Today the delegates from the 23 districts in the Church of the Brethren held a specially called session with On Earth Peace executive director Bill Scheurer to continue conversation about the agency’s Statement of Inclusion.
On Earth Peace
Moderator Bob Krouse Sets the Tone for Annual Conference 2013
“The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus.” We find great joy in gathering together. Ironically, the power of our unity can magnify our feelings of vulnerability and frustration. These feelings are not conflicts that can be resolved; they also don’t justify reacting to others unkindly, nor with threats, attacks, or accusations. They are a call to respond respectfully when we are feeling most uncomfortable.
Campaign Brings Healing and Engagement to Paul Ziegler’s Home Congregation
On Saturday, May 4, nearly 150 people gathered at Colebrook, Pa., along the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail to bike, walk, and ride horseback as a part of the 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign of On Earth Peace. A report from the agency noted that the trail ride kicked off a long weekend of events in and around Elizabethtown, Pa., in honor of the late Paul Ziegler who would have celebrated his 20th birthday on Sunday, May 5.
Manchester Students Lift 1,000,000 Pounds for Peace
On April 28, a team of more than 15 Manchester University students succeeded in working together to lift one million pounds–for peace. This event was part of the On Earth Peace campaign, 3,000 Miles for Peace. Manchester University is a Church of the Brethren-related school with a main campus in North Manchester, Ind.
3,000 Miles Campaign of on Earth Peace Receives Lots of Support
In a recent update on its 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign, On Earth Peace reported that over 60 fundraisers are underway in support. As of last week, over $80,000 has been raised for the Paul Ziegler Young Peacemaker Fund. Twelve riding or walking events have already taken place, and those taking part have already traveled more than 1,000 miles toward the goal of 3,000 miles. The campaign is a fundraiser for On Earth Peace that honors young peacemaker Paul Ziegler.
More Brethren Agencies Express Support for Resolution on Drones
Brethren Benefit Trust and On Earth Peace, which are both Annual Conference agencies, have affirmed the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board’s “Resolution against Drone Warfare.” The resolution was adopted at the board’s spring meeting and will be on the Annual Conference agenda in early July.
On Earth Peace Board and Staff Participate in Anti-Racism Training
During their spring 2013 meeting, the On Earth Peace board of directors and staff participated in an anti-racism training–the agency’s next step in a commitment to address issues of racism within and outside of the organization.
Agape-Satyagraha Program Now at Six Sites Across the Country
The On Earth Peace program to teach nonviolence and Christian peacemaking to youth, called Agape-Satyagraha, is now active at six sites across the country. Reports Marie Benner-Rhoades, Youth and Young Adult Peace Formation director for On Earth Peace: “Agape-Satyagraha Leadership Training helps junior and senior high youth learn to deal with conflict without using violence by presenting concepts and skills training through the completion of five levels.
‘3,000 Miles for Peace’ Campaign is Underway
On March 1, On Earth Peace kicked-off “3,000 Miles for Peace,” a national campaign of riders and walkers that is raising funds and awareness for violence-prevention in honor of Paul Ziegler, a McPherson (Kan.) College student who had a dream of biking across the country for peace. Tragically, he died in a bicycle accident in September and never got the chance to make his journey. So far, there are over three dozen events planned in 15 states and 3 countries.
Youth Peace Travel Team Named for 2013
Members of the Church of the Brethren’s Youth Peace Travel Team for 2013 have been announced: Jacob Crouse, Heather Gentry, and Amanda McLearn-Montz.