NEWS FROM THE DIRECTOR
For the first couple hundred years of the Religious Society of Friends, Quakers did not celebrate holidays. Quaker businesses in Philadelphia and elsewhere stayed open for “the day the world calls Christmas.” Quakers believed that every day is a holy day, and so there was no need to set aside “holi-days” for special observances.
While Friends today follow a variety of practices, they certainly have no uniform witness against observing holidays any longer.
Of course, as an organization with mostly non-Quaker tenants and people who work here, Friends Center does observe holidays. So, please check the schedule of Thanksgiving closures below, the Christmastime closures on the 2016 calendar, and print a copy of the new 2017 holiday calendar, which was just approved by our board of directors.
Whatever your tradition or observance, may your holidays—as well as your ordinary everydays—be filled with meaning and a sense of wonder for you.
– Chris Mohr, Executive Director
AROUND FRIENDS CENTER
Reminder: Thanksgiving Building Closures
In observance of Thanksgiving, Friends Center will close at 6pm on Wednesday, November 23rd, and be closed Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th. Our regular hours will resume Saturday, November 26th.
Conference & Event Space Rates Increasing in 2017
Rates are going up in 2017, so tell your friends in outside groups to book now to lock in current rates. View 2017 rates here.
NEWS OF OUR TENANTS
4th Annual Fair and Sustainable Gift Fair
On Friday, November 18th, Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting will host the 4th Annual Fair and Sustainable Gift Fair at Friends Center from 11am-8pm. For more information, please visit the Fair Trade Philadelphia website.
Together as Adoptive Parents: Heart Gallery
In honor of DHS’ Adoption Day reception, to be held at Friends Center on November 18th, Together as Adoptive Parents (TAP) will once again be displaying The Heart Gallery. For the month of November the exhibit, which features photographs of children waiting to be adopted, will be in the Friends Center lobby.
Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity
Executive Director, Mike Lee, talks criminal history during his Ignite Philly 18 presentation in September. You can watch his presentation here.
Scattergood Foundation
Read Generocity’s article about Scattergood Foundation’s work with Philanthropy Network and United Way to create a guide designed to increase local funders’ awareness of the effects of childhood trauma here.