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Friends United
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Quaker Life
2008 FUM Triennial registration forms are available in this issue or download information and forms here. |
| Between Friends | Contents |
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By Katie Terrell, Interim Editor George Fox wrote: “Now I was come up in spirit through the flaming sword, into the paradise of God. All things were new; and all the creation gave unto me another smell than before, beyond what words can utter. I knew nothing but pureness, and innocency, and righteousness; being renewed into the image of God by Christ Jesus, to the state of Adam, which he was in before he fell.” While not all transitions are as dramatic as the one Fox describes here in this familiar excerpt from his Journal, all transitions involve change. Fox’s mind was changed by the many openings he received, his heart was changed with understanding that God could “speak to thy condition” and even the smell of life changed for him as he came “through the flaming sword.” He was changed not only inside but out, being moved to travel, speak and fast. The theme of this first issue of 2008 is “life transitions.” The new year marks change with the flipping of the calendar, learning to write a new date on our checks and making those New Year’s resolutions (hopes for change) that may or may not stick. This time last year, during our weekly meeting for worship at Friends United Meeting, I remember being led to speak about all the “big stuff” that had happened in my life in 2006. I traveled to India, celebrated my stepson’s second birthday, completed my first year of Seminary, filed for divorce, welcomed my first nephew into the world, got a dog, traveled to Honduras, moved four times, began working at FUM as Marketing Associate for Quaker Life magazine and Friends United Press and bought my first house. Phew! What a year! In life there are ebbs and flows and I have far less “big stuff” in 2007 to reflect on but there are certainly undercurrents, tiny beads of change, working under the skin in my soul as the effects of all that change still work in me. Quaker Life is transitioning in the new year as well. Internally we are in transition as the editorial staff changes and we seek new ways to relate to our readers. Externally you will see the changes: more pages, new columns, fresh layouts and no doubt some trial and error. Maybe it won’t smell any different, but it might have some extra weight. Inside this issue are a variety of voices, women and men who have experienced the twists and turns of life’s journey and have blessed us with the lessons they are learning along the way. Bill Charland turns to clearness committees for guidance while Tonda Rader laps up “spoonfuls of grace.” Reba Cross Seals shares her experience as a caregiver and Terri Johns offers a lesson in brokenness. Randy Quate relates his physical vision to spiritual vision while Sara Beth Terrell reminds us that, like Jonah, we often run from change. Also inside you will find updates on the transitions among FUM field staff and those in the Richmond office. New columns include “Monthly Meeting Highlight,” “Perspectives” and “Ask Tom.” We are excited about the opportunity for growth and change and welcome your feedback, suggestions and pats of encouragement along the way. I’ve learned in life that transitions are made easier by those who support us — thank you for joining us on this adventure toward transformation! Peace and grace to you in the new year! |
12 Life-Work
Author Speaks Out: 15 Mother's Last Journey 19 Finding God in the
Midst of our Brokenness 24 Food for the Meantime
_______________________________ 7 News from Friends United Meeting 14 Ask Tom 18 Soul Food 23 Salt and Light 25 Youth News 26 News 28 Peace Notes 29 News Briefs 30 Reviews 32 Passages 36 Classifieds 41 Friends United Meeting Member Yearly Meetings 42 Perspectives
On the Cover “Our God So Near” is an original watercolor by Melanie Weidner, a Quaker artist from Portland, Oregon. Melanie says, “This painting grew out of a meditation on Deuteronomy 4:7, a scripture in which the Hebrew people praise Yahweh for His nearness to them and care for them. I imagined God encircling their desert camps, holding them, as God holds all peoples, under His wing.” We, too, can remember during times of transition, as we are held just outside the Promised Land, that God’s loving arms encircle us, caring for and protecting us during our darkest days, giving us reason to praise.
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