Fall Sessions, December 1-3, 2023

Registration is now OPEN!

 

An Invitation from the Clerk

 

Dear Friends, Greetings!

 

It’s that time of year again, when the weather changes, leaves brilliant hues garner our attention, farmers harvest their crops and we come together for Fall Sessions.

 

Again, this year Fall Session will be held virtually, December 1-3, 2023, Friday night through Sunday afternoon. We will meet for Corporate Worship with a concern for Business, social meals and fellowship. Our theme, “Rebuilding Faith in Changing Times” will provide spiritual sustenance during this period and beyond. Come, listen and let your voices be heard on practical strategies to help boost our Budget Development Committee (BDC) proposal for financially and spiritually uplifting our yearly meeting.

 

As this will be my first meeting as New York Yearly Meeting’s clerk, I know the plans the God/Jehovah/Creator/Almighty/Divine Spirit that I serve has for me. However, I am asking for your prayerful and in person support as I venture into this new role. Please consider attending and inviting other members, attenders and seekers in your meeting/church to participate.

 

In faith,

Gloria

Gloria Thompson

Clerk, New York Yearly Meeting

 

 

Friday Night Program: Living Into The Peace Testimony In The Midst Of War Fever

“I told them that I lived in that life and power that takes away the occasion for all war.”
(George Fox, Journal, 1694)

 

Fall Sessions will commence on Friday evening, December 1^st, with a program from 7:30 - 9:00 pm on “Living Into The Peace Testimony In The Midst Of War Fever.”  Friends are invited to gather for an evening of worship, listening and sharing around how we can “acknowledge the oneness of humanity and foster a loving spirit toward all people” in these troubled times.  We will explore (i) concerns and perspectives on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and (ii) actions being taken by Friends, meetings and other organizations, and (iii) what we can say and do together.

 

Queries for the program:

Part I: Understanding Friends’ peace testimony today:

• How should we understand ministry from a time when war was fought with muskets and swords to apply today when wars are fought with weapons of mass destruction?
• What would a peace testimony for the 21^st Century say?

 

Part II: Putting our beliefs into action in this time of war:

• What is happening in your meeting and community?

 

Part III: Calling upon the yearly meeting:

• What could Friends do through the Yearly Meeting?
• How could the Yearly Meeting assist the peace work of meetings and Friends?

 

 

Saturday Evening: Climate Action Panel Discussion 

Globally Friends have been called to climate action—but what to do?

The panelists have dedicated significant amounts of time to grass roots organizing, state federal and local legislative lobbying and civil disobedience. After an initial period of sharing of experience and strategies for future efforts by the panelists the discussion will open up to attendees for questions and discussion.

 

Featuring: 

Jim Ralston, Saratoga Meeting, discussing Citizens Climate Lobby's work on Carbon Fee and Dividend and NYYM's Climate Justice Working Group

Yana Landowne, Brooklyn Meeting, discussing Extinction Rebellion

Katherine Alford, Morningside Meeting, discussing Third Act

 

This is not a debate but rather a time to listen for the stirrings of the spirit in new and renewed witness out of love for the natural world and humanity. How best can we contribute to the change we want to see in the world when it is beyond our personal lifestyle choices?

 

Registration

Registration is NOW OPEN! Note that you must register in advance to receive the Zoom links for Fall Sessions. Zoom connection information will be emailed to registrants a day or two before Fall Sessions begins.

 

Though the costs associated with online sessions are lower than in-person sessions, there are still direct costs and a great deal of staff time spent preparing. When you register, you will be asked to consider making a registration contribution. Registration contributions are “pay as led.” That means you choose the amount, if any, that is appropriate for you. Please know that your presence is more important than your dollars. 

Click Here to Register!

 

 

Fall Sessions Schedule

December 1-3, 2023 • Online

Friday evening, December 1

7:30-9:00 p.m.         Friday Night Program: Living Into The Peace Testimony In The Midst Of War Fever

 

Saturday, December 2

8:30-9:30 a.m.         Meeting for Worship

9:30-11:45 a.m.       Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

1:30-2:30 p.m.         Meeting for Worship

2:30-4:30 p.m.         Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business

7:00-9:00 p.m.         Climate Action Panel Discussion

 

Sunday December 3

Morning off so that folks can join the worship of their choice. 

1:30-2:30 p.m.         Meeting for Worship

2:30-4:30 p.m.         Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business 

 

 

Supporting Documents and Agenda

The Agenda (below) has links to supporting documents that will help Friends prepare for our time together in Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business. The Agenda is not yet finalized, and may change as way opens. Please check back regularly to ensure that you are viewing this up-to-date Agenda.

Agenda with links

 

Supporting Documents