July 2008
Equipping for Peacemaking E-Newsletter
Welcome to the July 2008 Equipping for Peacemaking Network E-Newsletter. Our hope is to help bring attention to resources that relate to the work of the ELCA Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence (2001-2010). Included in this monthly e-newsletter are events and resources that can be used at the small group, congregational and individual level. Thank you for being part of the network! Forward this to your friends and encourage them to sign up for the network as well. CLICK HERE to find additional resources and enroll in the E4P network.
In this E-Newsletter you will find information about:
Kirkridge Retreat Center: Creating a Culture of Peace Training Event
Kirkridge Retreat Center is offering a trainer of trainers event "Creating a Culture of Peace: Nonviolence Training for Personal and Social Change" August 6-10, 2008. (NOTE: Basic Nonviolence Training is a prerequisite.) This interactive training is an opportunity to strengthen facilitation skills, practice presentation skills, and gain skills for building communities of trust to take action.
Cost for the training is $145; room and board $300. For more information contact Janet Chisholm at Kirkridge.
Preaching Peace Conference: On Being a Peace Church in a Constantinian World
Brian McLaren (A Generous Orthodoxy, Everything Must Change), Craig Carter (Rethinking Christ and Culture) and Sharon Baker (B(u)y Grace?; an Economy of Atonement) will be the keynote speakers at a Preaching Peace conference August 12-14, 2008 at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. The registration fee is $195, plus housing ($45 per night for a single room or $30 per night a double room). CLICK HERE for more information about the conference or to access a conference flyer or CLICK HERE for a registration form and conference schedule.
Preaching Peace began in 2002, as a free website dedicated to bringing a holistic peace message. It currently serves 10,000 visitors a month. Inspired by the mimetic theory of Rene Girard and the Christian peace heritage, Preaching Peace offers commentary on the gospel lectionary texts from a peace perspective, a blog where pastors work out the implications of preaching peace, essays and sermons related to the mimetic theory and peacemaking, and a listing of numerous conferences and seminars bringing the best scholarship to churches around the country. The Preaching Peace team is available for weekend retreats, clergy ashrams and gatherings, and youth retreats.
Visit the Preaching Peace website for more information about the organization and its activities.
International Day of Prayer for Peace and International Day of Peace Vigil - September 21, 2008
According to the website, "the International Day of Prayer for Peace offers an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and societies. The idea was proposed in 2004 during a meeting between WCC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (press release), and coincides with the UN International Day of Peace. The Day of Prayer is one of the initiatives of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence. Congregations are invited to pray for peace - possibly using the same prayers - on September 21 or the Sunday preceding it."
What can you do?
+ Encourage your congregation to participate by organizing a
prayer vigil on Sunday, September 21. CLICK HERE for resources.
+ CLICK HERE to view a list of events in your city and coordinate
with them, if possible. Peace is about talking and working together.
Visit the Decade to Overcome Violence website for more information, to submit prayers for peace, to access additional resources for the International Day of Prayer for Peace and to register your commitment for participation in the International Peace Vigil.
Peacemaker Ministries' 2008 Peacemaker Conference: The Power of a Peacemaking Church
Peacemaker Ministries' 2008 Peacemaker Conference, The Power of Peacemaking Church, will be held September 25-27, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. This conference is designed to encourage, inspire and equip all who face threatening conflicts with gospel-centered, Christ-empowered hope, confidence and skill.
The conference will offer keynote speakers, worship, workshops, discussion, prayer and mutual learning. There are also a number of pre-conference training events, including Conflict Coaching Training, Reconciling Church Conflict, Reconciling Marital Conflict, Teaching Peacemaking Cross-Culturally, Conflict Coaching & Mediation Training and a Certification Program.
CLICK HERE for more information about the conference.
For more information about Peacemaker Ministries, CLICK HERE.
First World Conference of Women's Shelters
The Alberta Council of Women's Shelters will host the first World Conference of Women's Shelters from September 8 through 11, 2008 in Edmonton. According to the Decade to Overcome Violence website, "too often, women's shelter work is overlooked in discussions on family violence, when in reality they are at the forefront of dealing with this issue. This [event] will increase the capacity of shelters in Alberta, across Canada, and around the world to [e]ffect change in their organizations and their communities to better meet the needs of ethnocultural, multicultural and racial communities when dealing with family violence. This event will present a new opportunity for family violence workers in Alberta and around the world to learn from international experts and each other [and] will be a unique opportunity for individuals at the forefront of dealing with violence against women to network, share and support one [another]."
CLICK HERE for more information about the conference.
CLICK HERE to access the registration form.
table of contents
ELCA and Episcopal Bishops Release Joint Statement on Sudan
On June 4, 2008, The Rev. Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, and The Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, released a Joint Statement on Sudan. The statement reports on the difficult living conditions in the country as a result of civil war and violence. It also urges all of us to pray for peace and advocate for international action to increase stability in this country.
CLICK HERE to read the statement in its entirety.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - A World Citizen, Inc. International Peace Site
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, is a registered International Peace Site with World Citizen, Inc. and proudly displays a Peace Pole on the church property. It has a very active and committed Peace with Justice Committee that is responsible for guiding the peace related activities in the congregation. Members of the committee had been aware of World Citizen, Inc. and admired the Peace Poles at various sites around Minneapolis and St. Paul. In 2005, the congregation dedicated their Peace Pole and became a World Citizen, Inc. Peace Site. Because of the committee’s interest in environmental concerns, one of the four faces of the pole contains animal paw prints. During the dedication, children participated in the ceremony by speaking ‘peace’ in animal tongues.
The Peace and Justice Committee of Holy Trinity contributes to the congregation’s weekly newsletter with information on peace/justice issues, local events and programs, and advocacy opportunities. It also maintains a resource table on Sundays and has established an email action alert which highlights particular issues and is sent to members monthly.
The congregation is in relationship with several peace and justice related organizations (including the Resource Center of the Americas, Bread for the World and others), and participates in study trips at home and abroad. It has been in a three-year special partnership (through Lutheran World Relief) with the peace sanctuary communities in Colombia, Sal y Luz (Salt and Light). Sal y Luz communities maintain nonviolence and non-affiliation with any of the armed parties, branches of the military, paramilitary groups, etc. and actively pursue peace in the face of terrible violence in Colombia.
Holy Trinity offers the use of its building for meetings, educational forums, and special events for a variety of peace and justice groups. It hosted the first and a subsequent (ecumenical) Candlelight Service for the Children of Iraq, held annually on the Feast of Holy Innocents in December. This summer, the congregation will be using the curriculum “Communities of Peace” for Vacation Bible School. In November, the Peace with Justice Committee will be hosting a potluck meeting of “Every Church a Peace Church.” The subject for the program will be nonviolence.
Thanks to Mary Engen, Carol Masters and the members of the Peace with Justice Committee for their contributions to this article. If you would like more information about the peace related activites at Holy Trinity, please contact Mary or Carol.
Carter Center Report on Spring Trip to the Middle East
CLICK HERE to read a report written by former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter covering his trip to Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan from April 13 through April 22, 2008. The Carter Center "is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering...[as well as]...creating a world in which every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace."
Visit the Carter Center website for more information about the work of this organization.
Peacemaking Workshops Presented at WELCA North Carolina Synodical Gathering
Equipping for Peacemaking-II participant Sue Woodling led two Christian Peacemaking Today workshops with Judy Occhetti-Klohr at the Women of the ELCA North Carolina Synod Gathering on May 31, 2008. The workshops were attended by approximately 33 women.
The facilitators used the resources “From Violence to Wholeness” and “;Walking Jesus’ Path of Peace” to engage participants. The workshops helped participants explore the principles of Christian nonviolence and looked at how the transforming power of nonviolence begins and ends with the presence of God. They talked about the ways in which active nonviolence is deeply faith based and is a spiritual journey. Participants also considered how the recurring themes of love, compassion, and forgiveness are the principles that weave together and emphasize the calling of the Gospel. They received several exercises to use daily to help them on their spiritual journey. The participants were also given a list of resources to broaden their knowledge of peace and justice issues.
If you would like more information about this workshop, please contact Sue Woodling at swoodling@att.net.
Someplace Safe Honors Northwestern Minnesota WELCA Organization
From the ELCA News Blog:
“Someplace Safe, Fergus Falls, Minn., awarded the women’s organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Northwestern Minnesota Synod the Someplace Safe Community Award on May 1. The award recognized the ELCA Northwestern Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization for its support of the Someplace Safe mission: ‘To create a safer world for everyone, we work to eliminate violence and oppression through advocacy, education and services.’ Elaine Scheer, president, ELCA Northwestern Minnesota Synodical Women’s Organization, said Someplace Safe provides violence prevention programming in school, creates, partnerships with criminal justice agencies to promote system change, and educates the professional and general public about the effects of violence on our communities.”
CLICK HERE to read the blog in its entirety.
NEW! Peace Notes and Quotes
This new feature in the newsletter will include a monthly Peace Note or Quote. We'll be using quotes from famous peacemakers, scripture or brief notes that include a thought or idea about peacemaking and nonviolence.
If you have a favorite quote or want to share a brief thought about peacemaking, please send your contribution to Jean Morehouse, Equipping for Peacemaking Program Coordinator at jean.morehouse@hotmail.com
JULY PEACE QUOTE:
"For it isn't enough to talk about peace. Once must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." - Eleanor Roosevelt
From The Centre for Restorative Justice website.
Go in peace and serve the Lord!
Kirkridge Retreat Center: Creating a Culture of Peace Training Event
Kirkridge Retreat Center is offering a trainer of trainers event "Creating a Culture of Peace: Nonviolence Training for Personal and Social Change" August 6-10, 2008. (NOTE: Basic Nonviolence Training is a prerequisite.) This interactive training is an opportunity to strengthen facilitation skills, practice presentation skills, and gain skills for building communities of trust to take action.
Cost for the training is $145; room and board $300. For more information contact Janet Chisholm at Kirkridge.
Preaching Peace Conference: On Being a Peace Church in a Constantinian World
Brian McLaren
(A Generous Orthodoxy, Everything Must Change), Craig Carter
(Rethinking Christ and Culture) and Sharon Baker
(B(u)y Grace?; an Economy of Atonement) will be the keynote speakers at a Preaching Peace conference August 12-14, 2008 at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. The registration fee is $195, plus housing ($45 per night for a single room or $30 per night a double room).
CLICK HERE for more information about the conference or to access a conference flyer or
CLICK HERE for a registration form and conference schedule.
Preaching Peace began in 2002, as a free website dedicated to bringing a holistic peace message. It currently serves 10,000 visitors a month. Inspired by the mimetic theory of Rene Girard and the Christian peace heritage, Preaching Peace offers commentary on the gospel lectionary texts from a peace perspective, a blog where pastors work out the implications of preaching peace, essays and sermons related to the mimetic theory and peacemaking, and a listing of numerous conferences and seminars bringing the best scholarship to churches around the country. The Preaching Peace team is available for weekend retreats, clergy ashrams and gatherings, and youth retreats.
Visit the Preaching Peace website for more information about the organization and its activities.
International Day of Prayer for Peace and International Day of Peace Vigil - September 21, 2008
According to the
website, "the International Day of Prayer for Peace offers an opportunity for church communities in all places to pray and act together to nurture lasting peace in the hearts of people, their families, communities and societies. The idea was proposed in 2004 during a meeting between WCC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (
press release), and coincides with the UN International Day of Peace. The Day of Prayer is one of the initiatives of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence. Congregations are invited to pray for peace - possibly using the same prayers - on September 21 or the Sunday preceding it."
What can you do?
+ Encourage your congregation to participate by organizing a
prayer vigil on Sunday, September 21. CLICK HERE for resources.
+ CLICK HERE to view a list of events in your city and coordinate
with them, if possible. Peace is about talking and working together.
Visit the Decade to Overcome Violence website for more information, to submit prayers for peace, to access additional resources for the International Day of Prayer for Peace and to register your commitment for participation in the International Peace Vigil.
Peacemaker Ministries' 2008 Peacemaker Conference: The Power of a Peacemaking Church
Peacemaker Ministries' 2008 Peacemaker Conference,
The Power of Peacemaking Church, will be held September 25-27, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. This conference is designed to encourage, inspire and equip all who face threatening conflicts with gospel-centered, Christ-empowered hope, confidence and skill.
The conference will offer keynote speakers, worship, workshops, discussion, prayer and mutual learning. There are also a number of pre-conference training events, including Conflict Coaching Training, Reconciling Church Conflict, Reconciling Marital Conflict, Teaching Peacemaking Cross-Culturally, Conflict Coaching & Mediation Training and a Certification Program.
CLICK HERE for more information about the conference.
For more information about Peacemaker Ministries, CLICK HERE.
First World Conference of Women's Shelters
The Alberta Council of Women's Shelters will host the first World Conference of Women's Shelters from September 8 through 11, 2008 in Edmonton. According to the
Decade to Overcome Violence website, "too often, women's shelter work is overlooked in discussions on family violence, when in reality they are at the forefront of dealing with this issue. This [event] will increase the capacity of shelters in Alberta, across Canada, and around the world to [e]ffect change in their organizations and their communities to better meet the needs of ethnocultural, multicultural and racial communities when dealing with family violence. This event will present a new opportunity for family violence workers in Alberta and around the world to learn from international experts and each other [and] will be a unique opportunity for individuals at the forefront of dealing with violence against women to network, share and support one [another]."
CLICK HERE for more information about the conference.
CLICK HERE to access the registration form.
ELCA and Episcopal Bishops Release Joint Statement on Sudan
On June 4, 2008, The Rev. Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, and The Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, released a Joint Statement on Sudan. The statement reports on the difficult living conditions in the country as a result of civil war and violence. It also urges all of us to pray for peace and advocate for international action to increase stability in this country.
CLICK HERE to read the statement in its entirety.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - A World Citizen, Inc. International Peace Site
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, is a registered International Peace Site with
World Citizen, Inc. and proudly displays a
Peace Pole on the church property. It has a very active and committed Peace with Justice Committee that is responsible for guiding the peace related activities in the congregation. Members of the committee had been aware of World Citizen, Inc. and admired the Peace Poles at various sites around Minneapolis and St. Paul. In 2005, the congregation dedicated their Peace Pole and became a World Citizen, Inc.
Peace Site. Because of the committee’s interest in environmental concerns, one of the four faces of the pole contains animal paw prints. During the dedication, children participated in the ceremony by speaking ‘peace’ in animal tongues.
The Peace and Justice Committee of Holy Trinity contributes to the congregation’s weekly newsletter with information on peace/justice issues, local events and programs, and advocacy opportunities. It also maintains a resource table on Sundays and has established an email action alert which highlights particular issues and is sent to members monthly.
The congregation is in relationship with several peace and justice related organizations (including the Resource Center of the Americas, Bread for the World and others), and participates in study trips at home and abroad. It has been in a three-year special partnership (through Lutheran World Relief) with the peace sanctuary communities in Colombia, Sal y Luz (Salt and Light). Sal y Luz communities maintain nonviolence and non-affiliation with any of the armed parties, branches of the military, paramilitary groups, etc. and actively pursue peace in the face of terrible violence in Colombia.
Holy Trinity offers the use of its building for meetings, educational forums, and special events for a variety of peace and justice groups. It hosted the first and a subsequent (ecumenical) Candlelight Service for the Children of Iraq, held annually on the Feast of Holy Innocents in December. This summer, the congregation will be using the curriculum “Communities of Peace” for Vacation Bible School. In November, the Peace with Justice Committee will be hosting a potluck meeting of “Every Church a Peace Church.” The subject for the program will be nonviolence.
Thanks to Mary Engen, Carol Masters and the members of the Peace with Justice Committee for their contributions to this article. If you would like more information about the peace related activites at Holy Trinity, please contact Mary or Carol.
Carter Center Report on Spring Trip to the Middle East
CLICK HERE to read a report written by former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter covering his trip to Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan from April 13 through April 22, 2008. The Carter Center "is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering...[as well as]...creating a world in which every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace."
Visit the Carter Center website for more information about the work of this organization.
Peacemaking Workshops Presented at WELCA North Carolina Synodical Gathering
Equipping for Peacemaking-II participant Sue Woodling led two Christian Peacemaking Today workshops with Judy Occhetti-Klohr at the Women of the ELCA North Carolina Synod Gathering on May 31, 2008. The workshops were attended by approximately 33 women.
The facilitators used the resources “From Violence to Wholeness” and “;Walking Jesus’ Path of Peace” to engage participants. The workshops helped participants explore the principles of Christian nonviolence and looked at how the transforming power of nonviolence begins and ends with the presence of God. They talked about the ways in which active nonviolence is deeply faith based and is a spiritual journey. Participants also considered how the recurring themes of love, compassion, and forgiveness are the principles that weave together and emphasize the calling of the Gospel. They received several exercises to use daily to help them on their spiritual journey. The participants were also given a list of resources to broaden their knowledge of peace and justice issues.
If you would like more information about this workshop, please contact Sue Woodling at swoodling@att.net.
NEW! Peace Notes and Quotes
This new feature in the newsletter will include a monthly Peace Note or Quote. We'll be using quotes from famous peacemakers, scripture or brief notes that include a thought or idea about peacemaking and nonviolence.
If you have a favorite quote or want to share a brief thought about peacemaking, please send your contribution to Jean Morehouse, Equipping for Peacemaking Program Coordinator at
jean.morehouse@hotmail.com
JULY PEACE QUOTE:
"For it isn't enough to talk about peace. Once must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." - Eleanor Roosevelt
From The Centre for Restorative Justice website.
Go in peace and serve the Lord!