Prophetic & Universal Witness – We are people of the Word. The Hebrew prophets were not popular; they said what was true when the king was invested in a lie. The prophet Jeremiah watched a fabric of his society rip apart because “they have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). We are there.
Tag: Quaker Peace and Social Witness
On Secular Consensus: Searching out a Balm of Spiritual Unity
Are we reaching consensus, or are we seeking the Will of God? 🕯️
In her pamphlet Spiritual Responsibility in the Meeting for Business, Patricia Loring reminds us that Quaker business isn’t about “winning” an argument or even just finding a middle ground. It’s about a collective “giving over” to the Spirit.
When we rush for efficiency, we risk losing the very Light we claim to follow.
Pacifism – Testimony Under Fire
Light in Darkness: A Testimony Under Fire From Westminster to Kyiv: State Secret Kidnapping’s Expanding Shadow If the raids at Westminster Meeting House were a “chill” on dissent, the events unfolding in the shadow of expanding global conflict are a deep freeze. As the fires of war leap from Ukraine to Kuwait, and from Sudan […]
REGISTER NOW FOR “WOMEN’S SPEAKING JUSTIFIED: PAUL ANDERSON IN CONVERSATION”
This Women’s History Month, join us for a landmark conversation about one of the most important documents you’ve probably never read.
In 1666, Margaret Fell sat in Lancaster Castle, imprisoned for her Quaker faith. From that cold cell, she wrote Women’s Speaking Justified—a fiery, scripture-by-scripture defense of women’s right to preach and lead. It became the theological backbone for a movement that would send thousands of women ministers across the globe before 1720.
Now, renowned scholar Paul Anderson has translated Fell’s work into modern English, making it accessible for a new generation. Anderson brings rare credentials: he’s a world-class New Testament scholar AND the son, grandson, and brother of recorded women ministers. He knows this material in his bones.
Following Anderson’s presentation, Windy Cooler of the Friends Incubator for Public Ministry will discuss how we can nurture prophetic voices today. The Incubator exists because, as Cooler writes, “Friends have often fallen out of practice in supporting ministers.” This conversation is about reclaiming that sacred work.
Draft Minutes for Discernment against War
How is thee called to see in the every face – Divine in any Iranian child, every American soldier, an Israeli family? John Woolman says life is about turning “all the treasures we possess into the channel of universal love.” Where in thee heart doth thee feel resistance in a practice of universal love? How […]
Update on “PYM et al. vs. DHS” – Invitation to Info Session
Now, you are invited to an information session, over Zoom, on March 10 at 5:30 pm Eastern, on the current status of the lawsuit. Attorneys from Democracy Forward, who represent PYM and the other plaintiffs on our litigation, will provide an update and answer questions.Register for the Info Session
The Zoom link will be emailed to approved registrants on the morning of March 10.
You can stay informed about the case from this page on our website: https://www.pym.org/dhs-lawsuit/
Friends can use this link to register for the information session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/x8NY4jnbR1GjDMcPLRjA3Q#/registration
Wondering about Easter Plans? Crosswicks invites you to Easter Brunch
Friends,
Despite the recent dramatic weather, the light of fellowship shines brightly at Crosswicks Meeting. We are pleased to share an update on their recent activities:
Quakerism 101 Launched: A successful first session led by George Schaefer drew Friends from across the region to explore the roots of Quakerism. The next session is March 15th. Grateful thanks to the Fellowship Committee for their hospitality.
This Sunday, March 2nd: Join Crosswicks for Meeting for Worship at 10:00 AM (Zoom link available on the SJQ site). Following worship, the First Day School students will present their annual project benefiting HomeFront and Operation Smile.
Save the Date: Crosswicks warmly invites you to their Annual Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 29th at 9:00 AM.
Read the full story of community and connection on the SJQ website [Link to SJQ Article].
In the Light,
The SJQ Communications Team
Clock Is Ticking: Preventing a New Nuclear Arms Race
A potential for a new arms race is not theoretical. History of nuclear proliferation demonstrates that when strategic constraints are lifted, competition escalates. Each country seeks to outmatch the other, stockpiling warheads, investing in advanced delivery systems, and expanding missile defenses. Such a cycle is costly, dangerous, and destabilizing. Without clear leadership and diplomatic engagement, we risk sliding into this perilous cycle.
KWANZAA COMES TO BURLINGTON MEETING
“‘ALL are RADICALLY BEING WELCOMED.’ We are THRILLED to share this fabulous feature on Burlington Meetinghouse’s revival as a community pillar! READ about our journey and join us for the spectacular Willingboro Kwanzaa Fest 2025 – filling all FOUR floors with joy! 🔗 [Link to Article] #ReadShareCome #BurlingtonQuakers #KwanzaaCelebration”
Post 4 (Graphic with Event Logo/Date/Time): “THE WAIT I
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Music and Song
Please share the following exciting update and invitation from the South Jersey Quakers (SJQ) Project Team with your meeting community.
In their latest letter, “‘Living Song, Living Music, Living Faith’ — SJQ Next Steps & Spring 2026 Vision,” the team shares reflections on nurturing a living faith and announces concrete steps for growth, including formalizing as a non-profit.
Most joyfully, they cast a vision for a Spring 2026 Tri-Quarter gathering: a “Meeting for Worship for Music and Song.” This would be an expansive, intergenerational weekend of worship, fellowship, camping, shared meals, and creative joy, building on the beloved Fall Tri-Quarter spirit.
They need our help to make it real! They are seeking individuals and families willing to help host or participate, plus musicians, artists, food organizers, tech support, and energetic sponsors.
How to respond:
Individuals/Families: Reach out to SJQ directly if you feel called to participate.
Meetings: Please share this news during announcements and with your community as led.
Everyone: Consider if you have skills in outreach, planning, or creative arts to offer.
Let’s help them gather the critical mass of support needed to proceed. This is a wonderful opportunity to build vibrant, experimental community spaces across Burlington, Haddonfield, and Salem Quarters.
