News Blog

Sir Michael Barber KB visits the Ramallah Friends School

Sir Michael Barber KB has been re-appointed the UK’s Envoy for Palestinian Authority Governance, in addition to his role as the adviser on Effective Delivery. Sir Michael is supporting the Palestinian Authority as it implements its vital reform agenda to strengthen its delivery capacity and improve service provision.Sir Michael has long standing experience in the education sector and attended a quaker school himself in the UK. Because of that, he had a personal interest in visiting the Friends School during his visit, and was very keen to meet with members of the school’s leadership. He was joined on this visit by Acting Consul General, Ms. Alison McEwen, the Development Director, Billy Stewart, along with other members of the team (including Dima Abdellatif, who is herself an alumnus of the school!).

Letter From Friends Theological College

On November 22, 2024, the eighty-second graduation ceremony at Friends Theological College was a resounding success. During the 2023–2024 academic year, a total of 139 students graduated across various programs: Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, Diploma in Theology, Advanced Certificate in Chaplaincy, and Bachelor of Theology. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and the entire FTC community, who worked tirelessly to make this event a memorable one. The ceremony was well attended by distinguished guests from diverse sectors, including churches, Yearly Meetings, the corporate world, other academic institutions, and representatives from the national government. Our guest speaker, Hon. Meshack Onzere Mulongo, the Vihiga County County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Water, Energy, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, graced the occasion by delivering an inspiring address. He encouraged the graduates to take up the mantle of leadership and become problem-solvers within their churches and communities.

Learning to Be Grateful

One way I monitor the ongoing health of my soul is by paying attention to the first thought that comes to mind when I awake. When my life is on (or at least near!) the right track, what arises within me is “Thank you!” There is an immediate sense of gratitude for the new day and all it will bring. That initial blast of gratitude often carries with me throughout the day and helps me stay thankful, even when things may not always be as I prefer. Most days, I wake up grateful. Except for those brief bouts of grumpiness, occasional illness, and now momentary detours into despair over the state of the world, I am more often spellbound by all the things there are to be grateful for in this life.

Find the Light! Show Us Your Photos

“In the tender compassion of our Godthe dawn from on high shall break upon us,to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78–79 In this season of physical, liturgical, and (for many) spiritual darkness, where are you (yes, we mean YOU, dear reader) finding hope these days? Where are you finding joy, comfort, beauty, love, or hope? Help us all out—share some of those images with us. Whether your comfort is in the smile of a friend, the appearance of light in the darkness, the wonder of a child, your community gathered with one another—help us to see your Light.Post your pictures of Light to our FUM Facebook page, in the comments section below this post, and we will share them with other Friends, through our social media and through the enews, to remind us all that Light has come into the world and the darkness did not—will not—overcome it. Hashtag: #FUMlight

Western Yearly Meeting Sending Visitors to Belize

On December 4, Western Yearly Meeting is sending Bob and Hope Carter (medical missionaries serving in Africa for over thirty years), Shawn and Katrina McConaughey (Western Yearly Meeting General Superintendent, and former Friends United Meeting Field Staff), along with Michael Sherman (FUM Coordinator of North American and Caribbean Ministries) to Belize for the explicit purpose of seeing and being seen. This fall, FUM’s North American Ministries has offered a book study of David Brooks’ book, How to Know a Person; The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Brooks writes in the opening chapter of his book, “There is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, community organization, or society: the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen—to accurately know another person and to let them feel valued, heard, and understood.” Oscar and Miriam Mmbali, FUM Field Staff, are working and living in Belize with their daughter, Noa. It can be lovely living and working in a country which is not your own. It can also be lonely living and working in a country which is not your own.

A Treasure Hunt For God's Goodness

We have all experienced those sleepless nights. We lay quietly while others sleep. We twist around with one foot tangled in the covers. We hear our heartbeat as we lay face up and then face down on the wadded pillow. We worry about our health, our children and grandchildren, our finances, our jobs, and our careers, what will we have for breakfast, and what kind of rush will tomorrow bring? Anxiety abounds in our lives. Don’t get me wrong. For many, there will be a true need for professional help or medication. I strongly advocate for seeking professional help if it's needed. For many of us, the anxious nerves can be calmed by just “counting our blessings.” That’s right! Our peace can be increased and decreased through our gratitude or lack thereof.