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

Ask Tom: How were children expected to behave in traditional Quaker worship?

My sense is that one of the major changes in Quaker worship over the past century-and-a-half, aside from the introduction of programmed worship (definitely a biggie!), has been the growing sense that young children should not be present for the whole period.

Hidden

We were driving to my mother’s home in Nashville for our Christmas celebration, and my daughter reacted to a new construction project we hadn’t seen before. Obviously it had been quite a while since we drove south.

Coffee with Jesus

As a barista, mornings now bid me rise at 4 a.m. to fill enough carafes with liquid motivation for the 6 a.m. rush. Before the sun peeks over earth I’ve heard, “Thanks, hon” from the construction foreman with a gravelly, Sam Elliot-like voice; said, “Have a great day,” to half the hospital’s nurses as they caffeinate before their rounds; and poured refills for the jogging club whose daily circuit ends at the espresso machine.

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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.