IN-PERSON AT POWELL HOUSE
March 21-23, 2025

Join us as we embark on a journey of self-expression and a deeper exploration of how we understand both lament and joy in our lives.

Over the weekend, we will delve into the transformative power of expressive writing and the arts for creating openings for healing and spiritual depth. Together, we will navigate emotional highs and lows, discovering the “joy unspeakable joy” that can be found in even the most challenging moments.

We’ll engage in a communal lament practice as a vehicle for authenticity and vulnerability, allowing us to deepen our connection with ourselves, the Divine, and one another, leading to a newfound appreciation for the interplay of both in our faith walk.

Lynette Davis, SFCC, is an author, spiritual companion, and mental health advocate who believes stories can change the world and create meaning in life. She has been a convinced Friend since 2016 and is a member of Ujima Friends Meeting and an ecumenical Sister with The Sisters for Christian Community.

Deep Canvassing Quaker Style:

Channeling John Woolman

In-Person at Powell House
March 14 - 16, 2025

A time sensitive Pop-Up Gathering & Program being offered by Friends in our Yearly Meeting will be held at Powell House. And you are warmly invited!

In response to what we see as the urgency of these times, Margaret Lew and Ann Kjellberg, who have been working since 2019 on a Quaker Deep Canvassing project are inviting you to join them as they gather at Powell House.

From Margaret and Ann to you...
As we learned about Deep Canvassing in 2019 we were struck by its resonance with Quaker practice and in particular the 18th-century person-to-person advocacy of John Woolman, a pioneer in abolishing slaveholding among Friends. Learn more about Deep Canvassing here, and from its founder Dave Fleischer here. 

Even if you can't envision canvassing yourself, come to the  gathering to learn about Deep Canvassing and how increasing your familiarity and engagement with this respectful style of communication can help bring about change. Contribute your insights and experiences and hear those of others so we can effectively approach tough subjects out in the world and in our own conversations with family and friends. We'd love to have you join us!

We will plan an optional actual canvass Sunday afternoon in congressional district 21 which is currently held by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and will be holding a special election later this year.

Will we persuade people to change their minds? We can't be sure, but no matter what your political leanings are, we have found in our previous canvassing that almost everyone is saddened by the current divisiveness and how it’s affecting their friendships and family. In taking a personal and deeply felt approach rather than tackling policy and issues, we try to model a way to talk and listen to each other with love.

Leaning into our beliefs as Friends and connecting with others we perceive as very different from us is something we can help one another practice and find grounded patience for. We recognize that this is a critical time to act: Deep Canvassing can give Friends and others seeking a way forward a means to engage the community in the spirit of Friendly witness. 

As a Quaker non-profit organization, your participation and your support in the ways you are able are crucial. Thank you for being part of our community!  

Please note about Scholarship: On the registration you will additionally have the option of requesting scholarship toward the Standard or Reduced rates below.

Rates

STANDARD: $280 — For those who can meet their basic needs. Paying at this rate may qualify as a sacrifice but it would not create hardship. 

Reduced: $240 — For those who welcome some financial assistance. You might be a student or a freelancer or retired with a low fixed income. This tier ensures you can still participate without financial strain.

Full Price: $320 — For those who can comfortably afford to pay at this rate. 

In-Person at Powell House
March 7 - 9, 2025

What happens when different generations of Friends have different ways of responding to conflict? What is possible when we spend time listening to how people of different ages try to get along? In this INTERGENERATIONAL GATHERING (everyone 13 and up is invited!) participants will meet in breakout groups by age to consider what we've learned about conflict, and then share the wisdom we have gathered with members of other generations and listen for how Spirit/Love/God is inviting us into new ways of relating. We’ll also play games, sing songs, and enjoy each other’s company!

Our team of facilitators/elders includes: Beth Kelly, James Underberg, and nova sturrup, and Sarena Acheson!

Conference Rates

Adults: $280
Youth (13-22): $170
Child (2-12): $110

Family Room: $600

Beth Kelly (she/her) serves as Children, Youth, and Young Adult Community Director for New York Yearly Meeting. She is a convinced Friend who wishes she’d had access to conflict transformation skills as a child and teenager. Beth’s work among Friends focuses on building community so we can create a magnificent future for ourselves and our world TOGETHER. She has extensive experience as a facilitator, as well as in spiritual care for children and adults alike. Beth is currently convening the ad hoc group of facilitators for the Powell House Youth Program’s period between youth directors.

James Underberg (he/him) is a question-asker with roots in Quakerism, Theravada Buddhism, and Catholic mysticism. Seeking to live all of life as a prayer, James has trained and served as a spiritual care provider, a meditation teacher, and a facilitator of workshops and retreats in hospital, college, and other settings. He serves on New York Yearly Meeting's Conflict Transformation and Worship committees.

nova sturrup (all pronouns) is a whimsical wonderer interested in worship and the ways faith informs imaginings and realities regarding community, belonging, and inclusion. nova’s eyes light up in conversation about finding the sacred in virtual space, liberation theologies, black literature as sacred text, and art-making as everyday ritual and spiritual practice. nova is the creator and facilitator of the black femme bible study, a sacred text workshop series rooted in the Truth of the black American experience as theologically and spiritually significant. nova currently serves the Religious Society of Friends as the Community Organizer of the New York Quarterly Meeting.

with Steve Mohlke and ,O

In-Person at Powell House
February 21-23, 2025

This is a workshop for everyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Quaker decision-making; it’s for clerks, but not just for clerks. For clerks, it will be an opportunity to learn and sharpen skills. For others, it will be an opportunity to get better grounded in what Quaker decision-making is all about. It is expected that each person will leave the weekend with new energy and enthusiasm for participating in meetings for business, well grounded in both the theoretical and the practical. There will be handouts, exercises and opportunities for experience sharing. 

The workshop will address racism in the context of Friends’ decision-making and clerking. We need to pay attention to racism because it affects (infects) nearly everything in this society, and we will be lifting up decision-making processes that seek to liberate the Spirit among all participants.

Among other topics, we will consider:

• The fundamentals of a Quaker meeting for business  

• What is a “sense of the meeting,” and how is it different from consensus?

• What is the meaning of “unity?”

• Why “standing in the way” is no longer a useful concept.

• Techniques of “good” clerking.

• Dealing with difficult situations

Steve Mohlke is a longtime Friend and former clerk of Ithaca Monthly Meeting. He served as co-clerk for the 2017 Friends General Conference Gathering. He currently serves as General Secretary of New York Yearly Meeting.

,O is a Friend and co-clerk of Racial Healing and Wholeness Committee at Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. They engage in Environmental Racial Justice work as a community activist in the Philadelphia area. They serve as Elder for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and have facilitated programming for Annual Sessions Spiritual Formation Retreat. ,O has also provided workshops with PYM Quaker Life Counsel, on Truth & Transformation exploring the transformative practice of deep listening to increase our capacity for healing by responding compassionately to incidents of racial wounding.

Schedule

Friday

• 07:00 Supper

• 08:15 Session

• 09:15 Adjourn for the evening

Saturday

• 08:00 Breakfast

• 09:00 to noon Session with a break in the middle

• 12:15 Lunch

• 01:30 to 05:30 Session with about an hour break at around 3 pm

• 06:00 Supper

• 07:15 Session

• 09:00 Adjourn for the evening

Sunday

• 08:00 Breakfast

• 09:00 to 11:45 Session with a break

• 12:00 Lunch

• 1:15 Session

• 3:15 Adjourn

In-Person at Powell House
February 14-16, 2025

Time after time, early Friends returned to meeting for worship because of their direct experiences of transformation and the loving support of their community. Their spiritual transformation led them to order their lives, listening to Spirit’s direction. 

As we listen together for Spirit’s guidance, we will practice building authentic community. We will build on our skills of supporting one another, addressing harm, and spiritually navigating conflict to hear our collective truth and leadings.

A living Quakerism includes the spirituality of our interdependence upon one another and upon the Earth. Through exploring care of community, we will weave how right relationship with all of Creation is a part of how we tend ourselves and our faithfulness.

Anne Pomeroy, member of New Paltz Monthly Meeting, is a seasoned retreat facilitator and elder. Anne is a spiritual director and mentor for many people. Anne supports individuals and communities in deep listening to Spirit to facilitate their faithfulness. Anne is deeply committed to continuing revelation as a key aspect of our faith. Anne travels widely among Friends, ministering to people in monthly meetings, yearly meetings and beyond.  Anne helped establish the NYYM mentorship program, serving as a mentor and as part of the Mentorship Advisory Committee since the program’s inception. Additionally Anne serves FGC as clerk of the Development Committee, and as a NYYM representative to the FGC Central Committee. Anne’s ministry focuses around living into a broadly welcoming and inclusive faith community which can be called ‘care of community’. Anne brings their passion and joy to this ministry.

Lu Harper (Rochester) has served NYYM as a recording clerk for Ministry and Witness Coordinating Committees, as well as the yearly meeting body in sessions.  She is called to spiritual accompaniment of individuals and groups, and has served as elder/co-facilitator of retreats within and outside of NYYM. She is currently drafting a book, Opening Eyes and Ears, Journeying out of Ancestral American Colonialism and Privilege, reflecting on the ways her ancestors contributed to colonial genocide, enslavement, and displacement of indigenous peoples as settlers moved westward, and how she is called to help repair the harm for generations to come.

Winter Wonderland

A Family Retreat

In-Person at Powell House
February 7 - 9, 2025

A conference for Families and those who like to be with Families. Come join us in the heart of winter for your favorite winter activities. We hope for snow and cold for sledding and ice skating. Regardless there will be hiking, a bonfire, star gazing, sipping warm drinks, stories by the fireplace, crafts and games galore. Good food, Good company, Good fun.

Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Special family room rate $600.

ONLINE & IN-PERSON AT POWELL HOUSE
January 31 - February 2, 2025

Members of the committee attend Powell House Committee meetings and serve on subcommittees such as Fiscal Management, Personnel, Program, Property, and Fundraising. They serve as channels of communication between Powell House and the Yearly Meeting and their own local and regional meetings.

Powell House supports a staff that includes the directors, office staff, facilities support (grounds and housekeeping), and cooks. Staff offices are presently in Pitt Hall.

Powell House was established by New York Yearly Meeting in 1960 as the result of a gift of residential property from Elsie K. Powell Sr. This property, with subsequent additions and improvements, now consists of Pitt Hall, the Anna Curtis Center, a director’s residence, a youth directors’ residence, and fifty-seven acres of land with a campground and two wildlife ponds.

Powell House is used primarily for religious conferences and similar gatherings of members and attenders of meetings belonging to New York Yearly Meeting. It is also used for meetings of Yearly Meeting committees or conferences sponsored by them. The programs include a wide variety of educational, inspirational, and organizational activities for youth and adults related to the religious, benevolent, and social concerns of the Religious Society of Friends. The facilities are available for use by affiliated Friends’ organizations and other religious or educational groups having interests compatible with those of Friends. Short-term sojourners may sometimes be accommodated.

In-Person at Powell House
January 17-20, 2025

CO-SPONSORED BY THE SCHOOL OF THE SPIRIT MINISTRY

During this extended weekend, Friends are invited to enter more fully into the silence and to experience the deeper rhythms in which we might live. This retreat will include the opportunity for solitude, individual and corporate worship, silent meals, and “active” silence. There will also be opportunities for individual and group spiritual reflection. Come and simply BE with God; listen and attend to the Divine stirrings of the soul.

Jim Herr has been a Quaker in Lancaster, PA, since 1987. He was part of the School of the Spirit’s ninth class of “On Being A Spiritual Nurturer” in 2012-14. Since then, Jim has participated in eight contemplative retreats, including Dwelling Deep in 2018, 2019, 2020, and earlier this year, 2023. During three of those eight retreats, Jim was mentored to be a retreat leader.

In 2017, he retired after spending 25 years selling advertising space for a farming trade paper. And immediately, he took the part-time job of administrator of the School of the Spirit, a position he held until January 29, 2021. Now he is fully retired—and loving it. He and his wife, Cindy, have joined a hiking group in the Lancaster, PA, area and spend several days a month walking in the woods. Jim has discovered he finds Spirit in the great outdoors as much as anywhere.

Jim has been a recording clerk for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting since about 2008. He’s clerk of Caln Quarter of PhYM, assistant clerk of Lancaster Meeting, convener of the Worship & Ministry Committee, and, since 1992, writes the monthly newsletter. Cindy Herr is a Quaker and has attended the Lancaster Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends since 1987.

Cindy Herr is a Quaker and has attended the Lancaster Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends since 1987. Cindy completed the School of the Spirit’s ninth class of “On Being a Spiritual Nurturer.” She was mentored to be a retreat leader of Dwelling Deep at Powell House.

Cindy retired from teaching elementary school and began to participate in trainings in spirituality, mindfulness, yoga and qigong. She is certified to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, yoga and teaching yoga to people with chronic illness. She finds spiritual depth in these practices. Cindy has attended numerous Quaker silent retreats and Buddhist silent retreats.

Cindy enjoys hiking, kayaking and bicycling in the Lancaster area. The Susquehanna River provides endless pleasure, beauty and spirit in nature.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

In-Person at Powell House
December 30, 2024 - January 1, 2025

At this annual event, we have activities for all ages – but what we plan is up to you. There are workshop slots for YOU to offer an activity, so give it some thought before you arrive. Previous years have included cookie making, energy work, enneagrams, musical collaborations, tai chi, Pilates, a clay workshop, and a walk to Dorson’s Rock, among others. Right after our evening meal on the 31st, it’s Cabaret! Bring your instruments, a song, story, poem and/or skit to share with everyone on New Year’s Eve. Our cooks will have a "Quaker midnight" feast ready for us. We’ll conclude the celebration with a brunch on January 1st.

Registration will close on December 27th

In-Person at Powell House
November 22 - 24, 2024

Continuing Revelation is a key aspect of our faith. It depends on our being attuned to how Spirit is speaking and moving in us individually and collectively.

In this retreat we will make space to hear what we are experiencing as Quakers and what we sense is needed. We will look at Quaker forms that have life and evolutionary potential. What must we carry forward? What supports a sustainable faith? What should we leave behind? 

We will listen to how Spirit is calling us to reinvent and reinvigorate our faith.

Anne Pomeroy, member of New Paltz Monthly Meeting, is a seasoned retreat facilitator and elder. Anne is a spiritual director and mentor for many people. Anne supports individuals and communities in deep listening to Spirit to facilitate their faithfulness. Anne is deeply committed to continuing revelation as a key aspect of our faith. Anne travels widely among Friends, ministering to people in monthly meetings, yearly meetings and beyond.  Anne helped establish the NYYM mentorship program, serving as a mentor and as part of the Mentorship Advisory Committee since the program’s inception. Additionally Anne serves FGC as clerk of the Development Committee, and as a NYYM representative to the FGC Central Committee. Anne’s ministry focuses around living into a broadly welcoming and inclusive faith community which can be called ‘care of community’. Anne brings their passion and joy to this ministry.

Lu Harper (Rochester) has served NYYM as a recording clerk for Ministry and Witness Coordinating Committees, as well as the yearly meeting body in sessions.  She is called to spiritual accompaniment of individuals and groups, and has served as elder/co-facilitator of retreats within and outside of NYYM. She is currently drafting a book, Opening Eyes and Ears, Journeying out of Ancestral American Colonialism and Privilege, reflecting on the ways her ancestors contributed to colonial genocide, enslavement, and displacement of indigenous peoples as settlers moved westward, and how she is called to help repair the harm for generations to come.

Fall Work-Weekend

In-Person at Powell House
October 25-27, 2024

Enjoy learning new skills? Like to work among 57 acres of God’s creation in Columbia County, NY? Bring your favorite tools, old clothes and hearty appetites. Our cooks will have lots of good, nutritious & yummy food for us. We have plenty of work projects, both inside and outside our buildings. Join us for a weekend of working, dancing, and storytelling together as a community. The Powell House directors and maintenance person will coordinate our work projects.

In-Person at Powell House
September 20 - 22, 2024

Who has been a spiritual mentor to you in your Quaker journey of faith? Who has nurtured, instructed, encouraged you along the Way? Some of these mentors you may know only through their writings; others may be, or may once have been, dear friends.

We are heirs and heiresses to a rich tradition, grounded in the Living Presence, passed down through our historic testimonies, stories, journals, and lived examples.

The support and guidance of our spiritual ancestors is of critical importance during times of uncertainty and unknowing. We inhabit such times. What are the questions and concerns we wish to bring to the elders today? As we listen, what is the guidance they have to offer us as we gather in the sanctuary of Powell House?

During the retreat, we will gather in worship; take time alone, in solitude, to imagine intimate conversations with our ancestors; and spend time in
nature. There will be opportunities to share, as led, what we have heard as we open ourselves to the wisdom, guidance and words of hope that we trust will be given.

Linda Chidsey is a recorded minister in NYYM and has led retreats at Powell House and elsewhere for many years. She has served NYYM as clerk and has been active with the School of the Spirit Ministry in a variety of roles over the years. She carries a concern for the contemplative life lived out in the world.

Michael Wajda has traveled widely among Friends, leading retreats, speaking and helping strengthen the spiritual life of meetings. He, and another Friend, currently convene days of extended worship around NEYM. Nurtured by many Quaker elders in his lifetime, Michael is called to live into his own life of faithfulness and to support others on the spiritual journey along the way.

ONLINE & IN-PERSON AT POWELL HOUSE
SEPTEMBER 6-8, 2024

Members of the committee attend Powell House Committee meetings and serve on subcommittees such as Fiscal Management, Personnel, Program, Property, and Fundraising. They serve as channels of communication between Powell House and the Yearly Meeting and their own local and regional meetings.

Powell House supports a staff that includes the directors, office staff, facilities support (grounds and housekeeping), and cooks. Staff offices are presently in Pitt Hall.

Powell House was established by New York Yearly Meeting in 1960 as the result of a gift of residential property from Elsie K. Powell Sr. This property, with subsequent additions and improvements, now consists of Pitt Hall, the Anna Curtis Center, a director’s residence, a youth directors’ residence, and fifty-seven acres of land with a campground and two wildlife ponds.

Powell House is used primarily for religious conferences and similar gatherings of members and attenders of meetings belonging to New York Yearly Meeting. It is also used for meetings of Yearly Meeting committees or conferences sponsored by them. The programs include a wide variety of educational, inspirational, and organizational activities for youth and adults related to the religious, benevolent, and social concerns of the Religious Society of Friends. The facilities are available for use by affiliated Friends’ organizations and other religious or educational groups having interests compatible with those of Friends. Short-term sojourners may sometimes be accommodated.

IN-PERSON AT POWELL HOUSE
AUGUST 23 - 25, 2024

Friends’ meetings in the United States are changing. Most (though not all) are much smaller than they used to be, with many aging Friends. This does not necessarily mean we’ve done anything wrong, as it’s a trend that we have in common with many other 21st century faith groups, but it does mean we need to adjust our structures so that we can thrive as the people we are today.

This weekend will definitely include an introduction to the life cycles of meetings, worship, free time and some reflection time. Saturday will be a choose-your-own adventure experience. We’ll have sessions on about half of the following topics, which will be chosen according to the interests of the group:

Emily Provance is a Quaker traveling minister from Fifteenth Street Meeting in New York City. She’s also an associate of Good News Associates, which is a Christian nonprofit ministry organization supporting individuals who are called to non-institutional ministries.

IN-PERSON AT POWELL HOUSE
AUGUST 16 - 18, 2024

Election violence is not a theoretical possibility in the 2024 election cycle. It is here, and the question is how we respond. How do we prevent election violence from growing in magnitude?

An overwhelming majority of people in our country do not want violence, regardless of their political positions. And we can take actions that will prevent it. The research of international experts—ordinary people who have been on the ground preventing election violence in Africa, Asia, and South and Central America—can help us know how.

This weekend will start with a basic introduction to election violence prevention as a peacebuilding discipline. Saturday morning, we’ll study the Braver Angels Trustworthy Elections report, which is a tool for changing election procedures in a way that makes elections feel fair to both left-leaning and right-leaning Americans. Saturday afternoon, we’ll talk about building resilient communities that can withstand difficult times nonviolently, and we’ll explore several additional best practice strategies, then work on specific and practical theories of change. The weekend will end Sunday morning with a gathering to talk about specific next steps.

Emily Provance is a Quaker traveling minister from Fifteenth Street Meeting in New York City. She’s also an associate of Good News Associates, which is a Christian nonprofit ministry organization supporting individuals who are called to non-institutional ministries.