On November 22, 2024, the eighty-second graduation ceremony at Friends Theological College was a resounding success. During the 2023–2024 academic year, a total of 139 students graduated across various programs: Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, Diploma in Theology, Advanced Certificate in Chaplaincy, and Bachelor of Theology. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and the entire FTC community, who worked tirelessly to make this event a memorable one. The ceremony was well attended by distinguished guests from diverse sectors, including churches, Yearly Meetings, the corporate world, other academic institutions, and representatives from the national government. Our guest speaker, Hon. Meshack Onzere Mulongo, the Vihiga County County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Water, Energy, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, graced the occasion by delivering an inspiring address. He encouraged the graduates to take up the mantle of leadership and become problem-solvers within their churches and communities.
Read MoreOne way I monitor the ongoing health of my soul is by paying attention to the first thought that comes to mind when I awake. When my life is on (or at least near!) the right track, what arises within me is “Thank you!” There is an immediate sense of gratitude for the new day and all it will bring. That initial blast of gratitude often carries with me throughout the day and helps me stay thankful, even when things may not always be as I prefer. Most days, I wake up grateful. Except for those brief bouts of grumpiness, occasional illness, and now momentary detours into despair over the state of the world, I am more often spellbound by all the things there are to be grateful for in this life.
Read MoreThe lessons for this Sunday describe signs of God that appear in the midst of everyday life. Joseph was an example of faithfulness, even when the signs he perceived were unclear, even mysterious. When we have been “fed with the bread of tears,” scorned and ridiculed, we long to be restored by God.
Read MoreSeveral years ago, I was inspired by the one of ten in the Gospel account, so I started the spiritual practice of “returning.” On a sheet of paper, I counted my many blessings, identifying places that were transformative in my life and people who have influenced and encouraged me along the way. My list became quite long. Then, when possible, I returned to those places and people to simply say, “Thank you.” I have had opportunities to return to my childhood church in Burundi, teachers, family members, pastors, colleagues, high school, friends, the youth camp where I answered the call to ministry, and other places of blessings.
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.