THE FRIDAY BEE                                                                         April 4, 2025

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 6

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

Jonathan Busser

11:4am

Refreshments

Teodora Nedialkova and Jim Fiorile

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

GOING TO THE HANDS OFF PROTEST TOMORROW, APRIL 5TH?
  • Quakers will be meeting at the Friends Center at 11:45am to march together (1501 Cherry Street).
  • See more in the “Take Action” section below.
NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 13 (9:00am), WILL BE MONTHLY MEETING FOR BUSINESS

Members received the March Business Meeting Draft Minutes for review in their email. Please get edits back to Becky Johnson before next Sunday’s meeting (4/13/25).

GMM RETREAT REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS COMING – APRIL 11th
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 

LAST CALL – SIGN UP FOR GROUP ATTENDING “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 10 or May 17 at 2:00pm (a Saturday matinee)

The Fellowship Committee plans to coordinate group rate ($40-45) tickets for 10+ folks ( GMM, Green Street & Chestnut Hill Meetings). Thanks to all who have responded!

GMM MEMBER PHOEBE JONES SCHELLENBERG COORDINATES INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE!
  • See more information in the “Take Action” section below
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

NEW QUAKER CHECKLIST TIP #1

Following the effort of Friends General Conference (FGC), supporting newcomers as well as offering a refresher for oldtimers, each week there will be a tip from FGC’s New Quaker Checklist – “steps to take to deepen your faith and connect to other Friends in North America.” Try one, or try them all!

QUAKER PARENTS WERE AHEAD OF THEIR TIME

Thanks to Peter Samuel for sharing –

Somehow, 375 years ago, the Quakers developed a religion whose core principles align well with the pillars of modern parenting research. Gail Cornwall on what parents of any faith—or none—can learn from them:

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:

AUTHOR EVENT – FIERCE VULNERABILITY: HEALING FROM TRAUMA, EMERGING THROUGH COLLAPSE
Conversation with author, Kazu Haga
"In Fierce Vulnerability, Haga invites us to understand that there is no freedom or resiliency in a changing world without telling the truth that our freedom actually means healing. This book is good medicine for those of us on the front lines of liberation work who long to root our work in an ethic of care and healing." Lama Rod Owens 

When?  Wednesday, April 23 @ 7:00pm ET

Where? In-Person: Homewood Friends Meeting, (3107 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218) AND via Zoom

SAVE THE DATE: PHILADELPHIA QUARTERLY MEETING

When? Sunday, April 27

Where? Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting (1500 Cherry Street, Philadelphia)

In addition to the Business Meeting, there will be a program with the head of school at Brumana Friends School in Lebanon, who will speak about managing a Quaker School in the Middle East in these troubling and challenging times.

  • Registration details coming soon!
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.

  • Middle School: Monday, 4/7, 10:20 - 11:00am                
  • Upper School: Thursday, 4/10, 10:10 - 11:00am
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 this Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

TAKE ACTION!

HANDS OFF! NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION 

When? This Saturday, April 5, 12:00 - 3:00pm

Where? Starts at Philadelphia City Hall (1400 JFK Blvd), walks to gathering at Independence Mall (¾ mile)

On April 5, national and local organizations are coming together across the country to organize for Hands Off!, a national mass activation in defiance of the Trump-Musk billionaire takeover and the Republican assault on our freedoms and our communities. Hands Off! is an all-in moment for the pro-democracy, pro-worker movement—a demand, a warning, and a rallying cry. (mobilize.us)

Quakers are meeting at 11:45am at Friends Center (1501 Cherry Street) to march together.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS – HANDS OFF RALLY PREP - Tonight - Friday, 4/4, 8:00pm on Zoom

When & Where? TONIGHT, Friday, April 4, 8:00pm on Zoom

Before we take to the streets, we need to make sure we know our protest rights.

Our allies at the ACLU will prepare you to protect yourself and your community with practices for safe, peaceful action, covering:

  • Your rights when protesting, including interacting with law enforcement
  • Your rights when interacting with immigration agents
  • How to protect yourself and others in high-risk situations
  • Key actions you can take to defend our freedoms

RSVP here to get the Zoom link

POWER’s NORTHWEST PHILLY EDUCATION JUSTICE TOWN HALL

When?   This Sunday, April 6, 2:30 - 4:30pm

Where?  Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields (8000 St. Martins Lane, Philadelphia, PA)

Join in to make our voices heard! 

We’ll be speaking directly with State Representatives Andre Carroll, Tarik Khan and Chris Rabb about the urgent need for fair public school funding. Your presence matters—we need parents, teachers, students, faith leaders, and advocates in the room to hold our legislators accountable!

  • Demand full and fair funding for our public schools.
  • Share your stories and concerns directly with state legislators.
  • Stand with our community to fight for education justice.
  • Consider the impact of Philadelphia’s housing crisis on the stability of our community schools.

RSVP here now to show that Northwest Philly demands action!

OUR RIGHT TO CARE - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

When & Where?  

  • April 10, at the University of Pennsylvania
  • April 11, at Crossroads Women’s Center

All welcome to attend Our Right to Care, an international conference being held at the University of Pennsylvania (Thurs April 10) and the Crossroads Women’s Center (Friday April 11) coordinated by GMM member Phoebe Jones Schellenberg. The conference is bringing together academics, researchers, advocates, community organizers, unpaid and paid caregivers and those who depend on care to look at how caring relationships based on promoting choice, independent living and mutual respect can be financially supported rather than expanding a care industry based on profits, forced dependence, low standards, low pay and exploitation.

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?   This 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, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, flat screen TVs, computer monitors and microwaves.

BIRDING AT AWBURY WITH PHILLY QUEER BIRDERS

When?   Sunday, April 6, 8:30 - 10:30am

Where?  Meet at the Ardleigh St. entrance (approx 6100 Ardleigh St) at the Awbury Arboretum sign

Spring is here and we’re excited to welcome some early migrants to the city such as Eastern Phoebes, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Palm Warblers to name a few.

We will be moving slowly along flat and gently sloped, grassy paths with some benches and picnic tables along the way. There will be two restrooms available at the Cope House. There is plenty of street parking at the meeting spot along with a parking lot within Awbury. (Philly Queer Birders)

  • No registration is required and we’ll have some binoculars to share.

If you scoot out a bit early, you can still make it for worship at GMM!

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

FOR QUAKER NEWCOMERS: Friends General Conference New Quaker Hub

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)