“As Way Opens” Now Available!

“When the path ahead suddenly clears, will you be ready to step forward?”

We are pleased to announce the publication of As Way Opens, a new collection of spiritual reflections born out of the FWCC Section of the Americas meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, March 2025. This book is the first product of our newly formed partnership with Barclay Press, working together to bring Quaker voices into greater circulation.

What is "As Way Opens?"

In these talks — given by Ana Gabriela Castañeda Aguilera and Debbie Humphries — two Quaker-rooted voices invite us into deeper reflection on “way opening” moments. They share stories and insights about listening, discerning, and preparing for times when the Spirit invites us to act. Through their wisdom we are reminded that preparation is not passive waiting, but an ongoing cultivation of courage, clarity, and openness.

As the back cover describes:

“In these talks … two voices rooted in Quaker tradition invite reflection on preparing for moments when ‘way opens.’ They share stories and spiritual wisdom, guiding readers to stay grounded, listen closely, and discern when to act, reminding us that preparation means cultivating courage, clarity, and openness to the Spirit’s call.”

We believe this work will speak to Friends and seekers alike — to those who reflect on times of transition, pivot, or call, and to those longing for guidance on how to walk faithfully when the path ahead is uncertain.

How donors can receive a copy

Because this is a special publication, we are making As Way Opens available as a thank-you gift to those who support FWCC with a donation of US $50 or more. Donors at or above that level will receive a mailed copy of the book, along with a note of thanks and our hopes that it will serve as spiritual support in their journey.

If you are interested in receiving a copy through your donation, please click the button below.

DONATE

#GIVEQUAKER this Giving Tuesday

Every Friend knows or is involved with a Quaker nonprofit. This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking Quaker organizations to come together and raise awareness of all Quaker nonprofits that need fundraising support.

If you are involved in a Quaker nonprofit, please ask them to post on their social media feeds a message of either giving to the charity that is posting or to all Quaker nonprofits and use the hashtag #givequaker.

We created some graphics you may use on any Quaker nonprofit social media page and they are available below. This could be a Meeting or Church, a Yearly Meeting, or any nonprofit Friends organization.

By raising our voices together, we will have a much stronger voice.

Who: All Quaker nonprofit organizations, and all Friends

What: Post a #givequaker message on social media

When: On Giving Tuesday – Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Where: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more

Why: To raise awareness of the many Quaker nonprofits. If you search this hashtag, you’ll see all the Quaker nonprofits that participated.

How: Post on social media and use the hashtag #givequaker. To download an image below, right click on the image and choose, “save as” and you should be able to use it.

Facebook
Instagram
Story (FB or Instagram)

A Tax-Saving Way to Support FWCC

Gathering of Friends from the 2025 Section Meeting

If you are 70½ years old or older, you can take advantage of a simple way to support FWCC and reduce your taxable income at the same time, even if you don’t itemize your deductions on your tax return.

At the end of 2015, legislation was enacted making the “IRA Charitable Rollover” a permanent gift option. With this strategy you can give to FWCC or other qualified charities directly from your IRA without having to pay income tax on the distribution. This is especially important now that the standard deduction has doubled, since many older taxpayers will no longer benefit from itemizing their deductions, including charitable contributions.

If you have not taken your required minimum distribution for the year, an IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement. You can designate the distribution to one organization or split it between several, and these transfers generate neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you realize a tax benefit even if you are using the standard deduction.

One catch: to make an IRA charitable rollover gift you must be at least 70 ½, and you must arrange with your IRA custodian or financial institution to make the gift directly to FWCC or another charity—you cannot first take the distribution from your IRA and then distribute the proceeds yourself. If you are interested in knowing more and/or would like to take advantage of this strategy for giving to FWCC, please contact Robin Mohr at robinm@fwccamericas.org to discuss the simple steps involved.

How a Gift Annuity Can Benefit You and FWCC

Many Friends have expressed a desire to increase their financial support of FWCC but are uncertain whether they can afford to make a large gift. A gift annuity through the Mennonite Foundation or Friends Fiduciary Corporation is a great way to help the FWCC Section of the Americas while also securing your own financial future. It’s a gift that provides you with payments for life and frees you from managing funds that you intend to eventually give away. FWCC uses Friends Fiduciary Corporation and the Mennonite Foundation to administer these kinds of planned charitable gifts.

Here’s how a gift annuity works:

You make a gift to the Mennonite Foundation or Friends Fiduciary Corporation designated for FWCC.  You can give cash or marketable securities, including highly appreciated stock. In return, you receive fixed payments for the rest of your life. You can choose to receive the payments for your own lifetime, jointly with your spouse, or even name someone else to receive the payments. The amount you receive depends on your age when you make the gift, and also when you begin the income stream. For example, a 70-year-old would receive payments of 5.6% of the gift amount each year. You receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for a portion of your gift, and then part of each of your annuity payments is tax free—until you reach your projected life expectancy.

Here’s how it benefits FWCC:

FWCC is delighted to receive funds through a gift annuity. We receive the part of your gift that is left after your death. Gift annuities allow us to anticipate future donations and plan accordingly. After ensuring your financial future, your gift continues as a legacy that ensures our future.

How to learn more:

We’re here to help you decide whether this is a giving strategy that is right for you. We’ll show you exactly what annuity rate and tax savings you would receive if you give a gift, and help you understand what planned giving strategy might benefit you the most.

To request a gift annuity application or for more information, contact:

Robin Mohr of Friends World Committee for Consultation at (215) 241-7157

Gift Annuities Fact Sheet