THE FRIDAY BEE                                                                         March 21, 2025

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 23

9:00am

Adult Class

Quakerism 101 – Discernment: Individuals Within a Community (led by Dorothy Cary)

⬩  Hybrid - Germantown Mtg Social Room & on Zoom; Childcare available

10:20am

Greeter

Barbara Wybar

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

John Hickey

11:4am

Refreshments

Tracey DeBlasis, Kelley O'Neill & Rebecca Hoenig

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

QUAKERISM 101: LEARN MORE ABOUT QUAKERS THIS 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!

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

RECIPES FOR THE VEGAN TREATS AT GMM REFRESHMENTS LAST SUNDAY!

Coconut & Date Balls - Chocolate Date Bark - Coconut Mounds - Spicy Green Cashew Dip - Spinach Artichoke Dip

In response to enthusiastic inquiries for recipes to the delicious vegan treats provided by Beth Rafter Social Hour/Refreshments last Sunday, here is a link to a pdf she shared. Now you can make them whenever you want! Thanks Beth!

Vegan treats - Recipes 

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. Perhaps we will partner with other PQM meetings?

Questions? Contact Anne Stassen or Moira Duggan 

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR REFRESHMENTS! ☕🍪🍎

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 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.

ASSISTANCE DRIVE CONTINUES THROUGH MARCH at GMM!

Last week is coming up! Thanks to all who are helping to be more generous with this drive.

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

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

HUB FOR NEWCOMERS TO QUAKERS (or for anyone interested in exploring further, or brushing up…)

Friends General Conference (FGC) has a new “hub” with information for newcomers to Quakerism.

It includes a broad range of resources (recommended by FGC staff, volunteers, and other North American Quakers).

Try one item or try them all – do whatever works for your own faith journey!

There is something for everyone – even for those lifelong Friends among us!

CLIMATE WITNESS EVENT - LET OUR ACTIONS SPEAK

When & Where? This 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 

PHILADELPHIA ADVOCACY TEAM LAUNCH WORKSHOP: LEARN TO DRIVE CHANGE IN CONGRESS

When?  Sunday, March 30; 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET

Where? Friends Center (The Quaker Hub for Peace and Justice), Rufus Jones Room, 1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA 

Join an in-person Advocacy Workshop with the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) at the Friends Center in Philadelphia. This three-hour workshop will equip you with effective advocacy skills to address systemic injustices through a Dismantling Racism/Militarism lens.

Led by FCNL Advocacy Teams Organizer Eleni Retta, you'll learn FCNL's relationship-based lobbying approach, develop storytelling techniques, and master effective communication with Members of Congress. By workshop's end, you'll have the opportunity to join Philadelphia's new Advocacy Team!

“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.

PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL (GFS) NEWS & EVENTS

ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK

GFS welcomes GMM to attend Meeting for Worship during the school year.

  • GFS will be out on Spring Break, March 22 - April 6  =  no worship
  • Meeting for Worship will resume the week of April 7.
BUY BOOKS SUPPORTING TRANS COMMUNITY FOR “NIGHT OF NOISE” EVENT!

Since the first GFS “Night of Noise” celebration in 2022, a small group of adults has contributed money to purchase books to give away to students of all ages attending the event to lift up the work of LGBTQIA+ authors and provide a window into Queer life.

  • This year, the students request that we focus on books highlighting the Trans community.

What is “Night of Noise”? Marking the end of the annual “Day of Silence,” when students spend the day not speaking to bring awareness to the silence and isolation caused by anti-LGBT bullying, “Night of Noise” events are an opportunity for youth to break the silence, make some noise, and engage in fun and empowering activities. (lgbtnetwork.org)

How can you help?

  • Go to this SignUpGenius with a list of requested books and the number of copies per title. Make a selection.
  • Purchase a book and ship it to: GFS (31 W Coulter St, Philadelphia, PA 19144, Attention: Kate Garrity, Night of Noise).

Questions? Contact teacher Cheryl Bruttomesso (cbruttomesso@germantownfriends.org)

All books must arrive at GFS by Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

TAKE ACTION!

FILM & DISCUSSION: “THERE IS ANOTHER WAY”
Combatants for Peace + Jewish Israeli & Palestinian activists

When?   Monday, March 24, 7 - 10:00 pm

Where?  Landmark’s Ritz Five (214 Walnut Street, Philadelphia)

In the midst of darkness, we discover who we truly are. There is Another Way tells the story of a group of visionaries who refuse to surrender to violence and injustice, and in doing so show that another path is possible - for them, for us, and for all humanity. As we are all faced with essential questions about who we are, will we choose collective liberation, where the needs, rights, and safety of all are prioritized - in which our humanity comes first, knowing that no one is free until everyone is free.

Combatants for Peace, nominated for two Nobel Peace Prizes, is an extraordinary bi-national group of former enemy combatants - Israelis and Palestinians - working together during an ongoing armed conflict. Confronted with the devastation and escalating violence of October 7th and the war in Gaza, the very core of the movement faces great challenges in showing that there is another way. The first question they must answer relates to their own beliefs...is this possible?

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. 

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 – 

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. 

JOIN THE VIGIL with FRIDAYS AT FETTERMAN’S

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

   ** Note new time; an hour earlier in 2025 to make it possible for Muslim allies to attend and still be able to attend Friday

       worship and prayer services in the early afternoon

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 @ 54 Maplewood – BLACK WOMEN IN SMALL BUSINESS

When?   Saturdays, March 22 & March 29 10:00am - 5:00pm 

Where?  54 Maplewood Mall, Germantown – 5 minute walk from Germantown Meetinghouse

Each Saturday in March, local hat shop, The Art is in the Hat, is hosting black women vendors to share their products, wares & resources, including “soul food, self love branding, sweet desserts, apothecary care, black merch, Easter-ready hats & tea fascinators” and more!

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

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)