New Coordinator, Chris Stern is on board!
I started as the new Concord Quarter Coordinator on February 1, 2024. I have been warmly welcomed by a group of very dedicated and caring people who serve the Quarter in many different volunteer roles and capacities. I am especially grateful to Rich Ailes who is patiently sharing his expertise with me and helping me to gain competence in the many needed areas.
Last spring, I retired from full-time teaching at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy in West Philadelphia. I have spent most of my professional life teaching there and continue to work there part time. After retiring, I spent the 2023 Spring Semester at Pendle Hill as the Kenneth Carroll Scholar, working on my Quaker Memoir, “Who Turned on The Light?” It will be published later this year.
My history among Friends in this Quarter started in the 1980s when I started attending Middletown Meeting. I was so warmly welcomed and encouraged by Friends there that I eventually joined in membership in the early 1990’s.
Friends at Middletown certainly do not all have the same beliefs, understandings, and experiences of faith, however there is an openness to listen deeply to one another and a recognition of our common need for a deeper experience of God. This has really helped me to grow and become more active in the life of the Meeting. My family grew as well and we were supported and encouraged through the challenges and joys of parenthood by many Friends at Middletown. My wife Verona and I now have two grown-up children, 19 and 24. I continue to remain active in Middletown Meeting and serve on the Worship and Care committee. I have also been active in the Meeting Men’s Group for over 30 years!
Well enough about me! I am looking forward to traveling to the different Meetings in our Quarter and getting to know each of you a little better. Please let me know if there are ways I can assist you in the ongoing work of your Meetings and our Quarter.