SUMMER 2011

PYM Philadelphia Yearly Meeting A Journal of Our Quaker Faith and Practice of the Religious Society of To d a y Friends

Quaker Leadership Annual Sessions: Powerful Beyond Measure, Trusting the Call to Leadership VITAL AND GROWING PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 Quakers and Leadership

of leadership which I find appealing: A leader takes risks, sticks her neck Arthur M. Larrabee General Secretary “Leadership is taking initiative in rela- out and is willing to be vulnerable in tionship.” This fits well with my own service to the group. A leader is willing notion of Quaker leadership. All leader- to risk rejection. If her ideas are not odern day Quakers sometimes ship, secular and Quaker, involves tak- accepted, she will release them in favor Mseem to have an uneasy relation- ing initiative. The thing that’s different of new insights, new ideas and new pro- ship with leadership. We snicker when about Quaker leadership, however, is posals. it is suggested that the quality of being “in relationship;” A Quaker leader is spiritually ground- Quaker leadership is an relationship not only with the commu- ed, has a spiritual awareness and is open oxymoron. I think I nity but also with the Spirit. Quaker to spiritual guidance. We expect that understand some of leadership is not mostly about the there will be a spiritual component to this. Believing that leader, rather it is mostly about being Quaker leadership. there is that of God in in a relationship of service to the A Quaker leader is willing to test her everyone, Quakers community. ideas with the community. We expect honor the spiritual Quakerism is not just about the indi- that the community will have insight authority available to each of us, and vidual. We sometimes forget that Quak- and that the community’s input is an we harbor a fear, sometimes conscious erism is also about the community and important aspect of arriving at a right and sometimes unconscious, that a Quaker communities have need of outcome. “leader” might somehow diminish the leaders to function well and to realize Finally, a Quaker leader finds her spiritual authority we treasure. their potential. primary satisfaction in the success of the Is it possible, however, that we are Here’s what I think are six qualities community, and not in her won person- leery of leadership because we have in of a Quaker leader. The first three are al success. mind a secular model and not a Quak- applicable to any organization, the I believe the question for Quakers is er one? My impression of secular lead- second three are more uniquely Quaker. not whether we need leadership, but ership is that it is mostly about the A leader thinks globally; that is, whether we are using a model of leader- leader, someone who wants something thinks comprehensively about the ship that serves us well. I believe that the to happen, and someone who then whole, whether the whole is a meeting, a Quaker model of leadership, sketched advocates for it until he or she prevails. committee, a board, or an organization. above, does this. I have in mind a different concept of A leader shares her perceptions, leadership, one which I call a Quaker ideas and experience; she is proactive, model. taking initiative in sharing what she has In March, at the William Penn Lec- learned and she invites others to under- Arthur is a member of Central Philadelphia ture, George Lakey shared a definition stand and to share in her thinking. Monthly Meeting.

Contents SUMMER 2011 2 Vital and Growing • “A Remarkable Speaker!” • From Shadows Into Light • Quakers and Leadership • Leadership and Power 24 Caring for Our Community 3 Quaker Leadership 13 Annual Sessions • Cultivating Relationship • Reflections on Leadership • Powerful Beyond Measure 25 Witnessing Our Faith • Youth Meeting in Western Quarter • Finding a Way Forward, Together • Change our World, Educate a Girl • Big Heart, Tough Skin • Sessions Workshop Descriptions • Developing Quaker Leadership • Developing Leadership in a • One Book, One Yearly Meeting Through Nonviolent Direct Action Monthly Meeting 28 Quakerism Then and Now • Young Adult Friends Leadership 21 Spiritual Growth and Renewal • Quakerism Then and Now— Institute • Being Led and Leading Revisited • Leadership Through Education • The Power of Silence 30 Friendly Advertising • Friends’ Persistence in Fair Hill, • Mindfulness Meditation Skills North Philadelphia for Friends 32 Upcoming Events 2 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 QUAKER LEADERSHIP Reflections on Leadership: My Experiences with Western Quarter Youth It was decided: this group, Youth Youth Meeting in Greta Rech Meeting, would meet every other First Western Quarter Western Quarter Youth Day evening and that its paradigm Activities Facilitator would be one of a youth-led organiza- tion. And this has come to be! Mikala Moorech ver hot coffee on a cold December I have watched (and facilitated) this London Grove Monthly Meeting Oday I listened, jotted notes, shared group, which started out as a core of my thoughts as a Friend shared with eight youth and has grown into a core Every other Sunday night at London me his concerns, thoughts and ideas group of 12. They have wrestled with Grove Monthly Meeting I attend Mid- regarding the fluctuation in participa- how long to meet, how often would dle/High School Youth Meeting of tion of middle and high school youth they be “off-meeting grounds” for fun, Western Quarter. Along with myself in the life of the meeting community. how often would they do business, how there are two adult clerks and approxi- With great ease we mately ten youth who attend. Unlike planned for an evening traditional youth groups this group is gathering in late January. Thoughts on Leadership led by the youth and simply facilitated What evolved for this eadership is a God-given ability, and no better or by the adults. The group is open to gathering was a structure Lworse than say, a good singing voice or an ability Quaker youth and their friends who are that authentically held up with numbers. Like all of God’s gifts, leadership must interested. the youth in our commu- be identified by others, then nurtured and developed This group has given the youth, nity while respecting the in the individual by the community. We used to have including myself, the opportunity to needs and honest limits Friends who were charged with doing this. They were take on leadership positions. Everyone of a busy world. called Elders and they had a distinct and authorita- has the ability to give their opinions, On January 30, 2011, tive position in our monthly meetings. Now, they are introduce new ideas, and generate youth and their parents/ rarely acknowledged in my Yearly Meeting, and if creativity. One young Friend has adult presence met at they are, they have no real authority. We have be- opened up the possibility of a variety of London Grove Meeting- come a school with no teachers, a team with no service projects. Others have come up house for a communal coaches, a family with no parents. Restore our Elders with ideas for activities and still others pizza dinner. This gave all bring to it the gift of fun and laughter. and we will raise new leaders. present time to engage in As Co-Clerk, assuming many re- informal getting-to-know Benjamin Lloyd sponsibilities has made me develop as a you while filling our Haverford Monthly Meeting leader but I enjoy leading something I stomachs. After dinner Clerk of Worship and Care enjoy. I did not realize how Quaker and a brief introduction Standing Committee meeting for worship for business was of all present, the agenda run until now. Something that I have was established and the found to be both difficult and a blessing group split in two. One group was for would they choose clerks, should they is when everyone has a voice and ev- the adults and was facilitated by Rick have co-clerks, what kind of service eryone wants to be heard at the same Draper of London Grove MM and the projects might they do, and is it too time. Keeping order and still having other group was for the youth and was soon to plan a camping trip to Virginia. everyone feel heard and appreciated is facilitated by me. This was done inten- It is with great maturity and a great a challenge. tionally so that each group could dis- deal of laughter that they have found This is a wonderful group and al- cuss their joys, concerns, hopes, fears, their way. The challenging one another though we’ve only been established for and coolest ideas without feeling inhib- to see a “simple decision” from its two months, we’ve already accom- ited by perceived expectations. The two multi-faceted and farther-reaching con- plished so much, including building groups came back together at the end sequences. They provide indirect clear- community, defining our community, of the evening to share what transpired having worship and having fun. and to figure out “What is next?” continued on page 4

3 QUAKER LEADERSHIP PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Reflections continued from page 3 ness for leadings and gifts. They uphold and unwavering trust in the strength, of youth energy ensures that the com- leadership while accepting the human- joy, intelligence, creativity and leader- munity that is built by these youth ity of making mistakes. They gently ship of anyone at any age is known to includes the fun that is ever so neces- coax humility from one another during be a Truth by the adult facilitators and sary! Last, by placing the leadership of business meeting or while making the youth themselves. This trust creates the group into the hands of the youth quesadillas. a space for listening and expressing that with confidence and enthusiastic antici- Why has this worked? I cannot say is deep and sound for these youth. pation, an authentic community can be other than by faith, love and God’s Second, the adults come with their created. Knowing has it come together at the hearts prepared to share Wisdom and Middle School/High School Youth right time and at the right place. knowledge as needed but with humility Meeting continues to thrive in Western What is present that allows this to of heart that recognizes that they may Quarter. New faces come while famil- work? That I can answer. First, a deep have as much to learn as to share. iar faces hold the core of the group Third, the support of and together. Good news is shared. Sad care for the parents of news is held in the container of peer Thoughts on Leadership youth are critical. Respect- caring—and an offered hug. Ideas are bantered and decisions made. Music basic element of leadership is the preparation of ing that parents are con- blares from the meetinghouse kitchen organizing the tasks that need to be done. The tinually balancing and A while dinner cooks. “leader” is not necessarily the smartest or most presti- rebalancing the scales of I can think of no better way to spend gious person in the group, but the one who serves by time and money means every other First Day evening than with giving time and attention to easing the way of others. flexibility in planning the Youth Meeting of Western Quarter. We are blessed when there are Friends among us who when, where and how And it would appear that a growing quietly and faithfully give this form of leadership. often to meet as well as what activities in which number of middle and high schoolers Pat McBee most families can partici- in Western Quarter agree! n Director of Friends Center pate. Fourth, understand- Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting ing, supporting, and en- Greta is a member of London Grove couraging the bubbling up Monthly Meeting.

Big Heart, Tough Skin

Gretchen Castle always so close at hand. I am clear that my vision Doylestown Monthly Meeting With a sense of indignation needs to focus first on the and purpose, and with overall health of the group, eadership requires a big heart and support from others, the second on the care of the Ltough skin. For me, clerking PYM courage of leadership came individual, and third on my enlarged and toughened both, as have easily. own discomfort. leadership experiences that came before As Friends and human A big heart in leadership and after. Given sufficient openness beings, we are reluctant to brings us back to why we and reflection, leadership skills (as with be the cause of someone’s serve: a compelling mission, most learning) are cumulative. My pain. Yet, we too often attend to the the joy of collective action, the work of learning began in pre-school when the individual at the expense of the overall bringing vitality to the Religious Society boys dominated the building blocks, health of the organization or spiritual of Friends. The heart helps us know why constructing great towers and towns. community. Returning over and over the hard work is important and it helps When George told me the girls could to the bigger picture, valuing the larger us do the hard work with compassion, not play with the blocks, I felt com- group of people gathered, requires clarity and love. Big heart and tough pelled to speak out. The outcome was tough skin and great courage. The only skin work together, allowing us to do the positive as my confrontation was sup- way I know to lay someone off or con- work to which we are called. And if God ported by the other girls and the teach- front a disruptive behavior, is to focus calls us to it, God will help us through it. er. I have learned since that outcomes on doing the right thing for the good n are rarely so clear, and support not of the whole and to ask for God’s help. 4 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 QUAKER LEADERSHIP Developing Leadership in a Monthly Meeting: Early Stages of a Process newcomers and recent attenders to those seeking applications for member- Ruth Peterson come home for lunch after meeting for ship. The Pendle Hill pamphlet Beyond Abington Friends Meeting worship would be another Consensus, Salvaging the Sense of choice. Asking attenders to be the Meeting by Barry Morley any meeting communities face greeters or help with a coffee provides a good Mthe challenge of nurturing leader- hour or fellowship luncheon explanation of how to do busi- ship among younger Friends, as older relatively soon after they start ness, although his explanations members are no longer able to accept coming to meeting helps them cannot replace participation. such positions. Some older and sea- feel that they belong and that The Nominating Committee soned Friends have moved to retire- they are making a contribu- can be important in this process ment communities, some do not drive tion to the life of the commu- of helping newer members feel at night or have other reasons for letting nity, another strong incentive included in the community. They can go of leadership roles. for people to want to stay engaged. appoint less experienced members to My meeting, Abington Monthly As important it is to attend meeting well-run committees, knowing that Meeting, has relatively few members in for worship—the core Quaker experi- while they are not as seasoned as oth- the “young-middle-aged” category (40 ence—new members and attenders ers, they will have the opportunity to to 60 years old) in leadership positions. need to be spiritually nurtured beyond learn. We are faced with a demographic prob- the meeting hour. They need a time Serving on a committee is a good lem that is beginning to affect our abil- when they can ask questions and enter place to start observing “how things ity to nurture the future leadership that into dialogue with others about their work” the Quaker way. Someone on will sustain our meeting community. beliefs and explore the Quaker testimo- the committee could assume the role of Perhaps other meetings are in the same nies. Small discussion groups work best mentor to the new member to explain situation as Abington Meeting. to accomplish this type of sharing. It is things when it is not clear what is hap- I would like to share my experience always helpful for a discussion group to pening and why. It always helps a new and make some suggestions for meet- include both those who are new to the member to receive the agenda before ings to address this issue. In my opin- meeting and those who have been in the date of the meeting so they are ion, several things need to happen on the meeting for some time. The Phila- familiar with the topics to be the road to developing leadership. We delphia Yearly Meeting library has ma- addressed. need to help each person (adult and terials that provide guidance in helping When a committee works at its best child), feel that they are socially includ- small groups to get started, such as it becomes a small supportive and ed on many levels as a valuable part of Quakerism 101. Pendle Hill pamphlets nurturing community. The members the community, that they feel spiritually are a good source of topics for a discus- get to know each other in a close and nurtured by the meeting in worship and sion group. intimate way. In a healthy committee, that they understand the Quaker way of The Religious Society of Friends has differences of opinions are respected, conducting business: making decisions a unique way of doing business. Quak- all members share in the tasks and the that are rightly ordered and in keeping er decision-making that is “rightly or- committee can be a safe place to take with our faith tradition. dered” has to be learned by observation risks and develop new skills. Helping newcomers feel welcomed and experienced through participation. The Care of Members Committee in the life of the meeting will be differ- There is no substitute for observing (formerly Overseers) of Abington Meet- ent for each monthly meeting. For ex- first-hand how a clerk handles the ing has a wide variety of responsibili- ample, having an extended coffee hour agenda, how the minutes are crafted ties. It also has several new and young- or a monthly fellowship lunch after and how they sound, and how those er members. The clerk created a meeting for worship allows a time to present respond and contribute to the “Clerk’s Book” for committee members mix and mingle with the newer at- process of finding unity in their deci- to serve as guidance for those who will tenders and members. One small meet- sions. New members and attenders have to get behind the driver’s wheel ing in New Jersey finds that it works for should be encouraged to regularly at- but have not observed all the details of everyone to go out to lunch after meet- tend meeting for business. Some how things are done. Some topics cov- ing for worship since they all drive a Friends meetings make attendance at ered are committee responsibilities, distance to get to meeting. Inviting business meeting a requirement of matters relating to membership and 5 QUAKER LEADERSHIP PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Developing continued from page 5 marriage, agenda preparation, finan- way the committee was working. They Note: My thanks to George cial matters and age-related practices felt that it was a stronger committee Schaefer, Care and Aging Coordinator, and naming committee, among oth- with each taking a part of the leader- for his advice and guidance in writing ers. It also contains samples of letters ship responsibility. this article. n sent for various circumstances. Now that we have tried this new The Care of Members Committee system, I am confident that it will has been using the clerk’s book for make it much easier for a new clerk The Family PYM Annual several years, with one update. This or co-clerks to get behind the wheel Sessions: year, as clerk of the Care of Members and drive in a manner that is rightly Gathered Together, Committee, I have experimented with ordered and in keeping with good Guided by Spirit... a new model for clerking. I listed the Quaker practice. many different tasks that this commit- To be sure, not all comments and Living in Community! tee handles, and divided all of the suggestions in this article will apply To register visit www.pym.org/annualsessions individual responsibilities within the to every monthly meeting, but I or call (215) 241-7238. committee. Some involve much more hope Friends will find some of these time than others. After trying the new ideas useful as they endeavor to Annual Sessions 2011—July 27-31 system for six months, the committee foster Friends meetings that are wel- DeSales University Campus was asked how they felt about the new coming, vibrant and sustainable. Powerful Beyond Measure: Trusting the Call to Leadership Young Adult Friends Leadership Institute as well as individual Friends. Friends involved in Quaker gover- Emily Higgs and Sadie Forsythe The YAF Leadership Institute will nance. The Institute will help organiza- Co-clerks of the Young Adult Friends partner with Quaker organizations in tions and YAFs deepen their under- Leadership Institute Board the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting region standing of the role of individual and encourage them to actively involve board members, boards as a whole, the s we look ahead to the future of Young Adult Friends on their boards or idea of governance as leadership, the AQuakerism in the world, it is clear equivalent governance structures. The Quaker organizational context and that investing in our rising generation YAF Leadership Institute will provide a Quaker business process. of leaders is one of the most profound supportive container for these leader- We are honored to already have and sustainable ways to ensure the ship experiences through opportunities participation from several Friends’ vitality, richness and impact of the for mentorship and leadership develop- organizations in the area, and we look Religious Society of Friends. ment. The Institute will host one an- forward to our first annual meeting in With that foundational priority in nual retreat per year, which will include September 2011. We see this Institute mind, we are delighted to announce all YAF participants as well as represen- as a way not only to enrich our Quaker the inauguration of the Young Adult tatives from each of the Institute’s organizations and the individual par- Friends Leadership Institute. The Young partner organizations. There will be ticipants in the Institute, but also as an Adult Friends (YAF) Leadership Insti- additional, more informal workshops investment in the leadership skills of tute is an initiative that seeks to en- for the YAF participants throughout the rising generation of Quakers and courage and lift up existing intergen- the year. the overall vitality of the Religious erational learning, leadership and ser- Our skill-building programs are Society of Friends. vice within the Religious Society of intended to facilitate opportunities for If you would like more information Friends by affirming the gifts and wis- participating organizations and YAFs to on the YAF Leadership Institute, please dom that Friends of diverse back- realize their full potential and grow contact co-clerks Sadie Forsythe, PYM grounds have to contribute in the pres- both corporately and individually. Young Adult Friends Coordinator ent. This important new program has Young adult participants in the YAF ([email protected]) and Emily Higgs, been developed through a collabora- Leadership Institute will not only hone Haverford College Associate Director tion of the Thomas Scattergood Behav- their ability to serve and take leader- of Quaker Affairs ioral Health Foundation, Philadelphia ship roles in varied organizations, but ([email protected]). n Yearly Meeting and Haverford College, will also meet a wide network of

6 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 QUAKER LEADERSHIP Leadership Through Education

Grace Sharples Cooke dle East. I believe his ability to listen Friends in Education Coordinator Emma’s influence is felt everywhere in the Breast Center at the Hospital; it without judgment comes from the is patient, friendly Quaker educational environment that and very welcoming. has nurtured him since first grade. The same compas- Ramallah Friends, he says, “is the best sion that leads her in Palestine.” to personally com- It is the truth-seeking nature of municate with any Quakerism as it is applied by Quaker patient receiving a educators—in schools like Ramallah diagnosis of cancer Friends, as well as in other Quaker is evident in Emma’s schools, colleges, or meetings—that work with col- accounts for the exceptional number of leagues. She says, paths to leadership this Faith opens. “when you are in a The Palestinian legislator, activist leadership position and scholar Hanan Mikhail-Ashrawi and are developing credits the Friends School in Ramallah an agenda, the ques- with giving “generations of Palestinians tion is: How do you . . . the knowledge, skills and values lead people and that have enabled them to become bring them along to better human beings,” and global and Students at a place of agree- national leaders. Ramallah Friends Stephanie Judson, a Friend and the School ment? Developing a shared vision first Associate Head at William Penn Char- makes the imple- ter School, notices a Rufus Jones quote For a 359 year-old small religious mentation of a plan easier. It sends a displayed in the hallways of Ramallah Fcommunity, Friends have effected message of respect to include others, Friends School each time she visits to changes that go far beyond their lim- and improves motivation and morale.” interview new students. It reads: “I pin ited numbers or places of worship. She concludes, “there is no place you my hopes on quiet processes and small Why? What has this Faith got that ren- can work constructively in disagree- circles in which vital and transforming ders it so powerful? ment. In any kind of leadership posi- events take place.” Simple words, large Conviction. Centering. Simplicity. tion you need to develop a consensus; ideas. Belief in the collective and individual you need to be able to listen.” Stephanie says, “It moves me every good. Yet listening can be hard. Just ask a time I see the poster.” Rooted in the integrity of the human Palestinian or Israeli who must witness She reports that “the quiet process of spirit, Quaker education fosters a ca- power struggles within the Middle East having a Palestinian student with us for pacity for good. As Dr. Emma Simpson, as they are manifested door to door, a year has been transforming for Penn a Quaker and Vice President of The neighborhood by neighborhood. Charter students and faculty. We have Bryn Mawr Hospital Medical Staff says, Each night I return home to a 10th learned about life in Palestine, and “the longer you spend time in a com- grade Palestinian exchange student our come to know each individual student, munity where you see how good things family is hosting. Karim Zagah is a including the outgoing and gregarious can be, the more it gives you the confi- soccer fan with the longish hair of a student, the studious one, and the dence that you can move the world in typical 16 year-old, an appetite for quietly effective ambassador for his that direction.” independent films, and a talent for people.” A radiologist, Emma was selected as math. A student at the William Penn Educational exchange drives cultural Vice President by her medical peers. Charter School, he is one of four Ra- change. There is no greater instance of She feels that Moorestown Friends mallah Friends School students study- this than the impact Elizabeth Gray School and Earlham College helped her ing at Friends schools in the U.S. He Vining, a Philadelphia Quaker, had on develop the essential consensus-build- is an open-minded listener, with postwar Japan. Selected by the Japanese ing skills that enable good leadership. well-considered opinions on the Mid- Continued on page 8 7 QUAKER LEADERSHIP PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Education continued from page 7 Emperor as Prince Akihito’s English siders growth in leadership as related to through the eyes of founding leaders tutor, Vining also gave Akihito Western spirituality. Jen notes that Pendle Hill George Fox, Margaret Fell, and oth- Friends, provided instruction to other workshops combine daily worship and ers, is a way to remind yourself that members of the royal family and dis- spiritual nurture to make space for faith is derived from continuous reve- cussed hitherto forbidden issues. guidance from the inner teacher. lation, and leadership is a matter of Dr. Merritt T. Cooke, a Friend and a For Friends who want to visit the conviction, spiritual education, and former diplomat, points out that when original Pendle Hill, in England, transformative experience. Vining arrived, the Japanese Emperor Friends Council on Education Director For more information visit www. was considered a living Shinto god. Irene McHenry and Deborra Sines Pan- palfriends.org. n Vining’s challenges to the Imperial coe have opened pre-registration for the mindset were close to heresy, but she July 2012 Quaker Pilgrimage to Lan- Grace Sharples Cooke is a member of was—and still is—revered by the cashire, England. Seeing Quakerism Haverford Monthly Meeting. Imperial Family. He adds, “the influ- ence of Vining’s teaching through Akihito, now the current Emperor, has Resources on Quaker Education: been enormous.” Quaker institutions of higher learning: How did Vining, a Quaker author Group Clerk, David Austin, at and an alumna of Germantown Friends contact Kori Heavner (FAHE [email protected] School, facilitate such changes? How @quaker.org) of Friends Association Pendle Hill: To learn more about did she open the way for Crown Prince of Higher Education (FAHE). opportunities for reflection, spiritual Akihito to love and marry a commoner Each year, in March or April, PYM growth or just a weekend retreat in a for the first time in Japanese history? and FAHE collaborate on the Quaker beautiful spot visit www.pendlehill. How did she crack open “windows for College Fair. Kori reports that “A org. Jen Karsten, Director of Educa- the Crown Prince,” and the nation, so a recurring theme among the [Quaker] tional Programming, can be reached militaristic and imperial Japan could panelists at the March 2011 College by phone at (610) 566-4507 or email become pacifistic and democratic? Fair was the impact on their lives of at [email protected]. She convinced the Japanese to seek the honor code on campus. Doug Quaker Pilgrimage 2012 (to George their inner truth. She helped them find Ross (Haverford College) shared an Fox’s Pendle Hill): Pre-register for the a way forward by reaching within them- experience in which he felt bound by July 16-22, 2012 trip by emailing selves; sensitizing them to the clarity of the Haverford College honor code to Deborra Sines Pancoe at: their own inner light. confront sexist behavior in an ac- [email protected]. The trip While Quaker educators, and Quak- quaintance; it led to a deepened costs about $1,500-$1,800 per per- er meetings open many “windows” for friendship, learning on both sides son, excluding airfare. Reserve early; emerging student leaders, Jen Karsten and influenced his life long after space is limited to 30 pilgrims. graduation.” of Pendle Hill, reminds Friends that PYM youth support programs, PYM there are also programs targeted to Friends Schools: For lists of Friends events, and other religious education adult members and attenders seeking Schools and contact information, programming: contact Christie leadership growth. “Pendle Hill,” she visit the Friends Council on Educa- Duncan-Tessmer at says, “nurtures emerging leaders by tion website at www.friendscouncil. [email protected]. providing year-round opportunities to org. Friends Schools welcome Additional Quaker history and spiri- gain specific skills, understanding, fel- Quaker applicants; financial aid is tual resources: PYM possesses a “jew- lowship, and spiritual centeredness.” available. Nor is cost an obstacle. Pendle Hill el of a library” at 1515 Cherry Street. Quaker Education, PYM financial aid Windows for the Crown Prince, by offers a no-fee Young Adult Leadership and loan programs, and Education Development (YALD) program in the Elizabeth Gray Vining, may be ob- Questions: Contact Friends in Educa- tained from this collection. Visit summer as well as a gap-year Resident tion Coordinator, Grace Sharples Program. Jen says that Pendle Hill re- www.pym.org/library. To explore the Cooke, by email [email protected] or collection virtually, click on the or- treats, conferences, and workshops by phone at 215-241-7224. appeal to seasoned Friends who seek ange “search our catalogue” button Friends in Public Education: To get “to improve existing leadership capa- and then click on the ivory “Catalog” involved with Public Education bilities or develop new ones.” tab (top left corner) and open the Concerns email PYM Working Quakerism remains a faith that con- keyword search box.

8 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 QUAKER LEADERSHIP Friends’ Persistence in Fair Hill, North Philadelphia

Jean Warrington Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting

wenty years ago, Mary Anne THunter, Margaret Bacon, and a small band of Friends started cleaning up the five-acre Fair Hill Burial Ground when 25 drug dealers still stood on the northeast corner. When the group real- ized they needed to buy back the land, they started the fundraising and legal work needed to do it. Mary Anne and Margaret recruited other Friends who cared about the historic site and saw the potential of Quaker ministry in the poorest neighborhood in the city. The volunteer board members knew and trusted each other. Without an office or building, they worked from home, via phone and email. They focused on what they could accom- plish. They paced themselves, called on as did foundations and individuals their network of Friends for help, from the wider world. raised money, and hired people when Friend Mary Anne was the land- necessary. Volunteers from around the scape expert. Margaret did the news- Yearly Meeting came because the work letter. Allen did fundraising. Linell was satisfying, the group was friendly, did the finances. Signe Wilkinson and Mary Anne never wasted their drew cartoons for publicity and asked time. her friends to speak at events. Baird They worked under the care of Phila- did legal work. Pamela kept the delphia Quarter, which gave them over- records and worked on the website. Mary Anne Hunter with neighborhood sight without bureaucracy or too many Jim and Ed set the historic grave stones children at Fairhill Burial Ground meetings. Quaker foundations re- and managed the records of the 3,500 viewed and then supported their work buried there. Jean did community for the goodness in every person. Mary gardens and programs with the local Anne is a Quaker leader. She is schools. Sarah wrote history curricu- thoughtful, focused, modest, and per- lum. Paul did strategic planning. Miri- sistent. She listens well, experiments, am worked on more detailed financial takes the long view, helps the group reports. Everyone came out with garden discern the best course, and has the gloves and rakes for the cleanups, the discipline not to burn out. garden days, the neighborhood events. As a Fair Hill neighbor said, “People Fair Hill became a large, volunteer proj- come and go trying to help this neigh- ect in Philadelphia raising its money borhood, but the Quakers are here to from grants and donations. stay.” We invite you to put on your There is something different about work gloves and come join neighbors Quaker service. It is personal. We look and Friends at Fair Hill. n

9 QUAKER LEADERSHIP PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 “A Remarkable Speaker!”Quaker Diane Allen addresses Friends in Business Gathering

Jennie Sheeks Director of Annual Giving

n April 19th, Diane Allen spoke to ments of her illustrious media opportunity to ask her for Oa gathering of more than 50 people career. During more than 30 her thoughts on our coun- at a PYM Friends in Business dinner on years in media, Diane won try’s political process, the topic of “Why this Quaker is in Poli- nine Emmys, a Peabody, three which led to a lively and tics and Television: Challenges and Op- Tellys, and dozens of other thought-provoking discus- portunities.” Diane Allen is known by regional and national awards. sion. Georgene Callahan, many titles: corporate President, work- Her career included WJJZ member of Princeton ing mother, pilot, sharpshooter, dare- Radio in Mount Holly, New Monthly Meeting, summed devil hang-glider, Emmy award-winning Jersey, network KYW-TV in up the evening as “Divine TV News Journalist, Quaker First Day Philadelphia, and CBS-owned repast, lively Quaker inter- School teacher, and Senator. She is a station WCAU-TV, where she face, and a remarkable member of Moorestown Monthly Meet- was executive producer, eve- speaker!” ing and attends worship at the Mount ning anchor and education Diane Allen Philadelphia Yearly Laurel Meetinghouse. reporter. In 1994, after stand- Meeting Friends in Business “Diane’s presentation at the Friends in ing up to CBS for discriminatory prac- is a group of Quaker business people Business dinner was fabulous,” said tices, and having the government find in who gather for community and fellow- Arthur Larrabee, PYM General Secretary. her favor, Diane left the station to work ship. Joined by our Quaker faith and “It was a personal reflection on one full-time in her own media production our business experience, Friends in Busi- Friend’s journey, touching on her Quak- company, VidComm, Inc., which she ness have much in common and many erism, her professional experience and founded in 1982. Betsy Bayardi, mem- shared concerns. We gather twice a year, her experience in the world of business.” ber of Wrightstown Monthly Meeting, spring and fall, to share a meal and hear Diane related many humorous anec- reflected “Given that I had participated from a featured guest speaker. Past dotes during her presentation that fo- in the AT&T female employee class ac- speakers have included Philadelphia cused on some of the more lively mo- tion suit in 1972, the fact that Diane’s Mayor Michael Nutter and PYM mem- spot as anchor was set aside for a bers Mark Myers and Chiyo Moriuchi. ‘younger look’ resonated very person- To receive an invitation to the next Annual Fund Reminder ally with me. It’s bad enough that Friends in Business dinner taking place we suffer sex discrimination now-a- in October 2011, please call The fiscal year ends June 30. Please days. It was a great vindication when (215) 241-7271 or email kayeh@pym. give to the PYM Annual Fund today! the EEOC (Equal Employment org. Please check the website or call We still have time to reach our goal Opportunity Commission) ruled in closer to the date for news of the next of $600,000. Donations dated on or her favor.” featured speaker. n before June 30, 2011, and received In 1995, Diane turned her sights before July 15, 2011, can be counted in on politics and was elected to repre- Jennie is a member of Central fiscal year 2011. Please send donations to sent the Seventh District of the New Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. Jersey State Assembly. In 1997, she PYM Development Office, 1515 Cherry was elected to the New Jersey State Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. You may Senate. She is currently Deputy Mi- also donate online at www.pym.org. nority Leader; a member of the Sen- For more information or to sign up ate Health, Human Services and for a monthly donation (sustaining gift), Senior Citizens Committee; and the call Jennie Sheeks at (215) 241-7115 or Senate Education Committee. During email [email protected]. the question and answer portion of Diane’s presentation, Friends had an 10 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 QUAKER LEADERSHIP Leadership and Power

Christopher E. Stern Middletown Monthly Meeting

s I walked through the royal rooms Blessed are those who sorrow for they Aat Windsor Castle, I was over- shall be comforted. whelmed by a sense of wealth and pow- Blessed are the meek for they shall in- er. The rooms were filled with an end- herit the earth. less array of priceless objects and a vast Blessed are those who hunger and thirst collection of armor and weapons. Full- for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.” length portraits of kings and queens (Matt. 5: 3-12) filled the halls and entrance ways. You could almost hear these portraits saying, The people were astounded and they “Don’t mess with me; don’t mess with responded, “This man teaches with an my family; don’t mess with my coun- authority greater than the scribes.” His try.” I am sure that any visiting kings words brought to their memories the and heads of state were immediately words of the many Hebrew prophets made aware of their insignificance in before him: “Not by might, nor by pow- comparison to such stature. er, but by my Spirit says the Lord” During those times the Church was (Zachariah 4:6); and “But what does the ruled by this same wealth and power. All Lord require of you, but to do justly, the pomp and circumstance related to love mercy, and walk humbly with thy of love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, God was also somehow related to the God.” (Micah 6:8) and even suffering. Most importantly, it royal family. The rich and powerful were Jesus clearly draws the line. The King- comes through a deep awareness of our seen as the closest to God. This is how dom of God comes in a completely own limitations and the need to open things looked at the time of the rise of different way than the kingdoms of our hearts and lives to God. Jesus makes Quakerism in the North of England. men. It does not come through wealth it completely clear: The Kingdom of It must have been a similar and power; it comes through God’s way God is not found in our own strength situation in Roman times when but only when we are Jesus started his ministry. The willing to set ourselves Roman grip on wealth and pow- Thoughts on Leadership aside and follow him. er permeated every part of life. s members of the human community, how does the Reli- The Quaker faith was They may not have invented the Agious Society of Friends provide spiritual leadership in a born from this same equation, “wealth + power = world that hungers and thirsts for peace, justice, and an earth humble vision. Out of a greatness/god,” but they per- restored? time of great weakness fected it. and confusion a living Quakers generally are doing a poor job in providing “spiritual In the midst of all this power faith was born. George leadership in a world that hungers and thirsts for peace, jus- Jesus was born. According to Fox was looking for a tice, and an earth restored.” Many people think we’re dead. various accounts, he came from power that could help The first thing we need to do is tell them we’re not—and humble beginnings, born in a him to overcome the invite them to join us in our Meetings. Modern polls indicate manger, of poor parents with no great despair and hope- spiritual leanings of many people today are closely aligned to royal connections. As he began lessness that he felt. He Quaker beliefs—but they don’t know how to find us. Quakers his ministry he challenged all looked for help from all need to go public. Quaker Quest ads help. Telling people who the parts of this power equation, the most religious and we are, where we are, what we believe, when Quaker events even the whole equation itself. learned people of his occur, and that they are welcome to attend, is not proselytiz- He turned things upside down day and found that no ing. It is simply being courteous. To do otherwise may be when he spoke to the people on one could help him. doing people a disservice. a mountainside in Galilee: When he was completely Norval Reece lost and did not know “Blessed are the poor in spirit for Newtown Monthly Meeting the Kingdom of God is theirs. continued on page 12

11 QUAKER LEADERSHIP PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Leadership and Power continued from page 11 Thoughts on Leadership what to do, he heard a voice: he integrity of discerning what is important, taking it community of faith. “When all my hopes in Tseriously, and then making a commitment to act, is He often quoted the passage man were gone and I had the foundation of leadership. We Friends were never sup- from nothing outwardly to depend posed to be followers. We have always been cautioned to 1 John 2:27: “As for you, the upon, then oh then, I heard a test, internally, for the truth of any message or perception. anointing that you have re- voice that said to me, ‘There is By implication we tend to be wary of external influences ceived from Him abides within one Christ Jesus who can such as charisma, charm, or modern marketing. you and you have no need that anyone should teach you, for speak to thy As individuals we are powerful beyond measure when we His anointing teaches you all condition,’ and when I heard it listen for the clarity of our own internal truth, test it in things, and is true, and is no lie, my heart did leap for joy.” our communities and then step forward to act whether it just as it has taught you, abide (Journal of George Fox, p.11) feels easy or not. in Him.” George Fox did not discover As a group, once a message or leading is tested we some- Christianity through this expe- It has been my experience times authorize or give support to others to act on our among Friends today that when rience. Christianity was all behalf. Thus, in community, we can be powerful beyond around him. It was deeply we are open to this inward measure when we listen with generous spirits for the clear anointing and teaching, we entrenched in the power struc- leadings of other Friends and give them our support. ture of his world, dominated find a power that does not by wealth and human power. When we take our own and other Friends’ leadings seri- coerce or deceive, but leads What Fox found instead was a ously, we are all engaged as leaders. through love. Over the many years that I have been a Friend Living Presence and Voice Patricia Finley greater than his own. It the quote on leadership and Old Haverford Monthly Meeting power that has had the most brought him hope and faith Clerk, Peace and Concerns Standing Committee and he yielded to it. He had meaning for me in my life no other options; they had all comes from the apostle Paul, run out. when God spoke to him and said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for Later in the same century Stephen pointed them to a strength way beyond my power is made perfect in your Crisp wrote a recollection of the power- their own. Fox began to preach that n ful early Quaker meetings: “When we ministry was not learned through for- weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) first met, we came together as poor, mal religious training but through being desolate, helpless people, with no hope taught inwardly and responding in faith. but in the Lord.” As they waited in this He spoke of a new way of worship that way, they came to recognize the inward was not dependent on human leader- Voice as that of Jesus still speaking to ship and authority, but an active listen- them in their hearts and consciences, ing to Christ as he teaches the gathered calling them toward a different King- dom. Their encounter with the Light was an encounter with this same Living Choose from more than PYM Annual Word, this time speaking to them from 30 workshops. Sessions: within: “Blessed are the poor in Spirit for they Gathered Together, shall enter the Kingdom of God. Guided by Spirit... Blessed are those who sorrow for they shall be comforted. Leading and Learning! Blessed are the meek for they shall To register visit inherit the earth. www.pym.org/annualsessions Blessed are those who hunger and or call (215) 241-7238. thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.” Annual Sessions 2011—July 27-31 It was not a new message pointing to DeSales University Campus their own power. It was a voice that Powerful Beyond Measure: Trusting the Call to Leadership

12 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 ANNUAL SESSIONS

Powerful Beyond Measure: Trusting the Call to Leadership July 27-31, DeSales University Campus

ship will strengthen our ties, our trust how do we recognize and cultivate Tricia Coscia and our work with one another and in leaders and support them as they re- Sessions Coordinator the world. spond to the challenges and opportuni- ties we face? nnual Sessions provides the op- Powerful Beyond • As members of the human commu- Aportunity for Friends to gather nity, how does the Religious Society of together, guided by Spirit, to learn from Measure Friends provide spiritual leadership in a and support one another’s work in our “Our deepest fear is not that world that hungers and thirsts for meetings and peace, justice and an Earth restored? the wider world, we are inadequate. Our deepest Sessions offers spiritually rich and for discernment fear is that we are powerful be- joyful activities for the Yearly Meeting’s of the business yond measure. It is our light, not children, Middle School Friends, Young of our Yearly our darkness that most frightens Friends, and Young Adult Friends, as Meeting and to us. We ask ourselves, Who am I well as ongoing multigenerational ac- connect with to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, tivities. A wide range of interesting and others in fellow- thought-provoking speakers, work- ship and fun. At fabulous? Actually, who are you shops, interest groups and exhibits are this juncture in not to be? You are a child of God. planned. the life of our Yearly Meeting, we will Your playing small does not serve More than ever, we need your par- be together in worship, get to know the world. There is nothing en- ticipation! Please do not stay away for one another’s spiritual lives in anchor lightened about shrinking so that financial reasons: groups, and participate in conversation other people won’t feel insecure and activities to help us move forward, • Work Grants and Scholarships are with a focus on visioning our future in around you. We are all meant to available to help you attend; you can changing times. shine, as children do. We were apply during the registration process. This year’s theme, Powerful Beyond born to make manifest the glory • This year, there are no program or Measure: Trusting the Call to Leadership, of God that is within us. It’s not meal fees for children entering 8th was discerned by the Sessions Planning just in some of us; it’s in every- grade and younger, and no housing fees Group after 2010 Sessions, in response one. And as we let our own light for those who stay in their parents’ to Friends’ desires to understand more rooms. clearly the role of power, authority and shine, we unconsciously give oth- • Registration fees are waived on Satur- leadership in our relationships with er people permission to do the day for Friends who have not attended one another and engagement with the same. As we are liberated from in the last five years. world at large. When we learned this our own fear, our presence auto- To register, visit past spring that PYM was facing a large matically liberates others.” www.pym.org/annualsessions or call budget deficit that would be affecting Marianne Williamson (215) 241-7238. Please also share these staffing and programs, the Sessions dates and any Sessions-related informa- Planning Group gave deep consider- tion with your monthly meeting, espe- ation to the appropriateness of this We will consider three realms cially inviting those who have not had theme given the weight of the changes through which we are called upon to the pleasure of participating in our before us. It was discerned that now, understand and respond to spirit-led Yearly Meeting in session before. more than ever, we need to consider leadership: Please plan to join with your Yearly how we lead, who will step forward to • As individuals, how do we discern, Meeting family as we discern our future lead, and how we honor those gifts. It develop and display our own leader- together in PYM Annual Sessions: is our hope that this opportunity for ship capabilities? Gathered Together, Guided by Spirit. n gathering around the theme of leader- • Within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting,

13 ANNUAL SESSIONS PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 Finding a Way Forward, Together dren entering 8th grade and younger. at Sessions—from leading youth pro- Tricia Coscia Since there is no charge for children to grams to leading interest groups and Sessions Coordinator stay in their parents’ rooms, children workshops, attending the business can attend sessions for a day or two, or sessions and more. Because there aren’t he Plenary Sessions agenda, Anchor for the entire event, for free! many times when YAFs are all together on their own as a peer group, the infor- Groups and other activities are Young Friends (high school) join the T mal opportunities (like shared meals designed around helping us focus to- community for many activities but and a common dorm section) are gether, guided by Spirit, to discern a much of the time we will have our found to be extra-special opportunities way forward for our Yearly Meeting own programs, in much the same fash- to connect. during these changing times. How may ion that we do for Young Friends gath- For more information, contact PYM’s we address the challenges ahead and erings. We will be staying in a desig- YAF Coordinator, Sadie Forsythe at best use our collective financial and nated portion of one of the dormito- (215) 241-7075, [email protected]. human resources for what we are called ries, with the support of Friendly Adult to do within the Society of Friends and Presences; Cookie Caldwell, Young All of the youth programs are led by in the world? Friends Program Coordinator; and gifted, enthusiastic adults who will This year, the addition of planned Hannah Mayer, the Young Friends follow your child’s age-defined group Anchor Groups will allow us to get to Program Assistant. Young people may throughout the Sessions. Volunteers are know one another’s spiritual lives and also choose to stay with their families always needed, and provide a fun and prepare for our collective discernment and participate in the Young Friends grounding way to connect to our through worship sharing on specific program. Scholarships are available to young people. We’ll explore this year’s queries in small groups, with attention help Young Friends with the cost of theme: How can kids be leaders in their to visioning our future and what lead- attending sessions. ership may emerge as we move forward. meetings and schools? What can we learn Young Adult Friends (YAFs) partici- from leaders who have come before us? Youth and Children’s Programs: pate throughout all that is happening (At least one game of follow the leader Kids gather during annual sessions for fun, fellowship, worship and to Our Clerk offers his thoughts discern God’s Big Idea.What is the work that the young people of PYM are on this year’s Plenary Sessions: called to do? “Our primary work for these annual sessions is our budget—approving it. As we prepare these items for printing, the process of deciding our 2012 Bud- Children’s Sessions and Middle School get is still unfolding. The decisions will even continue on the floor or Yearly Friends: Infants through middle school- Meeting. Friends might find these 2011 annual sessions tough and difficult. It age children will meet in age-based will be rewarding work because the end result of approving our budget will groups in the morning and evening at the same time as the adult plenary result in a document that embraces who we are and what we want to be. Our sessions. The afternoons will be free- budget will be our witness to the work of Life in our world. play for all ages to be together as a Our budget represents our image in the world. It shows where we place community, with time for art, music, our values and what is important to us. Where do we spend $4.8 million games and relaxation. In the evenings, dollars? Why? What is the witness we make with our allocations? Another set the community continues with the of questions revolves around how we unite in deciding what is the emphasis Family Neighborhood where families and order of our priorities. This is the part where coming together is so im- will be housed together, centered portant as we listen and care for one another. It is essential to hear what we around a lounge where families hang out, play with friends and (for par- are called to spend and where. My experience has been that there is a living ents!) keep the conversation going after dynamic that energizes our work when we make decisions together. Our bedtime. work this year really is unfolding before us. You can be a part of this as we This year, thanks to support from the move together in mutually deciding our actions. Please join us at DeSales.” Education Standing Committee, there —Thomas Swain, Clerk are no program or meal fees for chil-

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is assured!) out Plenary Sessions, and We have a lot of great plans in the room locations can be Thoughts on Leadership works to encourage children to share designated for wheelchair their Quaker faith, grow spiritually or other accommodations. piritual and moral leadership are often confused. and have fun at the same time! Plenary Sessions spaces, SSometimes their actions are similar, but their bases, For more information, contact dorms and workshop spiritual leadings and moral standards, are not. Morals Elizabeth Piersol Schmidt, Child- classrooms are air- change with generations and political boundaries. Spir- ren’s Sessions Coordinator at conditioned. If you have a itual leadings are not so convenient. God speaks with [email protected], need that we may not have one unbending Truth. Being faithful to that Truth often (215) 241-7236; Stephen Dotson, addressed, please contact requires us be broken and made anew. For me, spiritual Middle School Friends Coordinator at the Sessions Coordinator leadership is modeling that faithfulness and supporting [email protected], (215) 241-7171; at (215) 241-7238. others in theirs, in quiet and not so quiet ways. Sharing or Cookie Caldwell, Young Friends our practice helps others and ourselves to see that it is Coordinator at [email protected], Learning and Creating: human to fall. Grace is in the getting up, and God is (215) 241-7222. Four speakers will offer always with us. their perspectives on Jada Jackson Everyone is encouraged to attend leadership: Trenton Monthly Meeting Annual Sessions: Work Grants and Scholarships are available to help • On Wednesday evening afford the cost of attending sessions. we will hear from Irene McHenry, PhD, citizen engagement and a spiritual You may apply for a work grant or Executive Director of Friends Council grounding in the Religious Society scholarship when you register. For on Education and a member of Chest- of Friends. nut Hill Monthly Meeting. Irene was a more information, visit www.pym.org/ • Jay Marshall, Dean of the Earlham annualsessions or call (215) 241-7238. founding faculty member of Fielding Graduate University’s doctoral program School of Religion, will address us at Financial Support for Children to in Educational Leadership and Change, the Saturday evening plenary. Jay is a Attend. This year, there are no program founding Head of Delaware Valley recorded Friends Minister, author of or meal fees for children entering 8th Friends School and co-founder of Where the Wind Blows: Vitality Among grade and younger, and no housing fees Greenwood Friends School. Irene will Friends and teaches in the areas of for those who stay in their parents’ address Leading from Within: From Old Testament and Leadership rooms. Registration fees are waived on Leadership to Action. Development. Saturday for Friends who have not at- tended in the last five years. • Also on Wednesday Evening, Michael Workshops and Interest Groups: Accessibility is important in planning Minnig, Director of Outdoor Education Many Friends in our community our Sessions. Golf carts are available to at Westtown Friends School, will lead a have come forward to lead Workshops assist people who may not be comfort- multigenerational Plenary Session with and Interest Groups, small groups in able walking across campus. Speech to movement, Leadership in Action: Realiz- which we gather to explore our faith, text transcription is provided through- ing and Sharing Goals. our work in the world, and the work of Kids Attend Free-Eat Free-Stay PYM Annual • At Thursday evening’s ple- Philadelphia Yearly Meeting working Free in your Parent’s Room! Sessions: nary Diane Randall, newly- groups and staff. A full list of this year’s appointed Executive Secre- workshops can be found in the next Gathered Together, tary for Friends Committee section and on the PYM website at Guided by Spirit... on National Legislation www.pym.org/annualsessions. Sharing a Meal! (FCNL), brings a background The ReCreation Tent City at Annual To register visit that includes many years Sessions makes space for creative www.pym.org/annualsessions or call leading statewide advocacy expression and learning in an open (215) 241-7238. organizations in Connecti- environment with Friends of all ages. Annual Sessions 2011—July 27-31 cut, a passion for rebuilding This year create music, make art and DeSales University Campus the democratic system in our learn about leadership in our Tent City. Powerful Beyond Measure: Trusting the Call to Leadership country, a record of achieve- n ments in lobbying and 15 ANNUAL SESSIONS PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Wednesday, July 27Wednesday, July 27 Thursday, July 28 Thursday, July 28 Friday, July 29 Friday, July 29Saturday, July 30 Sunday, July 31Saturday, July 30 Sunday, July 31 7:00-8:307‐8:30 7‐8:30 Breakfast and Early Morning Worship Breakfast and Early Morning Worship

8:308:38:30 0 Worship in the Plenary SpaceWorship in the Plenary Space

9:30-12:009:309:30‐ ‐ Morning Plenary Sessions: Morning Plenary Sessions: Memorial Memorial 12 12 On Site Registration Meeting for Meeting for OpensOpens These plenary sessions will deal with our vision of how we are These plenary sessions will deal with our vision of how we are called Worship called Worship Youth to spend our time, talent and treasures. We will use this timeto spend our time, talent and treasures. We will use this time programsYouthYouth 10:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. together to find a way of moving forward. together to find a way of moving forward. As we work together on As we work together on meetPrograProgra at msms Nominating Nominating thismeet timemeet at at who we are and our vision, we will align our budget to reflect our who we are and our vision, we will align our budget to reflect our Committee Committee thisthis time time Welcome to Welcome to ThursdayThursdayThursday work, growing from our involvement with one another. work, growing from our involvement with one another. Are we Report Are we Report throughthroughthrough Annual Sessions!Annual Sessions! ready to be leaders in our changing times? ready to be leaders in our changing times? SundaySunday Sunday Multigenerational Multigenerational Defining Who We AreDefining Who We Are Identifying O ur Vision Identifying O Deciding Our Vision ur Budget EpistleDeciding Os ur Budget Epistles

12:00-12:151212‐ ‐ All Ages Closing Worship and AnnouncementsAll Ages Closing Worship and Announcements 12:1512:15 11:3011:30‐ ‐ 11:30-1:301:301:30 Lunch Lunch 1:301:‐30 3‐ 3 PrePre‐Sessions‐Sessions 1:30-3:00 Hearts and MindsHearts and Minds Anchor Groups, Interest GroupAnchor Groups, Interest Groups and ReCreation s and ReCreation Prepared:Prepared: Building Building Annual Sessions Annual Sessions 2011 ends at 1:30 2011 ends at 1:30 Community Together p.m. Sunday p.m. Sunday 3‐ 43:30 ‐ 4:30 Gathering Worship 3:00-4:30 Workshops and ReCreationWorkshops and ReCreation

4:454:45‐ ‐ We hope to see We hope to see 6:45 6:45 4:45-6:45 Dinner Dinner you again for you again for 7:00-9:007:007:00‐ ‐ Welcoming Our Welcoming Our Leadership in the Leadership in the Leadership within LeadershiPowerful Beyond p within Annual Sessions Powerful Beyond Annual Sessions 9:009:00 Yearly Meeting Yearly Meeting Wider WorldWider World the Society of the Society of Measure: 2012Measure: 2012 FamilyFamily: : Friends FriendsLeadership from in PhiladelphiaLeadership from . in Philadelphia. YouthYouthYouth ProgramsPrograPrograms ms A A Mu Multigenerationalltigenerational Within Within meetmeetmeet at at at CelebrationCelebration thisthi times time thisThursday timeThursday Thursdaythroughthrough Michael Minnig, , Diane Randall, Diane Randall, Arthur Larrabee, Arthur Larrabee, Thomas Swain, Thomas Swain, throughSatSaturdayu rday Westtown School Friends Committee Friends Committee General SecretaryGeneral Secretary Clerk Clerk Saturday Leadership in Action: on National on National Reflections on Reflections on Realizing and Sharing LegislationLegislation Quaker LeadershipQuaker Leadership Jay Marshall, Jay Marshall, Goals, A Plenary Exercising Our Exercising Our Earlham School of Earlham School of Session with CitizenshipCitizenship Revision of Faith & Revision of Faith & Religion Religion Movement Practice PracticeVitality in Friends ’ Vitality in Friends’ Remembering 9Remembering 9‐11: ‐11: Leadership Leadership and A Non‐violent A Non‐violent YM Priorities DecisionYM Priorities Decision

Irene McHenry, , AlternativeAlternative Emerging Leaders Emerging Leaders Friends Council on on Witness Formation Witness Formation Education Program: A TPrograool for m: A Tool for Junior Interim MeetingJunior Interim Meeting Leading From Within: Action Action From Discernment to to Monthly MeetinMonthly Meeting g Action Mixer and Ice Cream Mixer and Ice Cream Social– 8:30 p.m.Social – 8:30 p.m.

9:15-11:009:159:15‐ ‐ Fellowship and FunFellowship and Fun Open Mike Night Open Mike Night 11 11

16 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 ANNUAL SESSIONS

4. Margaret Mansfield. Steps Towards Sessions Ecojustice: The Friendly Households deepen the spiritual life of the meeting Project (YF+) and strengthen the meeting community Workshop Show Us the Way! For years Friends by encouraging and equipping Friends Descriptions have worked to reduce their impacts on within the meeting to take small incre- the Earth and have discovered the joy ments of leadership as ministry in ser- vice to the meeting. Thursday, July 28: and creativity in living lightly. The Friendly Households Project seeks to unify individual efforts within PYM. 8. Ken Park. Servant As Leader (YF+) 1. Takashi Inskeep. Exploring Ourselves This experiential workshop offers ac- While many people have heard of “Ser- by Creating Imaginary Worlds. tivities for participants to learn from vant Leadership” few understand its (Multigenerational) each other about the effective practical Quaker roots in Robert K. Greenleaf’s In this workshop, participants will steps to take in our homes and our call. This workshop will explore these explore the complex and somewhat meetings, through the individual choic- roots and offer participants opportuni- illusive emotions that are generated by es we make about food, energy and ties to explore the qualities of a Servant places and environments. Participants “stuff.” Leader and the impact that leading in will learn how using their imaginations this way best serves not only those who incorporates elements of art, science 5. Hannah Mayer. Leading Self, Lead- are being led but also society as a and spirituality and helps them see ing World, Living the Kin-dom (YF+) whole. themselves more fully. A goal of this Through a number of activities and workshop will be to create one imagi- discussions workshop participants will 9. Pamela Haines. Using Our Money nary world to share with each other. explore the relationship between living and Resources: A Quaker Way? (YF+) and telling our narratives and senses of Many of us face decisions about what 2. Jon Watts. Beyond Meaning: How self, and those things that are less than to do with the money—and other re- Words Can Express the Indefinable ideal in our lives and in the world. sources—that we and our families don’t (Multigenerational) Participants will imagine how we can need for ourselves right now: Spend it Participants will experiment with the lead and live into the Kin-dom and anyhow on things we want? Save it for process of listening to the Spirit/getting maybe even get to know ourselves as a rainy day? Use it to make more mon- out of the Way via stream of conscious- God knows us—fully wise and infinite- ey? Loan it to others who need some ness poetry writing. The format of the ly powerful. now and could pay it back later? Give workshop includes a brief presentation it away? This workshop will explore about performance and the writing pro- 6. Irene McHenry. Mindfulness these big investment issues with activi- cess, a period of experimentation/writ- Meditation, Centering Prayer and ties geared to both adults and young ing exercises, sharing with the group, Worship (YF+) people. and processing of the experience. Participants will experience settling into three short stillness practices from 10. Bobbie Horowitz. When Hot Cocoa 3. Ingrid Lakey. Direct Action for different religious traditions: mindful- is Not the Answer (Adult) Ecojustice (YF+) ness meditation, centering prayer and This workshop will address the chal- Over the course of the past year, the Friends worship. We will explore the lenges faced by individuals who are Earth Quaker Action Team has helped similarities and differences among struggling with any addiction, as well as many Friends (re)discover the power of these spiritual practices, especially at- the concerns of the families and F/ nonviolent direct action—how it works, tending to the discernment of when to friends who love, live, work and wor- why it works, and how it can deepen speak in meeting for worship. ship with them. Participants will ex- our faith and practice. This experiential plore these two main questions in the workshop is for Friends who are ready 7. Therese Miller. Every Friend a spirit of honesty and friendship: what to experiment, step outside of their Minister, Every Friend a Leader (YF+) ought the Quaker response be to addic- comfort zones and risk taking bold, Participants in this workshop will learn tions and substance use? How is the nonviolent action for peace and justice. approaches to assess the strengths and Power of God’s Spirit working through opportunities for increased vitality in Quakers on these issues? their monthly meetings in the areas of worship and spiritual growth, meeting community and the business of the meeting. We’ll discuss practices to (Continued on page 18)

17 ANNUAL SESSIONS PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Friday, July 29: and community service. This workshop 18. Nancy Beiber. Discerning Your Call 11. Melinda Wenner Bradley. Patterns will help participants understand the (Adult) and Examples: Games with Friends from challenges and tools related to witness- What is mine (or ours) to do? Which Our Past (Multigenerational) ing for peace and social justice through call to lead is meant for my life? This Have you always wanted to be Fox, counter recruitment by exploring the workshop includes presentation, dis- Dyer, Mott, Hicks, Rustin, or some empowerment model of social action cussion and practices that focus on other famous Quaker? This is your as applied to communities. deepening our opening to the Light, chance. Participants will choose from helping us be attentive to the process of an array of historical Friends, learn as 15. Tom Gates. Quakerism in the 21st discernment and take steps to respond much as they can from resources pro- Century: Growing into Paradox and find our way forward. Participants vided, and portray that Friend using (YAF+) are encouraged to bring situations or arts and crafts materials. In our charac- Spiritual Truth often takes the form of a questions from their own lives or the ters, we’ll play games that help us learn paradox: a statement that seems contra- life of their community, although spe- about the ways these Friends led. dictory or inconsistent, but when seen cific situations are not needed for full from a different frame, is deeply true. A participation. 12. Stephen Dotson. Bad Poets Society vital Quakerism depends on our will- (Multigeneraltional) ingness to affirm both/and rather than 19. Lola Georg. Leadership as a Model Welcome to a judgment-free zone either/or. Together we’ll explore the for Parenting (Adult) where participants can claim their cre- creative tensions between such pairs as: Parents want their children to develop ative voice through playful exploration individual and community; tolerance into people who achieve their potential with language. Silliness and seriousness and transformation; continuing revela- and rely upon their spirit-inspired gifts. are equally welcome, as are Friends of tion and tradition; witness and prayer; During this exploratory workshop, we all ages. There will be opportunities to God as Immanent and God as Tran- will review the aspirations we have for collaborate, to interpret visual art into scendent; Jesus as Son of Man and Jesus ourselves, for our children, and for our literary art and to experiment with the as Son of God. communities. You will gain an im- performance of writing. Expect to find proved understanding of the role of Truth within laughter and nonsense. 16. Matthew Graville. Vocational parents as leaders, and the powerful Identities (YAF+) nature of trust as a cornerstone of effec- 13. Paulette Meier. Internalizing Early What does clarity look like? How do we tive relationships with our children and Quaker Wisdom through Song & Chant hear a calling? Amidst the sometimes each other. (YF+) overwhelming swirl of day-to-day life, Participants will meditatively listen to work and play, what questions stay 20. Greta Rech. Structuring and Leading Paulette share sung quotations from with you? Is it possible to live from a Multi-Age First Day School Class the texts of early Friends’ writings, now within, aligning the many or confusing (Adult) recorded on her CD, Timeless Quaker threads that sometimes pull you apart This workshop is all about finding re- Wisdom in Plainsong. Participants will and sometimes hold you together? sources and finding support! The also explore, in a worshipful way, the Using introspection exercises, this workshop will address the concerns significance of each one for us today. workshop will explore processes of and questions of providing a multi-age Before ending, the group will sing some discernment and connections between FDS class. It will include use of space of the song/chants together. Take- personality, work and vision as they (small or large), lessons and lesson home handouts will include notated relate to inward-oriented leadership. planning as well as accommodating copies of each song. different age groups so needs are met. 17. Jennie Sheeks. Fundraising 14. Jo Ann Zimmerman. An Army of Strategies for Monthly Meetings and 21. Lane Taylor. Meeting for Worship None: Military Recruitment in Schools Non-Profit Organizations (YAF+) With Attention to Healing (YF+) Asking others to give money to the (Adult) Penn Army of None, a Peace & Con- causes and organizations you are com- This workshop will focus on ways in cerns working group, is devoted to its mitted to is an act of leadership. In this which Friends mindfully seek and expe- mission of providing young people in workshop, we will focus on values- rience physical, mental and spiritual the Philadelphia area with accurate based fundraising, led by the core val- healing. Deeply rooted in worship, you information about military enlistment ues of your organization or monthly will be encouraged to speak freely of and legitimate nonmilitary alternatives meeting. Participants will come away your joys, concerns, and struggles as for college financing, career readiness, with concrete fundraising strategies that spiritual beings, and to embrace the apply to their own specific situations. 18 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 ANNUAL SESSIONS terms “healing” and “wellness” as 25. Nicki Schultz. The Power of Dance: 29. Mary Lou Hatcher. Leadership on broad concepts. Guided meditation Let’s Zumba! (Multigenerational) the Hill: FCNL and You (YAF+) techniques will empower us to ap- Zumba is an hour-long, Latin-inspired FCNL provides leadership on national proach healing and wellness in a faith- dance workout. The moves are easy and policy that relates directly to Friends’ ful and constructive manner on an it’s fun for all age groups and almost all testimonies. It is the oldest and largest individual and community level. abilities. We will break it down so it peace lobby in DC. Join FCNL’s new will be easy for everyone to learn. The Executive Secretary Diane Randall in an 22. Scilla Wahrhaftig. Welcoming goal is to have fun and dance! experiential workshop that focuses on Immigrants: A Legacy of Leadership the spiritual grounding of public wit- (Adult) 26. Melinda Wenner Bradley. Learning ness, effective lobbying techniques and Pennsylvania Friends have a history of To Lead (YF+) the resources available on FCNL’s welcoming all into the Common- At the epicenter of Quaker community website. wealth. Together we’ll explore present investment in the future, students are day responses to immigration issues, our rising community leaders. This 30. Jennie Isbell. Quaker Leadership: especially the restrictive legislation workshop will give Friends of all ages Dirty Word or Doorway to Faithfulness? currently being proposed in the Penn- an opportunity to hear from school-age (YAF +) sylvania legislature. Through worship Friends about how they’ve been called Led by the Earlham School of Religion sharing we will encounter our own to lead and what this has meant for Director of Outreach, this workshop responses to welcoming immigrants their lives and for the communities of will consider the concept of the meet- into our communities, and seek guid- which they are a part. ing as a body, and the way in which ance on our role as Quakers, recogniz- Spirit-led leadership “does a body ing that although we are few in num- 27. Edy Nolan. Crocheting in the Light good!” by naming and nurturing gifts bers we can and do make a difference. (YF+) and discovering the body’s call. Activi- Learn how to crochet in the Light, ties also name and explore some of the whether a beginner or an experienced potholes meetings encounter along the Saturday, July 30: crocheter. We’ll make an afghan by way to healthy functioning as a body, 23. Zan Lombardo. Letting Your Muse putting together the squares we make, including language, theology and the Speak: Answering the Spiritual Call to learn how to read a pattern, and even tension between the universal call to be an Artist (Multigenerational) have some silent crocheting. In the ministry and the particularity of lead- This workshop creates a space for wor- tradition of Friends through the years, ings. Take-aways will include several ship sharing and discussion for Friends we will talk, share and worship as we exercises one might explore with one’s to ask, “What meaningful purpose can crochet together. own meeting. be found in answering the creative call?” Artists, poets, writers, musicians, 28. Greg Elliot. Contemporary 31. Deborah Cooper. Mindfulness performers and supporters of the arts Leadership and the Inner Revolution of Meditation: Tuning In to the Still, Small are all encouraged to attend and con- John Wilhelm Rowntree (YAF+) Voice (Adult) tribute their questions, experiences and What do we risk by being prophetic? To hear a call, it is important to be able insights around the topic of what it What do we risk by holding back? This to quiet the mind, still the heart and means to be a Quaker artist and what workshop will introduce you to the listen deeply. This workshop gives par- value that holds for the world. concerns, insights and questions of ticipants a brief history of Mindfulness John Wilhem Rowntree, an early 20th- Meditation in the West, followed by 24. Mimi Scalia. Honor Your Body: century British Quaker who cared deep- two or three guided meditations. Par- Personal Empowerment Through Yoga ly about the fate of the Society of ticipants will share their experience (Multigenerational) Friends and our ministry. Together we with this practice. This workshop will begin with a period will explore the inward “revolution” of worship followed by a brief intro- that Rowntree calls us to undertake. duction to classical yoga through basic What are its various components? How asanas (postures), suitable for begin- does this revolution takes place? What ners. Advanced participants will be does it need in order to blossom in our encouraged to adapt postures to their lives? How can we embody Rowntree’s own abilities. All are encouraged to model of leadership? honor their own body. We will close with a guided meditation and discus- Continued on page 20 sion if time allows. Bring a folded blan- ket, large towel or yoga mat. 19 ANNUAL SESSIONS PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Workshop Descriptions continued from page 19 One Book, 32. Ed Dreby. Roots of the Growth Dilemma (Adult) One Yearly Meeting The purpose of the workshop is to Making connections through books explore some of the reasons for the ecological and social dilemmas associ- 2011 Book Selection: ated with our growth economy, why our economic system must either ex- Leading from Within: Poetry That pand or collapse and some of the Sustains the Courage to Lead changes needed for a manageable, non-growing market economy. Our Edited by Sam M. Intrator and Megan Scribner Sam M. Intrator and Megan Scribner Yearly Meeting has asked PYM Friends to take the initiative in promoting a cerns, conflicts and celebrations that national dialogue about our economy. accompany one called to leadership, Let us model the kind of dialogue we giving sustenance to the heart and the seek to promote, and prepare our- soul. selves to participate more knowledge- There is a new twist on the curricu- ably in a national dialogue as way lum this year. A series of four small opens. fold-out publications will be sent out to all on the One Book subscription list. 33. Joanne Sharpless. Heeding the Call Each pamphlet will highlight a poem, to End Mass Incarceration provide a reflective activity that is ap- (Adult) propriate for children, adults or multi- Germantown Meeting’s Adult Forum generational gatherings and some re- has engaged in a three-year study of flections on leadership from Friends in Quakers and Race. We have been the Yearly Meeting. The first foldout called to act after reading The New Jim Greta Rech will be distributed at Annual Sessions. Crow. This workshop will include clips Children’s Religious Life Coordinator The foldouts will be sent to clerks of of interviews with author Michelle Religious Education and Worship com- Alexander, a discussion of what Ger- ne Book, One Yearly Meeting is an mittees on a quarterly basis. All Friends mantown Meeting has done so far and Oopportunity for meetings, quarters who would like to share this program time for participants to share their and Friends of all ages to connect and with their meetings may ask to be in- information and ideas. grow in the Spirit through one shared cluded on the mailing list by contacting experience. Each year a book that re- Greta Rech, Children’s Religious Life 34. Marty Smith. Quaker Parenting: flects the theme of our Annual Sessions Resource Coordinator, at gretar@pym. Using Our Faith to Raise Our Children is chosen. Friends are invited to read org; (215) 241-7526. (Adult) the book individually or with their This workshop is for parents. Ground- meeting over the next year. An accom- More information can be found at ed in a worship-sharing format, par- panying curriculum provides support www.pym.org/onebook. The foldouts ticipants will first explore their beliefs for going deeper into the book. will be posted there as they are and values. Participants will then sug- The theme of the 2011 Annual Ses- published. n gest situations they encounters that sions is Powerful Beyond Measure: Trust- test those values, and brainstorm pos- ing the Call to Leadership. The One Book, sible responses to them. In a spiritu- One Yearly Meeting selection explores ally safe space, parents will consider leadership in a unique and powerful possible consequences of their deci- way: through poetry. In this book, lead- sion and how it would fit their child. ers from many different walks of life There will be much laughter and ten- were asked to share a poem that guided derness as parents find common their work and to reflect on that choice. strength from others. n The poems and the accompanying stories uphold and uplift the joys, con-

20 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND RENEWAL Being Led and Leading: Corporate Spiritual Accountability

all or several of its members. Viv Hawkins Continual revelation Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting Each of these relationships embody While individuals are independently the religious testimonies of Friends, able to uncover mystery, the power of which Jocelyn listed as: 1) that of God “collective intelligence,” the intelli- choes of many voices in several in everyone, 2) direct, unmediated gence we generate together, is becom- languages filled the cinderblock E experience of the Divine, 3) continual ing better known. When the increased room at the 2008 Friends World Com- revelation and 4) all of life as sacra- power of such communal seeking is mittee for Consultation-Asia/West Pa- mental. Let’s look at each of these brief- combined with concerted attention to cific Section gathering in ly before looking at their col- Spirit’s will as is true with corporate Bhopal, India. I found lective effect in relation to cor- spiritual accountability processes, all myself in a back corner of porate spiritual accountability help the focus person(s) seek God’s the dining room sharing a and its role with leadership. will and encourage him/her to faith- meal and fascinating con- fully follow. versation with Jocelyn Bur- That of God in everyone nell, the Friend who dis- Friends broadly agree every- All of life is sacramental covered the pulsar (neutron one contains a seed of Truth Everything and every part of us is stars). She delineated what that can be cultivated and sacred; none profane. Corporate spiri- she called the “religious grown. This is one main focus tual accountability assists more of the testimonies of Friends,” the of corporate spiritual account- community to engage in ministering timeless spiritual tenets from which our ability—to nurture that of God in each and eldering. As such, it calls forth temporal social testimonies spring. other, to become stronger in God’s more life, more of the sacred. In light of that conversation and grace. But the benefit reaches further. A message that arose during worship countless hours practicing corporate Studies show that natural and human in Bhopal included, “to be gutted by spiritual accountability, I see the prac- communities with greater diversity and the fire of what may be false gods.” tice as a “charism” of the Religious dispersed authority function with high- Corporate spiritual accountability Society of Friends, a distinct spirit that er potential and, in the case of calam- helps those who practice it to identify animates our religious community and ity, are more resilient and recover more false gods, purge themselves of them, gives it a particular character. What is quickly. Thus, individuals and commu- and more fully serve the One God. meant by corporate spiritual account- nities are strengthened. Additionally, in a western society frag- ability? How is it linked with the reli- mented by individualism, Friends can gious testimonies of Friends? How does Direct unmediated experience cultivate the power of corporate spiri- it foster faithful leadership? And how of the Divine tual accountability to grow the Beloved can it provide leadership that is power- Some hold that Friends have not Community such that people remark, ful beyond measure? laid down the clergy as much as laid “Look at how they love one another.” As used here, corporate spiritual down the laity, inviting us to be a To illustrate, here is one story from a accountability refers to two or more priesthood of believers. In this light, peer group that has met for more than people caring for and drawing out min- reserving “minister” or “elder” for par- five years. Martha Kemper (Abington istry as they listen for, discern, and ticular individuals may be a disservice Friends Meeting) writes, “The peer carry out God’s call, preferably in rela- to our potential as individuals and as a group to which I am blessed to belong tionship with their home faith commu- people. We multiply our potential accompanied me through the long nity. Circles of Friends who have come when we avail ourselves of all gifts in process of evolving the play that together to explore the topic in recent the community. While some of us may became Me, Miss Krause and Joan. . . . years during various Yearly Meeting be more innately gifted in one of these Through the peer group process I re- sessions, workshops and courses have roles, when we regard “ministering” ceived affirmation about the play’s told stories of individual elder-minister and “eldering” as actions which any spiritual value, and encouragement to relationships, on-going groups support- individual may practice and increase keep going. The group’s spiritual ing a single person in a ministry and one’s ability to offer, we maximize accompaniment [included] prayers and peer groups where focus shifts between service to the community and to Spirit. questions that kept pointing me to seek 21 SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND RENEWAL PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Divine guidance and practical support outside of the peer group time. . . . At a The Power of Silence peer group member’s prompting, I asked for an oversight committee from Abington Meeting . . . and that commit- Sarah Moore Chambersburg Monthly Meeting tee met nearly monthly for about three years . . . keeping the core issue of faith- ntering the silence of Quaker meet- fulness ever present for me. . . . [The spiritual presence when least expected, ing as a child you open the door to peer group’s] spiritual accompaniment E or suddenly know the answer to a nag- your imagination. You become a cat . . . continues to nurture my faithful- ging problem. The simple answers napping before a fire, or a bunny, stat- ness in performing the play and com- never seemed to be enough. Quakers ue-like in a sunny field. Warm and still; municating to audiences about the believe what they want and respect warm because the silence is story it tells and the concerns it raises.” others’ beliefs. We act with not the cold, deafening si- In similar ways, courses, workshops, peace and integrity; we fol- lence of isolation, but the publications, plenary talks, and Quaker low the Light in our hearts. peaceful, wholesome silence committee service have been supported Those words fail to capture of community. Still because through this peer group. Its members the essence, fail to explain fidgeting disrupts the silence collaborated to offer a workshop and a the atmosphere when you and your parents would three-month course to teach about enter a room engaged in scold. corporate spiritual accountability from worship, the transition from In middle school, I began which other groups were spawned and the outer world of haste to to comprehend that the si- additional people nurtured in their the inner world of the heart. lence of Quaker meeting can faithfulness. In these ways, the corpo- The silence became a time to be found outside the meet- rate spiritual accountability process figure out what everything inghouse. I went to church camp. I ministers not only to its participants means: life, Quakerism, beliefs. It took found Quaker friends, and I found the but to others to whom the fruits of the a while to grasp that there were no heartwarming, rejuvenating silence of ministry are carried and to others to concrete answers, no perfect words. I worship outdoors. It greeted me on the whom the process is offered. As such, returned to church camp, and encoun- Appalachian Trail after climbing a huge corporate spiritual accountability itself tered a mentor from home. “You’re rock pile. It embraced me around the has offered leadership. glowing,” she stated. That weekend, campfire Saturday night. The birds’ Friends have the potential, with surrounded by Quakers, by the silence melodies, the whistling wind, the crack- Divine assistance, to harness the power that is everywhere, by the Light within ling fire supplemented the quiet. I real- of corporate spiritual accountability. I me, I glowed, and I realized that maybe ized that the silence is not an empti- pray that in the future we demonstrate Quakerism is as simple, and as com- ness, it isn’t a lack of sound, but a full, leadership that is powerful beyond plex, as the power of silence. enveloping presence. Understanding measure by offering to the world this I have always believed in the power the silence helped me understand my- most precious gift. Through the practice of silence, though as a child I couldn’t self. I realized that my classmates often of corporate spiritual accountability, we put it into words. In Quaker silence we thought of me as shy and quiet, yet can take up the mantle of revealing the look inside, to what we believe in our acknowledged that my silence allowed Holy in each other, in our meetings, in hearts. We discover the Light in every- me to listen and learn, to choose times the wider Religious Society of Friends one, in ourselves. We ponder the to make a statement and times to avoid and in the world. May it be so! For it is world’s complexities, what we can do conflict. I found the Presence, the Com- God in, with and beyond us who about its issues or how to better appre- fort, waiting outside an audition room, ultimately leads with power that is ciate its values. Simple: meaningful, or before competing balance beam at a n immeasurable. n powerful, silence. gymnastics meet. The silence focuses, Viv Hawkins, a member of Central calms the rushing madness of a ner- (To listen to the audio version of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, wishes to vous mind, imparts peace in the midst Sarah’s essay, visit www.youtube.com/ learn of other people who are interested to of chaos. watch?v=Y9u5c2uEubk.) advance the practice of corporate spiritual In high school my friends queried, accountability in their own lives, their “What does it mean to be a Quaker?” I meetings, the wider Religious Society of struggled to answer, to put into words Friends and the world. Please contact her the feeling you get in worship, or kaya- at [email protected]. king on the river, the ability to feel a

22 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND RENEWAL Mindfulness Meditation Skills for Friends

Deborah Cooper emotions arise, the body makes de- breath) and then allowing the attention Germantown Monthly Meeting mands, again and again I return the to rest on this object for a pre-selected attention to the breath. The discipline amount of time. indfulness is a core of the teach- is to notice what is arising and to make When practicing walking meditation Ming of the Buddha. The first No- a conscious decision either to attend to I am reminded of Fox’s admonition to ble Truth of Buddhism teaches that the thought or emotion, or to return “walk cheerfully over the earth.” Cen- suffering comes from desire or craving, the attention to the breath. It is an tering my attention on my body, I pay and that by becoming increasingly ongoing process. One day may be fairly special attention to the soles of my feet. aware of our own mind states, emo- peaceful, the next the chatter is inces- It is as though the earth is blessed with tional response, and behavior, we can sant; one day I am alert, the next very each step, and I become acutely aware reduce suffering both for sleepy. The practice is to watch of the small creatures that crawl, scuttle ourselves and others. this process as it happens and and have their being so close to the It is not my intent to to observe my reaction to it, earth. propose that Friends be- the thoughts of judgment or As I walked that morning from the come Buddhist, although joy, frustration or quiet, with- meditation hall to breakfast, still in there are some who are out attachment, without self- silence, I passed a woodchuck nibbling drawn to this path. I am criticism. the grass just inches from my feet. Fur- simply proposing that Formal mindfulness medita- ther on, a couple of baby hares loped Buddhism has some prac- tion can be done either sitting along beside the path, seeming com- tices that could strengthen or walking. In sitting medita- pletely fearless of human beings a few our society. The Dalai tion it is advised to take a seat feet away. I was again reminded of how Lama says, as quoted in the book De- with the spine erect, either sitting on many special things I miss as I rush structive Emotions, How Can We Over- the floor or on a chair, selecting an busily through my life. n come Them? by Daniel Goleman: object of attention (frequently the “A central aim of Buddhism is to reduce the power of destructive emo- tions in our lives. With that in mind, Buddhism offers a wide range of theo- From Shadows into Light retical insights and practical methods. If any of these methods can be shown, through scientific methods, to be of It’s the dropping down from After the curtain drops benefit, then there is every reason to shadows into light, And thunder fills the house, find ways to make them available to That’s what I live for After the playwright’s world has everyone, whether or not they are inter- Much like the actress who has vanished, ested in Buddhism itself.” spent an hour The actor stands before the crowd One of the benefits of the practice of On stage as Medusa And for the first time he is present, mindfulness is that it is simple, al- Or the actor who has let himself The actor drops down from the though the development of a regular Be eclipsed by Romeo, shadow into light personal practice is not. In my own life, Much like the one who has And becomes a river flowing from I find that there are a thousand reasons become someone foreign, mountaintop to ocean, not to sit; I get up late, don’t feel like it, Lived in a garment until the A tree in the winter without stories, there are urgent demands on my cloth The emptiness, time—the excuses mount. The practice Seemed to be more real than The witness, includes watching this mental state God’s river The divine. happen and, as a result, hopefully, Bringing water from I will make wise choices about what mountaintop to ocean. to do. Elliott Roberson Once I am actually sitting, I become Arch Street Monthly Meeting aware of the countless ways in which my attention is diverted. Thoughts and

23 CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 Cultivating Relationship: The Meeting Relations Program Friends People attached to one an- staff and with many more Friends. We Martin D. Reber other by affection and esteem. A friend reflected on concerns and aspirations Director of Meeting Relations is literally a lover—one who desires the for relationship and communication best for another, has sympathy, empa- that were expressed by many monthly he Meeting Relations Program arose thy, understanding, compassion and meetings during exploratory discus- Tfrom a need to help cultivate and trust for another. The Old English root sions last fall,and considered what we support relationships between meet- meant to love—so do the Latin and can do to strengthen the sense of com- ings and the Yearly Meeting—to knit us Greek roots of the word, and the Ger- munity among the 103 meetings that closer together as a Religious Society of manic root meant peace. Is it any won- comprise Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Friends. Our vision is to help members der why our spiritual ancestors chose Our vision of how to begin is to throughout our Yearly Meeting to more the word Friends to describe our Reli- have staff members become Staff Liai- fully understand the fundamental im- gious Society? sons with specific monthly meetings to portance of being in active, communal Today, we are a disconnected lot. visit, to worship with and to get to relationship with one another, to better Isolation, not community, seems to know. We envision this as a starting understand the vitality and resources pervade our lives. We do things alone point for reconnecting and strengthen- we are blessed with, and to share and that we once did together. The ties that ing relationships and communication help each other manifest Friends’ testi- bind us in community seem weaker across the Yearly Meeting community. monies. Friends have a long and rich now than they were in our past. Yet we Each Staff Liaison visits, worships history of travelling our spiritual and miss the togetherness, do we not? We and coordinates with their assigned human journeys together—let us con- long for the comfort of being with oth- monthly meetings on a regular basis tinue to do so in the modern world. ers in regular and meaningful relation- and it is hoped that through this pro- ships, to worship together, to have fun cess stronger ties and communication Why is this important? together, to know there are others out will emerge. During the initial visits, The very name of our Religious Soci- there with whom we share our spiritual each meeting is invited to participate in ety of Friends does more than just hint journeys, who support and care for us the Meeting Relations Program. Meet- at the importance of being in good and encourage us to become more than ings are also invited to identify one or relationship and friendly community we are at present and who help us man- two people who are active in the life of with one another: ifest Friends testimonies in the world. the meeting to become Meeting Liai- Religious The word has its roots in Ours is not a solitary faith. As members sons, working with their Staff Liaison to Old French and Latin words meaning of the Religious Society of Friends, it is coordinate visits and facilitate connec- variously respect and reverence for fundamental to our being, beliefs and tions and relationships. God, the bond between people and testimonies that we attend to our rela- Initial visits have already been held God, to bind, to connect, to reconnect, tionships with God and with each oth- with London Grove, Swarthmore, community. Even in abstract definition, er. As members of our monthly meet- Princeton, Centre and Radnor monthly religion is a fundamental set of beliefs ings, quarterly meetings and and practices held in common by a Yearly Meeting, we are called Show your colors in Tent City! PYM Annual group of people. While it may be pos- to be in community with one Sessions: sible to have a solitary spiritual life, we another. do not have a religion without being in community with other people. Meeting Relations Gathered Together, Society A group of people in relation- Program Launched Guided by Spirit... ship with one another. A particular We began developing the ReCreating ! society may be described as the sum Meeting Relations Program in total of all the relationships among its earnest in February, with in- To register visit www.pym.org/annualsessions constituent members, often with a troductions at Interim Meet- or call (215) 241-7238. distinctive culture or set of beliefs. The ing, the Support and Out- Annual Sessions 2011—July 27-31 roots of this word describe bonds, in- reach Standing Committee, DeSales University Campus teractions and interdependence among the Peace and Concerns people and friends. Standing Committee, PYM Powerful Beyond Measure: Trusting the Call to Leadership

24 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 WITNESSING OUR FAITH Change Our World, Educate a Girl meetings. Through these initial visits, we have experienced deep expressions Tracey Dolan of the Spirit during meeting for wor- Valley Friends Meeting ship, excitement about the prospects for deeper relationships across the Yearly Meeting and opportunities to link people together who have similar interests or needs. We meet regularly with the Quarter Coordinators of Abington, Bucks, Caln, Concord, Haddonfield, Phila- delphia, Salem and Upper Susque- hanna quarters and are exploring how the program can assist them in their work. Our discussions have been uplifting and we are energized about the prospects for strengthening the mutual sense of community across our Yearly Meeting. Reading Monthly Meeting’s recent forum about inter- meeting relationships is one example. Photographs © Sarah Bones © Sarah Photographs What happens next? riends in the Philadelphia, PA, and colleagues. More monthly meetings are being FBethesda, MD, area are discovering As a fundraising board, Nurturing assigned Staff Liaisons each week and first-hand what an education can mean Minds has grown rapidly since Lola upcoming visits include Media, Third to vulnerable girls in Tanzania. Tracey served in 2008-2010 (she currently Haven, Crosswicks, Haverford, Valley, Dolan (Valley Friends Meeting); Lola serves as advisor) providing guidance Green Street, Abington and Gwynedd Georg (Media Friends Meeting) and in nonprofit development. Today the Monthly Meetings. The schedule of Marion Ballard (Bethesda Friends board has 13 members, including Mari- visits to monthly meetings is included Meeting and the treasurer for Balti- on who joined in 2010. Such strategic on the Meeting Relations Program more Yearly Meeting), work together to development of the board has enabled page on the PYM website, make this vision a reality in Tanzania, Nurturing Minds to exceed its goals, (www.pym.org). n East Africa. raising over $1.1 million since 2007. More detailed information about the In 2007, Tracey’s sister, Polly Dolan, In just three short years, a residential program is also available on the website asked her to join in her effort to create campus has been established compris- or by contacting Martin directly at a secondary boarding school for mar- ing four buildings supporting 8th and [email protected] or (215) 241-7215. ginalized girls in Tanzania. Consider- 9th graders who reside on campus, and ing Polly’s 15 years experience living in a class of day students. Thus, almost 90 Martin is a member of London Grove Africa, her lengthy career working in girls have been given a second chance Meeting. international development and six to create a life free of poverty, because years residing in Tanzania, Tracey was obtaining a high school education is easily convinced that Polly has the the key to that new life. expertise to make this vision a reality. Nurturing Minds and its Tanzanian Together they formed Nurturing partner, SEGA, are responding to the Minds: Educating Girls in Tanzania, a inequitable access to and poor quality U.S.-based nonprofit, and SEGA (Sec- of education opportunities for Tanza- ondary Education for Girls Advance- nian children, especially for poor girls. ment), a Tanzanian organization Tanzania is one of the poorest coun- founded by Polly and four Tanzanian tries in the world with 36 percent of

25 WITNESSING OUR FAITH PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 Photos © Sarah Bones Photos © Sarah people living below the basic needs poverty line, and 19 percent below the food poverty line. There are over five million children out of school, the majority of whom are engaged in child labor. With only 20 percent of students in high school, Tanzania has one of the lowest secondary enrolment ratios in Sub-Saharan Africa and the world. While the Government of Tanzania has put great emphasis on rapidly ex- panding both primary and secondary school infrastructure over the past sev- eral years, the quality of most govern- ment and community schools is very poor. The majority (62 percent) of schools have inadequate sanitation facilities (a common reason for high absentee rates among girls), and most barriers for girls and contribute to girls’ include the high burden of domestic rural schools lack clean water and basic dropping out of school and/or per- activities girls face at home (including resources such as teachers, books and forming poorly. In Tanzania only 9 caring for HIV/AIDS affected or other furniture. Even in the better schools, percent of 15-19-year-old girls are at- sick family members), risk of sexual teaching methods are top-down, and tending secondary school, and 64 per- exploitation during travel to schools in focus on rote learning rather than fos- cent of all girls 15-19 are not in school. distant places and, where girls have tering independent thinking and prob- Girls are twice as likely as boys to be been orphaned, the absence of a family lem-solving skills among students. out of school (Population Council support system. Becoming domestic The poor quality of teaching, poor Workshop). servants (often unpaid or underpaid), school environment and insufficiencies Additional underlying causes of girls’ of school infrastructure are especially poor performance and dropping out Continued on page 30 26 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 WITNESSING OUR FAITH

Developing Quaker Leadership Through Nonviolent Direct Action

Ingrid Lakey Director of EQAT

What a wonderful smell touched us as my family entered the Philadelphia Flower Show. We were handed an exhibit map by an assistant who was totally unaware of what was about to happen: A happening that our multigenerational family of three was about to participate in. My mother, Shirley (76 years young) pushed her walk- er through the multitude of people, not to support herself but as a needed device for this currently covert happening. Zoe, my overly excited 14-year-old, didn’t even glance at the explosion of flowers all around us. Walking past the PNC exhibit, we saw our fellow members of EQAT. We’d trained for weeks and my 47-year- old heart thumped in my stomach. –Wendy Scott, member of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting

or the past 16 months, Earth Quak- Fer Action Team (EQAT) has been learning to use nonviolent direct ac- Photos by Ingrid Lakey tion to confront climate change. Our touts its green image through displays me. My stomach feels uncertain; my throat focus is on ending a particularly nasty and information about its green build- is tense; I’m quick to burst out with ner- environmental travesty called moun- ings, so it is a logical place to reveal the vous laughter. But once I’m buckled into taintop removal coal mining (MTR) by conflict between PNC’s green image the seat, there is nothing I can do except putting pressure on PNC Bank, the and its harmful lending policies. hold on. So, choosing to be in the “ar- number one U.S. financier of MTR, to One year later, we were ready for a restable” group felt like getting into the seat end its financial support for companies larger, riskier, more confrontational of a roller coaster, not knowing exactly that engage in this practice. action. We had grown in size, strength, what the ups and downs would be, but In the process of developing our courage and capacity. This time we had knowing that my decision was irreversible. campaign, Bank Like Appalachia Mat- nine committed Earth Quakers ready to –EQAT Clerk Carolyn McCoy, member of ters (BLAM!), we’ve been growing new risk arrest inside the Flower Show, with Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting Quaker leaders who are willing to step 15 more going in to provide support. out of their comfort zones by becom- The logistical preparations took two When I planned what to wear on ing highly visible, by confronting in- months and the internal preparation “arrestable” Wednesday, I got to this: Take justice openly, by speaking out pub- for some of our Earth Quakers was off my trappings: leave my water bottle licly and even by risking arrest. profound. behind, my pens, pencils and paper. Take We made our debut at the 2010 I had chosen to participate in an action off fears, as much as I can. Walk centered, Philadelphia Flower Show (sponsored where I might be arrested. Contemplating walk in plain Truth. The image from James by PNC Bank) handing out leaflets and arrest for civil disobedience made me feel Nayler described: be naked before the singing outside the convention center. like I do when anticipating a roller coaster Continued on page 30 The Flower Show is a place where PNC ride. I don’t like roller coasters; they scare Continued on next page 27 WITNESSING OUR FAITH PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Truth. And Jesus’s example in the Sermon Philadelphia Inquirer were on the Mount: give your outer garment, there and both devoted signifi- and your inner garment also. How refresh- cant coverage to our action. ing, to stand in the Truth. Release the PNC officials were also there things I hide behind, release distractions. but they refused to engage with Release myself into the power to act. –Gail us. We held the space for two Newbold, member of London Grove hours. Monthly Meeting When we left we felt ener- gized and surprised by how We mobilized in front of the PNC much we were able to do. While display. Our members held up a large this one action was probably banner and cordoned off the area as a not the straw that would break “Flower Crime Scene.” The convention PNC’s tie to coal, it put us very center security showed up in force and firmly “on their radar,” it al- surrounded our nine brave Earth Quak- lowed us to engage with hun- ers who were holding their ground. We dreds if not thousands of peo- knew the Philadelphia Police were on ple about PNC and MTR and it their way. let us each stretch our nonvio- We began to sing: “Where have all lent direct action muscles. This the flowers gone—in Appalachia?” We action required each of us to sang the whole song, all the rewritten take responsibility for ourselves verses. Then Jonathan Snipes read aloud and each other, and to step into leader- sion, “Well-behaved women never make ship by confronting history.” Not getting arrested was both a authority. We were an- relief and a disappointment. I will have to swering to a higher au- face the same apprehensions about being thority than the security arrested the next time, but maybe I’ll be guards, police and PNC able to remember the strength and joy of officials who desperately standing our ground, feeling our power. wanted us to go away. –Carolyn McCoy

For me, a strongly felt Leaving the Convention Center that but vaguely understood day, not one of us felt small or that we calling has become more were hiding our Light. We went in as clear. The risk-of-arrest individuals wanting to do the right group let me fulfill a part thing. We left as leaders with a new of my identity that previ- knowledge that we are, in fact, powerful ously was unmet. I feel beyond measure. n more integrity. Who I a “confession” that we had written de- “am” has become more actualized through Ingrid Lakey is a member of Central Phila- scribing PNC’s collusion with moun- EQAT. My particular spirit is congruent delphia Monthly Meeting. taintop removal, that we were asking with being a nonviolent and active person the regional bank president to sign. in my life. –Gail Newbold

As we waited for the police, I began to We gained a new understanding of Earth Quaker Action Team relax. Whatever happened next would be what power really is. okay. I had dressed for a potentially cold (EQAT:pronounced “equate”) is working jail cell; I had cancelled all responsibilities What I knew about power, previously, to build a just and sustainable economy through nonviolent direct action. It is an for the next 24 hours; I was prepared. – were dynamics regarding the disabling, independent organization of Friends and Carolyn McCoy oppressive energies. Now the positive part of the spectrum that’s all Power is becom- friends of Friends with no official ties to PYM. Learn more about EQAT at eqat. The police did come but there were ing more filled in! There’s more brightness in the Light. –Gail Newbold wordpress.com or email us at eqat- no arrests since we weren’t breaking the [email protected]. law. A reporter from WHYY-FM and the I was starting to live into that expres-

28 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 QUAKERISM THEN AND NOW—REVISITED A Response to Quakerism Then and Now in PYM Today Winter 2011 Brinton is used to prove a modern afterward. Recorded ministers went William G. Smith point. Some things left out are that back and forth because The Religious Moorestown Monthly Meeting “disownment” was a local meeting for Society of Friends was experienced as discipline decision with appeal to quar- one body. Conferences were a late-19th appreciate that PYM Today included terly meeting. It did not preclude atten- century invention. Ian article on Quaker history and dance at meeting for worship, just the 4. The development of evangelical hope that this continues. But I must monthly meeting for discipline. Also if trends in London Yearly Meeting was respectfully point out that there are a the person “confessed” their wrong not a reaction to Hicksite beliefs but an number of statements in this article actions and asked forgiveness they were earlier internal shift (Abraham that are misleading at best, and at least reinstated. This is what William Brin- Shacklton and Hannah Barnard circa one that is not factual. ton did. 1800). The shift was due to an increase 1. The current conservative Yearly 3. Traveling Quaker ministers were in social justice activities, anti-slavery, Meetings in Iowa (1883) and North not “itinerant preachers.” The minis- care for the poor, prison reform, tem- Carolina (1904) resulted from a sepa- ters, women and men, who traveled in perance (anti-alcohol) and care of the ration in opposition to Quaker reviv- Quaker circles during the late-1700s “insane.” All of these activities were als and the institution of paid minis- and early-1800s were Friends that were being carried on by the “evangelical” ters with the development of pro- recorded as ministers of the Gospel in branches of established churches, grammed worship. This separation was their local meeting and often with au- which resulted from the Great Awaken- not part of the Wilburite separation. thority from quarterly and Yearly Meet- ing, and many British Quakers worked The only extant Wilburite Yearly Meet- ing. This was especially true for those closely with them and found much of ing is Ohio Yearly Meeting. Both of the from London to America. Quaker their theology compatible with their united New England and Philadelphia meetings during this period did not social activism. Yearly Meetings have significant Wil- include speakers from other religious When we write about history we burite heritages. groups. Since a public Friend expressed need to try our best to reflect what was 2. In the article it is not clear why the message given to them by the Di- happening at that time and not inter- William Brinton’s listening to George vine Light/Spirit, they would have said pret what happened in the past as if it Keith was so important to his meet- God or Christ. Only around 1800 did were happening today. It is important ing’s discussion with him about atten- the divinity of Jesus and the authority that we stay as close to primary (origi- dance at worship. George Keith was a of the Bible become prominent in nal) sources as possible. n theologically well educated early those who want more “Christian Or- Friend who had traveled with Penn, thodox.” Those that opposed this trend Barclay and Fox in Britain and in Eu- did not have a specific theology to set rope. He immigrated to New Jersey as forward and many were “deeply Chris- surveyor-general under Governor Bar- tian” in their faith but they did not clay and then later moved to Philadel- accept the authority of human inven- phia. He was not a minister sent from tions including the Bible, especially London Yearly Meeting. He began to warlike parts, Trinity and meeting for find fault with Philadelphia Quakers suffering”. because of their lack of an “orthodox” Since all Quakers before 1800 were Christian creed and he felt that they part of the same Society, ministers trav- needed the discipline of a central au- eled from one area to another in mu- thority. He led a separation group tual intervisitation. These ministers did called “Christian Quakers” in Pennsyl- not go from Britain to America or from vania but when he returned to Britain American to Britain to attend confer- he had little luck in furthering his ences. They were led to deliver their cause and was “disowned.” He then messages to others outside their local became an Anglican priest and a mis- meeting. London Yearly Meeting was sionary to New Jersey. held as the “mother” body up until the The anecdotal example of William revolutionary war and in high esteem 29 FRIENDLY ADVERTISING PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011

Change Our World Quaker organizations and individuals pay Adult community (55 plus) offers best of both continued from page 26 to advertise in this section. See policy on worlds: Walk to shops, restaurants, galleries, craft next page. and community college classes. Enjoy land- engaging in transactional sex, mar- scaped lawns, adult amenities. rying early and getting pregnant Barclay Friends Some sales are restricted to moderate in- are common scenarios in these A Senior Living Community come. For information or tour call young teenagers’ lives. Sadly, strat- Gardens surround Barclay Friends bringing (609) 261-2399. egies to improve gender equity in nature closer to those who live here or come for rehabilitation. Horticultural therapy enables Foulkeways education have focused on im- residents to get their hands in the soil and add Located on 110 beautiful, suburban acres in proving test results through lower- purpose to life by arranging flowers for the Montgomery County, Foulkeways at Gwynedd ing the pass rate for girls, rather community. was one of the first Continuing Care Retirement than addressing these root causes Our program for those with dementia is Communities (CCRC) and the first Quaker of gender inequity in education. designed to be respectful of their dignity and CCRC in the country when the campus opened Today the SEGA Girls School is individuality; segregation is unnecessary. in 1967. Over the years, “Setting standards of a vibrant campus featuring two key Couples with differing needs can share excellence in retirement living” has become elements that make it unique: an apartment in Woolman-Residential and synonymous with the Foulkeways name as it •SEGA recruits at-risk girls who Assisted Living. continues to lead the industry with innovative had dropped out of elementary Barclay Friends has been respected for its health care, environmental greening initiatives due to poverty; very few private mission to the West Chester community since and volunteerism efforts. 1893. In November of 2010, Foulkeways was recog- secondary boarding schools for Please visit www.barclayfriends.org or call nized as the recipient of the Pathways To Great- poor girls exist in Tanzania. (610) 696-5211. ness 2010 Award for Exemplary Aging Services, • SEGA envisions eventual school co-sponsored by the American Association of sustainability by implementing Cadbury at Cherry Hill Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) and school-run businesses, the first Cadbury is a beautiful lakeside community in LarsonAllen LLP, CPA’s, consultants and advisors being poultry farming funded by scenic Cherry Hill, NJ. Licensed as a Continuing serving aging service providers. This prestigious the U.S. Ambassador’s grant. Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Cadbury award was designed to recognize and identify offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, the traits of high-performing senior living provid- Tracey, Lola, and Marion knew Skilled Nursing and Sub-acute Rehabilitation. ers across the country and the selection criteria little about the plight of girls in Amenities include waterfront dining, indoor pool, included Customer Excellence, Best Practices and Africa in 2007. Today they recog- fitness center, library, auditorium, art studio and Innovation, Distinctive Impact and Leadership. nize that our Quaker Testimony of computer lab. With over 30 years of experience, For more information call (215) 283-7010 or Equality applies to education here based in Quaker tradition, Cadbury respects the visit our website at www.foulkeways.org. in the United States as well as dignity of each individual while nurturing inde- countries like Tanzania. As Lucy, pendence and encouraging the highest possible Foxdale Village Retirement Community one of the SEGA student’s said, quality of life. Come visit our Quaker-directed, continuing Direct entry is available to all levels of care. “The most important change is the care retirement community in State College, Various contract options are available including nestled in the heart of Happy Valley, amid way that I think and the way that I lifecare. For more information call (800) 422- central Pennsylvania’s beautiful mountains and see life to be. I now see life as 3287 or visit www.Cadbury.org. valleys. Foxdale encourages and supports older more meaningful. I put more em- adults as they seek to live full and graceful lives phasis on education because I Chandler Hall in harmony with Quaker principles of equality, know that it’s the only light to the Located in historic Newtown, Bucks County, simplicity and compassion. Residents have access future.” (interview by Sarah Bones, offers a Wide Array of Services. The Friends to Penn State’s many educational, cultural and 2/2011) Nursing Home opened its doors in 1973. The sporting events. Valley, Radnor and Kennett well-known Hospice Program began in 1982 State College Meeting is vibrant and welcom- Monthly Meetings all support and includes Hospice-at-Home Programs and ing. Reasonable fees include lifetime medical Nurturing Minds and the Sega the residential Heacock Pavilion. Other offerings care and pharmacy. Explore how retirement to include: residential apartments, assisted living Girls School, and are part of its Foxdale can be your opportunity for personal residences and nursing home accommodations. growth. ongoing development. If your Community programs include: Home Health, For more information call (800) 253-4951 or meeting is interested in learning Adult Day Programs, Child Development and visit www.foxdalevillage.org. more about Nurturing Minds/The the Wellness Center. For Program Information, Sega Girls School, please visit please call (215) 497-0905. www.chandlerhall.org Friends Counseling Service www.nurturingmindsinafrica.org Are You Considering Counseling? The and contact Tracey Dolan at Condominiums at Woolman Commons Friends Counseling Service, a network of Quaker traceydolan@aol. Adjacent to Mt. Holly, NJ, Meetinghouse. mental health professionals, serves members and

30 PYM TODAY • SUMMER 2011 FRIENDLY ADVERTISING attendees of Friends meetings. The profession- Kendal~Crosslands Communities soldiers and families on issues of conscience als in the service are all experienced therapists, Located in beautiful southern Chester and coping with war’s effects. fully licensed, and active in their monthly County, Kendal at Longwood and Crosslands We also promote Truth In Recruiting, peace meetings. are continuing care retirement communi- action and education and torture prevention. For more information, call Deborah Cooper ties offering a lifecare contract. Coniston and Many free resources are at our website. at (215) 248-0489 or see the PYM web site Cartmel are residential communities providing This ongoing witness is 99 percent Quaker- (www.pym.org). maintenance and housekeeping services. Resi- supported. We also invite your consideration in dents of all four communities have access to estate planning. Friends Home in Kennett libraries, cultural and academic programs, craft Quaker House, 223 Hillside Ave., (610) 444-2577 areas, gardens and wellness and recreation Fayetteville, NC 28301. Email: qpr@quaker. Services Offered: Independent Apartments, facilities. In keeping with Kendal’s commitment org; www.quakerhouse.org. Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care, Short- to inclusiveness, smaller cottages and apart- term Respite stays and Hospice Care ments are offered at more affordable rates. For www.QuakerRealtor.Com. Philosophy: Since 1898 Friends Home has more information call (800) 216-1920, or www. Friends buying and selling real estate provided older adults quality care. The Home kcc.kendal.org. through Friends. Call Realtor® Scott Newman has a strong tradition of encouraging indepen- at (484) 938-8326 (cell) or (610) 565-1995 dence and respect for the individuality and dig- Medford Leas (Keller Williams Real Estate). Each office is nity of each person. Life among friends offers A Quaker-related community for those independently owned and operated. residents a full array of services and amenities age 55+ including: Visit us and learn all about our: FRIENDS EMPLOYMENT * Individualized 24-hour Assisted Living Care • Two beautiful campuses in Medford and * Newly renovated apartments Lumberton, NJ The Kendal Corporation located in Kennett * Full Activities Programs • 200+ acres of arboretum settings Square, PA, a non-profit providing services to * Fully licensed 20-bed nursing home • Wide choice of garden-style home and apart- older adults, is seeking an EXECUTIVE ASSIS- * Moderately priced ment designs TANT TO AFFILIATE SERVICES DIRECTOR. Because it’s not just where you live . . . but • Dynamic, resident-driven community life Competitive wage/benefits. Ten affiliates/six how you live. • Ideal locations for culture and recreation states. 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Requirements/Experiences: settings offer several types of living accom- Member, Greater Philadelphia Gardens Bachelor’s degree; three years prior office modations including one- and two-bedroom experience; Word processing, spreadsheets, cottages in and around Newtown Borough, Pennswood Village in Newtown, PowerPoint, MicroSoft Projects; editing/publish- Bucks County. Pets are welcome! Pennsylvania ing; writing skills. For more information visit our website at Beautiful Bucks County nestles around Resume should be electronically directed www.friendshomeandvillage.org, or call us at Pennswood Village, a community with a rock in confidence to:www.kendal.org/working/Em- (215) 968-3346. solid reputation for quality since 1980. Our ploymentOpportunities.aspx spacious apartment homes have the added Friends Village at Woodstown is a Continuing value of our all-inclusive life care contract. We Care Retirement Community for those age are nationally accredited. A state of the art 62+ in beautiful southern New Jersey. Choose fitness center has two pools and fitness instruc- a cozy cottage or an apartment. No need tors. The 82-acre campus provides even more Policy for Friendly Advertising to worry about maintenance, housekeeping opportunities for your physical, intellectual, These notices are the responsibility or cooking. Enjoy more time to engage in social and spiritual growth. Our Quaker values of the person placing them. PYM makes favorite activities with the peace of mind that lead us to a practice of inclusion—welcoming no claim about their accuracy. Notices future continuing care services are available individuals of all races, religions, national ori- by Friends institutions, members and at- on campus. Friends Village at Woodstown is gins and sexual orientation. For more informa- tenders should be mailed with a check for close to major highways and bridges, providing tion call (215) 504-1118 or visit our website at $2 per word (minimum $40, maximum easy access to Philadelphia, New York and the www.pennswood.org. 100 words) to PYM Today, 1515 Cherry Jersey Shore. St., Philadelphia, PA 19102. Questions? For more information, call toll free at Quaker House of Fayetteville-Fort Contact Mary Anne Crowley at: at (215) (888) 455-2438 or visit our website at Bragg, North Carolina 241-7182; [email protected]. Suitability of www.friendsvillage.org. The only Friends peace project beside a content is determined by PYM staff. major military base, active since 1969 with

31 PYMToday Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends 1515 Cherry Street Philadelphia PA 19102-1479

Upcoming Events

(please see www.pym.org for complete details of events) July 15, 2011: Inquirer’s Weekend, Pendle Hill, Wallingford, PA June 16-19, 2011: FAHE Conference, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA June 18, 2011: Burlington Quarterly Meeting, Little Egg Harbor Monthly Meeting June 19, 2011: Upper Susquehanna Quarterly Meeting, Rickett’s Glen State Park June 26, 2011: Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting, Mount Laurel Monthly Meeting July 27-31, 2011: Annual Sessions, De Sales University, Center Valley, PA July 16-22, 2012: Quaker Pilgrimage to England August 12-13, 2011: Workshop for Elementary Educators, Arch Street Meeting House PYM Today is published by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society August 21, 2011: Caln Quarterly Meeting, Old Caln Monthly Meeting of Friends 1515 Cherry Street August 21-27, 2011: Camp Onas, Ottsville, PA Philadelphia, PA 19102 Phone (215) 241-7182 August 28, 2011: Bucks Quarterly Meeting, Quakertown Monthly Meeting Fax (215) 241-7045 September 17, 2011: Burlington Quarterly Meeting, Barnegat Monthly Meeting Website www.pym.org Thomas Swain, Clerk September 17-18, Upper Susquehanna QM - Family Camping Weekend, 2011: Arthur M. Larrabee, PYM Today is General Secretary distributed free Crystal Lake to members.