May 2008
Equipping for Peacemaking E-Newsletter
Welcome to the May 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. To find additional resources and sign up for the network visit http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Decade-for-Nonviolence/Join-the-E4P-Network.aspx
In this E-Newsletter you will find information about:
NEW! ELCA DVD Resource "Peace Not Walls: Making a Difference in the Holy Land" Now Available
From the ELCA Peace Not Walls website:
"The new DVD, 'Peace Not Walls: Making a Difference in the Holy Land,' offers a dynamic introduction to the work of Peace Not Walls, the ELCA campaign dedicated to peace with justice in Israel-Palestine. The DVD features images from the Holy Land and interviews with ELCA members, Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, ELCJHL Bishop Munib Younan, Rabbi Ravid Rosen, and many others. This 28-minute video explores such topics as the ELCA's Middle East peace initiative, the Israeli separation barrier, accompaniment with the Palestinian Lutheran Church, and collaboration with interfaith peace partners."
To order a FREE copy for your congregation or institution contact Marie (Mia) Cortez by phone at 800.638-3522, ext. 2642 or by email at marie.cortez@elca.org.
CLICK HERE to access the video. (To download QuickTime Player for use in viewing the video, click here.)
CLICK HERE to download the discussion guide to the video.
CLICK HERE to evaluate the video and its effect on you!
For more information about the ELCA Peace Not Walls campaign, visit the website.
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2008 ELCA Global Mission Events: God's Work, Our Hands
Connect with your worldwide Lutheran family, energize your congregation and gain practical skills for mission by participating in God’s Work, Our Hands, the 2008 ELCA Global Mission Event. The event will be held July 17-20 at the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse.
Learn how changes in the world are transforming the way the ELCA proclaims and serves, meet leaders from the fast-growing center of Christianity in the Southern Hemisphere, participate in exciting worship including global voices, and learn to give, receive, receive and serve more effectively. Missionaries, international church leaders, special guests, and ELCA members will celebrate and explore God's mission in the world together through plenary sessions, Global University sessions, worship, prayer, song, art activities and fellowship.
GMEs begin on Thursday evening with an opening celebration and conclude on Sunday morning with global worship. In between, participants choose a variety of Global University Sessions that interest them, and gather twice a day for global music and a thought-provoking plenary session. Through special programming for children, junior high school students, and senior high school students, young participants learn how they can live as faithful Christians in a global culture.
For more information, to register or to view video clips from previous events, see the ELCA Global Mission Events page.
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Global Day of Landmine Awareness Sparks Reflection
From the April E-Newsletter of the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines:
April 4th marked the 3rd annual International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action as declared by the United Nations. Among those urging support for increased funding for de-mining efforts and victim assistance was UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
The day served as a chance for reflection on progress toward mine clearance as dictated by the Mine Ban Treaty. The first deadlines are in 2009 when the treaty reaches its 10th anniversary.
The day also served as a reminder of the power of the international norm which now exists against landmine use. Negotiations toward a similar cluster bomb treaty, known as the "Oslo Process," are expected to conclude next month in Dublin, Ireland.
CLICK HERE to visit the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines website.
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The Peace Alliance Regional Conferences
The Peace Alliance, a campaign to establish a U.S. Department for Peace, has conferences scheduled for the following regions:
Midwest Regional Conference - June 19-22 in Shaumburg, IL
California Conference - August 1-3, University of California, Berkeley
Hear experts speak about the Department of Peace, connect with other grassroots activists in your area, and learn how to build a relationship with your member of Congress.
Visit The Peace Alliance website for more information.
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Fellowship of Reconciliation Offers Peacemaker Training Institute
The Nonviolent Youth Collective of the Fellowship of Reconciliation will offer a Peacemaker Training Institute for young organizers and activists June 22-29, 2008 in California. The Institute is an opportunity to help "young people become more effective peace and justice activists."
The cost to attend the event is based on a sliding scale from $475 - $750 with scholarship and fundraising support available as needed.
To access the application form CLICK HERE. Online applications will be accepted through May 22, 2008.
For more information, contact Brie Phillips by email or phone (651.757.5353). For more information about the Fellowship of Reconciliation, visit the website.
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Upcoming Conferences Sponsored by Preaching Peace
Preaching Peace will sponsor two upcoming conferences:
"On Being a Peace Church in a Constantinian World" will be held at Messiah College in Grantham, PA August 12-14, 2008. Keynote speakers include Brian McLaren, Dr. Craig Carter, and Dr. Sharon Baker.
CLICK HERE for a Registration Form, event schedule and fee information.
"Compassionate Eschatology" will be held at the San Francisco Theological Seminary in the San Francisco Bay Area September 26-27, 2008. Keynote speakers include Dr. Rene Girard, Prof. Jurgen Moltmann, Dr. Barbara Rossing, and Dr. Ted Grimsrud. There will be limited campus housing available which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. CLICK HERE for a Registration Form, event schedule and fee information.
For more information about Preaching Peace, visit the website.
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WCC International Church Action Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel - June 4-10, 2008
From the website:
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 June 4-10, 2008. This common international witness for peace includes prayer, education, advocacy and public action.
The action week's message is "It's Time for Palestine." Visit the website for resources, action ideas from churches in Australia, and a list of international events that will take place during action week. For further information about action week, or to share your plans, contact the WCC offices in Geneva.
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Peacemaker Ministries' 2008 Peacemaker Conference - Orlando, FL
Peacemaker Ministries' 2008 Peacemaker Conference 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.
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International Ecumenical Peace Convocation to be Held in Kingston, Jamaica in May, 2011
Glory to God and Peace on Earth! is the theme of the World Council of Churches' International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IPEC) which will be held May 4-11, 2011 in Kingston, Jamaica. The event will seek to assess and strengthen the church's position on peace, provide opportunities for networking and deepen a common commitment to processes of reconciliation and peace.
CLICK HERE for more information about the Convocation.
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Lessons and Songs for Peace in the World
The Peace and Justice Group of Christ Lutheran Church, Long Beach, California presented a service of Lessons and Songs for Peace in the World to mark the fifth year of the war in Iraq on Friday, April 18, 2008. All area churches were invited to attend and there were 40 people present.
The sanctuary was decorated with hundreds of origami peace cranes made by Rich Oelschlaeger. The service was designed by Carole Parmeter Dyer and included readings and songs from all seasons of the church year, beginning with Advent. Each season was presented with a scripture reading, a song of peace and justice and other readings.
"Meditations on Peace in a Time of War" written by Gale Swensson was an important part of the service. It was presented in readings of seven sets of two statements with moments of silence for contemplation and meditation. Each reading included a statement about the war from a current news source and either a Bible verse or quote relating to peace.
The offering was given to the Central Asia Institute, a nonprofit organization started in 1996 by Greg Mortenson (co-author of Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time) to promote education and literacy, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Following the service, light refreshments were served, participants had the opportunity to network and information was shared about upcoming peace gatherings.
Many thanks to Sharon Heck, a member of the ELCA Equipping for Peacemaking Network for sharing this information. Please contact Sharon for more information about this event, for a copy of the service or for a copy of "Meditations on Peace in a Time of War."
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Information Wanted!
Has your synod passed a resolution related to peace? If so, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please send an electronic copy of the resolution or a link to an electronic copy of the resolution, together with your name and your synod to Jean Morehouse. The information will be shared with the network through the Equipping for Peacemaking newsletter.
Thank you!
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Visit the New elca.org Website
Looking for information about or resources from units, programs and ministries of the ELCA? Visit the new elca.org website. For tips on how to use the new website CLICK HERE or on "Site Help" in the upper right-hand corner of the home page.
Having trouble with an ELCA link in this newsletter? It may be related to the process of transferring the information from the old website to the new one.
Your patience regarding electronic challenges during this process is greatly appreciated.
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Go in peace and serve the Lord!
To share information about events, activities or resources, contact the E4P Coordinator.
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