2021 Yearbook

Fifth Month 2021 Called Interim Meeting

Virtual event due to pandemic

Friends of Baltimore Yearly Meeting gathered for a special session of Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business to receive the recommendation from the General Secretary Search Committee.

The meeting opened with a period of silent worship followed by a Welcome from Clerk of Interim Meeting, Margaret “Meg” Boyd Meyer (Baltimore, Stony Run).

I2021-12 General Secretary Search Committee. The General Secretary Search Committee submitted their recommendation naming Sarah Gillooly (they/them/theirs) as Baltimore Yearly Meeting’s next General Secretary. After discussion of the Search Committee’s process and the continuing challenges before the Yearly Meeting, the name Sarah Gillooly was APPROVED. Friends Bill Mims, Julie Taylor, Marion Ballard, Becky Cromwell, and Sunshine Klein of BYM staff, stood aside.

Out of worship, Friends expressed appreciation for the Search Committee’s work. Friends also expressed deep gratitude for Wayne Finegar, who has served the Yearly Meeting selflessly for many years and led as Associate and then Acting General Secretary. Hearts were heavy at the prospect of this dedicated Friend’s departure from the Yearly Meeting staff.

With this decision, the Yearly Meeting lays down the General Secretary Search Committee. The Search Committee’s full report, including the timeline, is attached.

I2021-13 Supervisory Committee. Adrian Bishop (Baltimore, Stony Run), co-clerk of Supervisory Committee, discussed next steps for the General Secretary transition. Sarah Gillooly proposes to begin service as General Secretary on July 19. A transition committee of Friends from the Yearly Meeting will be established for Sarah to meet and provide council in advance of their initial start. Supervisory Committee is in discussion with Stewardship and Finance regarding a severance package for Wayne Finegar and a period of overlap around Sarah’s start.

Margaret "Meg" Boyd Meyer, presiding
Anna McCormally, recording