Church of the Brethren Newsline
July 23, 2007
On Earth Peace and the Brethren Witness/Washington Office are asking congregations and faith communities to pray publicly about violence in their communities and the world, on or near the International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 21, 2007. The event is connected with the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV).
Brethren congregations are encouraged to consider holding a public event that weekend–a prayer meeting in the streets, a vigil of some kind, or an ecumenical or interfaith worship and prayer service to raise concerns about violence and lift up God’s vision of creativity and shalom.
“Our fledgling campaign is growing, with twenty-five congregations actively considering participation and six having committed to hold events,” reports Matt Guynn of On Earth Peace.
Guynn listed a couple of examples in an e-mail report to the Peace Witness Action List of On Earth Peace: Skippack Church of the Brethren, near Philadelphia, Pa., will be installing and dedicating a peace pole in a public event that weekend; San Diego First Church of the Brethren already had a Spaghetti dinner planned that Saturday, and are considering making a weekend event including a prayer vigil Friday evening along with a prayerful peace emphasis on that Sunday.
Mimi Copp of Philadelphia, Pa., has joined the effort as a short-term organizer for the International Day of Prayer for Peace. She is available to answer questions, provide resources, and support congregations that decide to plan a prayer event. Contact her at miminski@gmail.com or 260-479-5087.
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The Church of the Brethren Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board. Newsline stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. To receive Newsline by e-mail go to http://listserver.emountain.net/mailman/listinfo/newsline. Submit news to the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. For more Church of the Brethren news and features, subscribe to “Messenger” magazine; call 800-323-8039 ext. 247.