Spiritual Formation

18 May 2011
Spiritual Formation group
Spiritual Formation group, Leaven Center, 2005

The Lake Erie Yearly Meeting Spiritual Formation Program encourages Friends to listen carefully to God’s call in their lives. All who wish to deepen their spiritual lives are invited to join a Spiritual Formation Group.

This includes participation in a local group and attendance at both an opening and closing retreat along with members of other spiritual formation groups.

Through the retreats and regular local group meetings, participants create a close faith community for spiritual growth, mutual support, and encouragement. The group provides a structured, supportive community in which each member can discern the Divine call and prepare to follow it.

For general information on the program, please view this Brochure for Spiritual Formation, saved as a pdf file.

Epistles

18 May 2011

Epistles from LEYM to Friends Everywhere

During our annual sessions, we write an epistle to other Friends around the world. Here are recent Epistles.

Prior Years

18 May 2011

2024 Annual Sessions
Friends Together: Outpourings of the Spirit
June 13-16, 2024
Ashland University, Ashland Ohio
Plenary Speaker – Paulette Meier with Joann Neuroth
Plenary Talk: Opening To and Pouring Out the Spirit through Contemplative Communal Chant
See 2024 Welcome Video here.

2023 Annual Sessions
Navigating Anew
June 15-18, 2023
Ashland University, Ashland Ohio
Plenary Speaker – Emily Provance
See 2023 Welcome Video here.

2022 Annual Sessions
Many Roots, One Tree
July 27-31, 2022
Online via Zoom (see 2022 webpage and Welcome Video)
Plenary Speaker – Christian Acemah
Plenary Talk: What Lies Within This Tree with Many Roots?

2021 Annual Sessions
Healing Through Truth
July 28 – Aug 1, 2021
Online via Zoom – (see 2021 annual session website)
Plenary Speaker – Paula Palmer
Plenary Talk: Healing through Truth with Native Peoples

2020 Annual Sessions
Letting Go: Listening with Whole Hearts & Open Minds
July 30-August 2, 2020
Online via Zoom (see 2020 calendar of events)
Plenary Speaker: Thomas Taylor (Ann Arbor Friends Meeting)

2019 Annual Sessions
Do Justice, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly with God: Finding our calling in disturbing times
July 25-28, 2019
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Joyce Ajlouny of AFSC
Plenary Talk: It Takes Courage: Quaker Values in Action
Video of 2019 Plenary Session Presentation by Joyce Ajlouny.

2018 Annual Meeting
Building the Beloved Community: Who is My Neighbor?
July 26-29, 2018
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Yvette Shipman
Interview with Yvette Shipman – Being a Good Neighbor Takes Practice

2017 Annual Meeting
Quakers into the New Millenium
July 27-30, 2017
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Greg Woods
Plenary Talk: Reviving Quakerism in the New Millennium

2016 Annual Meeting
What Would John Woolman Do?
July 28-31, 2016
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Natalie Finegar, Deputy District Public Defender for Baltimore City
Plenary Talk: Baltimore’s Uprising: A Window into the Flawed Justice System that Perpetuates Racial Inequalities

2015 Annual Meeting
Sowing the Seeds of Friendship
July 30 – Aug. 2, 2015
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Merry Stanford
Plenary Talk: Unconventional Joy: The Scandalous Ministry of Befriending

2014 Annual Meeting
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
July 24 – 27, 2014
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Scilla Wahrhaftig

2013 Annual Meeting
Growing in Grace: LEYM Celebrates 50 Years
July 25-28, 2013
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speakers: Conleth Crotser (Cleveland), John Howell (Athens), Don Nagler (Pine River), and Abbey Pratt-Harrington (Athens)

2012 Annual Meeting
Finding Our Way: The Process of Discernment
July 26–29, 2012
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Brent Bill

2011 Annual Meeting
Mindful Consumption as a Spiritual Practice
July 28–31, 2011
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Sally Weaver Sommer

2010 Annual Meeting
Where There are Shadows, There is also Light
July 29–August 1, 2010
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Lloyd Lee Wilson
Plenary Talk: A Letter of Encouragement in Discouraging Times

2009 Annual Meeting
Reflecting Light: Seeing Ourselves in the Other
June 11–14, 2009
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Max Carter
Plenary Topic: On Meeting with the Other: Peacemaking Lessons from Quaker Work in the Midwest and Middle East

2008 Annual Meeting
Peacemaking from the Inside Out
June  12–15, 2008
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Helen Horn
Plenary Topic: Centered Enough for Peacemaking?

2007 Annual Meeting
Living Our Witness to Peace
June 14–17, 2007
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Mary Lord
Plenary Topic: Finding Peace – Healing the Brokenness

2006 Annual Meeting
Moved by Faith Within Community
June 15–18, 2006
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Michael Wajda

2005 Annual Meeting
The Ground of our Being: Listening to Earth and Spirit
June 16–19, 2005
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Kim Carlyle

2004 Annual Meeting
Integrity: Growing Wholeness from Our Roots
June 17–20, 2004
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Michael Birkel

2003 Annual Meeting
Engaging Fear with Spirit
June 19–22, 2003
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary: Panel discussion on theme

2002 Annual Meeting
Testimonies, where Quaker rubber hits the road: Moving from talking the talk to walking the walk
June 13–16, 2002
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Steve Morehouse

2001 Annual Meeting
Individual Will, Corporate Worship, Corporate Decision-Making
June 14–17, 2002
Bluffton University, Bluffton, Ohio
Plenary Speaker: Marty Grundy
Plenary Topic: Some Thoughts on the Relationship between an Individual and the Meeting

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LEYM Annual Meeting

18 May 2011
Categories: Annual Sessions

The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held June 12-15 at Ashland University in Ohio.

Annual Meeting Returns to Ashland University in 2025

We invite you to join us in Ashland Ohio for this year’s annual meeting June 12-15, 2025, where we will explore the theme of “Mending Our Nets: The Power of Becoming Whole.” This gathering offers a space to reflect on the brokenness we encounter—within ourselves, our communities, and the world—and to consider how we might repair, restore, and reweave the fabric of our lives with intention and grace. Full information and registration is found at the 2025 Annual Meeting Page.

Drawing inspiration from our Quaker heritage, as described by Frances Howgill at Firbank Fell, we will delve into the spiritual and practical work of healing, guided by worship, workshops (see 2025 offerings), and meaningful dialogue. Our plenary presenter will be Pamela Haines from Central Philadelphia Meeting. Pamela is a Quaker writer, activist, earthcare advocate and workshop leader, focused on community building and economic justice. Together, we’ll seek to understand how we can be instruments of wholeness in a fractured world. Whether you’re a longtime Friend or new to the Quaker way, we welcome you to this opportunity for renewal and connection.

A new opportunity this year will be Bible Study sessions offered by Doug Gwyn, a retired Friends/Quaker minister and former scholar in residence at Pendle Hill with deep experience in pastoral ministry, peace education, teaching and research-based writing and theology. His recent work has explored some of the communing/commonist movements today that seek to define and protect various natural and cultural resources as a common heritage among all the species of life on earth, connecting it to early Quaker movements with similar impulses. You can see some of his many publications at the website douglasgwyn.life

We welcome all ages to come with open hearts and minds as we explore the transformative power of mending—not just to restore what was, but to create something stronger and more beautiful. Save the date now and look for more information about the full program and registration process in the next issue of the Bulletin.

Quote from Frances Howgill

About the Location
Ashland University is situated in the charming small town of Ashland Ohio located about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus. Friends appreciated the compact campus, easy parking, centralized space for meeting and socializing, and good food. We also greatly enjoyed partnering with the Ashland Center for Nonviolence which was founded by the late LEYM Friend John Stratton.

What It Is – Our Annual Meeting

Every year, Lake Erie Yearly Meeting gathers from Thursday through Sunday to conduct business, worship together, and experience the Spirit’s movement among us. While the purpose of the gathering is to conduct yearly meeting business, the four days also include worship sharing, programs for children and teens (when we are meeting in-person), a plenary presentation, workshops, committee meetings, and many opportunities for getting to know Friends throughout the yearly meeting and from various Quaker organizations. Books of interest to Friends are available for sale. We are eager to welcome newcomers and greet old Friends. See you soon!

Who Attends

Members and attenders of LEYM meetings and worship groups are invited to attend. Visitors from outside LEYM often include staff or representatives from various Quaker organizations such as FGC, FWCC, and FCNL.

When and Where it is Held

Upcoming dates:
2025  June 12 – 15 – In-person at Ashland University, Ashland OH

For many years, our Annual Sessions had been regularly held on the campus of Bluffton University, a Mennonite college in Bluffton, Ohio.

Prior Years

Plenary Talks & Interviews

Epistles

Minutes

Young Adult Friends

18 May 2011

Young adults in LEYM form a cohesive group at Annual Meeting from time to time. If you are interested in participating or pulling a group together, contact:

Sally Weaver Sommer
sommerjs at bluffton.edu
419 358-0950

Check out the FGC-sponsored Quakeryouth.org site for pictures and an idea of what is happening with Young Friends.

High School Teen Retreat Program

18 May 2011

The High School Teen Retreat Program is currently in abeyance.

A committee is appointed, but does no work.

What It Is

The Lake Erie Yearly Meeting High School Teen Retreat Program consists of roughly four retreats per year (generally one each fall, winter, spring and summer). The retreats consist of a group of high school teens spending time together for a weekend under the care of a group of “FAPs” (Friendly Adult Presences). Each retreat includes a workshop and/or theme as well as time for things like making music, dancing, Wink, Meeting for Worship, Business Meeting, movies, Worship Sharing, and just plain hanging-out together.Teens are eligible to attend retreats as participants if they are currently in grades 9-12. Summer retreats are open to those who are about to start 9th grade in the fall through those who just graduated from 12th grade in the spring. Retreats occur throughout the LEYM region (and occasionally slightly outside of it). One of the retreats has historically been the annual “Quake that Rocked the Midwest” outside of Chicago, IL over Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend each January, which attracts groups of teens from several Midwest yearly meetings.

You can apply for help from Lake Erie Yearly Meeting to finance your participation in a retreat: LEYM Youth Activities Fund Application

Sample Schedule for weekend retreat

Quake that Rocked the Midwest 2017

January 13-16, 2017
Evanston Meeting
1010 Greenleaf Street
Evanston, IL (just north of Chicago)

Announcement & Registration Form
Permission Form

Summer 2015 Teen Service Weekend

June 26-28
Cass Community Social Service in Detroit

Spring 2015 Teen Retreat

April 24-26, 2015
North Columbus Friends Meeting

Winter 2014-15 Teen Retreat: Quake that Rocked the Midwest

January 16-18, 2015
Evanston Meeting
1010 Greenleaf Street
Evanston, IL (just north of Chicago)

Fall 2014 Teen Retreat

November 7-9, 2014
Ann Arbor Friends Meeting
1420 Hill Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Summer 2014 Teen Retreat

Detroit, MI
July 18-20, 2014
Service Project with CASS Community Social Services

Spring 2014 Teen Retreat

March 28-30
Pittsburgh Monthly Meeting
4836 Ellsworth Ave.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Summer 2014 Teen Retreat

June 13-15, 2014
North Columbus Friends Meeting
1954 Indianola Ave.
Columbus, OH

Winter High School Teen Retreat:

Quake that Rocked the Midwest

January 17-20, 2014
Evanston Meeting
1010 Greenleaf Street
Evanston, IL (just north of Chicago)

2013 Fall Retreat

November 15-17, 2013
Athens Friends Meeting
22 Birge Drive, Chauncey, OH 45719

Spring Retreat: Quake that Rocked Earlham College

May 24-27, 2013
Earlham College
Richmond, IN

Winter High School Teen Retreat:

Quake that Rocked the Midwest

January 18-21, 2013
Evanston Meeting
1010 Greenleaf Street
Evanston, IL (just north of Chicago)

Fall High School Teen Retreat

Friday, November 9th-Sunday, November 11th, 2012
Red Cedar Friends Meeting House
Lansing, Mich.

Teen Retreat in Chicago MLK Weekend

Our 2011 Winter Retreat will be held in Chicago over MLK Jr. weekend.

Lake Erie Yearly Meeting 2011 Fall Teen Retreat

Attached is the retreat announcement for the Fall 2011 Teen Retreat to be held Friday October 21 –Sunday, October 23 2011 at the Cleveland Friends Meeting House, Cleveland, OH. Includes a trip to Cedar Point!

Lake Erie Yearly Meeting 2011 Spring Teen Retreat

High school teens are cordially invited to the Lake Erie Yearly Meeting 2011 Spring Teen Retreat Friday, March 25 – Monday, March 28 at Olney Friends School, Barnesville, OH.

Theme: Creating a Culture of Peace Cost: $40/person Includes weekend program and all meals. Additional contributions welcome. Make checks payable to Lake Erie Yearly Meeting. We do not want costs to be a barrier preventing teens from attending. Monthly Meetings are encouraged to help teens attend. LEYM also has a limited amount of financial assistance available. Ask your meeting for their help and contact Cari if you still need help.

Workshop Details: We will be doing a modified version of the Creating a Culture of Peace (CCP) curriculum. The full training takes three days. Creating a Culture of Peace was developed by Janet Chisholm, a nationally recognized leader in faith based peacemaking and nonviolence, inspired by Pace e Bene’s book, From Violence to Wholeness. She wanted to develop an interactive, experience-based program without a lot of reading – one that would build community and promote action and project planning over the course of a long weekend. Using a popular education approach CCP explores the nature of violence and its misuses; increase awareness of how active nonviolence can be used; understand social change movements as engines for change; consider the values of community and identify steps and tools for planning nonviolent actions.

Workshop Leader: Scilla Wahrhaftig, Program Director American Friends Service Committee PA

Calendar

18 May 2011

LEYM Calendar of Events

Use the month selector controls along the top to advance the calendar as needed. If you have events to be added please contact leymworker@gmail.com or use the form located on the LEYM Events Planning page. You can subscribe to the official LEYM events calendar using this iCal link.

August 3, 2025

  • Worship in Quaker Park
    August 3, 2025  11:00 am - 1:30 pm


    On Sunday, August 3, Friends in Michigan will gather for Meeting for Worship in Quaker Park at Battle Creek at 11:00 am.  There will be a potluck lunch afterward.  Kalamazoo Friends will provide water and tableware, and there will also be a portajohn.  Please bring a lawn chair to sit on.
     
    Address:  Quaker Park, 63 Groveland St, Battle Creek, MI 49017

August 5, 2025

  • Book Discussion: Kind, Connected & Unafraid
    August 5, 2025  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Read The Dandelion Insurrection: Love and Revolution by Rivera Sun. Join Quaker Bill Warters and Friends for a free series of three online discussions exploring Nonviolent Action for Community Change as described in the author's exciting novel. Sign up for discussion access via
 https://bit.ly/nvbooktalk Participate via Zoom.

    Tues July 29 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm

    Tues Aug 5 - 7:30- 9:00 pm

    Tues Aug 12 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm

August 12, 2025

  • Book Discussion: Kind, Connected & Unafraid
    August 12, 2025  7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Read The Dandelion Insurrection: Love and Revolution by Rivera Sun. Join Quaker Bill Warters and Friends for a free series of three online discussions exploring Nonviolent Action for Community Change as described in the author's exciting novel. Sign up for discussion access via
 https://bit.ly/nvbooktalk Participate via Zoom.

    Tues July 29 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm

    Tues Aug 5 - 7:30- 9:00 pm

    Tues Aug 12 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm

August 15, 2025

  • Fall Bulletin Submission Deadline
    August 15, 2025

    The Deadline for submissions to the Fall issue of the Bulletin is August 15th. Items can be sent to BulletinLEYM@gmail.com

August 17, 2025

  • International Young Adult Friends Worship
    August 17, 2025  3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Meet & worship with international Young Adult Friends

    On Sunday 17 August, join with Young Adult Friends aged 18-35 in an international meeting for worship, combining elements of worship from across the different traditions.

    This event is a chance to join a global community. As well as worship, there will be a short report from the WECYAF, and a chance to get to talk to YAFs from across the world. We’ll also launch our new Discord, a free online community for Young Adult Friends everywhere.

    Click here to register your interest and we’ll send you an online meeting link the day before the event.

August 28, 2025

  • LEYM Clerk's Chat
    August 28, 2025  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    The Lake Erie Yearly Meeting committee on Ministry and Nurture will hold a Clerks' Chat on Zoom. This is an opportunity for current Meeting clerks or co-clerks and convenors of Worship Groups to share concerns with each other and with LEYM Ministry and Nurture.  We welcome any issues, challenges, successes or joys that you may be encountering. Perhaps this sharing can widen the range of tools in our individual experiences. Here's the access link.

September 6, 2025

  • Cleveland Meeting 100th Anniversary Celebration
    September 6, 2025  1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Cleveland Friends Meeting invites others to join in the Observance of the 100th Anniversary of the Cleveland Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Friends and attenders of Cleveland Meeting through the years are invited to join us for reminiscing and reconnecting. Please RSVP to cpfarrand@sbcglobal.net. Some overnight hospitality will be available. The Meeting will happen at 11205 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106. The website address is clevelandfriendsmeeting.org 

September 7, 2025

  • Cleveland Friends Annual Picnic and Anniversary Celebration
    September 7, 2025  10:30 am - 2:30 pm

    For Friends and attenders of Cleveland Meeting and other regional Meetings along with other invitees. Please RSVP for location to cpfarrand@sbcglobal.net. Worship at 11am followed by potluck with grills available.

    This year our 100th anniversary celebration continues here.

Find a Meeting: Map

18 May 2011

Click on a marker to learn more about LEYM’s affiliated meetings or worship groups.

A more detailed alphabetical directory of our meetings and worship groups is also available.

Markers with a white background indicate Monthly Meetings,
whereas markers with a yellow background indicate Worship Groups.

























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