On the one year anniversary of Hamas’ violent incursion into Israel, and Israel’s violent response against Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, FUM General Secretary Kelly Kellum has been asked to participate in a service of lament sponsored by Churches for Middle East Peace. This state of ongoing war affects us all, but most especially our friends—students, teachers, and staff—at Ramallah Friends School, who have been living with uncertainty, an ever-increasing military presence, aerial bombardment, and escalating settler violence for the past year. In commemoration and sorrow, we want to share with the entire FUM community the prayer that Kelly will be offering at the ecumenical service of lament:
Read MoreEditor’s note: During this election season, when our political life in the United States seems especially contentious, Friends United Meeting has invited a variety of Friends to share their thoughts on how to navigate as a Quaker through these divided times. Our sixth installment is by Michael Jay, of New Association of Friends. I’ve considered what it meant to be a Friend at the ballot box since my first election. My Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice had a testimonies section which included a number of testimonies that were understood to be political positions. Unfortunately for me, these positions did not match the names on my ballot.These testimonies are in an unsorted list, so for convenience I will put them in three categories: Public Morality, Life Issues, and Human Dignity. Again unfortunately, no candidate nor political party used Faith and Practice to build the planks of their platform.
Read MoreOne of the conversations we have had this year at Belize Friends Church is about creating multiple sacred spaces for people with various needs within the church. I find that the Spirit is in this conversation. . . . Creating multiple sacred spaces can be an alternative to, or can supplement, the more traditional mobilizing of people to know and experience God by focusing on a sermon.
Read MoreAfrica Programme Officer Shawn McConaughey writes about the multiple benefits of an entrepreneurial ministry training with pastors from the Samburu mission and some leadership from members of the Turkana mission who went through the same training several years ago.
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.