Events Calendar

Faithfulness: Nurturing our connection to Spirit and with each other in challenging times

As we gather in trusted community, we will explore the power of our spiritual lives to create the ballast we need to "steady the ship” as we navigate through rough waters. By listening for the whispers of the Inward Teacher and by learning from each other, we can find the strength and the wisdom to keep our feet firmly planted, our eyes clear, and our hearts open.

The retreat will begin with supper on Friday, followed by our opening circle. There will be two sessions on Saturday (morning and afternoon) with an evening of festive fellowship and singing. Our Sunday morning session will be followed by Meeting for Worship and lunch. Departure is immediately after lunch.

Retreat participants will receive a detailed welcome email and pre-retreat exercise about one week before the retreat. If you have questions as the retreat nears, please contact the program registrar, Amy Schmaljohn at amy@schmaljohn.com.

Spiritual nurture funds are available through both local Meetings and through the Yearly Meeting. The retreat welcomes all of us who seek a deeper life in and with Spirit.

An informal group of DC-area Quakers from several monthly meetings invites Friends in the middle years of their lives (Gen X and Millennials) to an informal happy hour on Sept 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Takoma Bev Co in Takoma Park, MD. We're not Young Adult Friends, but we're not signing up for the Quaker retirement community just yet! The location is accessible via the Metro Red Line and there is a paid parking lot behind the BevCo. Email GenSec@bym-rsf.org for questions. 

The Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee is offering an online Grief Support Group. The group meets at 7:00pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Please e-mail the office at admin@bym-rsf.org for the Zoom link.

BYM Quaker Camps are vibrant, diverse, and youth-centered communities that welcome families with open arms. Join BYM Quaker Camps community for a joyful weekend of connection, reflection, and family fun in nature!

This year, our Family Camp will be held at Opequon Quaker Camp at Rolling Ridge Conversancy! Designed for families of all shapes and sizes, this retreat offers a mix of fun outdoor activities, shared meals, and meaningful connection. Enjoy hiking, art-making, fire circle and songs, work projects and family fun activities; all in a spirit of simplicity, equality, and togetherness.

At Family Camp, the Spirit leads — but diaper changes and snack times are still up to you! Parents are responsible for their children at Family Camp.

Whether you're reconnecting with camp or discovering it for the first time, this is a chance to slow down, be present, and grow closer with loved ones and new friends.

Pricing:
$100 per adult
$75 per child (ages 0–18)
$300 max per family

Lodging Options:
✔️ Cabins or camp-provided tents
✔️ Bring your own tent for your family
✔️ Lodge available (limited availability; priority for disabled Friends; $125/adult)

On Sep 30 at 7:00pm, join the BYM General Secretary on Zoom to learn more about and give early feedback on a Study Group proposal that will come to the November Interim Meeting. In collaboration with the outgoing Presiding Clerk, the General Secretary proposes a 12- to 18-month process to consult with BYM monthly meetings and yearly meeting committees to study the structures of our Yearly Meeting. The study group would seek to identify the pain points in our efforts to support the thriving of monthly meetings and to engage in larger undertakings together - and make proposals for change. The goal is to hold consultations with BYM Friends and report back over the next year and bring some initial ideas for change to Annual Session 2027 for threshing. All interested BYM Friends are warmly invited!