Friday Evening Summary

home
purpose
officers/secretaries
president/presiding
clerk message
triennial information
advocate
blueprints
projects 2008
sarrin scholarship
reading list

Outgoing Epistle

To all Friends everywhere:

“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11 (KJV). This came to be true as nearly 200 women from 22 yearly meetings from over the world gathered at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana from July 19-22, 2007. Our United Society of Friends Women International gathering was enriched by the presence of representatives of other Friends organizations. At this 42^nd triennial session we celebrated 125 years of God’s workmanship among Friends women.

We came together to listen to God’s voice about how we now are and can be a tapestry of love for the world in creating a global network of Friends women. We enjoyed the gracious hospitality of the women of Indiana Yearly Meeting and their beautiful, colorful settings and extensive preparation for this conference.

The theme of our gathering was “Woven into a Tapestry of Love” – Threads of Prayer, Encouragement, Unity, and Understanding – that God wants us to use in making connecting threads of love for the whole world to know God as described in Colossians 2:2, “I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God.”

This theme was explored through Bible study, plenary speakers, prayer, music, workshops and personal sharing with each other. In all this we experienced the embroidery of laughter, sorrow, compassion, love, encouragement, hope, understanding and unity in the Presence of God.

It was a gracious moment as we listened to the testimony of Friends serving as field staff, when they shared their joys and concerns and need for the threads of prayer that weave us together, however far apart we may be.

We were inspired by the threads of encouragement as USFW groups shared about their ministries. We rejoiced that God is using women to fulfill His purpose in different places and times. As we wove the threads of unity into our endeavors, we created a deeper relationship across cultures, races and economic resources.

Just as Friends United Meeting has committed to global partnerships, we also find ourselves called to live the testimony of community by weaving ourselves together as sisters in Christ through inter-visitation, hospitality and encouragement of each other.

The new challenge of the “Adopt-a-Nurse” project adds a thread of hope to our tapestry. A delightful occasion was sharing a traditional Kenyan tea. The craft fair provided an opportunity to enjoy the creative talents of Friends women of different cultures.

From this joyful gathering of Quaker women we call upon all Friends everywhere to join us in our endeavor to become a masterpiece of God’s “tapestry of love.”