After so many years, it would be easy to give up on the prospect of peace. But members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) continue to hold fast to a hope that comes from an omnipresent God.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ushers in the annual Season of Peace on Sunday, the start of a four-week time of reflection for congregations and others who want to deepen their pursuit of peace.
From committing to work for peace in our own communities to traveling to see peace work around the world, there are numerous ways people can get involved in the work of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
Asked by Special Offerings to develop a sermon marking the Peace & Global Witness Offering that many churches collect on World Communion Sunday on Oct. 3, the Rev. Marissa Galván-Valle said her first reaction was, “Oh my Lord, I don’t know how I will do this.”
A “peace movement” is taking place throughout Mid-Kentucky Presbytery. Its origins are found in Scripture for sure, but the movement has gained momentum largely in response to COVID-19.
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s Season of Peace has been enhanced this year by artists with something to say — or sing, or paint, or even throw, such as pottery — and it was Simon Doong’s task on Monday to discuss the impact artists are having on Presbyterians subscribing to the Season of Peace videos and spoken word.
While the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program had hopes to return to an in-person International Peacemakers program this fall, the pandemic had different plans.
Congregations of many denominations extend the peace of Christ with a blessing during their service. “The peace of Christ be with you (and also with you).” It is a blessing offered and a blessing returned in kind. Extending the peace of Christ is part of an active, engaged faith — a witness to what it means for us to be building the household of God.
If necessity is the mother of invention, the pandemic is probably its poster child, calling on Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) programs and their leaders to remain creative and nimble.
