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 are the inheritors of the disciples being sent to share the love of God made known through Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Emory Rees, a distant cousin, was one who went to Kenya in 1903. Assisted by Kenyans, he made a verbal, tribal language into a written one and translated the New Testament. Many others have been called and have responded by going as led to provide education, technical help, and medical services....
Read More1 John 2:6 (NASB) “6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” Abiding in something is often translated as ‘remaining’. But in order to remain we must first have a beginning. This verse says that if we say we are remaining in Him (Christ) then we must continue after our awakening. I believe it was John Punshon who taught our spirit must be quickened by the Holy Spirit in order to become a believer and follower of Christ.
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.