZATIONS

Stay connected with news, work and resources of various Friends groups. Bookmark them for easy reference

Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting (PQM)

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM)

Friends General Conference (FGC)

Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)

Friends Council on Education (FCE)

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)