Fall Sessions 2023
Fall Sessions, December 1-3, 2023
Thank you for your participation!
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 1st, 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 21st 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 include people who have done grassroots organizing, including legislative lobbying, calls for rapid reductions in the financing and use of fossil fuels, mass rallies, civil disobedience and support for practices that keep heat-trapping gases out of the atmosphere. The panelists will share how their prior experiences as activists inform their current efforts, followed by questions and discussion with all present. Our gathering will be interspersed with inspiring songs.
Featuring:
Katherine Alford, Morningside Meeting & Third Act
Yana Landowne, Brooklyn Meeting & Extinction Rebellion
Jim Ralston, Saratoga Meeting, Citizens Climate Lobby & NYYM's Climate Justice Working Group
Daren Caughron, FCNL’s Legislative Manager for Sustainable Energy and Environment
Moderator: Margaret McCasland, Ithaca Meeting; NYYM representative to Quaker Earthcare Witness
For those who can stay past 8:20, we will have a period of worship sharing on these overlapping queries, as Quakers and as members of the community of all living beings on Earth:
- How best can we contribute to the change we want to see in the world when it is beyond our personal lifestyle choices?
- How do we make our faith our practice?
Social Meal
Saturday Social Meal to Welcome NYYM Members at Large, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.: All Friends are invited to join the Committee on Ministry & Pastoral Care for a social meal to welcome our Members at Large. Bring your dinner and join the conversation!
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
5:00-6:30 p.m. Social Meal with At-Large Members of NYYM
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