The Great Plains Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends annual sessions where held in Hominy, Oklahoma, in the Osage Nation, on May 29–31, 2025. The theme for the sessions was “Building the Future as Way Opens,” based on Isaiah 43:19: Look, I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth. do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Karla Jay, Global Ministries Coordinator for Friends United Meeting, was the keynote speaker, and Michael Jay, pastor of Raysville Friends Meeting in the New Association of Friends, shared the bible study. Both speakers explored the theme of the Isaiah passage.
Read MoreSome of our readers already know that Friends United Meeting–Belize consists of a school, Belize Friends School, a church, Belize Friends Church, and a community center, Belize Friends Center. Do you know the people who do the work there? Do you know how the school intends to make the biggest impact on the lives of their students? Do you know how many people come to church on a Sunday morning? Do you know the ways in which the Friends Center reaches out into its community?
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In recent weeks, I have been sharing reflections about the recent FUM-sponsored pastoral care trip to Ramallah Friends School. During our week there, we had the privilege of visiting classrooms, engaging with teachers, and connecting with the students. Amidst the ongoing conflict and its inherent stresses, our students are a ray of light. Their brilliance and kindness, in my opinion, truly represent the world's hope for a more peaceful and stable Middle East and beyond. It's inspiring to note that nearly all Ramallah Friends School graduates—an impressive 98%—go on to pursue higher education, both within Palestine and at universities across Europe, Canada, and the United States.
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One church member was sick in a church where, the pastor, the leaders and the members were known not to offer visitations to each other and their members. But on this occasion one evangelist on hearing about it decided to pay him a short visit and pray together. Looking at his gate, the sick member was surprised to see this evangelist come to his house and wondered how? Because he was not such critical. As we gather here, the beauty of the Gospel should not be heard in our churches only. Let’s take it to our estates, homes and away from where we are abiding. Be an evangelist to the world.
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About 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”.
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The 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.
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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.
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.
