Friends United Meeting’s General Board (North American and Caribbean section) met in Richmond, Indiana last week, October 2–4. They continued to consider the significant decline in FUM’s operating funds, and how that situation might be addressed. Among their exercises was a challenge to think about FUM’s message to the world—what does FUM have to offer the world? Emily Provance, clerk of the Advancement Committee, compiled board responses into this “report.” This is how individual members of the FUM board see FUM’s message to the world.
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During the week, Kelly Kellum and Michael Sherman met with Antoliana Budna, Principal of Belize Friends School, and Stephen Whyte, head of the Belize Friends School board, to review transition plans, confirm school board nominations, and shape a path forward for the ministry. Michael, Antoliana, and Stephen will serve together as the new interim leadership team for FUM in Belize until a director is appointed. The staff also gathered one evening to express appreciation for Oscar’s ministry. One staff member reflected, “Oscar became the father that many of our young people never knew.” That testimony captures the impact of his ministry in Belize.
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It is with heavy hearts that we share the decision to suspend plans for the in-person Joint Triennial gathering originally scheduled for July 6–11, 2026.This difficult decision was reached after much prayerful discernment. Several factors contributed to the decision, the most significant being that U.S. immigration officials have denied visas to the majority of our international members who had applied to attend. Without the full participation of Friends from across our global fellowship, the essence of our Triennial—an event grounded in fellowship, worship, and discernment across cultures—would be diminished.
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How are we called to be Christ-like in our daily lives as human beings? How can we model Christ; where can we get started in our journey to love and aid in the restitution of others? These are some of the questions posed in Nicole Johnson and Michael Snarr’s Faithful Witness in a Fractured World. By amplifying the life and example of faithful Christians in the author's lives, Snarr and Johnson skillfully portray Christ-like individuals who can also serve readers as inspiration for their own journey.
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This Easter morning, I am inviting Friends around the world to take a photo of the sunrise where you are and post it to FUM’s Facebook page, #SnapshotsofHope. Let us know how you are celebrating Easter Hope this year!
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During my quiet time this morning I was thinking about what God is trying to teach me – teach us – during this season. It is my intent to grow from this, and to learn. At the same time I was thinking about how I can help the members of Wilmington Yearly Meeting, particularly this coming week as we should be preparing to celebrate the Resurrection.
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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.
