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

“Joy is not the opposite of sadness”

Today is the 3rd Sunday in Advent, the Sunday designated with the theme of Joy. This seems like a difficult time to speak of Joy. The condition of our country is confusing and distressing, leaving us all feeling a new level of vulnerability.

3rd Week of Advent: Sumoud, Patient Resistance

This Sunday’s lessons remind us that God’s nature is justice. In that sense, God has already lifted up the lowly. God has already brought down the powerful from their thrones. Signs of God’s activity are everywhere, as in Isaiah’s vision of the transformation of the land. “Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God!’” Yet the vision is incomplete. We are like farmers—we must learn to wait.

Forty Years Ago

I often tell people that marriage is a lot like living in a war zone. I lived in the middle of a war zone once, in Southern Sudan, and experienced weeks days and weeks of normal, boring, everyday life—interspersed with moments of pure terror.

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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.