To be a true Friend of Jesus in this election cycle is to be mindful of the temptation that we all have to retreat into our comfortable and defensive rhetorical silos. To be a Friend this election cycle is to spend time with those who see things differently and to really listen for the concerns, hopes, fears and wounds beneath the words.
Read MoreThis past weekend the Vassalboro Quarterly Meeting of Maine held their annual “Fall Gathering” at Friends Camp in China, Maine. The day was centered around Luke 8: 5-8, considering how Friends in Maine are tending to good soil in order to welcome the seeds of the Holy Sower—especially in relationships with Native Wabanaki peoples and building bridges of healing in Maine.
Read MoreAs One Who Lays Down Their Life For Others Friends derive our name from the Scripture passage John 15:15: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” When reading verse fifteen in isolation, there are no stipulations or directives—we are Jesus’ friends simply because he says so.
Read MoreGATHERED IN CHRIST - As One Who Abides Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5 NRSV)
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.