The 205th session of Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting was held June 11-15, 2025 on the campus of Earlham College in Wilmington, Ohio. The theme was “Gather Our Fragments into Wholeness”.
Wednesday, 6/11/2025, 3:00-5:00pm
1. Opening Worship. Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting gathered in centering worship at Wilmington College, Wilmington, Ohio for its 205th annual sessions.
2. Roll Call of Representatives. The recording clerk asked various officers, staff and representatives to be recognized. This list includes everyone who introduced themselves over the course of the sessions.
Yearly Meeting Officers:
Presiding Clerk: Barry Zalph
Assistant Presiding Clerk: Diann Herzog
Recording Clerk: Cecilia Shore
Assistant Recording Clerk: Terre Holada
Treasurer: Wilson Palmer
Assistant Treasurer: absent
Committee Clerks:
Auditing Committee: Bob Holada
Budget and Finance Committee: Wilson Palmer
Children’s Program Committee: Diann Herzog
Earthcare Committee: David Duvall
Gatherings Committee: Lisa Cayard
Nominating Committee: Rick Boyce
Personnel Committee: Dinah Duvall
Planning Committee: Ben Griffith, Martha Viehmann
Religious Nurture & Education Committee: Rex Sprouse
Social Action Coordinator Supervisory Committee: Gwen Halstead
Sexual Misconduct Response Team: Carol Simmons
Youth Services Committee: Peggy Spohr, Carol Simmons, and David Hyde
Quarterly Meeting Clerks:
Miami: Nikki Coffey Tousley
Whitewater: Peggy Spohr
Monthly Meeting representatives:
Bloomington: Rex Sprouse
Campus: David Pfaltzgraff-Carlson
Clear Creek: Jane Stowe
Community: Lisa Cayard
Dayton: Nikki Coffey Tousley
Eastern Hills: Wilson Palmer
Fall Creek: Ellen Hodge
Fort Wayne: Terre Holada
Lafayette: Karen Atcheson
Lexington: Ben Griffith
Louisville: Barry Zalph (interim, until the arrival of representative Cindi Goslee)
Miami: absent
Mississinewa (formerly White Rose): absent
North Meadow: Dinah Duvall
Oxford: Michael Gill
Yellow Springs: Carol Simmons
Yearly Meeting staff:
Administrative Assistant: Susan Lee Barton
Youth Secretary: vacant
Social Action Coordinator: Sandy Felt
Administrators:
Statistician: Peter Hardy
Website Administrator: absent
Records Coordinator: Susan Hyde
Quaker Quill Editor: Cecilia Shore
Publications Coordinator: Paul Buckley
Registrar: Eric Wolff
3. Introductions. The clerk asked Friends who had not already done so, to introduce themselves. They were: Marti Matthews, Debby Davis, and Carole Wicker, Fall Creek; Connie McNeely, Patricia Griffith and Betsy Neale, Lexington; Laurene Scalf, Louisville; Sandra Stephens, Bill Cahalan and Deborah Jordan, Community; Beth Lewis and Georgia Chase Wehner, Dayton; Michael Birkel and Elizabeth Terney, Clear Creek; Jade Rockwell, West Elkton (New Association of Friends), FWCC staff; Tom Rockwell, Western Yearly Meeting; Ellen Hodge, Fall Creek; Bruce Heckman, Yellow Springs; Jack Albin, Nicholas Hall, Peter Burkholder, Melanie Hurd, Rex Sprouse and Christine Carver, Bloomington; Lolita Holmes, Oxford.
4. Land Acknowledgement—Diann Herzog. The assistant clerk read the land acknowledgement. (p. 15)
5. Clerk’s Introduction. We were welcomed by the clerk, and we rejoiced in being together again and in how our relationships with each other help us connect to the Divine.
6. Agenda Review. The clerk reviewed some changes to the agenda since the time of Reports in Advance. The revised agenda was approved.
7. Readings of Letters of Introduction and Traveling Minutes. There were none at that time.
8. Thanks to our Annual Sessions Staff members. We thanked both our administrative assistant and the team assembled by our youth services committee (Andrew Davison, Katie Schwab, Perry Thomas and Noa Everett) who pulled together a youth program when our youth secretary suddenly resigned. We also thanked staff members for the children’s program (Lupe Witte, Maria Hernandez, Paz Santana, and Kasondra Ball), and Liz Virgo for Zoom work.
9. Appointment of Visitors to Youth and Children’s Meetings for Business. Diann Herzog will visit the children, at least one morning, and David Duvall will visit with the youth during their business meeting tomorrow morning.
10. Review and Approval of Minutes. The minutes were approved as read.
11. Selection of new Personnel Committee Member. Barry Zalph reported Steve Angell has stepped down from this service. The clerk offered the name of Deborah Jordan to serve on this committee along with Dinah Duvall who is continuing. Friends approved this nomination.
12. Epistle Summary (p. 15) Diann Herzog presented the summary of epistles received by Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting, which was prepared by Rick Boyce. Friends accepted the epistle summary.
13. State of Society Report (p. 100) The clerk read the Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting State of Society report, submitted by Rex Sprouse, which summarized central themes of the individual reports of the monthly meetings. The report was accepted by Friends.
14. Consent Agenda—First Reading. In order to free up space on the agenda for business meeting sessions, the clerk explained the recommendation to accept selected written reports that appeared in the Reports in Advance without discussion on the floor of the Yearly Meeting in 6th Day session. The clerk asked for any questions or changes. Friends accepted this list.
- Earthcare Committee report (p. 94)
- Executive Committee report (p. 41)
- Gatherings Committee report (p. 94)
- Personnel Committee report (p. 94)
- Quaker Quill report (p. 93)
- Records Coordinators’ report (p. 86)
- Religious Nurture & Education Committee report (p. 95)
- Statistical report, revised, for 2023 (p. 46)
- Website administrator’s report (p. 93)
15. Review and Approval of Minutes. Friends approved the minutes as read. Annual Sessions Announcements.
16. Closing Worship. The session closed at 4:37pm with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene Sixth Month 12, 2025, at 10am
Thursday, 6/12/2025, 10 am-12:15pm
17. Opening Worship. Friends gathered at 10:07am in centering worship.
18. Roll Call of Representatives. The recording clerk asked representatives who were not recorded yesterday to be recognized.
19. Introductions. The clerk asked all those in attendance to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom. They were: Gloria Stearns-Bruner, Bloomington; Marcelle Martin, Swarthmore Meeting, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting; Phil Henry, Dayton, Miranda Hallett, Dayton; Mary Garman and Dave Garman, Clear Creek; Martha Viehmann, Eastern Hills; Wilhelmina Branson, Community; Daniel McGregor, Dayton, Mike Fallahay, North Meadow.
20. Agenda Review. The clerk reviewed several changes to the agenda. The agenda was approved as revised.
21. Braddock Fund Trustees, Report and Proposal (p. 59) Christine Snyder and Tammy Shadley from Wilmington College. The transfer of funds to Wilmington College is complete. Friends approved laying down the Braddock Fund Trustees and released the members with gratitude. Friends approved a minute of appreciation to Wilmington College for taking on this responsibility. Tammy Shadley reported that the college is working to increase this fund and has approved a project which they believe carries out the intent of the fund. They submitted a report of funds (currently $80,800), and will submit reports annually to us. They presented a plaque in gratitude to the Braddock family for this major gift toward prison ministry.
22. Clerk’s Introduction. The clerk reflected on the transfer of the Braddock fund as an example of our following our leadings until we believe that we can lay them down; he encouraged us to act in this spirit in our business sessions.
23. Traveling Ministry Report (p. 93) Diann Herzog reported on her traveling ministry; she rejoiced in the love and light she experienced in visiting meetings and observing their commitment to the next generation of Friends. Friends accepted this report.
24. Western Yearly Meeting Invitation to Partnership (p. 43) Tom Rockwell (Associate Superintendent of Western Yearly Meeting as well as co-pastor of West Elkton Meeting). He reported that across a number of Friends organizations, we appear to be shrinking. He proposed that we cooperate with Western Yearly Meeting, New Association of Friends, and Wilmington Yearly Meeting in service to youth and young adults, e.g., an upcoming meeting of leaders of youth at Quaker Hill, and bringing young adults together with west coast Friends for a spiritual formation program, and bringing together youth and children for camping experiences, as well as a gathering next spring about other forms of merger or partnership.
25. Review and Approval of Minutes. The minutes were reviewed, corrected and approved.
26. Wilhelmina Branson shared a story about her father Raymond Braddock who worked at the Lebanon Correctional Institution, and was fired for acting compassionately to an inmate whose wife was delivering their child.
27. Friends General Conference Report (p. 98) Karen Atcheson. FGC is in a period of fiscal review. They are also examining their organizational structure. A take-away message is that volunteering with FGC has become much more open, and it is easier to become involved.
28. Friends World Committee for Consultation Section of the Americas report (p. 99) Jade and Tom Rockwell. Jade reiterated that Friends seem to be decreasing in number. She is part of an FWCC effort, “Quaker Connect,” to revitalize meetings by examining individual meetings in their community contexts, and engaging in “experiments in faithfulness.” She encouraged applications from OVYM meetings. She described the work of FWCC as helping Friends to connect with one another—they have posted a digital interactive map of Friends worldwide, as well as a “Quaker Glossary” to aid in communication among Friends. They promote “World Quaker Day” to remind us of Friends around the world. The theme this year is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Tom reported that the Midwest group is encouraging intervisitation among Friends at Yearly Meeting sessions, as well as other youth interactions that he mentioned before. This year they are promoting a World Quaker Day collaborative recording of singing the “George Fox song.” The Midwest is hosting the 2027 Section meeting, probably in Indianapolis. Friends accepted this report.
29. Youth Services Committee report (p. 96) Our youth secretary resigned abruptly, and several Friends
pulled together a program rapidly, in which 7 youth are participating, most of whom are here for the
first time. Anyone is welcome to attend the committee meeting Sunday, when the topic of the search for
the new Youth Secretary will be discussed. One Friend suggested a thoughtful review of the success of
the program and the Youth Secretary job description. Friends accepted this report.
30. Nominating Committee initial report Rick Boyce thanked members of the nominating committee, and
noted that he will be stepping down from the committee. He reviewed the nominations in the Reports
in Advance in detail and noted several open positions as well as new members of committees to begin
this year. He encouraged meetings who have not named members to Nominating Committee to do so.
He thanked everyone who has agreed to serve or begin service. Friends accepted the report so far.
31. Review and approval of minutes. The minutes were approved.
32. Annual Sessions Announcements.
33. Closing Worship. The meeting closed at 12:11pm with a short period of worship.
Thursday, 6/12/2024, 3:30-5:00pm
34. Opening Worship. Friends gathered at the appointed hour in centering worship.
35. Roll Call. The recording clerk asked OVYM officers, staff, and representatives of committees and meetings to identify themselves.
36. Introductions. The clerk asked Friends who were not present at the previous sessions to introduce themselves. These included: Cindi Goslee and Chris Harmer, Louisville, and Dale Hayes, Eastern Hills.
37. Clerk’s Introduction. We’ve heard some challenging things today about declining numbers of Friends, disrespect for people of color within the Society of Friends, and all who suffer in the broader world. The clerk challenged us: “Why call ourselves a religion if we never do anything impossible? Think about what we may be called to do.”
38. Agenda Review. The clerk shared changes to the agenda. This revised agenda was approved.
39. Reading of Traveling Minutes. Diann Herzog read a travel minute on behalf of Marcelle Martin from Swarthmore Meeting. It reflected her ministry of teaching, writing, and praying with individuals and groups, and helping them to cultivate a relationship with the Divine.
40. Children’s Program Committee Report
Diann reported that there were concerns that the crucial committee clerk might not be able to attend annual sessions; the too-small committee (two other people) had to step up to fill in. Luckily, all were able to attend and provide a vibrant program. This committee needs more members to create a better safety net for these important experiences for our children. Friends accepted this report.
41. American Friends Service Committee report (p. 97) Cindi Goslee featured the mission statement of AFSC, and encouraged Friends to be involved in the many actions organized by the organization. We (OVYM) are allowed 4 slots on the Corporation who serve as oversight, but only have 2 representatives. The Board consists of 80% Quakers, but they also seek to have representatives from the communities they serve, which is often a hard balance to strike. Cindi also mentioned that despite staff in Gaza having lost everything, they are trying to continue to deliver aid. She mentioned routine opportunities offered by AFSC to stay in touch with events in Gaza. Friends accepted this report.
42. Sexual Misconduct Response Procedures Working Group Report (p. 42) The clerk clarified the work being done by this group and thanked them for their efforts. Ellen Hodge and Deborah Jordan began with the procedures in the policy approved last year, and fleshed those out. They submitted their work to a number of experienced Friends who gave feedback to the procedures, which are being used at these sessions. These procedures are prefaced with the important community values that we hope are involved in the policy and its enactment, such as respect, support, and confidentiality. These procedures will be submitted for the minute book, and are subject to revision following the professional training that we are seeking, as well as additional feedback and experience. One Friend offered strong concern about the confidentiality agreement. The clerk clarified the intent and context of this aspect of the process and the provisional nature of this document. Friends accepted this report.
43. Sexual Misconduct Response Team Report—Ellen Hodge. The team that is implementing these procedures at this session includes Bruce Heckman, Ellen Hodge, Carol Simmons, Nikki Coffey Tousley, and Barry Zalph. Please speak to anyone on the team if you experience sexual misconduct at these sessions, or if you have concerns about the procedures. Friends accepted this report.
44. Sexual Misconduct Training (p. 42) Part of the policy we approved last year includes support and
training for the sexual misconduct response team as well as others. What does trauma look like in
individuals and communities? How can we respond to problems that arise? Susan Lee, Gail Koehler and
Sarah Hoffmann have identified Stephanie Krehbiel who may be able to lead a training for us on issues
such as: what harms arise from these incidents and the ways that they are handled? What are trauma-
informed responses, and how can we have difficult conversations? Addressing sexual violence is an
important part of social justice work, as sexual violence is endemic in society, including our own.
Meetings are encouraged to identify someone to attend the training when it becomes available. We
accepted the report.
45. Review and Approval of Minutes. The minutes were approved as read.
46. Treasurer’s Report (p. 62) Wilson Palmer reviewed the report from Reports in Advance. Wilson pointed out that our expenses will exceed our income this year, although the exact amount is unknown. This needs to be understood in the context of having collected a surplus over the past several years. Our budgeted expenses can be covered by current income plus drawing funds from reserves. Friends accepted the report with gratitude.
47. Budget and Finance Report and Proposed Budget (p. 61) David Garman reviewed the report from the Reports in Advance. The proposed budget includes approximately about $23,000 deficit. We have had a surplus in the past and can absorb a loss for the moment, but will eventually need to return to a balanced budget. We have had a declining membership as well as increases in the costs of yearly meeting sessions which will eventually require some changes. Currently we ask meetings to contribute $120 per member, but we don’t enforce that, other than to publish the list of meetings and their contributions; some meetings do give more than what they are asked. The clerk pointed out that we have no way of knowing what annual sessions will cost next year, or what the salary for the Youth Secretary will be next year and encouraged us to lean on Divine guidance. One Friend objected to the budget; the clerk of Budget and Finance pointed out that we can afford to spend down our current surplus, and presiding clerk pointed out that we do have over $100K in reserve that we are currently not using. Friends approved the budget.
48. Statistical Report (p. 46, 50) Executive Committee has approved the revised statistical report for 2023. Peter Hardy reviewed the process by which these data are collected. This year, we lost 24 Friends, and added 19. This is consistent with a gradual decline over the past decade. He put our data in context of other mainline American Protestant churches; our losses are fairly typical for other churches, which may reflect general societal changes. He also pointed out that attendance has bounced back following COVID, which is encouraging. Friends accepted this report with gratitude. The clerk commended our attention to the report.
49. Review and Approval of Minutes. The minutes for this session were reviewed, corrected, and approved.
50. Annual Sessions Announcements.
51. Closing Worship. The session closed at 5:37pm with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene 6-13-25 at 10am
Friday, 6/13/2025, 10:00 am-12:25pm
52. Opening Worship. Friends gathered at 10:06am in centering worship.
53. Roll Call of Representatives. The recording clerk asked OVYM officers, staff, and representatives of committees and meetings to identify themselves.
54. Introductions. The clerk asked Friends who were not present at the previous sessions to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom. They were: Carol Ann Ferlauto, Dayton Friends; Deema Roma, Community Friends.
55. Letters of Introduction and Traveling minutes. Diann Herzog welcomed Meghan Fair from Right Sharing of World Resources. The letter emphasized her travel to meetings, her leading Friends to reflect on “The Power of Enough” and helping us create equity and inclusion in the world.
56. Consent Agenda, for Approval. The clerk asked for acceptance of all other reports submitted in advance without discussion. Friends accepted all items from the consent agenda (see Minute 14).
57.Proposal for an “Agreement to Respect Personal Boundaries” (p. 40) The agreement, approved by Executive Committee, was put on the screen while the clerk read it aloud. The body was asked for discernment regarding its implementation. Two Friends spoke in support of individuals signing the document as part of registration for annual sessions, and another Friend suggested that it be included for individual OVYM events. Another Friend suggested an opportunity for Friends to add comments regarding their comfort with this statement. Another Friend suggested that in addition to registration, the statement should be read aloud in the presence of the body. It is recognized that a signed agreement does not prevent misconduct, but does help lower the barriers to reporting. One Friend reminded us of several practical barriers, e.g., that annual sessions registration is done by one person for each family. Other Friends suggested that these details can be worked out, and stressed the importance of wide dissemination. Friends discussed the importance of maintaining a culture of touch when such touch is welcome. We could also add that we understand that we will make mistakes, and will try to work these out in the moment with each other. Another Friend found the list of inappropriate behaviors frightening; it appears to suggest that all this could happen to an attender and suggested that a notice of what to do if misconduct does occur would be helpful. It was noted that teens already have their own conduct training and agreement. It was noted that the agreement and the implementation plan are living documents to help us come to an understanding that we are trying to build and maintain a beloved community. A Friend was concerned that the agreement was approved by Executive Committee without having been discussed by yearly meeting. Other Friends expressed that such incidents have occurred and that the need for some form of understanding about boundaries is urgent.
Friends approved the dissemination of this agreement by several means, electronic and otherwise, both before and during OVYM events. We will require all adult participants at OVYM events to affirm this agreement. The presiding clerk, assistant presiding clerk, and administrative assistant will develop a plan to collect affirmations of the agreement and to disseminate it. They will present this plan for approval by Executive Committee in its 8/25 meeting. The implementation of the agreement will be reviewed, and revised if needed, by the Executive Committee. Any revisions will be reported to Annual Sessions each year.
58. Review and Approval of Minutes. The minutes for this session were reviewed, corrected, and approved.
59. Friends Music Camp Report (p. 100) Carol Simmons gave the address for donations as Friends Music Camp, c/o Nicholas Hutchinson, 3409 Park Place, Evanston IL 60201. She reviewed the selection of Goshen College as the location for the camp. She felt a re-commitment and re-energizing on the part of staff to doing the work of the camp. A reunion will be July 18-20 at Olney School. Friends are encouraged to ask Carol for the registration link. Friends accepted this report.
60. Friends World Committee for Consultation Report (p. 99) Carol Simmons’s report about the World Plenary was shared at Executive Committee and is included in their minutes. Other local Friends present in person or virtually were J.P. and Foote Lund and Susan Lee Barton. Carol also attended the Section of the Americas meeting in Arizona this spring. The theme was Isaiah 43:19 which was encouraging in difficult times. Many Friends from South America attended; more than 30 yearly meetings from North America were represented. Talks focused on finding opportunities in difficult times. Young Adult Friends held a pre-conference gathering at both of these FWCC events. Friends accepted this report.
61. Social Action Coordinator Report (p. 78) There are 20 people and over 50% of meetings represented on the Signal chat channel. Anyone can join by contacting Sandy Felt. There is a survey of social action interests on the OVYM website, which will help create a database to link individual Friends. Worship sharing has been meeting regularly. There was a Social Action Social at the beginning of Annual Sessions, with a dozen people from a variety of meetings, which raised some good ideas. Nearly all meetings have named representatives to the social action coordinator group. Most meetings have sent her information about their social actions and concerns. She has visited some meetings in person. A Friend inquired whether she felt energized by this work—she replied affirmatively. Rachel Ernst Stahlhut, Chris Harmer and Gwen Halsted are her supervisory committee. Nikki Coffey Tousley and Diann Herzog will serve on the support committee. Friends accepted this report. A Friend noted that Executive Committee will need to re-appoint the supervisory committee.
62. Review and Approval of Minutes. The minutes were reviewed, corrected and approved.
63. Annual Sessions Announcements.
64. Closing Worship. The session closed at 12:38pm with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene Sixth Month 14, 2025 at 10am.
Saturday, 6/14/2025, 10 am- 12:15pm
65. Opening Worship. Friends gathered at the appointed hour in centering worship.
66. Roll Call of Representatives. The recording clerk asked OVYM officers, staff, and representatives of committees and meetings to identify themselves.
67. Introductions. The clerk asked Friends who were not present at the previous sessions to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom. They were: Paul Ricketts, Fort Wayne; Teresa Harten, Community.
68. Clerk’s Introduction. The clerk spoke about an instance of the loving support of members of the community. The Holy One has many ways reaching us; one is through our fellow humans who reveal the love of God and the presence of the Divine. We need to remember to ask God for what we need and be vulnerable and open to the ways we can receive it.
69. Nominating Committee Report, Final for Approval (p.70) Rick Boyce presented the final slate of nominees. Please see the new list for additions/changes to Assistant Treasurer, Budget and Finance, Children’s Committee, Earthcare Committee, Planning Committee, Religious Nurture & Education as well as new appointments to AFSC, FCNL, and FWCC. Peter Hardy has agreed to serve as clerk for Nominating Committee. Friends approved this list of role assignments with gratitude to everyone who has been and will be carrying out the work of the yearly meeting.
70. Agenda Review. An item was added to the agenda. Friends approved the revised agenda.
71. Renewal of Contract of Social Action Coordinator—Barry Zalph. Barry spoke with Sandy Felt’s supervisor (Rachel Ernst Stahlhut), who said that she had done excellent work, and Barry has heard all good things. Friends who have worked with her spoke positively about her ability to take suggestions, work hard, and facilitate connections among Friends. Friends approved the renewal of her contract through 6th month 30, 2026. Executive Committee will review the contract in 4th Month 2026 and make a recommendation to annual sessions.
72. Miami Quarterly Meeting Report (p. 101) Nikki Coffey Tousley reviewed highlights of the report. The Quarter decided to wait until next year (2026) to host a Joint Quarter meeting. Friends accepted this report. A representative of the Gathering Committee strongly encouraged meetings to organize fall gatherings in lieu of Joint Quarter.
73. Whitewater Quarterly Meeting Report (p. 102) Peggy Spohr presented highlights of her report. She featured the joy and pride the Quarter took in hosting Joint Quarter. She also reflected with emotion on following a leading laid on her heart to reconnect with Mississinewa (formerly White Rose Meeting) Gathering of Friends and charged the Quarter and Yearly Meeting to maintain this connection. She encouraged the Quarter to continue the practice of reading State of Society reports aloud and to develop some guidelines for future clerks. Ellen Hodge has agreed to be the next Quarterly Meeting Clerk. Friends accepted this report.
74. Administrative Assistant’s Report (p. 75) Susan Lee Barton reflected on the diversity of skills and needs in the yearly meeting and reminded that we need ALL of us. She thanked Ellen Hodge for helping with putting together the directory. She has become more efficient by only summarizing event announcements weekly. She reminded people that if they wish to respond to a yearly meeting survey/form, they can do it online or ask her for a paper form. She also reminded people that background checks can take time—plan in advance. She has also instituted a Volunteer Interest form where committees can indicate needs, and people can volunteer to do one task or offer a specific skill. This can be a way to get more people involved in OVYM. She has also instituted a request form for people to receive specific types of email, e.g., executive committee agendas, or upcoming events. They may also request paper copies of publications (which need to be renewed every year). Please either email her or telephone in the late morning, and do not text. She also asked people to respect the differing gifts that are brought by different clerks. A Friend suggested that we help each other become more familiar with the OVYM website, which has many resources. The Treasurer encouraged monthly meetings, when they request one or more background checks and are able to do so, to pay OVYM for the cost of running background checks (typically $14-30). Her report was accepted with gratitude.
75. Review of Minutes. The minutes for this session were reviewed, corrected and approved.
76. Planning Committee Report (p. 44) Martha Viehmann and Ben Griffith reported the Planning Committee will be contacting appropriate people at Wilmington College and Earlham College. Ben started serving this committee in 2020 and has seen the impact of COVID and changes in immigration policy on colleges. He will be stepping away from Planning Committee following this yearly meeting. Friends approved this report with gratitude.
77. Review of Minutes. The minutes were reviewed and approved.
78. Annual Sessions announcements.
79. Closing Worship. The session closed at 11:32am with a brief period of waiting worship. Friends will reconvene Sixth Month 15, 2025 at 10am.
Sunday, 6/15/2025, 10 -11am
80. Opening worship. Friends gathered at the appointed hour in centering worship.
81. Roll Call of Representatives. The recording clerk asked OVYM officers, staff, and representatives of committees and meetings to identify themselves.
82. Introductions. The clerk asked Friends who were not present at the previous sessions to introduce themselves, including those participating via Zoom. They were: Salman Afsari, Clear Creek; Rhonda, Reid and Bing Pfaltzgraff-Carlson, Campus; Andrew Garrison, Oxford; Paulette Meier, Community; Leyna Badger and Kaii Seale, Dayton.
83. Clerk’s Introduction. Today is Rachel Ernst Stahlhut’s (the previous clerk) birthday. Barry worked closely with her for two years, and is grateful for the closeness they developed in that time. He is also grateful for the deepening of his relationship with Diann as assistant clerk. This is a blessing of service to OVYM, to work in collaboration with each other in service to the Holy One.
84. Report from Visitor to Youth sessions. David Duvall met with the youth at their business sessions. The youth were very serious; David appreciated their careful deliberation. Friends accepted this report.
85. The Youth Epistle (p. 17) was presented by: Leyna Badger and Kaii Seale, Dayton. Contributors included youth participants: Hawthorne Strecker, Fall Creek; Aeda Hartunian, Alric Kemp, Luther Hallett, and Alara Breman, Dayton; as well as youth staff and volunteers: Noa Strecker, Fall Creek; Andrew Davison and Perry Thomas, Louisville; Audrey Malhotra, Dayton. Friends accepted this epistle with joy.
86. Report from Visitor to Children’s Sessions. Diann Herzog reported this was a robust group. We are grateful to parents for all the work they did to bring and support children at these annual sessions. The work with children is very important to OVYM. Friends accepted this report.
87. Registrar’s Report (p. 92) The registrar, Eric Wolff, had a number of computer issues and is grateful to those who helped him. We had relatively few young people compared to several years ago, but appear to be bouncing back. There were 98 people present, 6 visitors, 6 who canceled and 9 who attended by Zoom. In the future, our statistics need to account for people who identify as non-binary. The registrar asked that such persons identify themselves to him so that they do not experience erasure. Our financial situation appears to be comparable to last year. The Treasurer encouraged Friends to submit payment via Zelle, cash or check. Friends accepted the report with gratitude.
88. Children’s Epistle (p. 17). Hannah Branson read the children’s epistle. Children present at this reading included: Hessy Badger, Dayton; Maya Virgo, Community; Amna Tonne, Dayton) and Amalia Afsari, Clear Creek. Friends accepted this epistle with delight and commended them for sending their message out the world.
89. Young Adult Friends Epistle (p. 19). The Young Adult Friends epistle was read by Bing Pfaltzgraff- Carlson, Campus; and Jack Albin, Bloomington. Young Adult Friends shared some concerns and joys about their experiences at annual sessions. Friends accepted this epistle.
90. Adult Epistle (p. 19) Ellen Hodge delivered the epistle written with Elizabeth Terney and Gail Koehler. Friends approved the epistle, with a wording change to delete a problematic phrase, with thanks to the epistle committee.
91. Minutes of Appreciation. Friends approved the following minutes of appreciation:
- Barry Zalph for incredible clerking, with sensitivity to the Spirit and the many, many concerns of Friends.
- Liz Virgo for capable A/V service.
- Ben Griffith for all-around help to enable those Friends who attended on Zoom to participate in our sessions.
- Cecilia Shore for tireless and accurate minute-taking.
- Uta Gohen-Green for time and talents organizing young adult activities and work on facilitation of the welcoming event.
- Kevin Stearns-Bruner for his golf-cart ministry.
- Planning Committee for their diligent work to find a suitable site and to organize meaningful time together that deepened our understanding of the Spirit, our community, and ourselves individually.
- Youth Services committee, plus Audrey Malhotra and Perry Thomas, for stepping up to create a program in the absence of a Youth Secretary
- Speakers Paul Ricketts, Paul Buckley and Marcelle Martin for their prayerful preparation and presentations.
92. Review of Minutes. Friends approved the minutes as read and corrected.
93. Annual Sessions Announcements.
94. Closing Worship. The meeting closed at 11:18am with a brief period of waiting worship.
