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Welcome to the May 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:
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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Ecumenical Women Launch Guide to Advocacy at the United Nations
Ecumenical Women at the United Nations recently published an advocacy guide: Faith at the UN, Gender in the Church: Ecumenical Women's Guide to Advocacy. The resource prepares delegates from faith-based non-governmental organizations for effective action at the annual United Nations meeting. Including a brief history of advocacy by women of faith at the United Nations, the guide provides an overview on how to advocate for women's rights at the UN, gender-equality action strategies for congregations, and theological reflections on gender equality written by women and men from around the world.
CLICK HERE to download a copy of the guide, or visit the website to learn more about Ecumenical Women at the United Nations.
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Bits and Pieces
CLICK HERE to access the spring 2009 issue of Bits and Pieces, the newsletter of the World Council of Churches, Decade to Overcome Violence, International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC). The newsletter contains information about local peace efforts in Jamaica, a listing of the Expert Consultations scheduled for 2009, updates from the Living Letters visits and more.
The IEPC will be held in Kingston, Jamaica in May, 2011, marking the end of the Decade.
For more information about the Decade to Overcome Violence and the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, visit the is Share your peacemaking skills by celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd. Participate in scheduled activities in your congregation and community or organize your own. This year's theme for Earth Day is "Celebrating and Caring for God's Creation."
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U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines Organizes Call-in Campaign
The U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines organized a March 31 call-in campaign to Senators urging them to "give cluster bombs the boot!" In early March, Congress passed legislation permanently banning the export of nearly all U.S.-made cluster bombs. The call-in campaign was an effort to encourage Congress to act to prevent further use of these weapons by U.S. troops. According to Lora Lumpe, Coordinator for the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines, approximately 1,200 phone calls were received by legislators representing 31 states.
CLICK HERE for more information about the call-in day, or visit the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines for more information.
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“Pilgrims on the Justice Journey” Now Available ALL YEAR!
“Pilgrims on the Justice Journey” is a series of e-Advocacy reflections written by ELCA bishops. Originally written for Advent 2008 through Easter 2009, the series has been so popular it will now be available year-round. The writings invite us to reflect more deeply about how the rhythms of the church calendar connect us to the lives and needs around us, especially those among us living with hunger and poverty.
CLICK HERE to become a member of the ELCA e-Advocacy Network and receive “Pilgrims on the Justice Journey.
The ELCA Washington Office hopes that “Pilgrims on the Justice Journey” encourages both reflection and action. To that end, please share the ways in which you and your communities are both reflecting and acting to serve others. All stories and photos may be sent to Jodi Deike, Director for Grassroots Advocacy and Communication, at jodi.deike@elca.org.
For questions about domestic hunger and poverty issues or the “Pilgrims on the Justice Journey” series, contact Robert Francis, Director for Domestic Policy, at robert.francis@elca.org.
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Training Events at Kirkridge Retreat Center
Kirkridge Retreat Center, Bangor, PA, is offering the following:
"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.
Creating a Culture of Peace
September 10-13, 2009
Discover your power for peacemaking during a spiritually grounded, interactive and skills-building weekend.
Peacemakers in the Midst of Conflict
October 24 - November 6, 2009
Participants will travel to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, throughout Israel and the West Bank with local guides. An opportunity to listen, build relationships, promote dialogue, and learn about the real life situation and politics of the region.
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:
Romancing the Resurrection: Cultural Evidences of the Risen Christ
May 2, 2009 in Akron, PA
Theology & Peace - Second Annual Conference
May 26-28, 2009 in Chicago, IL
Book of Peace, Book of Power: Rediscovering the Authority of the Bible
June 2-4, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA - Tony Campolo and Walter Wink will be featured speakers. Registration form now available online.
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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"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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2009 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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Help Grow the Equip4Peace Network
Blooming flowers, spring rains and budding trees are wonderful signs of growth this time of year. It could also be a time to grow the Equipping for Peacemaking Network! Invite others to join by forwarding this newsletter to your family and friends and encouraging them to enroll in the network. And, share the following item in your congregational or organizational newsletter next month:
ELCA Equipping for Peacemaking Network
Sign up today at http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Decade-for-Nonviolence/Join-the-E4P-Network.aspx to become part of the ELCA Equipping for Peacemaking Network and receive a free monthly e-newsletter! This informative newsletter contains stories relating to peacemaking activities, links to news items and peace and justice organizations, schedules of events and training opportunities, information about new resources and much more. The mission of the Equip4Peace Network is to connect, inform, encourage and inspire all who are working for peace. To read a copy of the current e-newsletter, see http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Decade-for-Nonviolence/Newsletter.aspx.
For more information, visit the website at http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Decade-for-Nonviolence.aspx or contact Jean Morehouse, Network Coordinator, at jean.morehouse@hotmail.com.
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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.
MAY PEACE QUOTE:
Peace is every step.
Thich Nhat Hahn
From Nuclear Age Peace Foundation
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Go in peace and serve the Lord!
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