Living the Believers’ Calling – work to end gun violence

Here's a way congregations can celebrate 30 years of peacemaking:

Work to end gun violence. Bring speakers on ending gun violence to the congregation and community. Sponsor an art exhibit with sculpture, paintings, poetry, and music that respond to gun violence and express hope for peace. Invite refugees who have known gun violence to speak about their experiences. Organize annual community vigils that honor all who have experienced gun violence. Here is a litany and a hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette for use in vigils.

Thirty years ago the 192nd General Assembly (1980) of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. adopted Peacemaking: The Believers' Calling. This statement affirmed that peacemaking is central to the gospel message and to living as disciples of Jesus. It affirmed past and ongoing Presbyterian peacemaking efforts and called for a renewed emphasis on peacemaking. Since 1980, individual Presbyterians, congregations, middle governing bodies, and General Assembly programs have engaged in amazing peacemaking ministries in the name of Jesus Christ. In this 30th anniversary year the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program suggests 30 ways congregations can celebrate ministries past and present and look forward to new adventures following Christ, who is our peace.

Tell the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program how you are celebrating the anniversary.

Your gifts to the Peacemaking Offering help the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program support Presbyterians in ministries seeking peace and pursuing justice.

The picture is from an interfaith vigil against gun violence held in Richmond, VA on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Kay Tice provided the picture.