Western Friend

Yearly Meeting Comparison Chart

In last year’s September/October special Annual Sessions issue, we published a chart comparing the three unprogrammed Yearly Meetings (Pacific, North Pacific and Intermountain) on a host of items. Friends asked for that to be made available online, so here it is. Please click on the graphic below to bring it up in a larger window- it’s much more legible that way.

Is there something you’d like to know about the three Yearly Meetings in this year’s chart? Send in a comment ...

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 ...

IMYM 2011 Annual Gathering, Day Two

June 9, Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu,  New Mexico

This morning Friends were greeted by cloudless blue skies and sweeping views of the surrounding mesas, nary a trace of smoke in the air. Early-rising Friends took part in early worship; first-timers to Ghost Ranch took a tour of the campus with the clerk.

After breakfast and worship sharing groups that met outside in the breezy shade of cottonwood trees, Friends gathered to hear keynote speaker Niyonu Spann give her address, titled, “Discernment: A Practice ...