|
Friends United Meeting |
 |
Quaker Life
September 2005
Commitments
By Retha McCutchen, FUM General Secretary
Retirement holds exhilarating possibilities.…
Eleven years with Friends United Meeting have been challenging, growth-producing, satisfying and fun. You gave me a gift that has strengthened and broadened my life.
Today, I was asked how I came to this decision by a person who thought I made a mistake. I well remember the morning prayer time when I asked God: “Am I finished at FUM?” Immediately the answer was clear. The simple God-directed question was the right question to ask. It has been my experience with God that God does not direct one person alone. The other parties affected by the decision are also being God-directed. Right now, God is calling out the person who will next serve as General Secretary of Friends United Meeting.
And my grandchildren are anxiously looking forward to Grandma Retha living down the street. I cherish the idea of living closer to my 87-year-old mother during her remaining years. My adult children have made jokes about how in most families children grow up and leave home. In their case, mom left home—first to Ramallah and then to Richmond.
I look forward to the months between now and March 2006. They will be busy months offering many opportunities to visit in FUM constituency.
The Annual Fund Campaign to raise $305,000 in individual contributions to support the general fund of FUM leads us to participate in at least 22 regional gatherings with FUM members/supporters. Please plan to attend one of these gatherings in your geographical area to get up-to-date information about the ministries of FUM.
The General Board/Africa meeting in January affords me the opportunity to officially welcome Uganda and Tuloi Yearly Meetings into membership and be part of the worship of Kenya Friends.
God bless you all.