Western Friend

NPYM 2011 Annual Sessions, Day Three

After the usual early morning worship and breakfast activities, Friends gathered once again for plenary. Each year, NPYM highlights a different Quaker organization; this year it was American Friends Service Committee. Susan Segal from the Pacific Northwest Regional Office and Patricia Sellick, regional director for the Middle East, both shared about their programs. Friends were particularly moved by Patricia’s stories of AFSC’s work with youth in Gaza.
After hearing from Friends, the Youth Committee incorporated a few revisions to the proposed Youth Safety policy. The policy ...

North Pacific Yearly Meeting Annual Session, Days One & Two

Wednesday afternoon, Friends from all over the Northwest began to show up in earnest in Tacoma on Pacific Lutheran University’s lush green campus. Many arrived early for Coordinating Committee, or for other responsibilities; NPYM’s Ministry & Oversight Committee wrapped up its day-and-a-half retreat feeling centered and ready to support the annual sessions.

After dinner, a brief introductory plenary session brought Friends together for a few housekeeping details and to join in some games designed to get everyone better acquainted. Friends were asked to arrange themselves in order month and day of birth- without speaking. This ...

IMYM 2011 Annual Gathering, Day Three

Following a morning of worship sharing, where many continued to explore the concepts and feelings raised by Niyonu’s talk on racism the day before, Friends gathered in the morning for a report-filled plenary. The Watching Committee shared an epistle from Ben Lomond Quaker Center on gender and transgender issues, and a memorial minute was also shared.

First up was the Structure Task Group report. Tasked in 2009 with considering ways to better coordinate and distribute the various responsibilities and tasks within the yearly meeting, the committee returned this year with a proposal. The committee looked to the ...