THE FRIDAY BEE                              February 20, 2026

 SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 

10:20am

Greeter

Any volunteers? (we had a late cancellation)

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

Karen Lightner

11:35am

Zoom Social Time

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

11:40am

Refreshments

We need volunteers this week! Food will be dropped off … mainly need helpers to make coffee, serve, clean up, etc. (we had a late cancellation)

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

GAME NIGHT & PIZZA at GMM

When?  Tomorrow, 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).
GMM ADULT CLASS RETURNS!

When?  This Sunday, February 22, 9:00am

Where?  Germantown Meetinghouse – Social Room (in-person only; not hybrid this time)

This first class will explore "what Quakers believe." 

We will consider Arthur Larrabee's effort to distill Quakerism into 9 "Core Beliefs." Most of the session will be reserved for discussion and sharing in small groups. The committee's hope is that the class will be spiritually & intellectually edifying as it supports the development of deeper connections within our Meeting community.

Friends Journal's December issue was devoted to "What Quakers Believe," and Friends may find essays by  Thomas Gates and Pamela Haines enriching and useful in thinking about Sunday's topic.

  • Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Prompt arrival is requested.
  • Child Care will be available in the kindergarten
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Food Distribution in front of GMM – EARLIER TIME!!

When?  This Sunday, February 22, 9:30am for set-up & 11:00am - 1:00pm for distribution

NOTE: This week is an earlier & compressed giveaway – help needed so we can finish by 1:00!

Where? In front of Germantown Meetinghouse on Coulter Street

What?  The Center for Returning Citizens (TCRC) Community Healing Center Food Distribution typically 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.

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; see link below)

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.

ZOOM MEETINGS TO DISCUSS LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR CONGRESS

Every two years, about 10 months before the US Congress starts a new session, the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), our Quaker lobby in Washington, DC, asks meetings, churches and other Friends groups to provide input on what issues, policies or programs should be high priority for FCNL's lobby efforts in the new Congress. Germantown Monthly Meeting's top 5 priorities must be submitted by mid-April. We encourage Meeting members and attenders to participate in the process.

Two upcoming Zoom meetings will kick off this process:

When? Tuesdays, February 24 and March 3, both evenings at 7:00pm

Zoom link for both meetings is HERE 

  • If you have questions or cannot attend either meeting but are interested in participating in the process, please contact Bill Cozzens
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:

BENEFIT CONCERT AT THE MEETINGHOUSE

When? Next 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? Next 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!

SAVE THE DATE – GMM RETREAT

Happening May 1-3, 2026 at Camp Dark Waters in nearby Medford, NJ.

Join us for a time of spiritual nourishment and community bonding. We will enjoy shared meals, worship, and fun activities for all ages, including canoeing, a ropes course, nature walks, and fireside singing. We’re committed to making the retreat accessible for all.

  • Registration and additional information coming soon.
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 & spring!

We need volunteers on these dates:

  • March 29  ◆  April 19

Please contact Mike Pechter or click here to sign up 

  • You can also use this same volunteer form to sign up to Greet at the door, or Close worship from the facing bench, or provide Refreshments! Many options to participate. THANK YOU!

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

PART-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE IN LEGAL RESEARCH FIRM

(Posting from GMM Member TJ Rafferty's firm)

GET Documents, LLC is a Philadelphia based legal research firm focusing primarily on Court of Commons Pleas civil litigation.

We are currently looking for a person to cover our daily filing project, which identifies and reports on newly filed civil complaints in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Qualified candidates will need to quickly identify case types of interest to our clients and be able to read, analyze and report on those cases for an audience of legal professionals. Knowledge of the legal field and filings is a plus but not necessary as long as the candidate is willing to learn and has strong reading and writing skills.

This is a part-time position paid based on the number and complexity of cases reported. A typical week averages around $500. There is also the potential for other projects to be taken on as needed. Much of the work can be handled remotely, but you will have to go into Philadelphia City Hall daily to complete the reporting.

  • Interested candidates can submit a resume and brief cover letter to GMM member, Thomas Rafferty

QUAKER NEWS & EVENTS

FILM SCREENING: COST OF INHERITANCE

When? Sunday, February 22, 12:30pm

Where? Green Street Friends Meeting (45 W Schoolhouse Lane)

A detailed investigation of restitution, “The Cost of Inheritance” presents accounts of everyday people confronting the past and exploring the possibilities of wealth transfer.

  • Featuring conversations with Sister Patt Gunn, Gullah Geechi Storyteller & Activist
  • Rep. Christopher Rabb, Philadelphia’s 200th District
  • Come eat lunch (at 11:45am), watch the film, and discuss! See flyer here
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.

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.  

NEW QUAKER CHECKLIST TIP #48 – LEARN HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE QUAKER COALITION FOR UPROOTING RACISM (QCUR)

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 #48: Learn how to participate in the Quaker Coalition for Uprooting Racism  (QCUR)
  • The Quaker Coalition for Uprooting Racism is a coalition of six Quaker organizations and Friends who are working together to accelerate the movement for, and capacity to create, racial justice among (& beyond) Friends through the creation of the Quakers Uprooting Racism community of practice program– racial justice changemakers learning and experimenting with actions together.​
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.

  • Middle School Worship: Monday, 2/23, 10:20 - 11:00am
  • Upper School Worship: Friday, 2/27  10:10 - 11:00am (Note: Friday instead of Thursday!)        
CHRISTOPHER ALLEN ‘09 LECTURE: FEATURING EMILY BAZELON ‘89

When & Where? Friday, March 6, 10:15-11:00am | Livestreamed from Loeb

We are proud to welcome Emily Bazelon ‘89 to campus for this third annual lecture series, featuring eminent journalists and writers. A staff writer for The New York Times Magazine and co-host of Slate’s Political Gabfest, Bazelon writes frequently on social issues such as free speech, reproductive rights, and criminal justice. Register here to watch the lecture via livestream.

TAKE ACTION!

WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE – Today – Friday, February 20th

2026 Theme: “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice”

This year’s theme reflects both recognition of progress achieved and acknowledgement of persistent and emerging challenges. While significant gains have been recorded in poverty reduction, education and social protection coverage, structural inequalities, labour market informality, gender disparities, and declining trust in institutions continue to impede inclusive and sustainable development.

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

EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION: MIKEL ELAM’S DIVINE NAVIGATION 

When? Saturday, February 21, 5 – 7 pm

Where? Allens Lane Art Center (601 W Allens Lane)

A multimedia collage exhibition by Philadelphia-based artist Mikel Elam. Through layered materials, symbolic imagery, and spatial tension, Elam explores inner guidance as both a personal and inherited force.

FROM OUR HANDS TO HISTORY:CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF BLACK ARTISTRY & HISTORY

When? Saturdays, February 21 & 28, 12:00 - 6:00pm

Where? The Movement Philly (7133 Germantown Ave)

Get ready to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Black art and history, with artists and makers from across the country. Come shop. Come Learn. Come Connect. Free & Open to all.

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)