President/Presiding Clerk Message
2010 Kenya Triennial Registration
Yearly Meetings USFW Newsletters
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 42nd 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.”
United Society of Friends Women
International (USFWI)
info@usfwi.org
©2007, 2008, 2009