wfn.org | Over 190 hear peacemaking program overview

[PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org]

04-July-1996 
 
GA96097 
 
 
    Over 190 hear peacemaking program overview 
 
 
ALBUQUERQUE - Over 190 guests heard a quick overview of the work of the 
Presbyterian peacemaking program -- from intergenerational training at home 
to visiting Croatian towns shattered by war -- during Thursday's annual 
peacemaking leadership lunch. 
 
    A search process is under way for a new program director, according to 
the Rev. Ed Craxton, an associate director in the Congregational Ministries 
Division, where peacemaking is lodged.  There is a July 31 application 
deadline. 
 
    Longtime program director the Rev. Richard Killmer left the position in 
early 1996 and accepted a position with the National Council of Churches 
(NCC) in New York City. 
 
    Craxton reported that interviews will be held in August and September, 
in hopes of having a new director in place by November. 
 
    Interim director the Rev. Bill Peterson invited the luncheon guests to 
sign-up now for peacemaking staff to visit congregations for teaching and 
training events.  Sign-ups formally begin in the fall, he said. 
 
    Associate for middle governing bodies Sara Lisherness reported that the 
annual conference, "Together at the Well," will be held Aug. 3-7 in Estes 
Park, Col., and Aug. 11-15 in Montreat, N.C.  It is an intergenerational 
program focused on integrating the search for inward peace with work for 
world peace.   She said two study resources, "Rebuilding Peacemaking in 
Nehemiah," and "Forgiveness" are available now. 
 
    Bob Smylie, director of the Presbyterian United Nations office, 
reminded the gathering about the office's extensive education program. 
Melissa Gillis, the U.N. office's associate for research and program, said 
staff there will develop seminars for congregations, synods and 
presbyteries. 
 
    The U.N. seminar program, she said, is currently set to offer: 
 
    * "Christian Vision and the Global Challenge," Nov. 13-15, exploring 
strategies for just and sustainable human development. 
    *  "Sixth Annual January Term:  U.N. For a Better World," Jan. 5-21. 
(Students may earn college credit.) 
    *  "Children in War: Building Zones of Peace," March 5-7, addressing 
child refugees, child soldiers, the effects of land mines, famine and 
disease. 
    *  "The U.N. and the U.S.:  Partners for the 21st Century," May 14-16, 
examining the role of the U.S. at the U.N. 
    * "Just Peace and the Rule of Law," Nov. 12-14, addressing advanced 
study of the concepts of just peace and the rule of law. 
 
    Associate for middle governing bodies Donna Miller said the annual 
peacemaking offering was up 14 percent this year and two to three 
congregations each week are making a commitment to peacemaking.  She said 
nearly two-thirds of the presbyteries are reporting increases in their 
peacemaking offerings. 
 
    Associate for peacemaking partnerships Debbie Vial introduced the new 
video, "Light and Shadow," depicting last winter's Presbyterian travel 
study seminar to visit Christians and Muslims in Croatia and Bosnia.  The 
video, she said, cannot be sold but is available in presbytery resource 
centers. 
 
    Commissioner Gary Friend of Muskingum Presbytery presented program 
staff with a print entitled, "World Peace Angel," by Connecticut artist 
Joanne Koenig-Macko.  Friend said three of the prints hang at the U.N. and 
a fourth at the White House.  "We felt that at least one of these should be 
hanging here," he said of the presbytery's gift. 
 
 
Alexa Smith 

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