Baltimore Yearly Meeting is the regional organizing unit for the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the area of central Pennsylvania, Maryland, parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. It is through membership in a Yearly Meeting that individual Quakers become connected with the larger Quaker movement worldwide. "In fellowship, in deep listening, in waiting worship, in commitment to each other, it richly rewards those who embrace the challenge of being a Yearly Meeting Friend." (2011 draft Faith and Practice)
Charlottesville: In the Spirit of Love and Truth
Our hearts go out to the people of Charlottesville and the many victims of the violence that erupted in their community this past weekend. We unite with the Charlottesville Friends Meeting and community in the Spirit of Love and Truth, as together we face the evils of racism, hatred, and bigotry in our midst.
In the Spirit of Love and Truth, we recognize no distinction between people by race, gender, class, or belief. There is that of God in all people, and we, as Friends, are called to answer that of God in all people. Equity, diversity and inclusion of all people are the foundation of the Blessed Community we seek.
Yet in the Spirit of Love and Truth, we cannot deny the racism, hatred, and bigotry that are an integral part of our history, that violently and cruelly oppress people in our society today, and that continue to inspire violent, racist movements. It is all around us; it is part of who we are; and it has affected each of us differently and profoundly depending on our race, gender, class, and other unique life experiences.
We are the heirs of this legacy, but we need not pass it on to future generations. We have the opportunity now, in the Spirit of Love and Truth, to say “No More” to acts of racism, hatred, and bigotry, and “Yes!” to the healing, enduring power of Love.
Yet it is not as simple as just saying “no.” We are called to answer that of God in ourselves, in the oppressed, and in the oppressor. There are many deep wounds to heal, many profound inequities to be made right, many behaviors to change, and many deep fears to quell. These are the roots from which racism, violence, hatred, and bigotry spring. And, it is here that we must give our steadfast attention.
Let us gather in worship and unite in action. This is our legacy. This is our Truth. This is our Love. This is our moment.
Ned Stowe
General Secretary
Baltimore Yearly Meeting
8/15/17
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Do you yearn for spiritual deepening? Are you longing for growth in a community of seekers who support one another on our individual journeys? Have you felt a nudge to greater intentionality in your spiritual practice? if so, the Spiritual Formation Program is for you.
Registration for the spring retreat is now open.
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Information about services from the Yearly Meeting available for our local Meetings and worshiping communities is listed here.
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September 29th through October 1, 2017
This summer marks the 60th year we have been holding camp at Catoctin!
JOIN US FOR THIS HISTORIC CELEBRATION
For a weekend of reminiscing, singing around the campfire, frazzlyram, short hikes on the mountain, great camp food, and catching up with old friends.Added Bonus
Enjoy the history and familiarity of camp, the physical heart of our beloved community for the last 60 years, while also experiencing
the brand new bathhouse, a key component in building a sustainable future for our camp, and the mountain we call home, for the next 50 years. For more information and to register, visit www.bym-rsf.org/events/ymevents/cqcalumni.html -
Click to see the latest information about Stewardship and Finance Committee's work to update the apportionment formula.
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On Sunday, October 1, Friends will gather in worship around the globe, uniting in different parts of the world and from different traditions in one big virtual worshiping community.
Whatever you do as a worshiping community, we hope you will share this with others through FWCC. It can be very simple — a description, a poem, a short video from a mobile phone, a few photos — we will post them on the WQD website so that you can see what other churches and meetings were doing on the same day. You can email items to us or post them to the WQD Facebook page for posting to the website.
Visit the World Quaker Day website for more information and resources to help you celebrate.
Retreat for Clerks of BYM Committees and Working Groups
The clerks of BYM Committees and Working Groups– past, present, and future – are invited to gather for a day of worship and preparation for the new committee year. We will have time to worship, share information about the role and tasks of a clerk, and especially to share our knowledge and wisdom with each other. Please bring questions you’d like to explore, and insights about committee life and clerking to share. We will look at some of the nuts and bolts of clerking a BYM committee, including such different things as recognizing and nurturing gifts of committee members, as well as using internet and computer technology to connect with one another, and working with BYM staff. We will discuss and discern how to nurture our committees to keep them spiritually centered and vital as we serve our Yearly Meeting and local Meetings. The retreat will begin at 10am and run until 4pm.
