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Welcome to the March 2009 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:
Take Action for Peace in Sudan
From the ELCA E-Advocacy Network:
Sudan has been plagued by internal conflict for nearly 40 years. A variety of complex factors, including race, ethnicity, religion and economic disparities fueled a 22-year conflict between the north and south and are also at the heart of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur that began in 2003.
As part of the "Be a Voice for Darfur" campaign, the E-Advocacy Network encourages Sudan peace advocates to collect postcards that will be delivered to President Obama in April.
CLICK HERE for more information and to order postcards. If you collect 100 or more postcards, you will receive a FREE "Congregation of Conscience" banner from the Save Darfur coalition.
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Christians for Middle East Peace Deliver Letter to President Obama
According to Christians for Middle East Peace, The Christian Call for Holy Land Peace, was delivered to the President Obama in mid-February. The letter was signed by 41 prominent national church leaders including the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and over 17,000 American Christians. Members of the Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant traditions joined together to support the letter's message urging President-elect Obama to make Israeli-Palestinian peace an immediate priority of his Administration.
CLICK HERE to access the Christians for Middle East Peace website.
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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Since 1983, April has been designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to a 2008 report from the Center for Disease Control, 1,530 children died from abuse and neglect and 905,000 children were victims of maltreatment in 2006. Positive encouragement and support for parents has been shown to lower the risk of child abuse.
Plan today to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals, families, congregations and community organizations to support healthy growth and development of children and families during the month of April by:
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“Living Earth: Joining the Hymn of All Creation”
The ELCA e-Advocacy Network invites you to subscribe to “Living Earth: Joining the Hymn of All Creation.” This 40-day ELCA Lenten reflection series will offer a holistic approach to how we live as earthly companions, combining God’s caring relationship with creation to our journey in the physical universe. Each e-mail emphasizes individual and communal solutions, resources for further learning and suggestions for how to act or become more educated. As a limited subscription, the first e-mail will arrive on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2009, and the last e-mail will arrive Easter Sunday.
CLICK HERE to subscribe.
You can also view and download the 2009 Environmental Lenten Worship Resource, “Creation Waits with Eager Longing!” Outlining a Lenten journey of Reflection, Remembrance, Rediscovery, Repentance, Reconciliation, and Recommitment on our way to becoming more faithful stewards of God’s creation, this link includes the following: an introduction; weekly theme-related reflections, scripture and action ideas for Wednesday services; a "Tenebrae for the Earth" worship resource; Holy Week resources; and links to other useful resources and websites.
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Ecumenical Advocacy Days Conference - "Enough for All Creation"
"Enough for All Creation," the 2009 Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace and Justice Conference will be held March 13-16, 2009 in Washington, DC. The gathering will provide opportunities for spirited worship, theological reflection, education relating to significant current issues, training in advocacy and witnessing to U.S. policy makers on a variety of topics. Workshops will focus on Eco-Justice, Global Economic Justice, Peace & Global Security and more!
Visit the ELCA Advocacy Days website, for more information and to access a scholarship application.
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"Lutheran Witness in Palestine: Grace under Pressure"
On Sunday March 29, 2009, the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod of the ELCA, will host "Lutheran Witness in Palestine: Grace under Pressure" from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Distinct perspectives will be ensured by the three main presenters: the Rev. Mark Brown, Lutheran World Federation regional representative in Jerusalem, The Rev. Susan Wilder, Director of Middle East Public Policy Advocacy in the ELCA Washington Office and The Rev. Richard H. Graham, Bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, who participated in the January 2009 Bishops Academy held in Israel/Palestine.
Ample time for discussion in both plenary and small group sessions is planned. Although designed primarily for area Lutherans, the conference is open to guests from other denominations and traditions. For more information, contact Amy Acland at the Metro DC Synod Office.
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Christian Peace Witness for Iraq
Do you want to be more involved in working toward peace in Iraq? Become part of a national ecumenical effort with Christians across the country which will be held in Washington, DC, April 29-30, 2009. Events include a worship service followed by a procession to the White House on the 29th and a nonviolent public action or visits to congressional offices on the 30th. Tony Campolo, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr, Sr. Dianna Ortiz, Elizabeth McAlister and Daniel Berrigan will be the featured speakers.
For more information, visit the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq website.
For more on Lutheran involvement, contact Glen Gersmehl by phone at 206.720.0313 or by email.
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Training Events at Kirkridge Retreat Center
Kirkridge Retreat Center, Bangor, PA, is offering the following:
"Creating a Culture of Peace for Vets, Friends & Family"
March 5-8
Discover your power for peacemaking on your issues during a spiritually- grounded, interactive, and skill-building training weekend. Explore active nonviolence, social change, and community-building; plan projects. Facilitated by Thomas Brinson and Tim Pluta, military veterans committed to using the power of active nonviolence in their work for peace and justice.
"Creating a Culture of Peace"
March 12-15
Discover your power for peacemaking on your issues during a spiritually- grounded, interactive, and skill-building training weekend. Explore active nonviolence, social change, and community-building; plan projects. Facilitated by Janet Chisholm and Addison Bross
"There Shall be No Poor Among You"
March 27-29
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. urged all to abolish the evils of poverty, racism and war. From her experiences in war zones, prisons and blighted neighborhoods, Kathy Kelly describes efforts to remove the pillars supporting these evils. There will be simulations, role plays, small group sessions, prayerful song and reflection to assist you in discovering your role in working for justice and peace.
"Ghandi, King, Day & Merton: Peacemaking Ancestors"
April 24-26, 2009
Author, pastor and activist John Dear will lead a weekend of prayer, small group reflection and Bible study related to what fortified and inspired these great spiritual leaders and activists for justice and peace.
"Everyone Can Sing for Peace!"
May 1-3, 2009
Come and listen to the music. Join community singing, movement and reflection led by award-winning, singer-songwriter Sara Thomsen.
Creating a Culture of Peace - Training of Trainers
May 27-31, 2009
Learn how to offer "Creating a Culture of Peace" training. Strengthen facilitation skills and the ability to use interactive and mutual learning techniques. Help others find their power for peacemaking and deepen your own. Practice presentations and receive constructive feedback. Basic Nonviolence Training is a prerequisite.
Visit the Kirkridge website for information on registration and fees.
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Preaching Peace Events
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.
Upcoming Events:
Blessed Brutalities: The Religious Origins of American Violence
March 14, 2009 in Lancaster, PA
On Being a Peace Church Seminar
April 15, 2009 at Grantham Church in Grantham, PA
Nonviolent Atonement Seminar
April 25, 2009 in Kalamazoo, MI
Book of Peace, Book of Power: Rediscovering the Authority of the Bible
June 2-4, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA
For more information on the upcoming events or to book a conference or seminar in your area, contact Preaching Peace by phone at 717.392.1550 or by email.
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National Youth Violence Prevention Week
March 23-27, 2009 is National Youth Violence Prevention Week. The goal of this five-day campaign is to raise awareness and promote effective ways to prevent or reduce youth violence. Each day of the campaign focuses on a specific violence prevention strategy. The National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) and The Guidance Group are founding partners of this initiative.
Visit the National Youth Violence Prevention Campaign website for a step-by-step action planning kit, other resources and more information.
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Rachel's Day - May 3
Since July 1996, the Women of the ELCA have designated the first Sunday in May as "Rachel's Day." Based on Jeremiah 31:15-17, this commemoration is a time to mourn the loss of our children to violence and commit to ways of supporting and encouraging children, families and parents.
How can you participate in Rachel's Day?
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Organize a "blue ribbon of hope" campaign in your congregation and community;
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use the Rachel's Day litany in worship;
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offer prayers of support for children, parents, and families in crisis;
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gather a Thankoffering for women and children in crises;
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host a parenting forum;
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visit the WELCA Rachel's Day website.
And, send a note about your activities to be included in the Equipping for Peacemaking E-Newsletter.
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"And the Word Became Flesh - Peacemaking in the Neighborhood"
The Presbyterian Church USA will host a Peacemaking Conference, "And the Word Became Flesh - Peacemaking in the Neighborhood," June 11-13, 2009 in Atlanta, GA. The conference will be part of a larger celebration that will offer participants the opportunity to experience ten different Presbyterian conferences -- all under one roof -- over a three-day period.
From the website: Peacemaking Conference participants will have the opportunity to visit significant sites in metropolitan Atlanta where peacemaking is taking place, share stories from our own neighborhoods, and engage in public witness, small group discussions and conversations on current issues as we explore how to do justice and seek peace.
See the conference website highlighted above, or visit the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program website for more information.
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International Day of Prayer for Peace
NOW is the time to plan to be a part of the World Council of Churches' International Day of Prayer for Peace which will be on September 21, 2009. The theme for this year's Day of Prayer for Peace is "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean."
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 - in all participating churches on September 21 or the Sunday preceding it."
Visit the Decade to Overcome Violence website for more information, to submit prayers for peace, to access resources for the International Day of Prayer for Peace and to register your commitment for participation in the International Peace Vigil.
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"Pray the Devil Back to Hell"
Organize your congregation to see the recently released, award-winning movie, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." This film chronicles the remarkable story of courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. Following a dream, Lutheran lay woman Leymah Gbowee organized members of her congregation to pray for peace. She then reached out to other Christian and Muslim congregations who joined together to take action through peaceful protest with public prayer in the open-air fish market in Monrovia.
CLICK HERE to visit the Pray the Devil Back to Hell website.
CLICK HERE to read a January 30 column about this film written by Bob Herbert of the NY Times.
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Living Nonviolence
Living Nonviolence is a nonviolence skills program developed by Love Thy Neighbor, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering  nonviolence in Israel/Palestine. For the last two summers, the program was implemented at the Lutheran School of Hope in Ramallah, West Bank. Participants in the camp included male and female, Christian and Muslim middle school and high school students from the Lutheran School of Hope. Living Nonviolence curriculum was facilitated by Palestinian trainers, all of whom were alumni of nonviolence training programs facilitated by Dr. Bernard Lafayette.
Each day at Living Nonviolence, youth participate in a team builder, a knowledge-based component, a skills-based component, a case study on nonviolence and a time for creative self-expression. Throughout the experience, youth can share what they learn through music, art or drama. Each activity builds on the previous one and engages participants in ever-increasing levels of critical thinking. By the end of the five-day program, participants learn the six principles and skills of nonviolence and ways to apply them to their own lives. Participants also produce artwork and share their artistic talents and what they learned about nonviolence at a talent show for families.
CLICK HERE to access goals and a curriculum outline for Living Nonviolence.
If you are interested in implementing Living Nonviolence in your own community, please contact Valerie Minerovic.
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9,000 Petitions to the Pentagon and Leaders Urge Review of Landmine and Cluster Bomb Policy
The U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Bombs reports that 9,000 petitions were delivered to the Pentagon in late January. In addition, leaders from 67 national organizations, including the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), sent a letter to President Obama, strongly encouraging the U.S. to reconsider its opposition to the global treaties prohibiting antipersonnel landmines and cluster munitions. The groups are calling on President Obama to launch a review within the next six months of the past administration's decision to stand outside the Mine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions.
CLICK HERE for more information and to access the letter sent to President Obama.
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Journal of Lutheran Ethics Focuses on Human Rights and Family
CLICK HERE for the February issue of The Journal of Lutheran Ethics. This publication includes articles and papers from the October, 2008 Human Rights Consultation hosted by the Inter-unit Task Force for the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence and other articles related to human rights and family.
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Peace Notes and Quotes
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.
MARCH PEACE QUOTE:
Peace is not the product of a victory or a command. It has no finishing line, no final deadline, no fixed definition of achievement. Peace is a never-ending process, the work of many decisions.
Oscar Arias Sánchez
1987 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
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Go in peace and serve the Lord!
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