Thursday
After Thursday’s usual early morning activities- including a “Transformative Quakers” session on Thomas Kelly- Friends gathered for open worship, then worship sharing groups. Friends considered queries such as “To what extent am I truly “engaged” with others in the Spirit? Can I discern the difference between engagement and obligation (or tolerance)?”
In the afternoon plenary, Friends heard the first reading of the epistle, followed by a longer discussion of the proposal from the Futures subcommittee. Friends expressed concerns about several aspects of the proposal, most notably shifting decision-making about the annual budget to the Representative Committee.
Friends closed the afternoon with Meeting for Memorials. The sound of bagpipes called Friends to the plenary hall from afar, and the children’s program laid down blankets and toys in a half-circle at the front of the hall, so the children of Pacific Yearly Meeting were present and encircled by those present. Friends were particularly moved to see beloved Friend Ellie Huffman join them for the memorial. The names of those who passed away during the past year were placed on the wall, and read aloud in turn.
Dinner brought some unanticipated excitement in the form of a fire alarm in the dining hall. After dinner, Friends joined in all sorts of celebrations: Friends in Unity with Nature celebrated the 25th anniversary of the committee’s formation with vegan chocolate cakes, fresh strawberries, and plenty of good conversation and laughter. Across the way, the all-ages dance engaged Friends—many of them in togas and animal costumes- in several hours of dancing and a very competitive (in a Quakerly fashion, of course) limbo contest. A few others made a point of visiting landscape artist and birthright Quaker James Turrell’s Skyspace installation on neighboring Pomona College’s campus at sunset.
Friday
The morning’s schedule was much the same as previous days, with today’s Transformative Quakers session featuring Anna and Howard Brinton. The final day of worship sharing featured queries relating to spiritual engagement and engaging constructively as Friends with the rest of the world.
The afternoon plenary session brought a report from Unity with Nature on their 25th anniversary. Originating in response to an inspiring address at PYM’s 1985 Annual Sessions, given by Friend Marshall Massey, PYM’s Unity with Nature Committee was part of the roots for the wider Quaker environmental movement and the organization known today as Quaker Earthcare Witness. Clerk Joe Morris also shared a forward-looking “report” from the Unity with Nature committee of 2035. (A fuller version of Unity with Nature’s history and future will appear in a future issue of WF.)
This plenary also offered a round two of consideration on several items of business. Friends heard again from Naming and Nominating Committees (there’s still an opening on Children’s Program!) Nominating asked for approval of a minute assigning PYM’s Ministry & Oversight with the task of considering the appropriate number of representatives to Quaker Organizations currently receiving more than one rep. This minute was approved; M&O is to report back next year.
Friends revisited next year’s annual budget, courtesy of the Finance Committee and Treasurer Ed Flowers. They presented a slightly revised budget, based on recommendations arising from the open committee meeting conversation the previous night. After some deliberation, Friends approved a budget of roughly $140,000 for the entire year, and an increase in the assessment to $90 for CA and NV Meetings, $40 for HI and Guatemala meetings, and $10 for Mexico City Meeting. These differences in assessment are largely related to which Meetings benefit from the hiring of the youth program coordinator.
Friends heard from the Peace and Social Order Committee, which has sponsored numerous interest groups at Annual Sessions. Friends approved several minutes relating to Anthony Manousos’ traveling ministry on interfaith work.
Afternoon interest groups ranged from “Quakers and Charitable Contributions” to “Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping: Building a Nonviolent Peaceforce.” Dinner, then the lively entertainment of many many skits and songs at Community Night.