World Peacemaking and Mission

A series of Outreach "re-envisioning" workshops were held in 2002, focussed separately on Peacemaking and on World Mission. Upon reflection, we realized that many of our ideas were complementary for empowering and educating the congregation, promoting peace and justice and for carrying out our mission in God's world. So we have joined forces...

Although there is a long history of activisim and of peacemaking at Third Church, much of Third's recent outreach effort has been focussed on local mission (not world) projects. Until now...

What do we do?

1. We campaign on behalf of those imprisoned for their political and religious beliefs by writing letters through Amnesty International.
2. We hold Education Events with a focus on peacemaking or international issues:
1. AIDS awareness in S. Africa
2. Personal experiences from ground zero
3. Carla Cunningham's interpretation of the Middle East.
3. At Christmas we sell UNICEF Christmas cards and gunlocks. Proceeds are used to support UNICEF and (in 2003) Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for Iraq.
4. We support the Jim Rice Essay Contest for teenagers
5. We promote the sale of fairly traded coffee through the Presbyterian Coffee Project
6. We offer prayer suggestings for peacemaking

What are we doing in 2003?

Out of our "re-envisioning" workshops have come many new ideas. We're working to put these new ideas into action, and can use your help! Here are ideas we're investigating this year:

1. Leading Bible studies on Peacemaking and Ethics of the Common Good
2. Campaigning for a peaceful resolution to the Iraqi conflict and the situation in the Middle East.
3. Start dialogue with other groups in the city focused on reducing crime and violence.
4. Promote awareness of PC(USA) missionaries around the world and the different programs supported by the Presbyterian Church.
5. Promote awareness of what other Presbyterian churches in our Presbytery are doing locally and beyond.
6. Promote awareness of what other churches along East Avenue are doing.
7. Educate our congregation on boycotts supported by the PCUSA
8. Hold a World Meal where 90% eat rice and bread and 10% eat a turkey meal with all the trimmings
9. Have a social justice games night where all of the games challenge us to reflect on situations around the world.

How to learn more?

Sign up for emails: tpcWorld_Peacemaking_and_Mission-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Contact: Robert.veitch@mail.com