THE FRIDAY BEE                             ❤️ February 13, 2026 ❤️

 SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 

10:20am

Greeter

Karen Lightner

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

Becky Johnson

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

Mike Pechter & Adrienne McDonnell

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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Food Distribution in front of GMM

When?  This Sunday, February 15, 9:30am for set-up & 12:00-3:00pm for distribution (& every 3rd Sunday)

Where? In front of Germantown Meetinghouse on Coulter Street

What?  The Center for Returning Citizens (TCRC) Community Healing Center Food Distribution takes place every 3rd Sunday out on Coulter Street, in front of the Meetinghouse. Helping hands are needed and always appreciated!

Questions?  Contact Jondhi Harrell

SEND GMM YOUR UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION!

Do you have a new cell phone number? Finally cancelled that landline?

No longer use an old email address? Or have a preferred one?

Have you moved, and not told us?

Please send in any changes to your contact information, so we can update the Meeting’s records:

GAME NIGHT & PIZZA at GMM

When?  Next Saturday, February 21, 6:00-8:00pm

Plan to join in for this always requested event! Fun for all ages. Bring your favorite game(s), and there will be plenty of games provided. Hop from table to table, trying new games or enjoying old treasured ones. Great chance to make a new friend and catch up with folks! All are welcome.

  • RSVP here if you have a chance (just so we know how much pizza to order).
REMEMBERING GFS TEACHER CATHY SCHRADER

When? Sunday, February 22, 2:30pm (hybrid); and reception to follow, in Social Room

Where? Germantown Friends Meetinghouse (& on Zoom – hybrid)

Cathy was a founding board member of Summerbridge Germantown (now Breakthrough) in 1995, was a math support teacher in the GFS Upper School between 2006-2011, and the parent of two GFS alumni (Claude & Matt). Friends are welcome to join in remembering her, here in the meetinghouse or on Zoom.

  • Stay tuned for hybrid Zoom link
BENEFIT CONCERT AT THE MEETINGHOUSE

When? Friday February 27, 7:00 - 9:00pm

Where? Germantown Friends Meetinghouse

Please join us for a benefit concert raising funds for Juntos (https://www.vamosjuntos.org/) and Gaza Soup Kitchen (https://gazasoupkitchen.org/). This concert and light show will feature local artists (sound generously provided by Germantown Community Radio). Step into the Social Room next door to learn about and connect with a number of local organizations doing immigrant rights and Palestine liberation work.

GMM CHILI LUNCH

When? Sunday, March 1, after worship

We will try yet again… and barring any further weather madness, let’s gather over a cozy bowl of chili!

All are welcome!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PROVIDE REFRESHMENTS THIS WINTER! ☕ 🍪

We all appreciate a cup of coffee/tea and snacks after worship.

These yummy refreshments rely on volunteers to make that possible every week.

Please volunteer to provide refreshments this winter!

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

We need volunteers on these dates:

  • March 15  -  29
  • April 12 - 19 - 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

WELCOME TO QUAKERISM (4-part) SERIES RETURNS!

When & Where?  Thursday, February 19, 7:30pm on Zoom

Topic: Meeting for Worship

The Welcome to Quakerism series is starting over again, with four monthly sessions on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm. Great for newcomers and for anyone wanting a “refresher!”

Program Highlights:

  • The series is designed to be accessible: no advance reading or homework is required.
  • Sessions include a mix of local speakers, QuakerSpeak videos, and small group discussions.
  • The four-session series will be repeated three times, so newcomers can join at any point and still experience each topic.
  • Meetings can be attended individually, and all are welcome to join. Meetings may be attended from home or by gathering for a “watch party” at someone’s house or meetinghouse.

Monthly Topics:

  • February 19: Meeting for Worship
  • March 19: Quaker Decision Making
  • April 16: 10 Peculiar Things You Should Know About Quakers
  • May 21: Beyond Sunday Morning (This session will rotate topics such as spiritual practices, Quaker activism, and the wider Quaker world)

APPLY FOR QUAKER VOLUNTARY SERVICE (QVS)!

Do you know a young adult who might be interested in living at the intersection of transformational spirituality and activism? Tell them about Quaker Voluntary Service… an 11-month program where Fellows work full-time in professional positions at community based organizations addressing a wide range of issues, while living in a cooperative house and worshiping with, and being mentored by, local Quakers.

LET US STAND WITH JESUS AGAINST VIOLENT POWER

A Micro-Conference on Responding to the Crisis of Mainstream Christianity - Convened in the Spirit of Friends

When? Sunday, February 22, 1:00 - 4:00pm

Where? 15th Street Friends Meeting in Manhattan (15 Rutherford Pl, NYC)

This gathering is rooted in the Quaker testimony of peace and seeks to address the widening gap between the radical, nonviolent teachings of Jesus and the complicity of dominant Christian institutions in violence, nationalism, and state power. Together, we will reflect, listen, and discern how Friends and allies are called to respond faithfully in this moment of moral crisis.

P.S. (per PYM) Manhattan is a significant drive for many PYM Friends. If there are folks interested in attending the conference and visit a meeting for worship that morning, check out the Quaker Finder - Friends General Conference for this, or whenever Friends/seekers are traveling!

READING OF 1688 GERMANTOWN FRIENDS PROTEST AGAINST SLAVERY

When? Saturday, February 28, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Where? Historic Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse (6119 Germantown Ave.)

Come to a reading (with re-enactors) of this important document.

The petition, officially named the Germantown Friends’ Protest Against Slavery, is among the many milestones being recognized by the Philadelphia Historic District in 2026 for its “52 Weeks of Firsts” program.

The first religious statement against slavery in the Americas, this petition was signed by Quakers. The historic document was re-discovered in 2005 at Arch Street Meetinghouse, and a reproduction hangs on the wall of the GMM Committee Room!

QUAKER ACTION ANNUAL MEETING

When? Saturday, February 28, 9:00am - 2:00pm

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

Quaker Action Mid Atlantic Region (QAMAR) is working to  Defend Democracy, Solve the Climate Crisis and End Gun Violence.  Great speakers including Vicki Miller from Indivisible Philly, PA Rep. Joe Hohenstein, and Bryan Miller, from Heeding God's Call, will help focus on how f/Friends can make a real difference to improve public policy in our states.  All are welcome.  

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).

NEW QUAKER CHECKLIST TIP #43 – INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCACY TRAINING – THROUGH FRIENDS COUNCIL ON NATIONAL LEGISLATION

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 #43: Participate in Advocacy Training with Friends Council on National Legislation (FCNL)
  • When & Where? February 25, 8:00pm on Zoom
  • Join an engaging and informative session on how you can effectively advocate for the issues that matter most to you. FCNL believes in the power of grassroots advocacy to bring about positive change, and they are excited to share valuable insights and strategies with you.
  • Register Here
PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL (GFS) NEWS & EVENTS

ALUMNI Q&A: JEFFREY STERN ’03 – MIDDLE EAST JOURNALIST & FILMMAKER

Meet Jeffrey Stern ’03, an award-winning journalist, author, and filmmaker who has spent much of his career covering stories in Afghanistan and neighboring countries in the Middle East. His new book, The Warhead, was released on January 20, 2026.

ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK

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

  • LowerSchool Worship: Thursday, 2/19, 9:00 - 9:30am
  • Upper School Worship: Thursday, 2/19  10:10 - 11:00am        

TAKE ACTION!

IMMIGRANT SOLIDARITY / BYSTANDER TRAINING

When? Saturday, February 21, 3:00-5:30pm

Where? Unitarian Society of Germantown (6511 Lincoln Drive)

Join the movement. Know your rights. Protect your neighbors. Stand up to ICE.

10 RULES OF RESISTANCE – WAGING NON VIOLENCE FOR #ICEOut

Nonviolent movements succeed by strategically pressuring the pillars of support for an injustice to withhold or withdraw things like information, cooperation, funding, labor and more. These 10 Rules of Resistance for #ICEOut offers ways to deny immigration agencies the key resources they need to function effectively.  

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.

➤ LIST OF ONGOING/WEEKLY SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS

CLICK HERE for a list of ongoing, weekly/regularly scheduled vigils & protests supporting immigrants, Palestine, peace, Constitutional rights, etc.

  • Includes standing events such as — Fridays @ Fettermans, Mondays @ McCormicks, We the People Wednesdays, etc.

(These used to be listed every week in the Friday Bee, but we are consolidating them into their own linked document.)

Have more ongoing protests and vigils to include? Send them to the GMM Office (gmm@germantownfriends.org)

GERMANTOWN & NEARBY

FREE JAZZ CONCERT: LEON JORDAN, JR. QUINTET

When? Saturday, February 14, 12:30pm

Where? Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library (68 West Chelten Ave - at Greene Street)

Join in for Black History Revisited, a musical celebration of Black American history and culture in honor of Black History Month. This program is sponsored by the Library, and the Musicians Union (Local 77). For all ages.

BLACK HISTORY MURAL TOUR

When? Tomorrow, Saturday, February 14, 1:00 - 2:00pm

Where? Historic Fair Hill (2901 Germantown Ave)

A guided mural tour exploring the Black history and legacy rooted in Fairhill, highlighting stories of resilience, leadership, and community impact.

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, 12:00noon (ET) 

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)