
QUAKER NEWS & EVENTS
DEEPENING OUR WORSHIP DURING QUAKER MEETING When? Saturday, April 25, 9:30 - 11:30am Where? Hybrid – Pendle Hill (338 Plush Mill Rd, Wallingford) & on Zoom In this workshop, Ingrid Lakey, Eileen Flanagan, and Dwight Dunston are coming together to bring forth practices and conversations to strengthen the quality of worship for Friends, seasoned and new to Quakerism. Whether you yourself have struggled to stay close to spirit, or you have witnessed the quality of worship impacted by the disconnection from spirit in others, this workshop is for you. Free and open to the public. Registration required. More info & Registration link here
LOVE AS ACTION: RESISTING AUTHORITARIANISM When? Saturday, April 25, 2:00pm * Where? Philadelphia City Hall Quaker public witness has stood in opposition to cruel and authoritarian actions in our country before. It is time for us to show this love in action again. Please join the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Philadelphia Area Quakers to bear witness and show resistance to the authoritarian actions in our country. * There will be an art-build at Friends Center (1501 Cherry Street) at 12:30pm, and then gather at Philadelphia City Hall for one hour of silent public worship. More info here Register here
EXTENDED MEETING FOR WORSHIP When? Saturday, April 25, 2:00 - 5:30pm Where? Arch Street Meetinghouse (320 Arch Street) Extended worship is a period of sitting with and in the divine spirit. In the manner of Early Friends, we gather for a prolonged period of silent reflection and inward searching, usually remaining in waiting worship for ~3 hours, with time at the conclusion for afterthoughts and sharing. Read more about it here
EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION: The History of Quakers: A Religious Revolution When? Thursday, April 30, 5:00 - 7:00pm Where? Arch Street Meetinghouse (320 Arch Street) A dynamic new experience featuring immersive displays, untold stories, and rarely seen artifacts at Arch Street Meeting House, one of Philadelphia's most significant historic sites. The exhibit follows the Quaker values of equality, peace, and social change from the American Revolution to today, and includes the 1688 Germantown Petition Against Slavery, found at our own Germantown Meetinghouse. See more here, and RSVP to this Free event
NEW DRAFT LAW PASSED: PEOPLE OF CONSCIENCE GET READY The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed at the end of last year will make federal Selective Service draft registration automatic for all men aged 18-25 starting in December 2026. Quaker author Curt Torell will explain recent legal changes in draft registration and outline steps for conscientious objectors to war to respond. In the sessions, we’ll consider together questions such as: What is conscience? Is your conscience troubled? How do you act on conscience? Who is a conscientious objector? Then the group will self-organize next steps for mutual support and counsel. Everyone is welcome. Join in-person or on Zoom at the following Meetinghouses (in NY Yearly Meeting): Montclair Meeting (289 Park St, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043): April 26, 1:00 - 3:00 pm Old Chatham Meeting (539 Co Rd 13, Old Chatham, NY 12136): May 3, 1:00 - 3:00 pm Brooklyn Meeting (110 Schermerhorn Street Brooklyn, NY 11201): May 11, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Register here to attend any of these sessions.
REGISTER FOR THIS SUMMER’S FRIENDS GENERAL CONFERENCE GATHERING When? July 7 - 12 Where? Burlington, Vermont Friends come together from across North America (and sometimes further) to deepen connection to one another and the Spirit. Open to everyone: Friends, their families, and newcomers! In structure, it’s part conference and part family camp. In content, it provides an abundance of opportunities to learn about Quakerism, foster spiritual life, and to have fun. Deadline for Financial Aid is May 1. Also additional support for Young Adult Friends (18-35) in PYM. Link to Financial Aid information here More info on The Gathering here
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
INDEGO BIKES COMING TO GERMANTOWN 🚲 Last week, GFS hosted a public forum with Germantown United CDC to discuss Indego’s plans to bring bike-share stations to our neighborhood. This was an important first step in gathering community feedback for Indego's citywide expansion. Read the meeting highlights.
FRIENDS FREE LIBRARY: READ UP ON NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH (APRIL) Celebrate the rich history and contributions of Arab Americans through our curated collection of titles—from contemporary fiction to historical memoirs—that reflect the diversity of the Arab American experience. Browse their virtual list or visit the library weekday afternoons until 6 pm to see the full display!
FOUR DECADES OF FRIENDSHIP - MEXICAN EXCHANGE! Last weekend, GFS celebrated the 40th anniversary of its exchange program with La Escuela Secundaria Técnica Número Uno in Tlaxcala, Mexico. Over 60 student and host family alumni came in person and dozens more joined virtually to honor lifelong friendships and cross-cultural connection.
ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK GFS welcomes GMM to attend Meeting for Worship during the school year. Middle School Worship: Monday, 4/27, 10:20 - 11:00am Lower School Worship: Thursday, 4/30, 9:00 - 9:30am Upper School Worship: Thursday, 4/30, 10:10 - 11:00am
TAKE ACTION!
VOTER REGISTRATION May 4, 2026 is the deadline to register to vote in the 2026 primary election! Do you or someone you know still need to register? Have questions about your polling place, or voting rights, or information about candidates & issues? Click here for PA Online Voter Registration More information about voting Voter Resources (Committee of 70)
MAY DAY: NO WAR, NO ICE, FREE PALESTINE When? Next Friday, May 1, 4:00 - 7:00pm Where? Philadelphia City Hall (1400 John F Kennedy Blvd) Also known as “International Workers’ Day,” this is a holiday celebrating workers and the history of labor organizing. Communities across the country are preparing for “No work, no school, and no shopping.” Workers, students, families will be marching, rallying, training, walking out and taking action together to demand: Tax the rich so our families, not their fortunes, come first. No ICE. No War. No private army serving authoritarian power. Expand democracy. Hands off our vote. More information & RSVP here See May Day organizing toolkit here
SUPPORT WITH COLLECTING DIAPERS FOR FAMILIES Family Promise of Philadelphia (formerly known as Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network) is running a community Diaper Drive – Right now, we are experiencing a significant shortage and are in the process of connecting with our community members and partners so we can meet this need for our families. Any contribution, small or big, would make a great difference for the families we serve. Seeking diapers of all sizes & brands (& they can coordinate pick-ups for large donations) Drop off location: Family Promise of Philadelphia (7047 Germantown Avenue)
GUIDE TO ICE WATCH HOTLINES AND IMMIGRATION RESOURCES Provided by GMM member John Colgan Davis; also available at the resource table at GMM on Sundays. A list of resources and organizations with guidance on immigration support. Many of these on-the-ground organizations have been working with immigrant communities for years. Click here to read more!
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!
➤ 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
EARTH DAY CREEK CLEAN-UP ALONG THE WISSAHICKON When? Saturday, April 15, 9:00am - 12:00noon Where? Meet at Ten Box Parking, at Forbidden Drive & Lincoln Drive (click here to see on Maps) Join Friends of the Wissahickon and their upstream partners Wissahickon Trails for our annual Creek Clean-Up, this year in celebration of both Earth Day and Celebrate Trails Day! Meeting at Ten Box (near Rittenhouse Town) and cleaning up litter along the south end of Wissahickon Creek, as well as along the bike bridges and paved path that runs parallel to Lincoln Drive from Forbidden Drive to Ridge Avenue. All are welcome to attend, and no experience is needed. More information here
READING IS FREEDOM FESTIVAL When? Saturday, April 25, 12:00 - 4:00pm Where? Historic Fair Hill (2901 Germantown Avenue) Celebrating literacy, creativity, and community with family-friendly activities, book giveaways, and interactive stations designed to inspire a love of reading. All are welcome! Featuring Philly Goat Project, Imagine More Story Adventures, Paper Making, Tree House Books, Food Trust, Please Touch Museum, Grandmas for Literacy, and more!
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)

THE FRIDAY BEE April 24, 2026

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 26

10:20am

Greeter

Deborah Cooper

10:30am

Child Care

Starts in kindergarten building across the driveway.

10:30am

Meeting for Worship

In the meetinghouse or on Zoom for hybrid worship.

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

Lauren Wright

11:35am

Zoom Social Time

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

11:40am

Refreshments

Rebecca & Larry Hoenig

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

GMM ADULT CLASS – QUAKER CLEARNESS PROCESS

When? Sunday, April 26, 9:00am

Where? GMM Social Room

Topic: Quaker Clearness Process

How many of us really know what it is and how it is used?

Do we all work with the same understanding of it?

Deborra Sines Pancoe will lead an adult class that will focus on the Quaker clearness process. We will be looking at how to ask probing, non-judgmental, and open-ended questions and developing skills for deep listening. Deborra is a member of Abington Meeting and has led the SPARC (Spiritual Practice and Renewed Courage) program for the Friends Council on Education. All are welcome!

Child Care will be provided during the Adult Class.

We realize this coincides with the morning session of Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting (PQM), happening at Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting. For those who are unable to attend PQM that morning, we hope you will join us in the Social Room to learn about the Quaker clearness process.

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THE GMM RETREAT – DON’T MISS OUT! 🌲🛶

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.

See Retreat website here (includes a link to Registration form)
Registration Form

LET’S GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER!

Picnic in front of the meetinghouse
Dog Walk in the Wissahickon
Two small potluck dinners at GMMrs’ homes
Softball & hoagie lunch at Vernon Park after meeting (later in May, or June)

Or contact the Meeting Office if you are interested (gmm@germantownfriends.org)

HAVE ANY BOARD GAMES YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE TO GMM?

The Fellowship Committee is building a board game collection to use for our occasional and ever-popular GMM Game Nights (and possibly for events like the Retreat, etc.). If you have games in good shape, with all their pieces, that need a new home, please contact Anne Stassen in the Meeting Office to discuss (gmm@germantownfriends.org).

VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED FOR REFRESHMENTS!! ☕🍪

Our weekly coffee, tea & yummy snacks don’t happen by magic.

We need to recruit volunteers from amongst members/attenders to make them happen!

Please contact Mike Pechter or click here to sign up
There are plenty of dates available! Thanks in advance!

QUAKER NEWS & EVENTS

DEEPENING OUR WORSHIP DURING QUAKER MEETING

When? Saturday, April 25, 9:30 - 11:30am

Where? Hybrid – Pendle Hill (338 Plush Mill Rd, Wallingford) & on Zoom

In this workshop, Ingrid Lakey, Eileen Flanagan, and Dwight Dunston are coming together to bring forth practices and conversations to strengthen the quality of worship for Friends, seasoned and new to Quakerism. Whether you yourself have struggled to stay close to spirit, or you have witnessed the quality of worship impacted by the disconnection from spirit in others, this workshop is for you.

Free and open to the public. Registration required.

More info & Registration link here

LOVE AS ACTION: RESISTING AUTHORITARIANISM

When? Saturday, April 25, 2:00pm *

Where? Philadelphia City Hall

Quaker public witness has stood in opposition to cruel and authoritarian actions in our country before. It is time for us to show this love in action again. Please join the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Philadelphia Area Quakers to bear witness and show resistance to the authoritarian actions in our country.

* There will be an art-build at Friends Center (1501 Cherry Street) at 12:30pm, and then gather at Philadelphia City Hall for one hour of silent public worship.

EXTENDED MEETING FOR WORSHIP

When? Saturday, April 25, 2:00 - 5:30pm

Where? Arch Street Meetinghouse (320 Arch Street)

Extended worship is a period of sitting with and in the divine spirit. In the manner of Early Friends, we gather for a prolonged period of silent reflection and inward searching, usually remaining in waiting worship for ~3 hours, with time at the conclusion for afterthoughts and sharing.

Read more about it here

EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION: The History of Quakers: A Religious Revolution

When? Thursday, April 30, 5:00 - 7:00pm

Where? Arch Street Meetinghouse (320 Arch Street)

A dynamic new experience featuring immersive displays, untold stories, and rarely seen artifacts at Arch Street Meeting House, one of Philadelphia's most significant historic sites. The exhibit follows the Quaker values of equality, peace, and social change from the American Revolution to today, and includes the 1688 Germantown Petition Against Slavery, found at our own Germantown Meetinghouse.

See more here, and RSVP to this Free event

NEW DRAFT LAW PASSED: PEOPLE OF CONSCIENCE GET READY

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed at the end of last year will make federal Selective Service draft registration automatic for all men aged 18-25 starting in December 2026. Quaker author Curt Torell will explain recent legal changes in draft registration and outline steps for conscientious objectors to war to respond. In the sessions, we’ll consider together questions such as: What is conscience? Is your conscience troubled? How do you act on conscience? Who is a conscientious objector?

Then the group will self-organize next steps for mutual support and counsel. Everyone is welcome.

Join in-person or on Zoom at the following Meetinghouses (in NY Yearly Meeting):

Montclair Meeting (289 Park St, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043): April 26, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Old Chatham Meeting (539 Co Rd 13, Old Chatham, NY 12136): May 3, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Brooklyn Meeting (110 Schermerhorn Street Brooklyn, NY 11201): May 11, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

REGISTER FOR THIS SUMMER’S FRIENDS GENERAL CONFERENCE GATHERING

When? July 7 - 12

Where? Burlington, Vermont

Friends come together from across North America (and sometimes further) to deepen connection to one another and the Spirit. Open to everyone: Friends, their families, and newcomers! In structure, it’s part conference and part family camp. In content, it provides an abundance of opportunities to learn about Quakerism, foster spiritual life, and to have fun.

Deadline for Financial Aid is May 1. Also additional support for Young Adult Friends (18-35) in PYM.

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

INDEGO BIKES COMING TO GERMANTOWN 🚲

Last week, GFS hosted a public forum with Germantown United CDC to discuss Indego’s plans to bring bike-share stations to our neighborhood. This was an important first step in gathering community feedback for Indego's citywide expansion. Read the meeting highlights.

FRIENDS FREE LIBRARY: READ UP ON NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH (APRIL)

Celebrate the rich history and contributions of Arab Americans through our curated collection of titles—from contemporary fiction to historical memoirs—that reflect the diversity of the Arab American experience.

Browse their virtual list or visit the library weekday afternoons until 6 pm to see the full display!

FOUR DECADES OF FRIENDSHIP - MEXICAN EXCHANGE!

Last weekend, GFS celebrated the 40th anniversary of its exchange program with La Escuela Secundaria Técnica Número Uno in Tlaxcala, Mexico. Over 60 student and host family alumni came in person and dozens more joined virtually to honor lifelong friendships and cross-cultural connection.

ATTEND GFS MEETING FOR WORSHIP DURING THE WEEK

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

Middle School Worship: Monday, 4/27, 10:20 - 11:00am
Lower School Worship: Thursday, 4/30, 9:00 - 9:30am
Upper School Worship: Thursday, 4/30, 10:10 - 11:00am

TAKE ACTION!

VOTER REGISTRATION

May 4, 2026 is the deadline to register to vote in the 2026 primary election!

Do you or someone you know still need to register?

Have questions about your polling place, or voting rights, or information about candidates & issues?

MAY DAY: NO WAR, NO ICE, FREE PALESTINE

When? Next Friday, May 1, 4:00 - 7:00pm

Where? Philadelphia City Hall (1400 John F Kennedy Blvd)

Also known as “International Workers’ Day,” this is a holiday celebrating workers and the history of labor organizing. Communities across the country are preparing for “No work, no school, and no shopping.” Workers, students, families will be marching, rallying, training, walking out and taking action together to demand: Tax the rich so our families, not their fortunes, come first. No ICE. No War. No private army serving authoritarian power. Expand democracy. Hands off our vote.

SUPPORT WITH COLLECTING DIAPERS FOR FAMILIES

Family Promise of Philadelphia (formerly known as Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network) is running a community Diaper Drive –

Right now, we are experiencing a significant shortage and are in the process of connecting with our community members and partners so we can meet this need for our families. Any contribution, small or big, would make a great difference for the families we serve.

Seeking diapers of all sizes & brands (& they can coordinate pick-ups for large donations)
Drop off location: Family Promise of Philadelphia (7047 Germantown Avenue)

GUIDE TO ICE WATCH HOTLINES AND IMMIGRATION RESOURCES

Provided by GMM member John Colgan Davis; also available at the resource table at GMM on Sundays.

A list of resources and organizations with guidance on immigration support.

Many of these on-the-ground organizations have been working with immigrant communities for years.

Click here to read more!

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!

➤ 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

EARTH DAY CREEK CLEAN-UP ALONG THE WISSAHICKON

When? Saturday, April 15, 9:00am - 12:00noon

Where? Meet at Ten Box Parking, at Forbidden Drive & Lincoln Drive (click here to see on Maps)

Join Friends of the Wissahickon and their upstream partners Wissahickon Trails for our annual Creek Clean-Up, this year in celebration of both Earth Day and Celebrate Trails Day! Meeting at Ten Box (near Rittenhouse Town) and cleaning up litter along the south end of Wissahickon Creek, as well as along the bike bridges and paved path that runs parallel to Lincoln Drive from Forbidden Drive to Ridge Avenue.

All are welcome to attend, and no experience is needed.

More information here

READING IS FREEDOM FESTIVAL

When? Saturday, April 25, 12:00 - 4:00pm

Where? Historic Fair Hill (2901 Germantown Avenue)

Celebrating literacy, creativity, and community with family-friendly activities, book giveaways, and interactive stations designed to inspire a love of reading. All are welcome!

Featuring Philly Goat Project, Imagine More Story Adventures, Paper Making, Tree House Books, Food Trust, Please Touch Museum, Grandmas for Literacy, and more!

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)