At Western Yearly Meeting’s 2024 Annual Sessions, we spent Saturday afternoon in a time of discussion and discernment about a unified mission opportunity centering around mental health.We discussed the experiences of our Meetings and individuals with mental health struggles in their communities and different ways that Monthly Meetings could support those struggling with mental health.Our mission around mental health will take three forms:
Read MoreStrange red loops began dotting my social media timeline. They were accompanied by miles, time lapsed, and a caption about fitness goals. Usually an upcoming marathon still months out.This coincided with political memes, fervently supporting a particular candidate and jokes in which the punchline was that anyone who didn’t agree was undoubtedly an idiot. Circular arguments with few compelling encouragements.And then the annoying red letters, “Bless your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”That sure flies in the face of easy quips and cutdowns. Especially when our fear is sparked about an abhorrent future and we feel betrayed by those whom we thought were friends. (Or even family.)
Read MoreWe were driving to my mother’s home in Nashville for our Christmas celebration, and my daughter reacted to a new construction project we hadn’t seen before. Obviously it had been quite a while since we drove south.
Read MoreAs a barista, mornings now bid me rise at 4 a.m. to fill enough carafes with liquid motivation for the 6 a.m. rush. Before the sun peeks over earth I’ve heard, “Thanks, hon” from the construction foreman with a gravelly, Sam Elliot-like voice; said, “Have a great day,” to half the hospital’s nurses as they caffeinate before their rounds; and poured refills for the jogging club whose daily circuit ends at the espresso machine.
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.