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Rachel's Day - May 2, 2010
If you are observing Rachel's Day in your congregation, WE WANT TO KNOW! Please contact Jean Morehouse, Coordinator for the ELCA Equipping for Peacemaking Network so your story can be included in next month's E-Newsletter.
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. It can also be a time to honor the children in our lives.
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 crisis
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host a parenting forum
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visit the WELCA Rachel's Day website for more information
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World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel - May 29 through June 4
From the World Council of Churches:
The World Council of Churches is inviting member churches and related organizations to join a week of advocacy and action for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Those who share the hope of justice are invited to take peaceful actions, together, to create a common international public witness....MORE
Read related article in the April 21 issue of the ELCA Middle East Network Newsletter.
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Peace Workshop Proposals - Deadline Extended
NEWS RELEASE:
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has extended the deadline for the submission of workshop proposals for the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) to take place in Jamaica in May 2011. Proposals must be submitted by May 31, 2010.
The International Ecumenical Peace Convocation will mark the conclusion of the WCC Decade to Overcome Violence. It will be both the harvest festival of the DOV and a planting season for fresh initiatives.
"Reasoning" is the name given to a series of workshops that will take place during the IEPC in Kingston, Jamaica, 17 to 25 May 2011.
The “Reasoning” workshops will offer an opportunity to share concrete examples of peacemaking, learn from the experience of others and deepen reflections on the four IEPC themes: Peace in the Community, Peace with the Earth, Peace in the Marketplace and Peace among the Peoples.
“Reasoning” workshops will provide participants with valuable tools and resources to take home and put into action in their particular contexts. The workshops will be a place to meet people from different regions and traditions in order to discern together how to be agents of God’s transforming presence in the world.
Further background information as well as a proposal form can be downloaded from the DOV website.
PLEASE LET US KNOW if you or your organization has submitted a workshop proposal. We'd love to know what you are planning to do so we can connect with and support you in this important peace-building endeavor.
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Churches for Middle East Peace Advocacy Conference - June 13-15, 2010
You are invited to CMEP'S 2010 Advocacy Conference, Pursuing Peace Together: Working for Reconciliation in the Holy Land, to learn, increase your skills, network and advocate for peace with justice in the Holy Land. The conference will be June 13-15, 2010 at the Kellogg Conference Hotel in Washington, DC.
Visit the website for more information or to register for the conference.
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UN World Refugee Day - June 20, 2010
In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which designated June 20 as World Refugee Day. This day has been set aside as an annual opportunity to remember and recognize the world's refugees which number more than 14 million people.
Visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees website for suggestions in organizing an event or fundraiser in your congregation or community.
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Events at Kirkridge Retreat Center
Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center in Bangor, PA is offering the following:
Labyrinths: A Pathway to Peace - Calen Rayne - August 6-8, 2010
On this 55th anniversary of Hiroshima Day, we will reflect on that event and explore ways to channel energy that might be used for destructive thoughts and actions for more peaceful pursuits, beginning with our own inner peace. Labyrinths provide just such an opportunity; to stand at the entrance, ask for the ancient paths, then walk in a good way.
Creating a Culture of Peace - Janet Chisholm - August 19-22, 2010
A nationwide program for community peacemaking, this innovative training provides a holistic and practical foundation in active nonviolence. Participants come to recognize their own power for making personal and social changes that will create a world without violence.
Creating a Culture of Peace Facilitators' Training - Janet Chisolm -
October 7-11, 2010
Training for individuals who want to develop skills for leading "Creating a Culture of Peace" events. (Participation in "Creating a Culture of Peace" is a pre-requisite for this event.)
Visit the website for more information or to register.
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World Council of Churches Hails Russia-US Nuclear Treaty
From Ecumenical News International on April 8, 2010:
The World Council of Churches has welcomed the signing of a treaty by Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and his U.S. counterpart Barrack Obama, which aims to shrink each country's nuclear arsenals by almost a third.
"The new U.S.-Russia nuclear arms reduction treaty signed today in Prague is news that the World Council of Churches has awaited for a long time: the achievement of a nuclear weapons agreement between...MORE
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ELCA Middle East Network Newsletter
In the April 21 issue of the Middle East Network Newsletter:
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Augusta-Victoria Hospital gets USAID funds for linear accelerator
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Christian leaders send letter to President supporting peace efforts
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Lutheran World Federation Executive Committee issues positive response to Middle East Quartet Statement
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Bishop Hanson puts in good word for Middle East peace at White House prayer breakfast
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Save the Date: CMEP annual conference, Washington, DC, June 13-15, 2010
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World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAPPI)
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World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, 29 May - 4 June
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Kairos Palestine Updates
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Peace Not Walls website resources
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Bits and Peaces: IEPC Newsletter
CLICK HERE for the Spring 2010 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation Decade to Overcome Violence Newsletter.
In this issue: Editorial by Dirk Rademacher, Coordinator of the Protestant Church in Germany for the International Peace Convocation 2011 in Kingston, Jamaica; Updates on Expert Consultations, including the outcome document from the December 2009 consultation "Nuclear Weapons, North East Asia and Beyond: Revitalizing the Ecumenical Movement"; information on Living Letters visits; update and schedule for the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation; information about the 2010 Decade to Overcome Violence Africa focus and theme: "Work and Pray in Hope for Peace"; and prayer and biblical reflection.
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ELCA Global Mission Gatherings in 2010
Deepen your understanding of the changing context and practice of global mission, enjoy great food and music, meet others who share your passion for ministry. Attend one of the following Global Mission Gatherings in 2010:
July 16-17, Austin, MN
August 6-7, Billings, MT
September 10-11, Lexington, SC
October 1-2, Grand Forks, ND
October 8-9, West Linn, OR
November 12-13, Camp Hill, PA
For more information, please email GlobalMissionInfo@elca.org or call Mia Cortez at 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2642.
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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:
As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:15, Holy Bible, NRSV
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Go in peace and serve the Lord!