THE FRIDAY BEE 🎃 October 31, 2025
⏰ Daylight Savings ends this weekend! ⏰
Remember to turn your clocks BACK this Saturday night!
SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
10:20am
Greeter
Anthony Stover
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
Erin Davis
11:40am
Refreshments
Sam & Pam Thacker
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
REMEMBERING ANNE JAVSICAS
There will be a hybrid memorial service for Germantown Meeting member Anne Javsicas, who passed away on October 11.
When? Next Saturday, November 8, 2:00pm
Where? Germantown Friends Meetinghouse (47 W Coulter Street) & on Zoom
Reception to follow memorial - in the Committee & Social Room
Note: The service will start promptly at 2:00 PM. Please log on to Zoom by 1:50 to make sure you are connecting successfully.
COOKIES & BROWNIES WELCOMED FOR MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Funeral Arrangements Committee warmly welcomes baked goods for the Memorial Service remembering Anne Javsicas, on Saturday, November 8, 2:00pm.
- Please drop off in the Meetinghouse kitchen prior to 2:00pm when the Memorial service begins. Many thanks!
ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE MEETING
When? Monday, November 10 at 7:00pm on Zoom
We will look at results from the election and talk about future doings and actions of the group.
People interested, contact – John Colgan-Davis. Put Anti-Racism Group in the subject line.
GMM MEETING FOR BUSINESS – NEXT SUNDAY
When? Sunday, November 12, 9:00am
Reminder to Members that Meeting for Business happens next Sunday (11/12). Draft minutes from our October Business Meeting will go out to Members early this coming week for your review. Attenders are welcome, but must let Karen Lightner (Clerk) know in advance that you would like to attend.
GAME NIGHT (& pizza) AT GMM COMING SOON! ♟️
When? Saturday, November 15, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Where? Germantown Meeting - Committee/Social Rooms
This wonderful intergenerational event is always great fun at GMM!
Bring your favorite board games, and there will be plenty of games provided.
Mark your calendars! Everyone is welcome – all ages!
CALENDAR OF GERMANTOWN MEETING FELLOWSHIP EVENTS
The Fellowship Committee has compiled a calendar of monthly events that will be happening this year, including Game Nights, Chili Lunches & Potlucks, and small dinner gatherings. More to come throughout the year. Calendar is posted on the Committee Room bulletin board and at the Welcome Table.
Anytime we gather – that’s Fellowship! Help us promote more togetherness!
Interested in adding an event to the calendar? Theater going? Discussion Group? Hike in the Wissahickon? Something else?
- Contact Fellowship Committee Clerk, Anne Stassen
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE MEETING
When? Sunday, November 16, 9:00am
Where? Germantown Friends Meetinghouse
The focus will be on improving the carbon footprint of the Meetinghouse.
Interested members and attenders are encouraged to come.
Questions and suggestions for other agenda items?
- Contact Bill Cozzens or Jack Rhoads
☕ 🍪 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:
December 14 - January 4 - January 11 - January 18
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
PYM AGING GRANTS – APPLICATION DEADLINE: TOMORROW – NOVEMBER 1
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) is accepting applications for Friends ages sixty and older who are in financial need for monthly recurring grants to assist with their basic needs, to make it possible to live in communities, or to remain in their own homes.
Applications may be submitted by Friends themselves, family members, or those serving on a meeting’s committee when a need becomes known. The process is confidential, and all information shared is used only to discern the request.
PENDLE HILL LECTURE (Hybrid): BUILDING COMMON GROUND IN POLARIZED TIMES
When? November 3 @ 7:30 - 9:00 pm EST
Where? At Pendle Hill (338 Plush Mill Rd, Wallingford), & on Zoom (register below)
A First Monday Lecture with Eileen Flanagan on her book, “Common Ground: How the Crisis of the Earth Is Saving Us from Our Illusion of Separation.” Eileen argues that more than technology or even elections, acting in solidarity with all life is humanity’s best hope for survival. In this Monday night lecture, she will share how what she learned on this journey can help us better face today’s political crises.
- Free & open to the public -- Registration Required
- Read more & Register here
REGISTER NOW FOR PYM FALL CONTINUING SESSIONS
When? Next Saturday, November 8 - Sunday November 9
Where? Arch Street Meeting House (320 Arch Street & hybrid)
What are "Continuing Sessions?” These are 1-2 day events in November & March, where Friends attend to the continuing business of the Yearly Meeting and enjoy fellowship across generations.
- Theme: “Members One of Another” reminds us that each individual is a necessary part of the whole Body, with important gifts to share.
- Friday Pre-Sessions: on Sharing & Listening and Affinity Groups
- Register here (free)
NEW QUAKER CHECKLIST TIP #34 – ATTEND/VISIT PENDLE HILL OR BEN LOMOND QUAKER CENTER
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 #34: Attend an event/program at Pendle Hill in Wallingford, PA or Ben Lomond Quaker Center in Northern California
- Both are Quaker centers focused on programs & retreats, contemplation, spirit-led learning, growth, and community.
PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)
- PYM Weekly Update
- PYM Events Calendar: Check out upcoming and ongoing programs promoted by 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:
- Lower School: Thursday, 11/6, 9:00 - 9:30am
- Middle School: Monday, 11/3, 10:20 - 11:00am
- Upper School: Thursday, 11/6, 10:10 - 11:00am
ALUMNI PROFILE: IRANIAN-AMERICAN CHEF & FOOD ENTREPRENEUR
Meet Louisa Shafia ’88, an Iranian-American cook and food entrepreneur living in Nashville, Tennessee. She's written two critically acclaimed cookbooks, runs an online Persian marketplace, and is the Culinary Liaison for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition.
And how did GFS impact her life? “GFS laid the groundwork for me being a lifelong meditator. Being able to sit with yourself in silence is so valuable. I learned that in Meeting for Worship. And ultimately, I am who I am politically because of GFS. My outlook on the world is accepting everyone as equals and aiming for peace and quality of life for everyone. That was instilled in me in GFS.”
TAKE ACTION!
ANOU – DAS GOOD OWNER – HAS BEEN RELEASED!
Exciting news! After three months of detainment, the Das Good owner has been released on bond.
Letter writing, fundraising, and rallies by organizations and neighbors helped support Anou and his family in fighting for his release.
The power of a loving community! ♥️
ELECTION DAY – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Remember to get out and vote this coming Tuesday! Every vote counts. Make a difference!
Polls are open in Philadelphia from 7:00am - 8:00pm.
Registered, but need to find your polling place?
Need to know what’s on the ballot?
FREE NUTRITION WORKSHOP & MEAL …WHEN SNAP IS SUSPENDED
When? Tomorrow, Saturday, November 1, 2:00 - 5:00pm
Where? Green Street Friends Meetinghouse (45 W School House Ln)
The Church of the Revolution is hosting a free nutrition workshop and meal on Saturday, November 1st (the day SNAP will most likely be suspended). Come together to dive into recipes that promote our health and wellness, are easy to make and are so delicious. Great fun, great food, great people, and it's FREE. Please spread the word!
NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY – HELP FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY NOW
You can help your fellow Pennsylvanians battling food insecurity by donating to food banks and community pantries in your area.Advocates encourage making monetary donations, which can have a much greater impact than donating food from your pantry.
- Search for food banks and community pantries in your area here.
EMPTY BOWL DINNER – TO END FAMILY HOMELESSNESS
When? Wednesday, November 5
- Two seatings: 5:00 - 6:30pm or 6:30 - 8:00pm
Where? William Penn Charter School (3000 W School House Lane, Philadelphia)
An all-you-can-eat feast of fresh soups, breads, and desserts - all proceeds support Family Promise of Philadelphia’s (FPP) mission to end family homelessness, one family at a time. While the guests are eating, we share information about our work and send them home with a handmade ceramic bowl as a reminder of our work to help families in need.
- Tickets ($40 for adults; $10 students & children) – Click here to purchase
🌳 SAVE THE DATE: VOLUNTEER FOR NICETOWN TIOGA TREE TENDERS FALL BLITZ PLANTING! 🌳
When? Saturday, November 15,10:30am
Where? Meeting @ 4300 Germantown Ave (Furtick Farms)
Join volunteers plant 24 trees throughout the neighborhood!
- Read more here about the benefits of expanding the “tree canopy” in our communities
- Interested? Contact Kera Gibbs at the PA Horticultural Society (PHS) - kgibbs@pennhort.org
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.
- See more here, and bookmark their site!
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
FALL PLANTING DAY AT AWBURY
When? Thursday, November 6, 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Where? Francis Cope House at Awbury, 1 Awbury Rd.)
Join us as we add up to 50 new trees to Awbury’s collection in just one afternoon! Tree Tenders from across Northwest Philly will be on hand to guide the planting, and volunteers of all ages are invited to help root these future giants into our landscape.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE AT CARPENTER’S WOODS
When? Tomorrow, Saturday, November 1, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Where? Meet at Wayne Avenue Trailhead (Wayne Avenue & W. Sedgwick Street)
Would you like to help keep Wissahickon Valley Park beautiful and sustainable? Join in with Friends of the Wissahickon & Friends of Carpenter’s Woods this Saturday! This relatively small section of the Wissahickon, while frequented amongst West Mt. Airy neighbors, is not widely-known to many regular visitors of the Park. The group will be completing a variety of stewardship tasks in the area!
- All are welcome to attend, and no experience is needed.
- Note: there will not be bathroom access during the service day.
- Read more & Register Here
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)