THE FRIDAY BEE                                                         March 14, 2025

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 16

10:20am

Greeter

Anne Stassen & Janet Kroll

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

Peter Yeomans

11:40am

Refreshments

Beth Rafter, Ed Stivender and John Hickey

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

GMM YOUNG FRIENDS GATHERING

When?  This Sunday, March 16, 4:00pm

Where?  Meeting Cottage

There will be dinner and discussion. Come hungry and bring a friend!

Questions? Contact Lois Volta (loisvolta@gmail.com)

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN THIS WEEKEND? ENJOY THEATER?

• Come to GFS to watch “Man of LaMancha” performed by the GFS Upper School, and “dream the impossible dream!”

(See details below in GFS Section)

ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP MEETING

When?  This Tuesday, March 16, 7:00pm – via Zoom

At this next meeting, we will continue looking at things we can do in response to recent Administration actions.

• Interested? Contact John Colgan-Davis

QUAKERISM 101: LEARN MORE ABOUT QUAKERS NEXT SUNDAY! – Hybrid

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

When?  Sunday, March 23, 9:00am

Where? Germantown Meeting Social Room & on Zoom

Child care will be available. All are welcome!

REGISTER NOW FOR THE GMM RETREAT – Happening May 2 - 4 at Camp Dark Waters in nearby Medford, NJ.

Join us for a time of spiritual nourishment and community bonding. We will enjoy shared meals, worship, and fun activities for all ages including canoeing, a ropes course, nature walks, and fireside singing. We’re committed to making the retreat accessible for all.

Visit our site to register and for more information regarding costs, financial assistance, boarding (camp cabins or a nearby hotel) and transportation (driving, public transit, or car share). We can’t wait to see you there!

• Click the link above or go to https://bit.ly/GMM-retreat to learn more and register.

Retreat Committee: David Mettler, Sam Angell, Pamela Williams, Dorothy Cary, Jim Fiorile, Adrienne McDonnell, Caroline Rhoads

ANY INTEREST IN SEEING “THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY” IN MAY?

“In the silence of a Quaker Meetinghouse: Benjamin Lay – shepherd, sailor, revolutionary, and the British Empire’s first revolutionary abolitionist – returns from the grave almost 300 years after his death, as feisty and unpredictable as ever. The 4ft. ‘David’ confronts the ‘Goliath’ of slavery as he demands once again to be readmitted into the Quaker community that disowned him for ideas considered to be dangerous and disruptive. How far will he go to share his prophetic vision knowing the cost of protest?”  Read more here

Where? Sedgwick Theater (Mt. Airy)

When?  May 1 - 18

The Fellowship Committee wants to gauge interest from GMM Members & Attenders, and will explore the possibility of group rate tickets, if 10+ folks would like to attend a performance (likely a matinee?) in May.

• Please let us know of your interest –  complete this short form
• Questions? Contact Anne Stassen or Moira Duggan

ASSISTANCE DRIVE CONTINUES THROUGH MARCH at GMM!

OK…We got off to a slow start, but let’s make March even more generous!

Please bring critical, basic supplies to Meeting to support the Germantown Community.

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

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

CHILDCARE POSITION OPEN – AT GERMANTOWN MEETING

Do you know 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? Coverage required weekly for Meeting for Worship. Periodic coverage required for Meeting for Business. Child care clearances required.

• Please contact our member Lois Volta: loisvolta@gmail.com for details.

HELP NEEDED FOR REFRESHMENTS - APRIL & MAY  ☕🍪🍎

Thanks to all who have already provided delicious Refreshments! We hope everyone will volunteer for this throughout the year. To sign up, please contact Becky Johnson. Many thanks!

Consider these available dates:

•  April 27 - May 4 - May 11 - May 18 - May 25

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

ONE PHILADELPHIA: A COMMUNITY MTG ABOUT IMMIGRANT RIGHTS & CONCERNS

When & Where?  This Sunday, March 16, 4:00 - 5:15pm; Friends Center (1501 Cherry Street)

Join neighbors & friends to learn: Faith community actions, City of Philadelphia’s steps, Non-Profit partnering.

Our collaboration can protect our communities.

• Register here: https://shorturl.at/vgLca

RSVP - AUTHOR EVENT: PETER BEINART DISCUSSES HIS NEW BOOK -

Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza - A Reckoning

When?  This Monday March 17, 7 - 9:00pm - SAVE THE DATE - Register now; space is limited

Where?  Mishkan Shalom, 4101 Freeland Avenue & on Zoom

Mishkan Shalom, our neighboring Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, invites us members of our three area Friends Meetings to attend this interesting talk by Peter Beinert, an American liberal columnist, journalist and political commentator, about his new book. You can attend either in person at Mishkan Shalom or virtually.

• Registration is required – click here 

CLIMATE WITNESS EVENT - LET OUR ACTIONS SPEAK

When & Where? Saturday March 22 @ Friends Center or on Zoom (Hybrid)

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's EcoJustice Collaborative is hosting an all day workshop (in Quaker parlance, a "Thread gathering") on the critical topic of climate change and what we can do about it. In addition to the EcoJustice Collaborative there will be presentations by the Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), the national group Quaker Earthcare Witness, and Quaker Action Mid-Atlantic Region (QAMAR), a newly formed non-profit for lobbying and other political action. There should be good information and great networking opportunities both for newcomers to climate issues and experienced climate activists.

• Click here for more information, to view the agenda, and to register

“SUMUD” QUAKER STUDY IN PALESTINIAN SELF-DETERMINATION: Registration Open!

When & Where? Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm ET in April & May – on Zoom

In these times of war, let us sow seeds of peace and justice. In this “Sumud” Quaker study, we will learn together about the history of the struggle for Palestinian self-determination. We will also gather strategies on how to work toward a brighter future.

• Register and get more information at: quakersumud.org 

ECO-JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

PYM's EcoJustice Collaborative publishes and distributes a monthly newsletter, ably curated and edited by EcoJustice co-clerk Ruth Darlington of Medford Meeting. The newsletter provides current information on what's going on with the environment and climate in the region, with links to classes and webinars, educational information on current legislative or policy issues and stories of what other meetings and Friends' households are doing to address the climate crisis. Each issue has a load of great information!

• Click here for the March 2025 newsletter 
• At the very end of the newsletter is a link to subscribe if you would like to receive it every month.

PYM SPIRITUAL FORMATION COLLABORATIVE SPRING RETREAT

When & Where?  April 4 - 6, at Pendle Hill

The Spiritual Formation Collaborative of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting invites you to spend a weekend of spiritual deepening, nurturing your Spiritual center, and sharing the peace and hope that lies within each of us. Register here

GUIDANCE FROM GMM’s ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP

For Friends who feel that their ministry calls for them to be more actively involved in responding to the current political situation, The Anti-Racism Discussion Group has a couple of possible ways to do so:

Supporting and taking action with some organizations devoted to social justice issues and concerns:

• Friends Committee on National Legislation: https://www.fcnl.org
• Southern Poverty Law Center: https://www.splcenter.org
• Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society: https://hias.org
• American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org
• 5 Calls   https://5calls.org (from their site): “5 Calls makes it easy for you to reach your members of Congress and make your voice heard. We research issues, write scripts that clearly articulate a progressive position, figure out the most influential decision-makers, and collect phone numbers for their offices. All you have to do is call.”

WHAT WE CAN DO RIGHT NOW — LINKS FROM FGC

Friends General  Conference (FGC) shares some resources/links for ways we can stay informed and make an impact:

• George Lakey, a Quaker and founder of Training for Change, wrote A Manifesto for Nonviolent Revolution. It is free in PDF format.
• The NAACP has launched a Black Consumer Advisory with information on supporting Black businesses.
• The National Council of Churches has put together a list of immigration resources, including how to prepare for encounters with ICE.

“We can't do it all, but each of us can do a little.” – Rashid Darden, FGC

PYM SPIRITUAL FORMATION COLLABORATIVE SPRING RETREAT - Save the Date

When & Where?  April 4 - 6, at Pendle Hill

The Spiritual Formation Collaborative of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting invites you to spend a weekend of spiritual deepening, nurturing your Spiritual center, and sharing the peace and hope that lies within each of us.

• Register Here

PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)

• PYM Weekly News & Events – highlights recent & upcoming happenings
• PYM Events Calendar: Check out upcoming and ongoing programs promoted by PYM

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL (GFS) NEWS & EVENTS

GFS Upper School Theatre Proudly Presents: “Man of La Mancha” – Tonight & Tomorrow night!

When?   Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15, 7:30 pm

Where?  Taulane Auditorium, Barbara & David Loeb Performing Arts Center on GFS campus

Step into a world of impossible dreams as we follow the legendary knight Don Quixote on his quest for honor and chivalry in "Man of La Mancha." Timeless songs, moving performances, and just a bit of theatre magic...you won't want to miss this one!

Bring the whole family - All are welcome —no tickets or reservations required.

COMMUNITY FOOD & PERIOD PRODUCT DRIVE

Germantown Friends School students, families, teachers & staff continue to actively support the Germantown Community!

On Tuesday, March 11, the Meetinghouse porch overflowed with countless bags & boxes of contributions collected to support the local Germantown community, and crowds of students pitched in to help –

• non-perishable food items for the monthly food drive – supporting food distribution programs of three missions: St. Luke’s Food Pantry, the food pantry at Holsey Temple, and the Whosoever Gospel Mission for homeless men.
• the Upper School WORTH Club is leading the cause for an end to period poverty. All donations of feminine hygiene products will support The Spot Period Hub, the nation’s first menstrual hub and uterine wellness center, located in Germantown.

ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK

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

• Middle School Worship: Monday, 3/17, 10:20 - 11:00am
• Lower School Worship: Thursday, 3/20, 9:00 - 9:30am
• Upper School Worship: Thursday, 3/20, 10:10 - 11:00am

TAKE ACTION!

TECHNOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

When?   Monthly – next meeting tomorrow, Saturday, March 15 at 3 pm

Where?  Seth Dunoff’s apartment on Greene St in Germantown.

What?    GMM attender Seth Dunoff will host the March meeting of a monthly reading / discussion group on the subject of technology.

The purpose of the discussion group meetings is to begin to formalize an anti-technology political movement.

The reading for this meeting is pages 35 to 52 (parts of chapters 2 and 3) of science journalist Moises Velasquez-Manoff’s 2012 book An Epidemic of Absence: A New Way of Understanding Allergies and Autoimmune Diseases. This passage presents a brief history of the relationship between hygiene and public health in modern times, and investigates the connection between malaria eradication and multiple sclerosis on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Please email Seth if you would like a copy of the passage, are interested in participating, or have any questions about the project.

OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE ACTION FOR THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY - Time Sensitive 

Before March 17 deadline: Make a Public Comment to Oppose the U.S. State Department’s Proposed Transphobic Passport Rules, before the deadline to make comments closes.

• Read here for more details about the proposed rules, as well as links to sample scripts, and sites where you can make public comments

Wednesday, March 19, 4 - 5:30pm: Attend Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s Virtual (Zoom) Listening Session for LGBTQ+ Youth - discussing expanding protections for LGBTQ youth across Pennsylvania. Middle and high school students are invited to join and participate!

• Learn more and register for the event here.

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN FUNDRAISING CLASS FOR FUNDRAISING-PHOBES…

… for this best year ever to raise Big Bucks.

Deadline for pay-what-you-wish: March 20

What & When? 5-week fundraising course for fundraising-phobes will start the last week in March. Limit 20 people.

The course will meet by zoom weekly for about an hour each time, and provide all the basics plus tricks and tips to take advantage of this year promising to be the best year ever since Reagan was elected to raise money from medium and wealthy donors, which the course teaches you how to find through people you already know, Among many other gems, you'll discover that you know rich people you never knew you knew, and how to no longer be afraid to ask them to support your cause by enabling them to see it fulfills their highest purpose in life.

For more information: Gary@GetCourageNow.org

HELP GERMANTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOLERS THRIVE – A FUNDRAISING SESSION

Men Who Care of Germantown, Inc, in affiliation with Associated Resources for Community Schools (ARCS), are planning a Fundraiser for supporters who care about uplifting neighborhood youth, and contributing to their 2025 Summer Day Camp for Peace & Justice through the Arts.

When?  Wednesday, March 26, 6:00-8:00pm

Where?  Germantown Mennonite Church (21 West Washington Lane)

Meet and hear from the leaders of Men Who Care of Germantown (working year-round to build community and mentor young people since 2014), plus some of the former staff of the Day Camp for Peace and Justice through the Arts. See videos of the camps and meet young people who have benefited. Food & fellowship. Please come to enjoy it.

• See attached flyer –  Feel free to forward this invitation to others.
• Please RSVP to MWCPhilly@gmail.com by March 24.

MORE SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIONS YOU CAN ENGAGE IN …

More links to ways to get involved, if you are moved to take action –

• Faithful America - https://faithfulamerica.org/ – The largest online community of Christians (Catholic, Protestant, Exvangelical, and more) organizing the faithful to challenge Christian nationalism and white supremacy and to renew the church's prophetic role in building a more free and just society.
• Mobilize – https://www.mobilize.us – A “go-to destination for people-powered movements, providing nonprofits, labor unions, political campaigns, and grassroots organizers the tech needed to create a more just, inclusive, and democratic world.”
• Vote Forward – https://votefwd.org – “A nonprofit organization that empowers grassroots volunteers to send handwritten letters encouraging fellow Americans to vote.”
• Philly Neighborhood Networks - https://actionnetwork.org/groups/philadelphia-neighborhood-networks - “A culturally and racially diverse organization of grass roots, neighborhood-based activists dedicated to advancing social equality, economic justice and environmental sustainability through active engagement in both electoral politics and issue advocacy.”
• Editorial (Philly Tribune) – Here are some companies that no longer support DEI. Why are you still supporting them?

WHAT YOU CAN DO – More ways to make an impact

Robert Reich’s article, “What You Can Do,” offers 16 broad yet specific ways to participate in a wide range of civic action.

Everyone has power to make an impact; see if any of these speak to you.

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
• Check out “5 Calls” here – A site & app that facilitates communicating with our members of congress – providing contact information, as well as sample scripts on a variety of current event issues.

SUPPORT LOCAL BLACK, LATINO, AAPI & LGBTQ+ BUSINESSES

While some may be participating in the February 28th Economic Blackout, another positively impactful practice is to shop locally and intentionally. As Visit Philadelphia points out, “you can take positive social and economic action by shopping with these independent businesses.” Of course we should visit the business in our immediate Germantown neighborhood. Below are links to additional locations a bit further afield.

• Black, Latino, AAPI owned businesses
• LGBTQ+ owned businesses

FREE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING PROGRAM

Register now – space is limited to 30, and fills quickly!

When? Thursday March 27, 9am-5pm.

Crossroads Women’s Center is hosting a free Mental Health First Aid training program that's normally very expensive. It is from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. Certificates will be awarded.

Passed along from our f/Friends over at Green Street Meeting – 

• If you want to attend, please email the instructor Dr. Willie J. Keaton Jr. at DrWillieJ.KeatonJr@merakey.org

Once you have filled out the online registration form that Dr Keaton will send you, and get an enrollment confirmation email, then you will get a second email with a link to the Mental Health First Aid Connect dashboard. When you log in to that dashboard, you will need to do a pre-evaluation to see what you know before the class starts. 

PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEALTH DEPT. ALERT – BIRD FLU (H5N1)

Know any local urban chicken farmers? Fond of raw milk? Might want to think of the current risks.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reached out to the Meeting Office, asking us to share information & resources to folks about H521 (aka Bird/Avian Flu), which has recently shown up in Philadelphia. While the risk remains low, it is helpful to be informed.

• The Current State of Bird Flu: What You Need to Know – this site has updates, information, and downloadable resources

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

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH MURAL TOUR (Free) - AROUND FAIR HILL BURIAL GROUND

Join history educator Carolyn Singleton for a tour of the murals surrounding the Fair Hill Burial Ground. Learn about the Female Anti-Slavery Society, the Seneca Falls Convention, and the neighbors leading the charge towards equality today. (Rain date March 22)

When?  This Saturday, March 15, at 1:00pm

Where?  Begins at Fair Hill Burial Ground (2901 Germantown Avenue)

• Let us know you’re coming by registering here 

A SLICE OF DEMOCRACY – TEACH-INS @ STENTON

When & Where? Thursday, March 20, 6:00 - 7:30pm at Stenton Museum (4601 N. 18th Street)

• Topic:  Making City Council Work Better for Us
• Register here

This is a monthly event, over pizza, addressing different topics (upcoming dates & topics):

Tuesday April 8 - On the Ballot: Philadelphia Courts & Criminal Justice

Tuesday May 6 - Inside Philly's School System

Tuesday June 3 - Financing Affordable Housing

Come enjoy a slice or two of pizza and learn about important issues.

WELLNESS WALKS IN AWBURY ARBORETUM – TWICE A WEEK!

When & Where?  Mondays & Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00am, The Farm at Awbury (6336 Ardleigh St)

Join in to start your day with a Wellness Walk through Awbury’s 56 acres, led by Wellness Director, Megan Do Nascimento. “Immerse yourself in nature as we take a moderately paced stroll through gardens, woodlands, roam around the farm, and our ponds and meadows.”  Questions? Contact the Wellness Director at wellness@awbury.org