The Great Plains Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends annual sessions where held in Hominy, Oklahoma, in the Osage Nation, on May 29–31, 2025. The theme for the sessions was “Building the Future as Way Opens,” based on Isaiah 43:19: Look, I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth. do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Karla Jay, Global Ministries Coordinator for Friends United Meeting, was the keynote speaker, and Michael Jay, pastor of Raysville Friends Meeting in the New Association of Friends, shared the bible study. Both speakers explored the theme of the Isaiah passage.
Karla spoke about the importance of sharing the Friends’ message in the world. “I believe that the Friends message is now more than ever relevant to this broken world,” she said. “In our capitalistic society the goal is to have more and more—a bigger house, a newer car, more jewelry—this, in turn, leads to be being overworked and burned out. Friends instead offer simplicity, that more and more does not necessarily lead to happiness and satisfaction.” “The world is dying at the hands of wars and weapons. Friends offer the way to peace and conflict resolution in our communities.” “In a world of false appearances, especially through social media, Friends offer integrity.” “The United States is suffering from an epidemic of loneliness. More and more Americans are lonely and isolated. Friends say we can live communally, where everyone can belong.” “In a country where immigrants, African Americans, differently-abled people, women and the poor don’t have access to many of the same opportunities as those with means, Friends offer equality.” “ In a world that is suffering from the overuse of resources and the possibility of environmental catastrophe, Friends offer stewardship and care for all life on earth.” “The Friends message should be like the voice calling in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord, making straight the pathways. Are we being that voice in the desert, are we building straight pathways in the wilderness?”
Friends also had the opportunity to learn about Osage culture and history. Hominy Friends Church is an intentionally and predominately Native American fellowship with an Osage emphasis. Their meetinghouse is located in the northwest corner of Hominy Indian Village (un-allotted Osage land), adjacent to the City of Hominy, Oklahoma. Great Plains Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (GPYM) is a fellowship of Quaker Meetings and worship groups in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. GPYM is a diverse Yearly Meeting, embracing Friends from a broad spectrum of faith and practice. Friends in Great Plains Yearly Meeting look forward to heeding their call to be a voice in the wilderness.
