THE FRIDAY BEE                                                                         May 16, 2025

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, MAY 18

10:20am

Greeter

Dorothy Cary

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 Samuel

11:40am

Refreshments

Becky Johnson & friend!

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

VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED! Food Distribution on GMM Porch, This Sunday, May 18 

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!

  • Where? Germantown Friends Meeting - on the Meetinghouse porch
  • When?  3rd Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm

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

MEET DIRECTOR OF FRIENDS UNITED MEETING, AFRICA AFTER WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY!

When?  This Sunday, May 18, at the rise of meeting

This Sunday, we will be joined for worship by John Muhanji, the Director of Friends United Ministries, Africa. Following the rise of Meeting, John will talk briefly about the work of Friends in Africa. There will be opportunities for Friends to ask questions following his brief presentation.

Join him for lunch?

Following Refreshments, a small group will be going to lunch with John. If you are interested, please contact Deborah Cooper (deborahcooper125@gmail.com)

GMM MEMBER JESS HOBBS PIFER QUOTED IN INTERNATIONAL PRESS ON QUAKER WALK

Has everyone seen the press for the Quaker Walk, the group that stopped at our Meetinghouse for dinner & worship last weekend?

GMM Member (Young Adult Friend) Jess Hobbs Pifer, an organizer, was quoted in an Associated Press article that was also picked up by the Guardian! So proud! Read it here

SAVE THE DATE – GMM ANNUAL POTLUCK PORCH PICNIC IS COMING SOON!! ☀️🌷

When?  Sunday, June 1, after the rise of Meeting

Where?  On our meeting house porch

Please bring a favorite picnic dish to share, as we gather to welcome summer fellowship! All are welcome!

Note: Set-up & breakdown help always needed! Contact the Meeting Office to volunteer - gmm@germantownfriends.org 

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING SERVICES AVAILABLE

From GMM Member Joel Eckel, a teacher at Penn Charter, and a house painter with over 25 years of experience –

Next year, I’ll be on sabbatical from teaching, and I’m currently looking to fill out my summer painting schedule and book jobs for the rest of the year. I handle interior and exterior painting projects of all sizes, and I take pride in doing clean, detailed, and reliable work.

I offer free estimates, flexible scheduling, and have plenty of local references available.

📞 Call or text me at 215-298-2365 

GMM LOST & FOUND – ARE ANY OF THESE ITEMS YOURS?

Friends - we have a growing collection of items that folks have left behind at the Meetinghouse over the past months. We would like to reconnect them with their owners! See the attached photos to see if any of these are yours. (Note: Some of the items in the photos have already been retrieved.) 

Reach out to the Meeting Office to let us know! gmm@germantownfriends.org 

  • Any items not claimed by June 1st will be donated or discarded.
🌷🌻REFRESHMENTS PROVIDERS NEEDED FOR JUNE🌻🌷

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 in June:

  • June 8  -  June 15  -  June 22  -  June 29

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

QUAKER WALK ARRIVES IN WASHINGTON! DELIVERY DAY!

When? Thursday, May 22

Where?  

Schedule for the final day –

  • 8:30 am – Depart Friends Meeting of Washington
  • 10:00 am – Meeting for Worship & Rally on the Lincoln Memorial Steps
  • 11:30 am – Lunch
  • 12:30 - 1:30 pm – Walk the Mall to the U.S. Capitol
  • 1:30 - 2:00 pm – Presentation of Flushing Remonstrance to Representatives
  • 2:00 - 5:00 pm – Citizen-Lobbying opportunity with FCNL (Friends Committee on National Legislation)

Want to join the final 4 miles of this epic journey?

Please sign up here so they will know you’re coming – Quaker Walk Sign Up 

Want to know more about the Quaker Walk? Read more here

NEW QUAKER CHECKLIST TIP #7 - READ “THE QUAKERS: A VERY SHORT INTRODUCTION”

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!

  • Tip #7: Read An Introduction to Quakerism by Ben Pink Dandelion 
  • This book “charts the history of Quakerism and its present-day diversity, and outlines its approach to worship, belief, theology and language, and ecumenism.” (FGC QuakerBooks)
PENDLE HILL’S MAY READING GROUP – TRYING TO BE TRUTHFUL

When?  Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 - 8:30pm, on Zoom

This month, the reading group will read Chel Avery’s Pendle Hill pamphlet on the spiritual discipline of truth-telling, Trying to Be Truthful (PHP #455), offering reflections on the nature of truth, an exploration of the particular importance of Truth to Quakers, and Chel’s own practical wisdom on how we can endeavor to live a truthful and integrous life. 

You can purchase copies of this popular publication at the following links:
PH pamphlet (printed edition)
Amazon Kindle (e-book)
Barnes & Noble Nook (e-book)

The monthly Reading Group focuses on Pendle Hill pamphlets and other Quaker readings, gathering to consider queries about the reading in a spirit of worship sharing.

INTERNSHIP AT QUAKER ACTION

Want to put your technology experience to a good cause? Quaker Action Mid-Atlantic Region is seeking an activist who is motivated to develop our network of supporters, help grow our web and social media presence, and increase our membership base. The position is part time, approximately 10 -15 hours/week.

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH – DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FRIENDS COUNSELING SERVICE?

Friends Counseling Service offers psychological support to members of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, their families and regular attenders and staff. Services include individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, and family therapy. Therapists in the Counseling Service are mental health practitioners licensed and insured in the states where they work. All are active members of PYM.

SAVE THE DATE: INTERFAITH PEACE 2025 – AT GMM

When? Sunday, June 8, 2:00 - 4:30pm, at Germantown Friends Meeting

Philadelphia Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation will be holding an Interfaith Peace program of reflection & action for justice & reconciliation. Speakers, listening circles, music and refreshments.

PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL (GFS) NEWS & EVENTS

GFS A CAPPELLA CONCERT

When? Tuesday, May 20, 6:00pm – in our Meetinghouse

Final GFS A Cappella concert of the school year. And we all know the acoustics in GMM Meetinghouse for music is fabulous!

ALL-SCHOOL CHORAL CONCERT
When? Sunday, 5/18, 3:00pm
Where? Taulane Auditorium in the Loeb Performing Arts Center 
ALL-SCHOOL ART SHOW

When? Thursday, May 22, 4:00 - 7:00pm,

Showcasing amazing work of students from all divisions!

  • Early Childhood: Little Gym, 4-6 p.m.
  • Lower School: Main Building, first floor front and third floor, 4-6 p.m.
  • Middle School: All School Commons, second floor, 4-6 p.m.
  • Upper School: All School Commons, lower level and third floor, 5-7 p.m.
ALL-SCHOOL WORLD PERCUSSION CONCERT

When?   Thursday, May 22, 7:30pm

Where?  Yarnall Auditorium in the Sharpless Building

ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK

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

  • Middle School Worship: Monday, 5/19, 10:20 - 11:00am                
  • Upper School Worship: Thursday, 5/22, 10:10 - 11:00am

TAKE ACTION!

ELECTION DAY – GET OUT & VOTE!  

When?  Tuesday, May 20, 7:00am - 8:00pm

Here is what you need to know about this week’s Primary Election: Read here

To better understand the Ballot Questions: Read here

LOVE YOUR PARK WEEK 🌳🌿🌷

When?  Last weekend of Love Your Park, May 17-18

Where? In Germantown & all over Philadelphia!

Coordinated by the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation & the Fairmount Park Conservancy

Plan to join our Germantown Meeting members locally at –

OR, help at another park near you!

SEPTA OPERATING BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS & PROTEST RALLY!!

When? Monday, May 19

  • 10:00am – Rally to protest service reductions - Save Chestnut Hill West line!
  • 11:00am – Public hearings begins

Where?  SEPTA Headquarters (1234 Market Street)

  • A group is riding down to the hearing; meet at Wayne Junction to take the Chestnut Hill East at 9:23 (Train #709).  Join us!
FILM SCREENING & MASAFER YATTA SOLIDARITY FUNDRAISER – GET TICKETS NOW

When?  Monday, May 19, 7:00-10:00pm

Where? Ritz 5 (214 Walnut Street, Philadelphia)

Prayers for Peace Alliance—alongside IfNotNow Philadelphia, and the Center for Jewish Nonviolence—will host a powerful evening of community and action. Join us for a screening of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” followed by a panel discussion and fundraiser in support of the Masafer Yatta Solidarity Fund.

LOCAL GROUP ACTIONS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Trying to stay on top of the many events and efforts these days?

Mobilize is a central posting site that has opportunities concerning local actions for protest and in support of social justice.

SAVE THE DATE (New Date):  POWER Northwest Housing Justice Town Hall

When?  Monday, June 8, 3:00 - 5:00pm

Where?  St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church (109 E Price Street, Germantown)

Join POWER's Northwest Philly Housing Justice Town Hall to hear stories from our leaders, hear from Councilmembers, and hear about our plans to launch our own agenda for truly affordable communities.

WE THE PEOPLE WEDNESDAYS – SINGING FOR SANITY

When?  Every Wednesday at 4:00pm 

Where?  Allens Lane Station in Mt. Airy

Join neighbors at the Allens Lane Station in Mt. Airy every Wednesday afternoon for a new protest group!

There will be protest songs led by local musicians each week, speakers describing the cruelty and madness of our F/Elon leaders, and following up with actions.

  • Watch their website for more information on the music & speakers each week: WeThePeopleWeds.org
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

WISTER WOODS: LOVE IT, CLEAN IT, KEEP IT GREEN!

When?  Tomorrow, Saturday, May 17, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Where?  Wister Woods (1931 Belfield Avenue – Approximately 100 yards above the intersection of Belfield Ave. and Lindley Street, 50 yards from Belfield Ave at the Old Stage)

One Day. One Park. One Big Difference!

Join your neighbors and friends for a hands-on day of giving back to Wister Woods! We’ll be clearing trails, picking up litter, spreading mulch around a stone BBQ, and sprucing up the park’s natural beauty—because a cleaner, greener park means more fun for everyone. Whether you’re a kid, teen, or adult, there’s a way for you to help. Let’s roll up our sleeves, make memories, and keep Wister Woods beautiful together!

14th DISTRICT PUBLIC SERVICE AREA #3 MEETING

When?  Tuesday, May 20, 8:00pm

Where? Juvenile Family Services (100 W. Coulter St.)

These meetings are an opportunity to speak directly with officers in the district about your experiences & concerns.

Public Service Area (PSA) 3 covers Allens Lane to Queen Lane (north/south borders) & Germantown Ave to Wissahickon Ave (east/west borders). 

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)