FUM News

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.

In Loving Memory of Herman Otioko: A Life of Faith, Service, and Legacy

Herman Otioko was a devoted missionary, pastor, and peacebuilder whose life was marked by unwavering commitment to the Quaker faith and the communities he served. His journey in ministry began in 1970 when, during his internship from Kaimosi Bible Institute—now Friends Theological College—he was inspired to join the Turkana Friends Mission. This pivotal experience ignited a lifelong passion for mission work that would leave a lasting impact on the Quaker church in Kenya.

Reflections on a Trip to Cuba

Back in Boston after eight days with Cuban Quakers, I don’t even know where to begin. G*d was truly as close as our breathing and moved among and through us. I was witness to the deep joy and deep heartbreak that Cuban Friends live with every day. I miss them already and my heart is a little larger now.—Judy Goldberger, New England Yearly Meeting

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FUM Journal

Caring for Self and Others in Times of Trouble:

Alex Kern is the Director of Northeastern University’s Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service, and a Friend from New England Yearly Meeting. This week he shared these thoughts—about caring for oneself and others during times of trouble—with the interfaith campus ministry community he serves.

Uncertainty

With no employees allowed on the Ramallah Friends School campus for a month, no one will be there to do the heavy landscaping work until at least April, after I leave. I won't be able to participate in the installation of the Circle. My disappointment is pretty intense—so much design happens when you actually install. Besides the landscaping, the connections I have been developing with people here are not going to have this last month to deepen.

Bible Study: What Does the Lord Require of You?

I served as a pastoral minister among Friends for most of my adult life. In preparation for a recent move, I sorted through twenty-three years of sermon files, notes, and manuscripts. This revealed a lot about me and the kind of messages I like to preach—and the kind of messages I avoid.

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An Enduring Truth

Throughout 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.