INTERMOUNTAIN YEARLY MEETING

Traditionally, we have invited a keynote speaker to join us. But this year, we are the keynote. Together, we’ll embrace a new, deeply communal approach through three Community Plenary Sessions held over two days.

First Plenary:
We will be blessed to share in a unique storytelling experience led by Children’s Yearly Meeting Coordinator Elizabeth Freyman, with offerings from our Young Friends in CYM. Intergenerational storytelling is sacred work—it’s not “just about kids,” it’s about community, about all of us. This session invites us to reflect on the stories that shape who we are, how we love, and how we belong to one another.

Second Plenary:
We’ll return to the powerful practice of Listening Each Other Into Wholeness, introduced by Jon Watts, our 2023 keynote speaker. With worshipful attention, we’ll explore Beloved Community through deep listening—not to respond, but to understand. This is more than a listening exercise; it’s a sacred embodiment of what happens when Spirit is given room to speak through us.

Third Plenary:
Inspired by the peacebuilding work of IMYM Friend Elise Boulding, this plenary invites us into the hopeful and Spirit-led practice of future visioning. We’ll imagine a world shaped by the testimonies of Quaker faith, grounded in continuing revelation, and anchored in possibility-thinking. Come prepared to dream boldly, listen deeply, and plant seeds of transformation—not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.

In this new plenary format, we invite you to wonder:
What does Beloved Community mean to you, to us, and beyond? How might this experience touch you in precious ways? What wisdom will emerge in shared space of spiritual exploration?

This year’s gathering will bring a spacious and flexible schedule with opportunities for worship, fellowship, discernment and play. 

• Worship Sharing - in-person and online

• More Worship - daily Meetings for Worship (hybrid)

• Business - two scheduled Meetings for Worship with a Concern for Business.

• The return of Interest Groups, Alphabet Soup (mealtime conversations with Quaker organizations & delegates), Spaces, and Friendly Circles

• • (Sign up to lead an interest group, Alphabet Soup, or Space HERE)

• Intergenerational Activities such as:  

• • Chautauqua Storytelling 

  • Yoga/Stretching hosted by Junior Young Friends 

  • Spaces for things like crafting, dancing, making music, movement. 

• Evening Traditions - Creativity Night, Singing, and Barn Dance

This year, we’re offering flexible meal options to meet the diverse needs of our community—whether you’re staying on campus, camping, or spending time exploring Durango.

You can choose from:

• Full Meal Package

• A-La-Carte Meals

Please Note:

• No hot plates or cooking appliances are allowed in dorm rooms, per Fort Lewis College policy.

• However, Animas Suites include a microwave and mini-fridge for your convenience.

• When choosing meals during registration, be sure to select meals for each person in your group. For example: if your family of 4 wants Friday lunch, choose “4” for Friday’s lunch option.

Children’s Yearly Meeting, for young people entering Kindergarten through 5th grade, aims to create a safe and nourishing space where young people can build community and explore shared values. This summer’s program will explore themes of community and belonging through storytelling, art, and imaginative play. Children’s Yearly Meeting program coordinator, Elizabeth Freyman, is a long-time educator with experience working in Waldorf and Montessori schools and is a genuinely wonderful and inspiring person. She leads the  First Day School and youth programs at Albuquerque Monthly Meeting. 

Junior Young Friends, for young people entering grade 6th through 9th is a community-building experience of sharing fun and friendship, exploring peace and justice, and practicing spirit-led business and worship sharing. We will have discussions, an out trip, games, skits, cantina, and a community art project. This year we welcome Elliotte Enochs as the JYF Coordinator. Elliotte, from Mountain View Friends Meeting and previously IMYM SYF, has stepped forward with excitement and joy. They are a community and social justice student, have served as a community organizer and lobbyist at FCNL, is a theater lover, and overall, someone who deeply cares about progress and people. Welcome Elliotte! And welcome Junior Young Friends! 

Senior Young Friends is a program for High School sophomore through young adult aged people. The Senior young friends seek to foster a community of young people all across the four corners area! The program consists of 4 days where we and our friendly adult presence (3 adults who have generously agreed to keep an eye on us and ensure that everything is done safely) embark on fun adventures such as a trip to the beautiful Lake Nighthorse, wandering around the cozy little town of Durango CO for an afternoon, or just plain exploring the Fort Lewis Campus! 

Each year IMYM relies on the gifts of volunteers to help create a meaningful and welcoming Annual Gathering - both in-person and online. There are many ways to contribute, big and small, and we encourage all who are able to step in and lend a helping hand. That said, we recognize that not everyone is in a position to volunteer, and we honor the different seasons of life we each find ourselves in. Whether you choose to volunteer or not, your presence at Annual Gathering is deeply valued, and we hope you will participate in whatever way feels right for you. If you are able to volunteer you will be given an opportunity to indicate your interest during registration.