‘A Future and a Hope’ is theme for Day of Prayer for Peace.

In 2010, On Earth Peace invites individuals, families, and faith and community groups to participate in the International Day of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 21, on the theme, "A Future and a Hope" (Jeremiah 29). On Earth Peace is an agency of the Church of the Brethren empowering people to discern the things that make for peace.

Together with ecumenical partners including the Lutheran Peace Fellowship and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA), On Earth Peace calls all people of goodwill to consider observing the International Day of Prayer for Peace. An initiative of the United Nations and the World Council of Churches, the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDOPP) is intended as a time for guns, armies, and militias to go silent through 24-hour ceasefires observed around the world.

This year marks On Earth Peace’s fourth annual campaign for the IDOPP. Hundreds of participating groups in previous years have prepared public prayer vigils, prayerful community walks, vesper services, rallies, public art displays, and events ranging from a few minutes to 24 hours of coordinated prayer for peace.

Highlights of the 2010 IDOPP campaign include online registration for individuals, families, and faith and community groups at www.prayforpeaceday.org, a website offering activity ideas, links to partner organizations, and a community organizing handbook for IDOPP participants; and Nonviolence Leadership Seminars via conference call on topics including listening initiatives, planning an effective vigil, and attracting publicity for an event. Conference calls are scheduled for June 10, 10-11 a.m. (Pacific time); June 22, 3-4 p.m. (Pacific); July 14, 1-2 p.m. (Pacific); and Aug. 5, 10-11 a.m. (Pacific). For more about the conference calls contact Michael Colvin at mcolvin@onearthpeace.org or 626-802-5900.

This year, for the first time, On Earth Peace is requesting a participation fee to help cover the costs of organizing the campaign. Starting at a minimum of $1, the suggested fee for individuals and families is $20, with other suggested fees for faith and community groups of 35-100 depending on the size of the group.

Individuals and groups also are invited to participate in Change for Peace, a few moments of daily reflection and prayer when participants deposit their daily pocket change in an offering for peace, and pray for strength, inspiration, and courage to engage the many faces of violence. Some congregations plan to do this as a group activity.

On Earth Peace is seeking 10 faith and community groups who will commit to do a listening initiative as part of the preparation for a Sept. 21 prayer vigil. Listening initiatives are a focused time of gathering up stories and information, and can lead to deeper relationships and opportunities for real community change.

Follow-up trainings include "You Can’t Stop the River: Nonviolent Community Leadership," on Oct. 28-31, in Harrisburg, Pa.;, and Salt and Light, a seven-month extended learning program focused on nonviolent community mobilization to take place from Oct. 2010-May 2011.

Through the 2010 IDOPP campaign, On Earth Peace hopes to connect with many individuals and emerging leaders for peace and nonviolence, in order to walk and work together to build more peaceful communities and organize alternatives to violence, oppression, and poverty. For more information go to www.prayforpeaceday.org and www.onearthpeace.org.

Source: 6/4/2010 Newsline