[Your corresponding editor participated in the Young Friends- Junior Yearly Meeting's "Responsible Relationships" conversation last night, which ran into the wee hours and prevented coherent blogging from occurring yesterday--hence the compound post.]

Soaring columns of turkey vultures arcing into a cloudless sky. The plenary tent made a living, breathing animal by the rush of wind, pushing and pulling the walls. Bright stars hanging against the pallor of the Milky Way late into the night. Children laughing as they run beneath a billowing parachute of color, held aloft by their elders. Faint strains of a quartet practicing somewhere in the distance. Conversations heavy with passion and intent, others casual and fun-loving. Long meanderings in the surrounding expanse of meadows and forest. Good food, and throngs of ice cream-loving Friends eagerly awaiting their turn.

Sharing. Worship. Community. Integrity.

Friends continued with morning patterns of worship and worship groups. Thursday’s queries centered on sharing experiences of being in the present, a rich topic for many groups. In plenary, Friends heard the statistical report for PYM. The Friend delivering the report noted that PYM’s Meetings lost many beloved older Friends this year, though newly convinced Friends helped to keep numbers relatively stable. She also cheerfully reported that PYM’s total membership of 1,453 is worth $10.46 billion dollars, based on EPA estimates of the value of life!

Friends also heard a moving and lively report from Friends on Unity with Nature and Ruah Swennerfelt, who shared stories from the Peace for Earth walk along the West Coast, completed earlier this year on April 23rd. A number of Meetings have experienced deep enrichment through their individual engagement with PYM’s climate change minute.

Alternatives to Violence Project is alive and well among California Friends in particular, with over a dozen prisons and jails participating in AVP programs and several more waiting in the wings for experienced facilitators. Friends had further opportunity to deepen their understanding of AVP and many other exciting projects and leadings through interest groups.

In Thursday’s afternoon plenary, Friends considered changes to the number of fully-funded representatives to various Quaker organizations from PYM. Unable to reach clarity on the proposal before them, Friends determined to further season the matter. Friends also discussed whether or not to move forward with a proposal to hire a youth program coordinator. Young Friends minuted their support for such a position, and there was general enthusiasm for the minute.

The afternoon closed with a weighty but laughter-filled Meeting for Memorials. More than thirty-five Friends in PYM have passed away this past year, and their absence is felt by many.