Peace Day (formerly called the International Day of Prayer for Peace) is a rallying call to bring people together to think about how this peace can transform relationships and communities. Sometimes it feels like violence is all around, and that peace is unattainable, but Jesus gives us peace and calls us to be peacemakers who build up our world and our communities. "My peace I leave with you" (John 14:27). Asked how many times to forgive, Jesus responded, "Not 7 times, but 77 times" (Matthew 18:22). How can we all live into his peace?
This
year’s Peace Day theme is a reminder of the situations and
relationships into which we have the ability to bring peace. Communities
are filled with opportunities to bring the peace of Jesus into
neighborhoods, for the possibility of transformation and reconciliation.Last year, more than 170 congregations participated, including more than 90 Church of the Brethren congregations. The public events of Peace Day 2012 included prayer, cultural sharing, music, and art that brought communities together to talk and pray with one another.
On Earth Peace, the Church of the Brethren, the World Council of Churches, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, and the United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries invite and encourage the organizing of Peace Day events this year on or near Sept. 21.
Already churches and groups have signed up from places as different as Pennsylvania and the Congo. Join them, and start thinking about how to engage your communities on Peace Day this September. Here are some possibilities:
- Sign up your church or group to participate at http://peacedaypray.tumblr.com/join .
- Keep up with the latest news on Peace Day 2013 at http://peacedaypray.tumblr.com .
- “Like” Peace Day on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peacedaypray .
- Follow Peace Day on Twitter @peacedaypray .
Source: 7/24/2013 Newsline
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