On Mt. Elgon, rising teenage pregnancy is one of the unforeseen consequences of measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Friends Church Peace Team has been active in the communities on Mt. Elgon for nearly a decade and is trusted by many who don't trust the government or other social agencies. Now they are working to educate young women—and young men—about health, sexuality, and dignity.
Read MoreThe African COVID-19 Collaboration carried out by FUM, FWCC, and Friends Church Kenya sought to honor a number of former Quaker leaders. Several of these folks were in their 80s and 90s. They are homebound and potentially especially susceptible to the spread of the virus.Leaders of the Collaborative presented these wazee with a large care package that included food like rice, shelf-stable milk packets, sugar, tea, drinking chocolate, cooking oil, uji porridge, baking flour, green grams (mung beans). Additionally, they received thirty disposable facemasks, 500ml of hand sanitizer, a duvet quilt, and a sturdy container for it all.
Read MoreAbout a year ago my wife, daughter, and I visited the Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County just north of San Francisco. It’s a beautiful experience walking among the majestic Redwood trees. Even more powerful, though, is the invitation to silence and quiet. In order to provide a hospitable space for the wildlife, no dumpsters or garbage cans are found along the trails. Maintenance vehicles powered by electricity glide silently by and emergency vehicles do not idle their engines while resolving whatever problems brought them to the park. At one point along the trail, there is a sign posted along the trail as you enter the section called Cathedral Grove inviting visitors to be silent. It truly is a place of “...peaceful habitation”.
Read MoreThe word abide means ‘hanging in there’, ‘tarrying’, ‘dwelling’ or ‘continuing’. There are many benefits that we get in life as a result of abiding in Jesus. In this reflection I will share 3 benefits; Firstly, Fruitfulness: God’s desire is that our lives will be fruitful. Our fruitfulness depends on us remaining or continuing or dwelling in Christ Jesus. As a Christian I know and have experienced the fruitfulness of God in many areas of my life. When we are in Christ we are fruitful in relationships, business, ministry and even just in social life (V 5). abide in Him and in His word.
Read MoreThroughout our history, the people known as Friends (or Quakers) keep rediscovering an essential and enduring truth: There is one who speaks to our most basic needs and most significant hopes—Christ Jesus the Lord. Both individually and communally, we are learning to know and follow the Voice that guides us in the way we should go. Together, we seek to understand and obey that truth which sets us free. As a people, we share in the experience of that powerful life which makes all things new. Maybe you are searching for an authentic and transforming faith and community to call home—if so, come in and join us as we seek to know and follow Christ.
Friends United Meeting commits itself to energize and equip Friends through the power of the Holy Spirit to gather people into fellowships where Jesus Christ is known, loved, and obeyed as Teacher and Lord.