THE FRIDAY BEE                                                                        October 3, 2025  

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

10:20am

Greeter

Outreach Committee – Welcome GFS!

10:30am

Child Care

Starts in kindergarten building across the driveway

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

Teodora Nedialhora

11:40am

Refreshments

Outreach Committee – Welcome GFS!

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. Masks are optional in the meetinghouse. 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

LET’S WELCOME GFS FAMILIES TO GERMANTOWN MEETING!

All GFS families are warmly invited to a Fall Day of Welcome at Germantown Friends Meeting.

When?  This Sunday, October 5

  • 9:30am – Join us for light breakfast followed by a brief introduction to Quakerism and Quaker worship with time for questions.
  • 10:30am – Meeting for Worship, with childcare provided.

While everyone is always welcome at Germantown Monthly Meeting, this is a special chance to gather in community with other families and experience Quaker worship together.

RSVP TO ATTEND FELLOWSHIP DINNER WITH QUAKER PEACE WALKER ON FRIDAY, 10/10

When?  Friday, October 10, 6:30pm (RSVP by 10/8)

Where?  Germantown Meetinghouse (Committee/Social Room)

What?

A few of the participants in the “Quaker Walk 2025” that traveled from Brooklyn to Washington in the Spring will be returning to conduct some video interviews of Friends who have committed their lives to Peace.

We are organizing a small fellowship dinner with them on Friday.

Interested in attending?

  • Please RSVP to the Meeting Office (gmm@germantownfriends.org) by Tuesday, October 7 at 5:00pm, so we can coordinate the food order. We ask attendees to please bring desserts.
BUMPER STICKERS TO SUPPORT JUDGES

Bumper stickers are available to encourage folks to vote to retain the PA judges who kept the Commonwealth from using the gerrymandered map. A supply of stickers are on the counter in the Committee Room (see Dorothy Cary for more).

BUILDING A DATABASE OF PEACE & RESISTANCE

GMM Member, John Colgan-Davis is gradually compiling a list of social justice/action/resistance organizations, efforts and events in which Germantown Meeting folks are involved, to share information about ways to be impactful.

Information Table at Refreshments on Sunday, October 5

  • Stop by and read about some of the organizations
  • Contribute information about additional resources to add to the database/list

Have organizations/efforts/events to share?

  • Email them to John Colgan-Davis
  • Write “Resistance” in the Subject line of the email 
ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP MEETING

When? This Tuesday, October 6, 7:00pm on Zoom

The GMM Anti-Racism Discussion Group will have its next meeting this next Tuesday. We will review what we have done and are doing with resistance actions and discuss what things the group can do in the future; films to see, books to read, trips to take, etc.

YOUNG FRIENDS MEETING COMING UP

When?   Sunday, October 19, 4:00pm

Where?  GMM Meeting Cottage

Young Friends will be gathering to discuss planning an event in November to learn about Conscientious Objection.

Are you high school aged (or have a high schooler in your family), but haven’t been to Young Friends? Welcome!

  • Interested in attending on October 19th, please contact Lois Volta
SAVE THE DATE: POTLUCK LUNCH AFTER MEETING

When?   Sunday, October 26, at the rise of Meeting

Where?  GMM – Committee & Social Rooms

We are the host site for Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting in October – so let’s enjoy some fellowship over lunch!

Dust off your favorite dish to share with a crowd – and ideally, let us know you’ll be coming.

☕ 🍪 VOLUNTEER TO PROVIDE REFRESHMENTS THIS FALL! ☕ 🍪

Please volunteer to provide refreshments after worship in the Fall.

  • Make it a family activity   ◆   Partner up with a friend
  • Make it a Committee activity, while promoting your committee's work?

Please look ahead and pick a date:

November 16 - November 23 - November 30

December 14 - December 21

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

HOW FAITH COMMUNITIES CAN SUPPORT IMMIGRANTS

Friends Center continues its 50th Anniversary celebration as the Quaker Hub for Peace and Justice in Philadelphia with its next nonviolent action training.

When? Sunday, October 12, 3:00 - 5:00pm

Where? Friends Center (1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia)

Join Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends for a workshop on how to support the immigrant justice movement with the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia. NSM will share updates on what’s happening on the ground and how to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities right now—through Accompaniment, ICE Watch, campaigns, and direct actions. We’ll then take a deep dive into how to prepare our congregations and faith communities in case ICE ever comes to them. Refreshments and child care provided.

Free and Open to all! Refreshments will be provided.

Read more about all of trainings here

CLIMATE WITNESS WORKSHOP – QUAKER CLIMATE ACTION!

When? Saturday, October 25, 2025, 9am - 4pm

Where? Arch Street Meeting House and on Zoom

Mark your calendars and register while workshop space is available! Climate Witness: Let Our Actions Speak!

Friends from across Philadelphia Yearly Meeting will be gathering to confer, learn and plan what we can do in our homes, our meetings and in the greater community to address the climate crisis. For people newly concerned about the climate, energy and the environment, this will be an introduction to different action alternatives available to Friends in our region.

For experienced (and perhaps frustrated or burned out) activists, this will be a chance to network and recharge your energy and enthusiasm for addressing the challenges we face. Participants will have choices of both morning and afternoon workshops, depending on your interests. In both the morning and afternoon there will be a youth track, with the hope of allowing young Friends from meetings and Friends schools in the region to network, share concerns, and build toward collaboration going forward.

PYM YOUNG FRIENDS FALL GATHERING AT CLIMATE WITNESS WORKSHOP

When? Saturday, October 25, 2025, 9am - 4pm

Where? Arch Street Meeting House

Join Young Friends (YF) from around Philadelphia Yearly Meeting for the opportunity to participate in workshops aimed at building knowledge, providing resources, and creating a toolkit for action.

  • The day will also include a YF discussion about youth voices in climate justice, group games, and time for just hanging out!
  • Lunch will be a brown bag picnic…bring a snack to share!
  • More information and registration here!
  • Questions?  Contact Ember Eldridge (PYM’s YF Facilitator) 
PHILADELPHIA QUARTERLY MEETING – FALL SESSION … SIGN UP BY 10/17!

When?  Sunday, October 26, 10:30am – 4:00pm 

Where? Germantown Monthly Meeting (47 W Coulter St)

Program Topic: Outreach, Community Care, and Children

Join Friends for a day of worship, connection, and community! Reflect, share, and learn in breakout sessions on Outreach, Pastoral Care, and Religious Education. Lunch and childcare are provided.

NEW QUAKER CHECKLIST TIP #30 – STUDY THE BIBLE AND OTHER TEXTS WITH YOUR MEETING

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 #30:  Study the Bible and other texts with your meeting
  • Friends, Scripture and Our Living Faith (Philadelphia Yearly Meeting)
  • In addition, while Friends turn to Faith and Practice as a continually revised & updated book of advice on procedures within the faith, membership, and current practice for conducting meeting business – it also includes numerous quotations from Friends on belief, worship, concerns, leadings, and testimonies.
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. Schedule for upcoming week:                

  • Middle School: Monday, 10/6, 10:20 - 11:00am        
  • Upper School: Thursday, 10/9, 10:10 - 11:00am
FRIENDS FREE LIBRARY CELEBRATES BANNED BOOKS WEEK 📚 

When?  October 5 - 11

Friends Free Library joins the American Library Association in celebrating Banned Books Week, to promote the freedom to read and raise awareness of efforts to limit access to library materials. This year, Friends Free Library will have a book display and photo booth where readers of all ages can have their photo snapped with their favorite banned books. Stop by!

  • Germantown Meeting members & attenders are welcome at Friends Free Library, everyday after school – Mon-Fri, 3:30 - 6:00pm
STUDENTS AND TEACHERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE CONVERGE AT GFS NEXT WEEK 🌎

As host of the 2025 Montgomery Bell International Symposium (MBIS), GFS will welcome 40+ students, teachers, and school administrators to campus from cities across the globe, including Mumbai, Bogotá, Johannesburg, and Stockholm. The cohort has spent the past several months exploring this year’s theme, “The Future of Truth in the Digital Age.” Through working sessions and excursions in Germantown, Philadelphia, and New York City, the students will conclude this year’s work by producing a Symposium Accord–a culmination of their thinking and conclusions.

MERCER TATE '48 LECTURE FEATURING FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO CANADA, DAVID L. COHEN

When?   Friday, October 17, 10:15 - 11:00am

Where? Taulane Auditorium, Loeb Performing Arts Center (or by livestream)

Nominated by President Joe Biden and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, David L. Cohen served as the United States Ambassador to Canada from 2021 to 2025.

The Mercer Tate '48 Lecture was established in 1992 in honor and memory of Mercer D. Tate, a lifer at Germantown Friends School, and features prominent speakers from various fields of public service. Tate was a dedicated public servant devoted to the GFS community and to Philadelphia. Among his many public service activities, he was the Democratic leader of the ninth ward in Philadelphia, president of the Fellowship Commission, president of the United Neighborhood Centers of America, and a delegate to the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, where he helped rewrite the state constitution.

TAKE ACTION!

'NO KINGS' DEMONSTRATION AT GERMANTOWN FESTIVAL

Join a demonstration alongside the Germantown historic festival in anticipation of the upcoming "No Kings Day" Mass Protest on October 18 in Philadelphia.  

What:   "No Kings" message at 2025 Revolutionary Germantown Festival

When:  Tomorrow, Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Where: In front of Cliveden Park, 6401 Germantown Avenue

For more on the background of the festival and a complete schedule, click here.

COLLECTING CHILDREN’S BOOKS FOR FRIENDS OF VERNON PARK

Do you have gently-used children’s books you no longer need?

GMM member Ruth Seeley collects them for the 2 Little Free Libraries in Vernon Park.  

SUPPORT VERNON PARK - ANNUAL BAZAAR & FLEA MARKET

When & Where?  Saturday, October 18, 9:00am - 3:00pm (Vernon Park, 5800 Greene Street)

Please support central Germantown’s largest open green space. Friends of Vernon Park are holding their annual Bazaar and Flea Market on Saturday October 18 – This event funds our activities and volunteer expenses through the year. Come join us! All are welcome!

SAVE THE DATE: “NO KINGS MARCH” – PHILADELPHIA, PART OF NATIONWIDE PROTESTS

In Philadelphia, No Kings Day, Part 2 will be a march from City Hall to Independence Mall.

“No Kings” is more than just a slogan — it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. March with other protesters on this important day to show our determination and power.

What:  Mass Protester March,No Kings Day, Part 2, from Philadelphia City Hall to Independence Mall

When: Saturday, October 18, 12:00 - 3:00pm

Where: Gather for rally at 12 noon at City Hall, 15th Street & JFK Blvd., and march to Independence Mall. Ends at 3 p.m.

To sign up and find out more, go to https://mobilize.us/s/fnJSwE 

SIGN PETITION LETTER FOR A PALESTINIAN ANTI-GENOCIDE SPEAKER @ NO KINGS 2.0

As part of the Philadelphia Alliance for Peace & Freedom for Palestinians--which includes F@F, CAIR Philadelphia, IfNotNow Philly, Mennonite Action Philly, Philadelphia Palestinian Americans, Prayers for Peace Alliance, and Reclaim Philadelphia--we have signed on to a letter to Vicki Miller, Group Leader of Indivisible Philly, requesting that a Palestinian speaker be added to the rally roster to address Trump's genocide in Gaza at No Kings 2.0 in Philadelphia on October 18th.

  • The letter and sign-on form are linked HERE. Deadline, Wednesday, 10/8
BOOK TALK ON PALESTINE –

“Thou Shalt Not Stand Idly By: Jews of Conscience on Palestine” with author Susan Landau

When?  Sunday, October 19 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Where? Summit Presbyterian Church (6757 Greene St, Philadelphia)

Susan Landau will talk about and offer several selections for reflection and discussion from her recently published book, Thou Shalt Not Stand Idly By: Jews of Conscience on Palestine. The book looks at Jewish dissent to Zionism from the beginning of the movement.  

All are invited to respectful learning and discussion in the parlor after the coffee hour. We’ll have additional light refreshments.

Reading the book ahead of time is not required, but it’s available to read online or download at no charge (and to order) here.

REACH OUT TO STOP TRUMP'S MADNESS, in Chestnut Hill

Reach out against Trump's injustice and brutality against people and our democracy. Posters and banners provided.

What?   Reach-Out to generate protest against Trump's assault on justice and peace everywhere.

When?  Saturday, October 25, 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

What to bring: Yourself and friends. Sunscreen, water, and a lawn chair if you wish to sit.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS FESTIVAL @ HISTORIC FAIR HILL

When?  Saturday, October 4, 12:00-3:00pm (rain date: Oct 11)

Where? Historic Fair Hill (2901 Germantown Avenue)

Community health resources, fresh produce and recipe sharing, family fun activities, and more!

See flyer here

FREE YARD TREE GIVEAWAY

When?  Saturday, October 18, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Where? Maplewood Mall (2-20 Maplewood Avenue, Germantown)

TreePhilly is the Community Forestry program of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, working to plant and care for an equitable tree canopy for all residents. Free trees are available for Philadelphia residents only and must be planted in the ground (not in a pot) on private property in the city of Philadelphia. Register for your tree by October 15th.

Looking for a free street tree to plant along the sidewalk in front of your house or business? Click here for more information on that

QUAKER RESOURCES

OTHER (VIRTUAL) WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
  • Pendle Hill – Daily Zoom meeting for worship online from 8:30-9:10 am
  • Friends Council on 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)