Peace Day Pray 09/21/2013

Posts tagged 2012 stories

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Photo above shows the participant group from the International Day of Prayer Peace celebration sponsored by Unity in the Community in Manassas, Virginia (Photo credit: Beverly Vogel). Below is the program from the event. UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY’S MISSION: To Cultivate an appreciation of the cultural heritages present in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park, Virginia; to Promote cross-cultural understanding; to Instruct all citizens in anti-bias skills, cultural diversity and basic human rights. Thanks to Illana Naylor for providing the following information:   International Day of Prayer for Peace September 23, 2012 3:00 – 5:00 PM Loving One Another as Peoples of the World: Praying for Ceasefire Manassas First African Methodist Episcopal Church 10313 South Grant Avenue Manassas, VA 20110 Rev. Ronald A. Boykin, Pastor Opening Processional Vinnie Henley, Minster of Music Manassas First A.M.E. Church Welcome to Manassas First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Carol Rogers Manassas First A.M.E Church Greeting Unity in the Community Kathy Clark, Chairperson Dar AlNoor Islamic Community Center Adhan/Call to Prayer Imam Cemal Gumus The Adhan is given to assemble Muslims for prayer. An English translation of the Adhan, which is always given in Arabic.  God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest,         God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest,  I bear witness that there is no deity but God,         I bear witness that there is no deity but God, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God;         I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God, Come to prayer, Come to prayer, Come to success, Come to success, God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, There is no deity but God. Congregation Ner Shalom                               The Jewish New Year Rabbi Jennifer Weiner                                                            Courtney Leach, Reader Congregational Affirmation: Loving One Another as Peoples of the World. Sikh Center of Virginia Bhai Pargat Singh Jee & Group Pargat Singh, Mohmeet Singh  Choudhry and Bassir A. Wodjouatt “naa ko bairee nehee bigaanaa, sagal sa(n)g ham ko ban aaee” Translation; No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone. Shawnee Indian Tribe of the Shenandoah Sheila Hooty First Baptist Church of Manassas - Youth for Tomorrow          André Porter, Director and Musician                               Mighty God - Percy Gray, Jr. Ready - Malcolm Williams                Manassas Mosque Imam Abu Nahidian Congregational Affirmation: Loving One Another as Peoples of the World. Canticle of Peace Joseph M. Martin Canticle of Peace was written in memory of the Kirkwood, Missouri, City Hall Shootings, February 7, 2008. It is dedicated to community healing and reconciliation. Manassas Chorale Becky Verner, Director of Music                            Jonathan P. Laird, Accompanist Manassas Baptist Church NAACP of Prince William County Ralph Smith Bull Run Unitarian Universalists                                              Gentle PersUUasion                                                               John Werntz, Director                                                                      Get Together - Chet Williams From a Distance - Julie Gold Crystal Grove Online   Diverse or Divisive? Rev Kate Chmielewski Congregational Affirmation: Loving One Another as Peoples of the World. Wat Lao Buddhavong of Washington, DC Chant and music for peace and compassion Mr. Somphone Sayasithsena, Music Leader            Ven. Dr. Howard M. Edwards A Litany of Peace for Christian Voices Rev. Dr. Jeff Carter Jesus teaches: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” All Saints Roman Catholic Church Dick Quintana, President, St. Vincent de Paul Society Central to the church is the message of Christ Jesus and God’s call upon each individual and our corporate body. Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Manassas Rev. Jeffrey M. Wilson We seek the way of Christ; a way of hope, love, joy, and peace. Buckhall United Methodist Church Rev. Linda Monroe The People Respond: May we know of such hope, love, joy, and peace. Jesus gives: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Chaplain Services, Prince William Hospital Rev. Jonna Humphrey Peace is not something we strive to attain, but a gift we receive and extend to others. St. Paul United Methodist Church Rev. Larry Craddock, Senior Pastor It is by living into the gift of peace that peace is revealed in our own lives, between neighbors, and among nations. Don Bosco Center Fr. Ramon Dominguez The People Respond: May we see such peace in the world.   Jesus proclaims: “Peace be with you.” Manassas First A.M.E. Church Rev. Larry Rogers We confess those times when peace is withheld. Holy Family Roman Catholic Church Fr. Gerry Creedon Moments in history when war is waged with our blessing or worse, with our silence. When labels are cast in an effort to divide and diminish our neighbor. When peace is seen as a gift for some and not for all. First Baptist Church of Manassas Rev. Ralston Mitchell The People Respond: May our spirits grieve those times when we have withheld the gift of peace. And yet in the face of violence, division, and destruction, the Christian church is called to carry forth the message: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Manassas Church of the Brethren Rev. Dana Cassell As Christ is our center, we affirm his teaching, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Rev. Ever Garcia We affirm his gift, “my peace I give to you.” Covenant Presbyterian Church Rev. Knox Swayze And we say to all, “Peace be with you.” Trinity Episcopal Church Very Rev. Stuart Schadt The People Respond: Let it be so… Spanish Choir of All Saints Catholic Church               Armando Villagomez, Principal Director Ivan Sanchez, Second Director                                                        Lord, Make Me An Instrument Of Your Peace- St. Francis of Assisi - Sebastian Temple Color Esperanza - Diego Torres Congregational Affirmation: Loving One Another as Peoples of the World. Closing Remarks Rev. Carol Rogers Manassas First A.M.E. Church An Interfaith Benediction  LEADER:     May the holy One bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heat! Manassas First A.M.E. Church Rev. Carol Rogers LEADER:     May the holy One bless you with anger at   injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, peace, freedom, and peace. Bull Run Unitarian Universalist Rev. Greg Ward LEADER:     May the holy One bless you with tears to shed    for those who suffer from pain, rejection, and stigma, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them, turning their pain into joy. Manassas Mosque Imam Abu Nahidian LEADER:     May the holy One bless you with foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, doing what  others claim cannot be done!                                                                                                                                           Unity in the Community Kathy Clark, Chairperson  Congregational Affirmation: Loving One Another as Peoples of the World. Closing Recessional Vinny Henley, Minster of Music Manassas First A.M.E. Church You are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the conclusion of the service for a shared repast. A donation of non-perishable foods for the food pantries at ACTS and NVFS/SERVE is requested.  Non-perishable foods may be left in the baskets in the narthex at the back of the church. Portions of this afternoon’s service will be photographed and available on DVD.  If you prefer that your picture not be included please speak to an usher. Unity in the Community recognizes the gracious hospitality of Manassas First A.M.E. Church and thanks them for hosting this event.  The Peace Day “Praying for Ceasefire” Campaign is coordinated by On Earth Peace, an agency rooted in the Church of the Brethren working with groups of many backgrounds to stop violence and build reconciliation. We are pleased to work with campaign co-sponsors the World Council of Churches, Fellowship of Reconciliation (USA), and the Justice and Witness Ministries office of the United Church of Christ, and in close collaboration with the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCCC). Acknowledgements: Manassas First A.M.E. Church Bev Vogel for photography,  www.bevsphototreasures.com Rev. Dr. Jeff Carter for the Christian litany and Rev. Dana  Cassell and Manassas Church of the Brethren Youth for ushering

Photo above shows the participant group from the International Day of Prayer Peace celebration sponsored by Unity in the Community in Manassas, Virginia (Photo credit: Beverly Vogel). Below is the program from the event.

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY’S MISSION:

To Cultivate an appreciation of the cultural heritages present in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park, Virginia;

to Promote cross-cultural understanding; to Instruct all citizens in anti-bias skills, cultural diversity and basic human rights.

Thanks to Illana Naylor for providing the following information:  

International Day of Prayer for Peace

September 23, 2012

3:00 – 5:00 PM


Loving One Another as Peoples of the World:
Praying for Ceasefire

Manassas First African Methodist Episcopal Church

10313 South Grant Avenue

Manassas, VA 20110

Rev. Ronald A. Boykin, Pastor

Opening Processional

Vinnie Henley, Minster of Music

Manassas First A.M.E. Church

Welcome to Manassas First African Methodist Episcopal Church

Rev. Carol Rogers

Manassas First A.M.E Church

Greeting

Unity in the Community

Kathy Clark, Chairperson

Dar AlNoor Islamic Community Center

Adhan/Call to Prayer

Imam Cemal Gumus

The Adhan is given to assemble Muslims for prayer.

An English translation of the Adhan, which is always given in Arabic.


 God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest,
        God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, 

I bear witness that there is no deity but God,
        I bear witness that there is no deity but God,

I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God;
        I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God,

Come to prayer, Come to prayer,
Come to success, Come to success,
God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest,
There is no deity but God.

Congregation Ner Shalom                              

The Jewish New Year

Rabbi Jennifer Weiner                                                           

Courtney Leach, Reader

Congregational Affirmation:

Loving One Another as Peoples of the World.

Sikh Center of Virginia

Bhai Pargat Singh Jee & Group

Pargat Singh, Mohmeet Singh  Choudhry and Bassir A. Wodjouatt

“naa ko bairee nehee bigaanaa, sagal sa(n)g ham ko ban aaee”

Translation; No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger.

I get along with everyone.

Shawnee Indian Tribe of the Shenandoah

Sheila Hooty

First Baptist Church of Manassas - Youth for Tomorrow         

André Porter, Director and Musician                              

Mighty God - Percy Gray, Jr.

Ready - Malcolm Williams               

Manassas Mosque

Imam Abu Nahidian

Congregational Affirmation:

Loving One Another as Peoples of the World.

Canticle of Peace

Joseph M. Martin

Canticle of Peace was written in memory of the Kirkwood, Missouri, City Hall Shootings, February 7, 2008.

It is dedicated to community healing and reconciliation.

Manassas Chorale

Becky Verner, Director of Music                           

Jonathan P. Laird, Accompanist

Manassas Baptist Church

NAACP of Prince William County

Ralph Smith

Bull Run Unitarian Universalists                                             

Gentle PersUUasion                                                              

John Werntz, Director                                                                     

Get Together - Chet Williams

From a Distance - Julie Gold

Crystal Grove Online  

Diverse or Divisive?

Rev Kate Chmielewski

Congregational Affirmation:

Loving One Another as Peoples of the World.

Wat Lao Buddhavong of Washington, DC

Chant and music for peace and compassion

Mr. Somphone Sayasithsena, Music Leader            Ven. Dr. Howard M. Edwards

A Litany of Peace for Christian Voices

Rev. Dr. Jeff Carter

Jesus teaches: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”

All Saints Roman Catholic Church

Dick Quintana, President, St. Vincent de Paul Society

Central to the church is the message of Christ Jesus and God’s call upon each individual and our corporate body.

Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Manassas

Rev. Jeffrey M. Wilson

We seek the way of Christ; a way of hope, love, joy, and peace.

Buckhall United Methodist Church

Rev. Linda Monroe

The People Respond:

May we know of such hope, love, joy, and peace.

Jesus gives: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

Chaplain Services, Prince William Hospital

Rev. Jonna Humphrey

Peace is not something we strive to attain, but a gift we receive and extend to others.

St. Paul United Methodist Church

Rev. Larry Craddock, Senior Pastor

It is by living into the gift of peace that peace is revealed in our own lives, between neighbors, and among nations.

Don Bosco Center

Fr. Ramon Dominguez

The People Respond:

May we see such peace in the world.

 

Jesus proclaims: “Peace be with you.”

Manassas First A.M.E. Church

Rev. Larry Rogers

We confess those times when peace is withheld.

Holy Family Roman Catholic Church

Fr. Gerry Creedon

Moments in history when war is waged with our blessing or worse, with our silence.

When labels are cast in an effort to divide and diminish our neighbor.

When peace is seen as a gift for some

and not for all.

First Baptist Church of Manassas

Rev. Ralston Mitchell

The People Respond:

May our spirits grieve those times when we have withheld the gift of peace.

And yet in the face of violence, division, and destruction, the Christian church is called to carry forth the message: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Manassas Church of the Brethren

Rev. Dana Cassell

As Christ is our center, we affirm his teaching, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church

Rev. Ever Garcia

We affirm his gift, “my peace I give to you.”

Covenant Presbyterian Church

Rev. Knox Swayze

And we say to all, “Peace be with you.”

Trinity Episcopal Church

Very Rev. Stuart Schadt

The People Respond:

Let it be so…

Spanish Choir of All Saints Catholic Church              

Armando Villagomez, Principal Director

Ivan Sanchez, Second Director                                                       

Lord, Make Me An Instrument Of Your Peace- St. Francis of Assisi - Sebastian Temple

Color Esperanza - Diego Torres

Congregational Affirmation:

Loving One Another as Peoples of the World.

Closing Remarks

Rev. Carol Rogers

Manassas First A.M.E. Church

An Interfaith Benediction 

LEADER:     May the holy One bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heat!

Manassas First A.M.E. Church

Rev. Carol Rogers

LEADER:     May the holy One bless you with anger at   injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, peace, freedom, and peace.

Bull Run Unitarian Universalist

Rev. Greg Ward

LEADER:     May the holy One bless you with tears to shed    for those who suffer from pain, rejection, and stigma, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them, turning their pain into joy.

Manassas Mosque

Imam Abu Nahidian

LEADER:     May the holy One bless you with foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, doing what  others claim cannot be done!

                                                                                                                                          Unity in the Community

Kathy Clark, Chairperson 

Congregational Affirmation:

Loving One Another as Peoples of the World.


Closing Recessional

Vinny Henley, Minster of Music

Manassas First A.M.E. Church

You are invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the conclusion of the service for a shared repast.

A donation of non-perishable foods for the food pantries at ACTS and NVFS/SERVE is requested.  Non-perishable foods may be left in the baskets in the narthex at the back of the church.

Portions of this afternoon’s service will be photographed and available on DVD.  If you prefer that your picture not be included please speak to an usher.

Unity in the Community recognizes the gracious hospitality of Manassas First A.M.E. Church and thanks them for hosting this event. 

The Peace Day “Praying for Ceasefire” Campaign is coordinated by On Earth Peace, an agency rooted in the Church of the Brethren working with groups of many backgrounds to stop violence and build reconciliation. We are pleased to work with campaign co-sponsors the World Council of Churches, Fellowship of Reconciliation (USA), and the Justice and Witness Ministries office of the United Church of Christ, and in close collaboration with the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCCC).

Acknowledgements:

Manassas First A.M.E. Church

Bev Vogel for photography,  www.bevsphototreasures.com

Rev. Dr. Jeff Carter for the Christian litany and Rev. Dana  Cassell and Manassas Church of the Brethren Youth for ushering

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Peace Day 2012 Report- DR CONGO - Shalom Ministry for Reconciliation and Development (SHAMIREDE), Peace Agency of the Church of the Brethren in Congo

Gathering of Prayer for Peace Report

The International Day of Peace has passed last week, but we want to continue to encourage that every day of our lives to come to pray for a day where peace. This campaign was been  Organized by Shalom Ministry for Reconciliation and Development (SHAMIREDE) in short an agency of peace build of the Church of the brethren in DRCongo in collaboration with other Christian local peace organizations of this area held on 21stSeptember 2012. We have pray for peace in the world and the Eastern provinces of our country whom lack peace since 1996 to now.

 We have started the event of prayer at the morning into the worship house of the Church of the Brethren. The leaders from others Christian congregation as Methodist, Friends, Mennonite, Anglican and Orthodox. One hundred and five Christian have attend this event whom 80 women and 25 man. At this occasion we have trained the youth on healing the wounds of ethnic conflict.

The group of women from the different Christian congregation, have attend the event of International Day of peace, each of them have bring the food for the participants. We have start the event at 7h30 Am with the worship song of one hour after this step we continue a small workshop on healing the wounds of ethnic conflict four hours, Ministries service, prayers and song. We have closing our campaign with sharing meals together at 18h00 pm.

 In the next year we plan organize it for one week of training for peace, prayers and singing the song together.

For SHAMIREDE

Lubungo A. Ron

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Peace Day 2012 - Manistee Peace Group (Michigan, USA) - 

The Manistee Peace Group purchased copies of the book The Peace Book to be given to each school and library in the county.  On September 21st, members of the Peace Group read the book to school children and leftcopies at the school along with a syllabus of peace activities forteachers to use. - Carol Voigts

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Peace Day 2012 Report - Church of the Brethren in Nigeria

Dear Peace Prayer Partner,
We thank God that   ‘On Earth Prayer for Peace Day 2012’ has come and gone.
 
We observed the day with great zeal. We the Brethren Evangelism Support Trust (BEST) a Faith Based N.G.O. of Church of the Brethren in Nigeria  collaborated with the youths of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) to organize the programme comprising of the following:
 
1.     The programme took place at the Church in Utako,  Abuja.  The Youths staged a beautiful drama depicting two warring communities ( Atagara and Bokko) on land and water, killing and miming themselves. Later  a peace group came in to settle their differences. At the end they sang a peace song.
 
2. Youths from diverse backgrounds, dressed in their various traditional costumes sang praise worship and peace songs in their various languages.
 
3        We had four (4)  prayer warriors that offered prayers crying to God to bring peace to the world, especially crisis zones of the world and in particular the North-East of Nigeria which is held captive by the Islamic religious sect Boko Haram.
 
4. A sermon was delivered by the Pastor of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) Utako, Rev, and Daniel Y.C Mbaya on the theme “Praying for ceasefire” it was a powerful sermon that pierces the hearts of those in attendance.  He called for Christian all over the world to watch their ways, respect and  love each other  and come to God with contrite spirit, God will hear and  heal our lands and give us peace.                                                             
 

The venue was Church of the Brethren Nigeria, Utako, Abuja, Nigeria.

It was attended by people invited all around Abuja and there were 130 people in attendance. The programme was done on Saturday 22nd Sept, 2012.
 
Please find attached some pictures of the activities of that day.
 

Dr. Mrs. Esther Ahudiyu T. Mangzha

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Peace Day 2012 Report - United Methodist Church of Merced, California, USA - We held a peace vigil beginning at 12:00 Noon on the 21st. The church bells rang out at noon so the neighborhood could here. A small group of nine pray-ers met in the sanctuary, 5 Methodists and 2 Christian Church members. A single candle was lit. We began with the Prayer of St. Francis. Prayers for our inner peace, for the peace community, for peace in our nation, and in the world were lifted up with silent prayer time in between each. A prayer litany was led by Pastor Jay Pierce. The half-hour service was ended with singing “Let There Be Peace On Earth” and with the Passing of the Peace of Christ. It was a simple, but very moving, time of prayer. - Connie Jones

Peace Day 2012 Report - United Methodist Church of Merced, California, USA - We held a peace vigil beginning at 12:00 Noon on the 21st. The church bells rang out at noon so the neighborhood could here. A small group of nine pray-ers met in the sanctuary, 5 Methodists and 2 Christian Church members. A single candle was lit. We began with the Prayer of St. Francis. Prayers for our inner peace, for the peace community, for peace in our nation, and in the world were lifted up with silent prayer time in between each. A prayer litany was led by Pastor Jay Pierce. The half-hour service was ended with singing “Let There Be Peace On Earth” and with the Passing of the Peace of Christ. It was a simple, but very moving, time of prayer.

- Connie Jones

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Peace Day 2012 Report from Dominican Sisters of Peace - Great Bend Motherhouse, Great Bend, Kansas, USAPrayer Service at Great Bend Motherhouse - Dominican Sisters of Peace — for International Day of Prayer for PeaceThe Dominican Sisters of Peace at the Motherhouse in Great Bend celebrated the International Day of Prayer for Peace at Evening Prayer, September 21, with the service prepared for the Congregation by Connie Burkholder, Liturgist for the Motherhouse. The prayer incorporated the familiar “Preach peace. Build peace. Be peace.” Sister Jolene Geier (Great Bend) led the service, Soon-To-Be-Candidate Anne Knight (Great Bend) read the selections from the prophets Isaiah and Micah. Connie Burkholder inspired those present with her powerful preaching.

Peace Day 2012 Report from Dominican Sisters of Peace - Great Bend Motherhouse, Great Bend, Kansas, USA

Prayer Service at Great Bend Motherhouse - Dominican Sisters of Peace — for International Day of Prayer for Peace

The Dominican Sisters of Peace at the Motherhouse in Great Bend celebrated the International Day of Prayer for Peace at Evening Prayer, September 21, with the service prepared for the Congregation by Connie Burkholder, Liturgist for the Motherhouse. The prayer incorporated the familiar “Preach peace. Build peace. Be peace.” Sister Jolene Geier (Great Bend) led the service, Soon-To-Be-Candidate Anne Knight (Great Bend) read the selections from the prophets Isaiah and Micah. Connie Burkholder inspired those present with her powerful preaching.

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Peace Day 2012 Report - Lititz Church of the Brethren, Lititz, Pennsylvania, USA. A meaningful prayer service was held around the Peace Pole last evening (9/23). The resources provided by On Earth Peace were very helpful and appreciated. We closed with a time of reflection as each person lit a candle and shared their prayer for peace. The service closed with the singing of the hymn, “Let There be Peace on Earth”. - Jim Gibbel

Peace Day 2012 Report - Lititz Church of the Brethren, Lititz, Pennsylvania, USA.

A meaningful prayer service was held around the Peace Pole last evening (9/23). The resources provided by On Earth Peace were very helpful and appreciated. We closed with a time of reflection as each person lit a candle and shared their prayer for peace. The service closed with the singing of the hymn, “Let There be Peace on Earth”.

- Jim Gibbel

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Peace Day 2012 Report from Miami First Church of the Brethren - Miami, Florida, USA.

Top Photo: “Here is the special altar we set up with weapons lying in the shadow of the cross.”

2nd Photo: “The worship team leading - Damian Izquierdo and Michael Camps on percussion and Matthew Harden on Piano. Not seen is Wayne Sutton on guitar.”


3rd Photo: “Rolando Soler have us good insights into the law. He is a former Assistant Attorney General for the state and has worked with other cases involving “Stand Your Ground.” He shared one particular case study, which began four years ago and is still in process.”

4th Photo: “The  church stands to sing.”

5th Photo: “Following the service, a time of fellowship. Here Maggie Izquierdo talks to Gretchen Knaus (seated) and Corazon Ballantine.”

On Peace Day itself, Friday evening, we sponsored a community forum at our meeting place. Sadly, the community did not turn out as we had hoped, but the church members who came were enlightened on details of the “Stand Your Ground” law here in Florida, in the news now because of the Trayvon Martin case. We had a former Assistant Attorney General for Florida come and share information, using a case study of a similar incident he has been involved in prosecuting since 2008.

Then on Sunday morning, we held a special worship service. We had hoped to have this outdoors at a nearby park, but heavy rains all weekend caused us to move it into our building. Kayla Alphonse, Jessica Cadette, and Amy Forde planned the service, which featured Scripture, stories of peacemaking around the world, interspersed with candelighting and songs, while peacemaking photos and images were on our screen. I concluded with a message called “God’s Answer to Violence.”

My message basically addressed four wrong answers to why violence or calamity happens:
     1. The ATHEIST answer - no God. Quoted Dr. King - if there is no higher law, there is no way to know if a particular human law was just or unjust. If there is no God, then why be outraged? The strong eat the weak, that’s life. Violence is natural.
     2. The DEIST answer - There is a God, but He is not in control. This does not fit the Bible’s definition of God (Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:2-3,10-12) If it’s all just by natural forces, then again, violence is natural. No reason to be outraged, or to resist it.
     3. The MORALIST answer - God punishing the wicked. The Bible forcefully rejects this. (Job 42:7-8) We’re all guilty. (Isa. 53:6) (Rom 3:10-12, quoting Psalms 14 and 53)
     4. The QUIETIST answer - God IS in control, just be quiet and trust Him. Partly right, but still inadequate. The Bible gives us more with which to face the violence.
 
One satisfactory answer. God did not create the world with death and evil. We did that by turning from Him. We were put here to wholly live for Him, but instead, we live for ourselves. Of all major religions, only one says that God came here and became subject to violence and death Himself - to take our punishment, so that He, in return, can end all suffering without ending US.
     So we don’t know the answer. But we do know what it cannot be - that God doesn’t love us. It may not be the full answer we desire, but it is the answer we need. (This, of course is just a summary, minus Scripture references and illustrations.)


A full photo album of the weekend is on our church’s Facebook page.

~ Pastor Ray Hileman

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Peace Day 2012 Report - Lynchburg, Virginia, USA.  Pinwheels for Peace—Youth, adults and friends of the church created 250 colorful pinwheels for peace. Each pinwheel contained the participant’s ideas for what makes a more peaceful world. On Saturday, September 22, participants gathered at the church to place the pinwheels on the hillside of the church. Many people stopped to wave in support. -Jennifer Foust

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Peace Day 2012 Report from Penn State University - University Park, Pennsylvania, USA. Sacred kirtan artist Jai-Jagdeesh, world-renowned sitarist Leonardo Har Prakash, and percussion master Tripp Dudley performed live at Penn State University’s Pasquerilla Spiritual Center during International Peace Week. The trio offered yoga and meditation with live music as well as a live performance. - Beth Bradley