An Update on Annual Sessions 2026
Hello Friends,
At Sessions this August, we committed to announcing the location and dates for Annual Sessions 2026 in early December of 2025. It is now December and, unfortunately, we are not quite ready for an announcement. We have reviewed 44 potential sites and have reached out to the 20 of these sites that seemed viable. We are now waiting for their replies so we may make final decisions.
We do have some developments we want to share with you as part of this update, so that you know what we know:
- To everyone who filled out the survey on Sessions planning, thank you! Your answers are and will be very helpful in shaping our decisions.
- We are still planning for Sessions dates in late July/early August, with a preference for our recent dates (during the first full week in August) if possible.
- We are focusing on western Massachusetts, since that location was so warmly received by Friends.
- We have several proposals coming in—even as you read this—and are in the process of evaluating each of them in order to make final decisions.
We want to acknowledge, with regret, that this is not what we had committed to bring you. While of course we wish we could announce dates right now, we are getting close. We look forward to being able to share a location and confirmation of dates with you as soon as possible.
On behalf of Phillip Veatch, Presiding Clerk; Kristin Wilson, Sessions Clerk; Noah Merrill, Yearly Meeting Secretary; and myself, thank you for your understanding, and best wishes to you and those around you in this season of expectation, connection, and celebration for so many.
In the Light,
Elizabeth Hacala
Operations Director
What are the "Annual Sessions" of New England Yearly Meeting?
Each year, hundreds of Quakers from across New England and beyond join together for worship, fellowship, and seeking how God will guide us in meeting for business. Having first gathered in 1661, New England Yearly Meeting of Friends continue to gather annually.
Annual Sessions provides many opportunities to connect with Friends old and new: vibrant youth programs, adult small groups for interpersonal connection, encouragement, and spiritual exploration, discernment of how Quakers in New England are led by the Spirit to act and serve, and guest speakers offering explorations of the Bible and sharing ministry responding to our condition and the challenges of our times.
Our 365th Annual Sessions of New England Yearly Meeting of Friends have concluded.
Information about the 2026 Annual Sessions will be posted as soon as it is available. We look forward to once again gathering with Friends.
