THE FRIDAY BEE                                          ❄️ January 23, 2026 ❄️ 

❄️ SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 25  ❄️

WEATHER UPDATE:

Due to the forecasted snowstorm, the meetinghouse will not be open for Meeting for Worship this Sunday (January 25). But join us for worship on Zoom! (see link below).

10:20am

Greeter

N/A

10:30am

Child Care

cancelled for 1/23 due to inclement weather

There will be no Child Care this week – due to inclement weather.

Starts in kindergarten building across the driveway

10:30am

Meeting for Worship

⬩ Online worship on Zoom

10:50am

First Day School

cancelled for 1/25 due to inclement weather

There will be no First Day School this week – due to inclement weather. 

Questions? Please contact Carla Childs.

11:30am

Introductions & Announcements

Margie & Ted Spaeth (on Zoom)

11:35am

Zoom Social Time

Zoom attendees, please stay online to join us in a Zoom social time after Meeting For Worship!

11:40am

Refreshments

N/A

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

MEETINGHOUSE WILL NOT BE OPEN THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 – DUE TO SNOWSTORM

But join us on Zoom for worship! (see link above)

Due to the inclement weather, the City of Philadelphia’s urging for everyone to stay off the roads, and the walkways around the meetinghouse not being cleared, Meeting for Worship will be on Zoom only this week.

In-person worship (hybrid) in the meetinghouse will resume next Sunday, February 1!

KENNETH FORD MEMORIAL

Friends are invited to attend the memorial service remembering beloved, long-time Attender and friend to GMM, Kenneth Ford, who passed away on December 5, at the age of 99.

When?  Tomorrow, Saturday, January 24, 2:00 - 4:30pm

  • A musical prelude begins a few minutes before

Where? Foulkeways at Gwynedd, Main Building Auditorium (1120 Meetinghouse Road, Gwynedd, PA)

GMM ADULT CLASS POSTPONED

Due to predicted inclement weather, the inaugural Adult Class will be postponed to begin in February. Stay tuned! 

The GMM Adult Class will start meeting again before worship soon. The first class will explore "what Quakers believe." We will reflect individually, engage a prominent perspective on the topic, and share insights and experience in small groups. The class aims to deepen understanding through communal inquiry and to build relationships within our Meeting community. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Prompt arrival is requested.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CHILDREN IN FRIENDS SCHOOLS

Application Deadline: This Monday, January 26

Germantown Monthly Meeting members who have children in Friends Schools may apply for tuition assistance from the meeting for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications should be completed and returned via US Mail to Faye Steacy, clerk of the Scholarship Committee, by Monday, January 26.

GMM CHILI LUNCH – NEXT SUNDAY! FEBRUARY 1

Our next GMM Fellowship event will be our classic Chili Lunch!

When?  Sunday, February 1, following worship

Gather for fellowship over a cozy bowl of chili! All are welcome!

GMM MEMBERS IN LOCAL EXHIBITION – JOINED HANDS ARTIST COLLECTIVE

When?  Exhibition runs through January 29

Where? Center on the Hill (8855 Germantown Avenue)

GMM Members Rebecca Hoenig and Ruth Seeley will have work in this exhibition. A collective of women creating art across diverse media - photography, painting, sculpture, mixed media, fiber, ceramics and printmaking.

☕ 🍪 VOLUNTEER TO PROVIDE REFRESHMENTS THIS WINTER! ☕ 🍪

Please volunteer to provide refreshments after worship in the New Year!

  • 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:

  • February 8 - February 15 - February 22

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

PHILADELPHIA QUARTERLY MEETING WILL MEET ON ZOOM

When? Sunday, January 25, 10:30am - 4:00pm (worship + program)

Where? On Zoom only

An update from Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting (PQM) -

With a snowstorm on the way, we'll be gathering fully online—no travel required, just a warm beverage encouraged and a cozy spot recommended. We trust this will be a welcome alternative to the weather.

The program will feature Chris Mohr, the new General Secretary of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) and serve as an introduction and a listening session focused on the two yearly meeting-wide witnesses addressing racism and climate change. He is planning a facilitated listening exercise for each quarterly meeting in PYM, and PQM will be the first. We look forward to coming together!

Tips for attending online:

  • Please mute your microphone when not speaking.
  • Feel free to use the chat for questions or comments.
  • We encourage cameras-on if you're comfortable – it helps everyone feel connected!

Questions or last-minute needs? Please contact:

Coordinator: pqmcoordinator@gmail.com

Clerk: elksteve50@gmail.com

BLACK, GAY & QUAKER – FRIEND IN RESIDENCE LECTURE AT HAVERFORD

When? This evening, Friday, January 23, 4:30 - 6:00pm

Where? Haverford College, Stokes Auditorium (370 Lancaster Ave, Haverford) & on Zoom

In this lecture, Rashid Darden, an award-winning novelist, educator, Quaker minister, and outspoken advocate for justice, explores the intersections of race, sexuality, and faith within the Religious Society of Friends. Drawing from his life as a Black gay Quaker, Darden will reflect on how these identities have shaped his spiritual journey, his creative work, and his ministry in Quaker communities. Rashid is currently the Spring 2026 Friend in Residence at Haverford College.

NATIONAL ZOOM CALL: From Exhaustion to Enthusiasm: Joyful Resistance in a Time of Tyranny

When? Sunday, January 25, 7:00 - 8:30pm

Where? On Zoom

Quaker Call to Action is hosting Phil Gulley, noted Quaker pastor, writer, and speaker. Phil will bring a message, “From Exhaustion to Enthusiasm: Joyful Resistance in a Time of Tyranny," followed by a time for questions, comments, and reflections.

Read more about Phil Gulley and about Quaker Call here

GAZA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE  

When? Sunday, February 1st at 1:00 pm

Where? Friends Center (1501 Cherry Street) & on Zoom

Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting (CPFM) is continuing our work on the Middle East by hosting this workshop. AFSC's Jennifer Bing, director of the AFSC Gaza program, and Zoe Jannuzzi who works closely with Jennifer, will present to us about Gaza, Palestine and Israel:  past - present - and, especially, future. CPFM's Peace and Social Concerns Committee will host Jennifer via Zoom and Zoe will join us in person  in the Rufus Jones Room at the Friends Center.  

PYM 6-WEEK ONLINE COURSE: WHY PALESTINE MATTERS - The Struggle to End Colonialism

When?  Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:30pm; February 12, 19, 26, March 12, 19, 26

Where? On Zoom

The Palestine/Israeli relationship can often appear to be so complex and intractable that we don’t know how we can ever understand enough to work on justice. Gain perspectives and histories to put news headlines in greater context, discover where to learn more, and advocate for justice. Course developed by the Israel Palestine Mission Network of the  Presbyterian Church (USA).

PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL (GFS) NEWS & EVENTS

JANUARY TERM AT GFS: WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING IN 2026

See what’s happening for January Term this year – a series of special elective courses and travel opportunities that runs throughout the month in Upper School!

When GFS Upper School students and faculty returned to campus after Winter Break, instead of resuming regular classes, the whole division jumps into a month of adventurous, expansive learning. While juniors are kicking off their Junior Projects – off-campus independent studies and internships – ninth, tenth, and twelfth graders are diving head-first into January Term…

ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK

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

  • Middle School Worship: Monday, 1/26 – No worship on Snow Day! ❄️❄️
  • Lower School Worship: Thursday, 1/29, 9:00 - 9:30am
  • Upper School Worship: Thursday, 1/29  10:10 - 11:00am        

TAKE ACTION!

FRIDAY FILM SHOWINGS ON VENEZUELA

Global Women’s Strike and Payday men’s network invite you to Film showings on Venezuela.

Learn about this 21st century revolution where women are central, and why the US wants to destroy it.

When? Upcoming January Fridays, 3:30-5pm

Where?  Crossroads Women’s Center (5011 Wayne Ave) and virtual (location and link will be sent when you register)

Films were made by the Global Women's Strike. Please read the GWS statement: Venezuela, Palestine, Haiti…we stand with you against US imperialism and occupation

Also recommended – the gripping documentary The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, which shows the attempted coup against President Chávez in 2002 and how the Venezuelan grassroots overturned it.

PHILLY & NYC SOLIDARITY DELEGATION TO PALESTINE REPORT-BACK AND FUNDRAISER

When?  Tomorrow, Saturday, January 24, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Where? Unitarian Universalists of Mt Airy (6900 Stenton Avenue); Zoom option too

A group from Philadelphia and New York City traveled to the West Bank in late November to connect with Palestinians, organizations, and grassroots initiatives to deepen our commitment to advancing liberation through people-to-people solidarity. They learned first-hand about daily life and realities on the ground, as well as the everyday work people do to survive and resist the conditions imposed on them. Join in for the report-back to hear more about the delegation’s experience and learn about the movement to end the genocide and occupation.

POWER PHILADELPHIA CITY-WIDE ASSEMBLY ON AFFORDABILITY

When?  February 1, 2026 @ 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Join POWER Philadelphia and 40+ congregations for an assembly of people of faith concerned with affordability and cost of living in our city. We will build relationships, meet with elected officials and discuss solutions, and strategize on how we will build people power to make our city work for us. Final location and time to come- register to save the date and confirm your spot.

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 – SUPPORT OF IMMIGRANTS

Weekly Interfaith Vigils

When? Every Monday, 11:00am

Where? In front of the Immigration Offices, 8th & Cherry Streets, Philadelphia

  • Organized by State Senator Art Haywood who represents Northwest Philadelphia and Eastern Montgomery County.

When? Every Wednesday, 12:00pm

Where? In front of the Immigration Offices, 8th & Cherry Streets, Philadelphia

Email Governor Shapiro about Immigrants

Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, has organized the past few months to urge members and allies to call and email Governor Shapiro to stop state-level collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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 – 5:30 - 6:30pm

Where?  Unitarian Universalists of Mt. Airy (6900 Stenton Ave)

Join neighbors at the Unitarian Universalists of Mt. Airy every Wednesday afternoon for a 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

❄️SNOWED IN THIS WEEKEND? WATCH FREE MOVIES AT HOME! (Thanks, Free Library of Philadelphia)

Did you know that if you have a library card with the Free Library of Philadelphia, you can get free, on-demand video streaming through a service called Kanopy?! Read more here for details about the service.

  • You can find a link to Kanopy here on the Free Library’s Digital Media Portal, and learn about loads of other free online resources (e-books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, etc.)
  • Don’t have a library card? Sign up at your local library – more info here! 
BE PREPARED & BE A GREAT NEIGHBOR IN THIS STORM

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)