O God, who formed creation and made each living thing,
We’ve seen the devastation that war and conflict bring.
We long to stop the violence and end the scourge of war;
We yearn for peace and justice, now and forevermore.
- O God Who Formed Creation by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
On Saturday, October 20, the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Monmouth held their gathering at the First Presbyterian Church of Belmar.
This particular gathering included a celebration, early, of the birth of the United Nations – United Nations Day.
Participants heard a report on the 2012 Churchwide Gathering and had an opportunity to contribute to the Thank Offering. Songs from various cultures were sung. Prayers were prayed for people around the world including those who work within the UN system. O God Who Formed Creation, written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette was sung.
My presentation focused on the history of the United Nations, ways the United Nations is at work today, and ideas for how Presbyterian Women and other Presbyterians can engage in ministry on issues related to the United Nations. The women in attendance at the gathering filled in cards advocating for the United States to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; they filled in Red Hands cards calling for an end to the use of children as soldiers; and they took cards to participate in the campaign for the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.
How will you celebrate United Nations Day?