THE FRIDAY BEE                                                          🌞  August 29, 2025  🌞

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

10:30am

Meeting for Worship

During the month of August, we will worship on Zoom only.

First Day School

On recess for the summer.

11:30am

Introductions & Announcements

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 & ANNOUNCEMENTS

GMM MEMBER SAM THACKER & BAND MAKE DEBUT PERFORMANCE TONIGHT!

When?   Tonight, Friday, 8/29 (doors open at 7:00pm; show starts at 7:30pm)

Where?  The CO Lab -  (2256 Mount Carmel Avenue, Glenside)

GMM member Sam Thacker and his band, Heavy Tears, whose new single is this Friday's WXPN Local Pick have a gig tonight (8/29) at the CO Lab in Glenside.

Here's what WXPN had to say:

“Area indie rocker Sam Thacker makes crunchy guitar jams in the spirit of Nada Surf and Built To Spill, and produced himself with seasoned Philly players like Ciaran Wall of Lady HD and Jeff Lucci of Air is Human. Their debut single “Always Now” is out now, and they’ll play a Friday night show at the Glenside art space The CO Lab”

GMM WORSHIP IN AUGUST – on Zoom – ONE MORE SUNDAY!

Our meetinghouse will be closed for in-person Sunday Worship for just one more week.

We will continue to hold Meeting for Worship on Zoom, which all are invited to join.

Those Friends wishing to experience worship in person are encouraged to visit other nearby meetings —

  • Chestnut Hill is air conditioned and meets at 10:30 am;
  • Abington has both indoor and outdoor worship at 10:00 am;
  • Plymouth Meeting has in-person worship at 10:00 am and hybrid worship at 11:15am;
  • Merion Meeting worships in their 1695 meetinghouse at 11:00 am.  

Green Street Meeting will be having outdoor worship this Sunday (8/31) in front of their meetinghouse.

  • If you’d rather not sit on a folding chair, bring your own camp chair or picnic blanket
  • Children may stay in worship or go to playground with the scheduled adults
  • Hospitality will be on front porch; bring a potluck dish to share
  • If it rains, worship will be indoors.

If you visit another meeting, be sure to bring with you greetings from Germantown Meeting!

NEXT Sunday, September 7th – Back in our meetinghouse!

  • We will resume in-person (& hybrid) worship in our meetinghouse
  • First Day School & Child Care will resume
SAVE THE DATE – ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP STARTS UP IN SEPTEMBER!

When?  Tuesday, September 16, 7:00pm – on Zoom

The Anti-Racism Discussion Group is having its next meeting on Tuesday, September 16 at 7PM via ZOOM. We will discuss people's involvement in local and national political and social justice issues over the summer and what we as a group should  do next.

TCRC FOOD GIVEAWAY at GMM – VIDEO CLIP ON INSTAGRAM

Jondhi Harrell shared that this past weekend’s food giveaway drew an amazing number of people, and they kept coming. The food giveaway is becoming more and more popular in the neighborhood!

He posted a great clip on Instagram of the food giveaway this past weekend in front of the meetinghouse on Coulter Street.

Many thanks to Jondhi’s leadership!

Note: Next monthly food giveaway (every 3rd Sunday) will be on Sunday, September 21. Volunteers are always needed!

☕ 🍪 LOOKING AHEAD TO DELICIOUS REFRESHMENTS IN SEPTEMBER! ☕ 🍪

Yes, it’s still summer, but not too early to volunteer to provide refreshments after worship in September.

Please look ahead and pick a date:

September 14  -  September 21  -  September 28

October 12  -  October 19  -  October 26

Please contact Becky Johnson. THANK YOU!

Thanks to all who provided refreshments over the past year!

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

QUAKER NEWS & EVENTS

SUPPORT THE QUAKER VOLUNTARY FELLOWS (QVS)
   & BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH FRIENDS FROM OTHER MEETINGS IN PYM!

The Local Support Committee for Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS) is looking for new members.  

Each year QVS brings young adults to Philadelphia to live in community and work for a non-profit. Philadelphia QVS is unique because multiple Meetings support the house, thus the Local Support Committee (LSC) comes from a variety of Meetings. The LSC works with the Philadelphia QVS coordinator to support the fellows.

SAVE THE DATE – STEPHEN G. CARY MEMORIAL LECTURE (Hybrid) – SEPTEMBER 8 with MAX CARTER

When?   September 8 @ 7:30 pm ET

Where?  Hybrid – on Zoom & at Pendle Hill (338 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford, PA)

What?    “Earthquake, Wind, and Fire – Seeking the Calm Center,” with Max L. Carter (retired professor & William R. Rogers Director of Friends Center and Quaker Studies at Guilford College)

We are living in a time of “earthquake, wind, and fire.” Many of us are searching for “still, small voice of calm,” a Living Center, where we can hear the voice of the Divine and find the strength to carry on.

NEW QUAKER CHECKLIST TIP #25 - Explore the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO)

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 #25:  Explore the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO)
  • A Quaker presence at the United Nations, representing Friends’ concerns for global peace and justice to the international community.
SAVE THE DATE – PHILADELPHIA QUARTERLY MEETING FAMILY PICNIC!

When?  Saturday, September 20, 10:00am - 2:30pm (Rain Date: September 27)

Where? Historic Fair Hill Burial Ground (2901 Germantown Avenue)

Includes a guided tour & outdoor worship in the morning, followed by lunch and a fun-filled afternoon. Bring the whole family! It’s a wonderful chance to relax, connect, and be in community together.

PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL (GFS) NEWS & EVENTS

GFS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL — TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2! 🍎✏️

Throughout the week, teachers have been setting up classrooms and attending planning workshops and training sessions, and our incredible maintenance and grounds crews are making sure campus is ready and beautiful.(from Family News)

GMM is invited to attend weekday Meetings for Worship during the school year.

We will post in the Friday Bee each week when the divisions worship in the meetinghouse.

GEMS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: THE BETTY CARY ARBORETUM 🌳🍁

From GFS News – 

Between the Main Campus and Fields, GFS cares for over 230 different species of trees – 475 individuals in all. In addition to the revolutionary-era American Sycamore in the Dead Graveyard, several of them have stunning stories for those who would gather under their shade to learn. In 2015, the arboretum’s certification was officially named in memory of GMM member Betty Cary, when the school planted a parrotia tree in what is now “Betty’s Triangle” between the Common and the Cary building.

For nearly seventy years between 1945 and 2014, Betty Cary was a fixture of the GFS community in various capacities––she was a teacher, substitute, office assistant, horticulturalist, and eventually, a volunteer. Generations of GFS students recognized her as someone who seemed to know everything there was to know about the school and its gardens. She loved learning the Latin names of trees and plants, teaching students about the different species, and would have strong opinions about what trees to plant on campus.

SUPPORT THE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE FOR NEIGHBOR SCHOOLS

When?   Tuesday, September 9

Where?  Meetinghouse Porch, morning & afternoon (see below)

Please join GFS in supporting the local Germantown community at our upcoming school supply drive, benefitting neighborhood elementary schools.

Items of highest need include loose-leaf paper, pencils, markers, crayons, colored pencils, construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, highlighters, two-pocket folders, composition books, tissues, and cleaning wipes.

  • Items may be dropped off at the Meetinghouse Porch during morning arrival (8:00-8:30am) & afternoon dismissal (3:00-3:30pm)

TAKE ACTION!

POWER Interfaith AFFORDABLE HOUSING CAMPAIGN COMMUNITY EDUCATION MEETING

When: September 10, 2025 at 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Where: Green Street Monthly Meeting (45 Schoolhouse Lane, Philadelphia PA 19144)

Who: NW Philly Quakers (Friends from Chestnut Hill MM, Germantown MM and Green Street MM)

Why: Learn about the current financial landscape of the city of Philadelphia, the impacts of the recent business tax cuts, and POWER Philly’s strategic bet -- a revenue fight that will fund housing programs. Get involved in the campaign to fund more affordable housing in Philadelphia.

POWER Interfaith is a multi-faith, multi-racial organization. We organize in neighborhoods and congregations to build power for regular people in our city, so we can win the things we want for ourselves and the people we love.

For more information, contact Jayson Massey (Germantown), Robin Mohr (Green Street), or Meg Cruz (Power Coordinator for NW Philly)  

LOCAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAYS & WHERE TO FIND THEM

To help families meet their needs for a successful start to the year, various community groups and institutions offer giveaways of essentials, including backpacks, notebooks, food, SEPTA cards, and even haircuts for your young ones.

The Germantown Info Hub team has compiled a list of these givebacks happening around the neighborhood over the next month.

There are at least 6 more giveaway events happening in the remainder of August!

Share this information with any families who might be interested.

TRYING TO FIND SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS?

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

ONGOING – MONDAYS @ MCCORMICK’S

When?  Mondays, 12:00noon - 1:00pm, rain or shine

Where?  2000 Market Street, Senator McCormick’s Philadelphia office

Join in weekly to assemble peaceably - as is our constitutional right - outside Senator McCormick's Philadelphia office until he agrees to meet with us and support our demands: (These will change as conditions develop)

ONGOING – 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
ONGOING – 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)

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

BIKE RIDE FOR A SAFE GERMANTOWN

When? Saturday, September 6, 10:00am

Where? Begin at Fernhill Park (meet at corner of Morris & Abbotsford)

Join State Rep Andre Carroll, representatives from the City of Philadelphia, and community groups for a press conference and bike ride. Enjoy a tour of this historic neighborhood to highlight the current state of road infrastructure and behavior in Germantown and the need for greater traffic safety measures.

SAVE THE DATE – PHILADELPHIA HONEY FESTIVAL @ WYCK 🐝

When?  Saturday, September 6, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Where? Wyck (6026 Germantown Avenue (at W. Walnut Lane) – Enter through Walnut Lane entrance

The Philadelphia Honey Festival at Wyck is our sweet finish to the summer season! Hosted in partnership with the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild, the festival offers a variety of activities that celebrate and educate about our important friend, the honey bee!  This always-popular event includes honey tastings, extractions, presentations, bee-bearding, a mead and beer garden, and much more!.

SAVE THE DATE – GERMANTOWN AVENUE FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL – on our corner!!

When?  Saturday, September 6, 12:00-6:00pm

Where?  Germantown Avenue, between School House Lane & Coulter Street

Hosted by the Achievement Foundation, this back-to-school celebration will bring together families, food trucks, vendors, resource tables, school supply giveaway, live entertainment, and community members for an afternoon of fun, music, and neighborhood.

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 Voluntary Service (QVS) Worship with Attention to Gaza/Palestine: Tuesdays at 12:00noon (ET) on Zoom

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)