North American Ministries Coordinator Visits Western New York

Last weekend, Friends United Meeting’s North American Ministries Coordinator Michael Sherman answered an invitation to travel among Friends in Western New York. Farmington Friends Meeting, a member of New York Yearly Meeting, holds a Winter Speaker Series and Michael was the guest this past Sunday. He was invited to bring the message during worship and then speak about to FUM’s mission work in Belize, specifically, along with some more general information about connecting with other Friends in North America.

During worship, Michael spoke from Luke 6:43-49. He intertwined the two parables—a fruitful tree and a solid foundation—by suggesting that for a tree to bear good fruit it must dig its roots deep so that it is growing from a strong foundation.After a potluck lunch which consisted of several delicious soups and a rhubarb custard cheesecake for dessert, Michael put on his Coordinator of North American and Caribbean Ministries hat and shared with the folks of Farmington Friends the current design of FUM’s ministry in Belize. He also spoke about the challenges which face the young people of Belize City.

Immediately following the talk about Belize, Farmington co-pastor Julie Rudd led a two-car caravan to Buffalo, where Michael and members of Farmington Friends shared worship with Congolese Friends at Christ is the Answer Friends Church. Christ is the Answer International Fellowship is a preparative meeting under the care of Buffalo Monthly meeting. They are a programmed worship group lead by Pastor Ndanga Ramazani, who is a Quaker pastor from the Democratic Republic of Congo.Pastor Ramazani generously welcomed the visitors to Christ is the Answer’s worship,  extending an invitation for Julie Rudd to pray for and bless the congregation, their worship and their offering and for Michael Sherman to bring the message.

In this message, Michael stressed the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood in the Christian message, citing 1 John 4:20:  “for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.” Michael noted that brotherhood and sisterhood begins as we share fellowship with each other face-to-face.