THE FRIDAY BEE                                                                         March 28, 2025

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 30

10:20am

Greeter

Joan McIlvaine

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

11:4am

Refreshments

Margie & Ted Spaeth

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

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 

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 (likely a weekend matinee)

The Fellowship Committee wants to gauge interest from GMM Members & Attenders (as well as Greene Street & Chestnut Hill Meetings) and will explore group rate tickets, if 10+ folks would like to attend a performance (likely a matinee?).

LAST WEEKEND OF THE MARCH ASSISTANCE DRIVE GERMANTOWN CRISIS MINISTRY!

Last chance! Thanks to all who have supported this drive. We may start it up again in the future…

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

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR REFRESHMENTS in APRIL & MAY! ☕🍪🍎

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:

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

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

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

QUAKER NEWS & EVENTS

PYM FAMILY MEET-UP

When?  Saturday, March 29, 3:00 - 6:00pm

Where? West Chester Friends Meeting (425 North High Street, West Chester, PA)

Calling all PYM families! Please join in for the opportunity to gather and get to know other children and families from around PYM.  There will be an intergenerational activity, time for parent/guardian worship sharing and conversation, children’s activities, and dinner as a community. Pizza & beverages will be provided. Families are invited to bring a snack/side dish/dessert to share. All ages are welcome, along with grandparents!

WATCH “CITIZEN GEORGE” & DISCUSSION WITH GEORGE LAKEY @ CHESTNUT HILL MEETING

When? This Sunday, March 30, 12:15pm

Where? Chestnut Hill Friends Meetinghouse (20 E Mermaid Lane, Philadelphia)  

Are you trying to work out what kind of an activist you’ll be in the second Trump era? Join Chestnut Hill Meeting in their Social Room  for a viewing of the film, “Citizen George,” the story of Quaker and lifelong peace and justice activist George Lakey. Even better, George will be there, himself, for questions and discussion after the movie. Read review of film here.

If you can’t attend in person, there will be an option to stream the movie at home for just three days on March 30, April 1, or April 2.

To get the link, email Ginny Christensen.  

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

When?  This 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!

CHRIST IN THE RUBBLE: A LENTEN CONVERSATION (@ Arch Street Meeting)

When & Where? Monday, March 31, 7:00 - 9:00pm, Arch Street Friends Meeting (320 Arch Street)

Featuring Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace & Justice, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem & author of “Christ in the Rubble.”
  • Guest Respondent Noura Erakat, Human Rights Attorney & Professor at Rutgers University
  • Moderated by Lisa Sharon Harper & Shane Claiborne

Together, they will consider the theological and ethical implications of US foreign policy in Palestine and Israel.

Reception & book signing will follow the speaking event

PENDLE HILL READING GROUP IN APRIL – on Zoom

When?  April 14, 7:00 - 8:30pm, on Zoom

This month, they will read Rhiannon Grant’s recent Pendle Hill pamphlet on outreach and welcoming, Deep Hospitality: Reflections on Welcome to the Quaker Community (PHP #487). What does a more radical form of welcome look like?

You can purchase copies of this popular publication at the following links:

“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.

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!

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!

REACH OUT FOR PEACE - IN CHESTNUT HILL

When?   This Saturday, March 29, 10am - 12noon

Where?  Germantown Avenue & Cresheim Lane, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

Join the Brandywine Peace Community for a Neighborhood “REACH-OUT” for PEACE, and an End to the Madness of Trump.

“REACH-OUT!” with Peace flags, large banners, signs provided, Bell-Tolling for Justice and Peace, Chestnut Hill/Philadelphia, PA @ the Welcome to Chestnut Hill sign near the well-traveled intersection/area at Cresheim Lane & Germantown Ave. (across from the Peace Park and the Saturday Farmers Market).

HANDS OFF! NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION

When & Where? Saturday, April 5, 12:00 - 3:00pm, Philadelphia City Hall (1400 JFK Blvd)

Join Fridays @ Fetterman’s & others for the Philadelphia Resistance – part of the National Day of Action to resist the Trump agenda!

Register for the Action here, so they’ll know you’re coming.

LOANER BICYCLE AND/OR BIKE LOCK NEEDED

Bike for 5'6” guy (or a good bike lock) wanted as a loan for an elder organizer/fundraiser. Happy to provide a deposit.

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN FUNDRAISING CLASS FOR FUNDRAISING-PHOBES…
… for this best year ever to raise Big Bucks

What & When? 5-week fundraising course for fundraising-phobes. We hope to start in early-April. 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.

FREE ESTATE PLANNING CLINIC FOR BLACK RESIDENTS OF GERMANTOWN

Save the date & spread the word …

When?  Saturday, April 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Where?  Green Street Friends Meeting, 45 W. School House Lane

Inviting Black residents of Germantown (zip codes 19138 & 19144) to a free estate planning educational presentation by Community Legal Services (CLS) & Philadelphia VIP (volunteer lawyers).

Why Estate Planning?

  • Make sure your assets go to the people you want
  • Expedite Probate
  • Wills, Power of Attorney, Advance Health Directives
  • Protect your assets & your family

Following the presentation –

  • Light lunch
  • Residents will have an opportunity to sign up for one-on-one legal representation by CLS and VIP that will be provided in the weeks following the event.
  • Qualifying residents who cannot be served by CLS and VIP will otherwise be matched with an attorney, free of charge.

Register (requested but not required) here – greenstreetreparations@gmail.com; contact with questions

Visit on Facebook at Green Street Friends Reparations

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

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT (hosted by Weavers Way)

When?   Saturday, April 5, 9:00am - 1:00pm 

Where?  Chestnut Hill College (9601 Germantown Ave)

Weavers Way Environment Committee is hosting their annual electronic recycling event. Everyone is welcome!

Anything that has a plug or can turn on can be recycled at this event. No batteries or lightbulbs accepted. Most items are free except for some certain items like Older CRT TVs and monitors, air conditioners, dehumdifiers, air purifiers, flat screen TVs, computer monitors and microwaves.

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)