Over the past few weeks, the Financial Task Force, Finance Committee, Executive Board, and General Board of Friends United Meeting have each met to carefully review our current ministries, financial realities, and future directions. Together, these bodies have sought to steward FUM’s resources faithfully while preparing FUM for a more sustainable future. Many Friends have also received a letter from the General Board, making Friends aware of FUM’s concerning financial position and the difficult decisions that this reality has required.On Friday, October 24, 2025, the General Board met to receive and consider the Fiscal Year ‘26 budget for Friends United Meeting. The Board discerned that the pathway forward will require a period of restraint, creativity, and strategic restructuring. The following represents some of the significant changes that result from the approval of this budget. Pause of Quaker Life Magazine After nearly seventy years of publication, the Board has made the difficult decision to pause future editions of Quaker Life. This decision was not made lightly but reflects current budgetary realities. FUM deeply appreciates our dedicated subscribers, and our office will be in contact with readers in the coming weeks regarding options related to this suspension. The General Board will also be discerning whether Quaker Life will fit into FUM’s ongoing communications ministries as we seek more sustainable forms of storytelling and outreach. Staff Reductions and Transitions The FY26 budget also includes a reduction in staffing levels, one of the most difficult decisions by the board and administration. We are saddened to announce that Kathleen Wooten, our Web and Social Media Specialist, will no longer be employed with Friends United Meeting, effective December 1. This decision in no way reflects on the quality of her work or the depth of her dedication. Kathleen has served FUM with excellence, expanding our social media presence and strengthening our communications ministry. She will be greatly missed. Please hold our staff in your prayers as they navigate this period of transition with courage and grace.
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This July, U.S. officials announced that the Indiana National Guard’s Camp Atterbury training facility would be used to detain undocumented immigrants. On Sunday, September 7, a number of Indiana Friends participated in a demonstration in Greenwood, Indiana, in front of Rep. Jefferson Shreve’s office, proposing that instead of repurposing Camp Atterbury for housing undocumented immigrants, funds that would be used for that repurposing be used instead to prioritize housing for Hoosiers. Demonstrators carried signs with messages advocating for compassion and justice for everyone living in Indiana.
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Earlier this month I traveled to Highgate, Jamaica, to participate in the annual sessions of Jamaica Yearly Meeting. From the beginning, I was blessed by the warmth, hospitality, and gracious welcome extended by Friends. The opening sessions brought Friends from across the island together in worship and fellowship. It was encouraging to witness the faithfulness of local Meetings as they entered into the business and worship of the body.
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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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Job 24:13 There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not abide in its paths. This scripture comes from Job as he complains about the violence on the earth. Most, if not all, of us complain about the violence on the earth, too. As we read Jesus’ words about being peacemakers, we Friends take them seriously. If we believe in the peace testimony, we seek ways to accomplish peace in all circumstances. To do that, we must abide with God to know how to handle situations where violence, in word or action, attacks the souls of its victims.
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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.
