Pre-Gathering retreats and conferences give participants a chance to connect in a deeper way before the Gathering week begins. They can be one day, overnight, or most of a weekend. This year they will begin on Friday June 28th, ending by Sunday afternoon June 30th at the latest.
- Retreat for People of Color and their Families
An opportunity for People of Color and multiracial families to come together to share their Quaker experience and create a supportive community in preparation for and throughout the Gathering. Open only to Friends attending the Gathering.
- Co-Living – Older adult living in community – facilitated by Chiyo Moriuchi, Friends Village
Help co-create a new model of older adult community. Friends Village (FV) is a small Quaker retirement community in Newtown, a historic walkable town in Bucks County, PA. FV is considering converting its historic building in the center of Newtown Borough into a co-living community. We imagine the renovated building would be home to approximately 14 older adults in private apartments, with gracious common areas for resident use plus public areas to serve the surrounding community as a neighborhood center. Come help us re-imagine what an engaged, outward-facing senior living model might be rather than the isolated, insular (and expensive!) communities that dominate the landscape. Together we will think through required and desired features and services, and how to establish and maintain a harmonious and joy-filled culture in a community.
- Creating Space for Spiritual Intimacy – facilitated by Mary Linda McKinney, School of the Spirit
This workshop will provide opportunity for Friends to explore ways to create space for spiritual intimacy. We will consider humility, courage, and faithfulness as we examine the roles of facilitator, clerk, convener, and host. We will talk about ways to foster warmth and depth during in person, online, and hybrid gatherings. This is for all Friends who want to experience bringing groups of Friends together as a spiritual practice.
- Adult Young Friends – Imagining a Vibrant AYF of FGC
Adult Young Friends will host a pre-Gathering retreat Friday, June 28 to Sunday, June 30, offering Friends between the ages of 18 and 35 an opportunity to connect and begin building community before the Gathering begins. More information to come this spring.
Pre-Gathering Events and Children: FGC offers a children’s center for children whose parents or caregivers are attending pre-Gathering events in-person. Some pre-Gathering events also include programming for children.
Organizations planning pre-Gathering events online are responsible for managing their own technology needs. FGC will provide an optional Zoom hosting training for leaders & tech. support people. We recommend that you have at least two people at each activity so one person can assist with any tech issues and questions and answers. Gathering staff are unable to support hybrid events this year.