|
Friends United Meeting |
 |
May 2002
Commitments
By Retha McCutchen
So now, finish the work... This theme taken from 2 Corinthians 8 for the 2002 FUM Triennial in Nairobi, Kenya, July 10-15, continues to raise the question: "What can only FUM do?"
What were Friends' thoughts and visions in 1902 when Five Years Meeting was formed? I believe Friends then were called to gather people into fellowships where Jesus Christ is known, loved and obeyed as Teacher and Lord. They formed what is now Friends United Meeting to strengthen ministry by working cooperatively. What are Friends' dreams and visions in 2002? ...to gather people into fellowships where Jesus Christ is known, loved and obeyed as Teacher and Lord. We are called corporately and individually to reach out beyond our own meetings, churches and yearly meetings to speak Peace to others. We are called to work together.
The North American Ministries Committee has followed this leading by identifying common needs so all North American yearly meetings can work together to fulfill these common needs. There is strength in cooperation.
I wrote in last month's Commitments article that the 2 Corinthian 8 text taken in context carries with it a call to responsibility. The text also refers to good stewardship. Paul is calling on the church in Corinth to finish the work by supplying the material needs of the missionary activities of the newly emerging Christian church. Stewardship, however, is more than money and material possessions. As Christian Quakers, we are called to be good stewards of our time, talents and money.
Stewardship of time requires disciplined use of each God-given, 24-hour day. It requires prioritization of time. It may be enjoyable to attend two, three or even four conferences a year where one listens to good preaching, has fellowship with others and experiences the healing of corporate prayer. Is conference attending God's call on your life, or is God calling you and me to do fewer things for our personal benefit and instead use that time to share the Gospel with others who do not know Jesus' love and forgiveness? Are you willing to take a week to build a dispensary in Samburu, put a floor in the school in Belize, participate in a peace team to Ramallah, or assist in Vacation Bible School in Jamaica? Work teams are available to Friends worldwide. How about raising money to participate in a work team rather than attending another conference?
Stewardship of talent requires each believer to use his and her spiritual gifts for the common good. Using one's spiritual gifts for money, privilege or power is sin. We are instructed by Scripture to lead, sing, preach, wait tables, teach, or evangelize...with humility as servants of God and servants of each other. What is your response when God says to you: "so now, finish the work?"
Copyright (c) 2002 Friends United Meeting
Return to May 2002 Contents page