THE FRIDAY BEE                                                                         May 23, 2025

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, MAY 25

10:20am

Greeter

Karen Lightner

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

Allen Woodruff

11:40am

Refreshments

Karen Lightner & Wendy Wells

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

A CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GFS: HOW DOES THE SCHOOL THINK ABOUT FINANCIAL AID?

When?  Wednesday, May 28, 7:00pm – on Zoom

Chris Breña, Director of Financial Aid, will talk about the School's goals for Financial Aid, and how they use financial aid to manage the school's financial diversity.  He will give a short presentation and take general questions.  

This is the first in a series looking at various aspects of GFS.

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

When?  Next 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 

GMM STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR QUAKER WALK

With appreciation for the effort and commitment demonstrated by the group that formed and led the Quaker Walk to Washington DC, Germantown Meeting shared a statement of support.

LETTERS FROM GFS STUDENTS THANKING US FOR THE PRIDE FLAG

Last Sunday, as I was greeting Friends arriving for Meeting for Worship, I was handed five letters written by GFS students thanking the Meeting for hanging the Pride flag in front of the meetinghouse. Each of them had a different message but all described the hanging of the flag and standing up for people in the LGBTQIA community as an act of bravery in these times. A scan of the letters are attached to the Bee. -- Karen Lightner, Clerk

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 if any of the items in this photo 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 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 REACHES WASHINGTON DC!

On Thursday, May 22, the group of Friends traveling by foot from NYC reached Washington DC to deliver to members of congress the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657, with current and related demands to stand up for the basic freedoms of all people. Friends and supporters (including some from GMM) joined legs of the trek, provided meals and housing along the way in solidarity.

FCNL URGES VISIT TO SEN. MCCORMICK FOR MEDICAID, SNAP & CLEAN ENERGY!

Friends Council on Legislation (FCNL)’s policy team believes Senator Dave McCormick can be convinced to protect health care, food assistance, and clean energy investments – if constituents mobilize and apply some F/friendly pressure.

Visit Senator McCormick’s office at 2000 Market Street (or at one of his offices closer to you - see here), to advocate!

Recruit others to join you!

  • Read more here for an FCNL Action Kit with resources, scripts, letters to leave behind, etc.
NEW QUAKER CHECKLIST TIP #8 - ATTEND A VIRTUAL WORSHIP ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!

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!

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 IN CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL

Germantown Friends All-School Commons opens with celebration

A look at Friday’s Grand Opening Celebration of the All School Commons including the amazing “Friends in Common” show, led by GFS parent, novelist & musician Wesley Stace. The show featured student musical and spoken word performances, a presentation from the GFS Archives, and performance by Eric Bazilian (GFS ‘71), from the Philly rock band The Hooters.

Germantown Friends tutors at shelter reap surprising benefits

Interviews with Andrew Li ’26 and James Hoveland ’27 on their work with other GFS students to tutor children and support the residents of the Laurel House, a domestic violence shelter.

ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK

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

  • Middle School Worship: Tuesday, 5/27, 10:20 - 11:00am (note: moved to Tuesday because of Monday holiday)
  • Lower School Worship: Thursday, 5/29, 9:00 - 9:30am                
  • Upper School Worship: Thursday, 5/29, 10:10 - 11:00am

TAKE ACTION!

JOIN A “REACH-OUT” FOR PEACE IN CHESTNUT HILL

When?  Saturday, May 31 , 10 am – 12 pm

Where? In Chestnut Hill next to the "Welcome to Chestnut Hill" sign, near the well-traveled intersection at Cresheim Lane & Germantown Avenue (across from the Peace Park and Saturday Farmers Market).

Our democracy is being crushed by Trump. Justice, hope, and peace need the recurring voices of people. 

This monthly demonstration calls for peace, justice, and restoring our hope. Peace flags, large banners, and signs are provided, with bell-tolling and readings on justice and peace.
Bring your folding chair if you wish to sit.  

  • Questions or more information, call Bob Smith at 215-843-4827 (mornings, 9 am - noon).
  • To find out more, click here.
NAVIGATING THE UNEXPECTED: STREET SKILLS FOR CROWDS

When? Sunday, June 1, 2:00 - 5:00pm

Where? Friends Center (1601 Cherry Street)

In this experiential training in street skills for crowds, we’ll sink our teeth into a variety of scenario examples and explore how to navigate complex situations, including marshal skills beyond one on one deescalation, managing large groups in emergent street scenarios, and shifting risk assessments. Develop your ability to assess, reflect, and make informed decisions in real-time, building resilience and skill in seeing the people around you as a resource. Participants will leave with skills to marshal for a variety of marches and actions.

This training will be led by trainers from Earth Quaker Action Team, Jewish Voice for Peace Philadelphia, and New Town Friends Meeting and is hosted by Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting.

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.

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.

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

CELEBRATION OF THE ROSES FESTIVAL AT WYCK!

When?  Saturday, May 24, 11:00am - 3:00pm – Free entry

Where?  Wyck Historic House (6026 Germantown Avenue)

A full day of special garden tours, Wyck's plant sale, local food & drink, house tours, local craft vendors, and so much more.

POETRY IN THE PARK AT HISTORIC FAIR HILL BURIAL GROUNDS

When?  Saturday, May 24, 1:00pm

Where? Fair Hill Burial Grounds (2901 Germantown Avenue)

Join in and welcome the garden and grounds as a poetic muse! Writing & sharing session included. No experience needed, just the courage to try! Free with snacks (rain date: June 28)

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)