In recent weeks, the FUM E-news has reported on the impact the suspension of US foreign aid is having on ministries under the care of Friends United Meeting. We carry a burden of concern and responsibility for Ramallah Friends School and the Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital. For years, FUM has collaborated with USAID to oversee grants through the ASHA (American Schools and Hospitals Abroad) Program. Both the Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital and Ramallah Friends School have benefited from this program.
Read MoreThe FUM Living Letters service-learning trip to the Ramallah Friends School this summer will be June 13 to July 1, dates subject to slight change depending on flights. It will be led by Jane and Max Carter, of New Garden Friends Meeting, in North Carolina, who have led more than thirty trips to Palestine and Israel. During the 2½ week sojourn, the group will stay on the campus of the Friends School, do simple projects around the campus, meet with local leaders of Palestinian religious, cultural, and political society, and enjoy meals in the homes of families connected with the School. Travel away from Ramallah will include visits to Jerusalem, the Galilee, the Jordan Valley, Bethlehem, Hebron, and meeting with Israelis who are working with Palestinians towards a just peace. For information and an application, contact Jane Carter (click to send email).
Read MoreFriends United Press is delighted to announce the publication of Simple Joy: Women, Ministry, Friends, by Marlene Pedigo and edited by Linda Selleck.The inspiration for Simple Joy came to Marlene Pedigo while she was a student at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, uncovering the stories of the New Testament women compelled to travel in Holy Spirit-led ministry and proclaim the Risen Christ, and learning about Friends women ministers.
Read MoreAbout a year ago my wife, daughter, and I visited the Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County just north of San Francisco. It’s a beautiful experience walking among the majestic Redwood trees. Even more powerful, though, is the invitation to silence and quiet. In order to provide a hospitable space for the wildlife, no dumpsters or garbage cans are found along the trails. Maintenance vehicles powered by electricity glide silently by and emergency vehicles do not idle their engines while resolving whatever problems brought them to the park. At one point along the trail, there is a sign posted along the trail as you enter the section called Cathedral Grove inviting visitors to be silent. It truly is a place of “...peaceful habitation”.
Read MoreThe word abide means ‘hanging in there’, ‘tarrying’, ‘dwelling’ or ‘continuing’. There are many benefits that we get in life as a result of abiding in Jesus. In this reflection I will share 3 benefits; Firstly, Fruitfulness: God’s desire is that our lives will be fruitful. Our fruitfulness depends on us remaining or continuing or dwelling in Christ Jesus. As a Christian I know and have experienced the fruitfulness of God in many areas of my life. When we are in Christ we are fruitful in relationships, business, ministry and even just in social life (V 5). abide in Him and in His word.
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.