Newsline for August 11, 2011: Stories include 1. Capitol Building Prayer vigil participants arrested. 2. Training schedule announced by Children’s Disaster Services. 3. McPherson College recognized for community service. 4. Brethren Benefit Trust hosts Church Benefits Association. 5. New Windsor Conference Center Director resigns. 6. Ronald E. Wyrick to serve as Interim District Executive.
Peace
Group is Encouraging Local CPS Anniversary Celebrations
A group that has set up a new website to tell the Civilian Public Service (CPS) story is also encouraging local celebrations of 70th anniversaries of CPS camps around the country. Nearly 12,000 conscientious objectors to war chose Civilian Public Service during World War II, performing “work of national importance” rather than bearing arms.
Church Leader Signs on to Letters About Afghanistan, Medicaid Budget
Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger has added his signature to two letters from American religious leaders, one addressing the Afghanistan war, and the other on the Medicaid budget. On June 21 as President Obama prepared to announce the number of troops he planned to withdraw from Afghanistan, religious leaders sent him an open letter stating, “It is time to bring the US war in Afghanistan to an end.”
Lwanj pou Bondyé ak Lapè sou Latè: Mésaj nan Konvokasyon Ékumenik Entènasyonal ak Lapè
A Creole translation of the final message of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, held in Jamaica in May 2011. “M’ap mande Bondye pou li ban nou, dapre richès pouvwa li a, fòs ak kouraj nan kè nou, pa mwayen pouvwa Sentespri a, pou nou ka grandi nan karaktè nou, pou Kris la rete nan kè nou ak konfyans nou gen nan li a. M’ap mande Bondye pou nou pouse rasin, pou nou chita byen fèm nan renmen,”(Efez 3:16-17)
For the Peace of the City: International Day of Prayer for Peace 2011
On Earth Peace is kicking off its fifth annual campaign organizing community groups and church congregations to participate in the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) on Sept. 21. The scripture theme for the 2011 campaign is “Seek the peace of the city–for in its peace, you will find peace” (Jeremiah 29). The IDPP is an initiative of the World Council of Churches, related to the United Nations observance of an international day of peace.
Convocation Final Message Rejects War in Favor of ‘Just Peace’
“We understand peace and peacemaking as an indispensable part of our common faith,” states the opening sentence of a “final message” from the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC). The message issued yesterday, May 24, 2011, in Jamaica on the last day of the IEPC, is not considered an official statement of the sponsoring body, the World Council of Churches. Instead it is intended to represent a sense of the meeting.
Intercultural Consultation Celebrates Unity Through the Cross of Peace
Approximately 100 Brethren from across the US and Puerto Rico gathered April 28-30 in Mills River, N.C., hosted by His Way Church of the Brethren/Iglesia Jesucristo El Camino and Southeastern District…
Journal from Jamaica – May 21, 2011
It can’t be easy to take care of almost a thousand international guests, with so many different needs and expectations. Even at the most chaotic times, such as yesterday afternoon when hundreds of people were trying to get their sack lunches for the Peace Concert, and the cafeteria staff were trying to make sure the right people got the right lunch boxes, no one was taking their stress or anxiety out on anyone else. The attendant at the women’s restroom tent exemplifies this attitude. She keeps 10-plus porta potties clean, maintain the hand washing station, soap, and towels, and even watches our belongings when we come in loaded with bags and umbrellas. And she’s always cheerful and friendly.
Newsline Special : Disaster Response Update and IEPC Final Message
Children’s Disaster Services responds in Joplin, Brethren Disaster Ministries reports on preliminary activities, requests EDF grant, Convocation final message rejects war in favor of ‘just peace’
Journal from Jamaica – May 22, 2011
Here are some moments I’ll treasure in my memory of this peace convocation…