Lutheran Peace Fellowship

Youth E-News: Sowing Seeds of Peace
"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" - James 3:18

December 15, 2006
A Publication of Lutheran Peace Fellowship
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Welcome

Well, it’s that time of year again: the “holiday” season has arrived and is now in full swing. For many people, this means a time of parties, shopping, and presents, which all seem to translate directly into stress, anxiousness, and irritability. It seems everywhere you turn there is another ad for the best present to get your best friend/sister/brother/mother/father/pet/spouse/etc. As Christians, though, we are reminded that this season is not about buying presents or dressing to impress at holiday parties; instead, Advent is about preparing for the Prince of Peace.

This year, as in past years, I have been trying to come up with great alternatives to the traditional “consumerist” Christmas presents. I’ve been trying to remind myself that this season is not about gifts. I have been trying to truly make this a season of peace. I’ve realized, however, that rather than being less stressful, making Advent a season to prepare for the Prince of Peace can sometimes feel just as stressful as braving shopping malls, though in a different way.

I have been thinking a lot about why this might be, and have come up with at least one reason: buying presents is easy. Even if malls and other shopping locations are crowded and sometimes crazy, you can usually find something, even if it is not exactly what you had in mind. To go against this trend and to really celebrate Advent and Christmas as a time of hope and of peace is to go against the way of the world, and is rarely easy.

As Christians, we are not called to do what is easy; buying presents for our loved ones and ignoring the fires of war and destruction in other parts of the world may be easy, but that does not help bring peace to our world. In a true vision of shalom, we are called to remember the whole community in which we live, and to help others also realize this vision, so that some day, perhaps, wholeness, community, and respect will be as important (if not more!) as parties, shopping, and presents. In the meantime, let us remember the true meaning of Advent and search for ways to bring God’s peace to the world.

–Allyson Fredericksen, LPF Youth Trainer and Program Coordinator

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for future issues, e-mail me at lpfyouth@gmail.com. Also, if you are on myspace, join our myspace group at www.groups.myspace.com/lutheranpeace

Workshops Available!

Are you interested in hosting an LPF workshop? This year, we are offering workshops on the following:

- Peacemaking in the Real World
- Christian Peacemaking
- Hunger and Conflict
- Cycles of Violence and Nonviolence
- How to Be a Bridge in a World Full of Walls
- Breaking the Silence: A Christian Response to Domestic Abuse
- Leadership Training for Peacemakers

Each workshop is highly participatory and activity-based, helping participants gain insight by doing, not only by hearing or reading. If you or someone you know are interested, email me at lpfyouth@gmail.com or call the LPF office at 206-720-0313 (voice mail #2).

News Articles on Peace and Justice

Riders from the Storm: “New Orleans shuttle buses speed economic growth.” For the full story, visit http://www.realchangenews.org/2006/2006_12_06/riders.html

Women Demand End to Darfur Rapes: “International stateswomen have made a joint call for an end to rape and sexual violence in Sudan's conflict-torn region of Darfur.” For the full story, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6165017.stm

Peacekeepers Kill 3: “African Union peacekeepers killed three Darfur rioters when a crowd of angry refugees threatened to break into their base in the town of El Geneina, a U.N. official said Monday.” For the full story, visit http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/12/11/sudan.darfur.ap/index.html

Lutheran Volunteer Corps

The Lutheran Volunteer Corps is a one-year, full-time domestic volunteer program that offers people a challenging year of spiritual and personal exploration while working for social justice, living in intentional community and simplifying their lifestyles. Volunteers are placed in full-time positions in non-profit organizations in Baltimore, MD; Wilmington, DE; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN; Seattle and Tacoma, WA; and Oakland, CA. Volunteers receive a stipend to cover basic living and personal expenses, health insurance, and time off for retreats and vacation. Also included is student loan deferment and potential qualification for the $4,700 AmeriCorps Education Grant.

Volunteers provide direct service to people in need, organize their communities for social and political change, and advocate for better policies on a wide variety of issues. Issues include AIDS/HIV, addiction and recovery, anti-racism, children and youth, community development, education, employment, the environment, food and hunger, GLBT rights, health care, housing and homelessness, immigration and refugees, international solidarity, legal assistance, peace and non-violence, people with disabilities, seniors and women. Most positions are entry level and require little or no previous experience except a passion for social justice, flexibility, and a sense of humor!

LVC is on a Journey to an Inclusive Community, forming and strengthening alliances among people of many cultures and communities, and intentionally dismantling racism within LVC, the church and society. As a Reconciling in Christ organization, LVC welcomes and encourages the participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in all aspects of LVC. LVC volunteers come from a wide variety of faith backgrounds, and do not need to be Lutheran. Married and committed partners are welcome to apply. While there is no upper age limit, volunteers should be at least 21 to participate. The program begins in late August of each year. Application deadlines are February 1, March 15, and May 1. Contact Kelly Shinn, Recruitment Coordinator, at 202-387-3222 or lvcrecruitment@lutheranvolunteercorps.org for more information.

Advocacy Alerts

Million Voices for Darfur: "Nearly three years into the crisis, the western Sudanese region of Darfur is acknowledged to be a humanitarian and human rights tragedy of the first order. The humanitarian, security and political situation continue to deteriorate: atrocities continue, people are still dying in large numbers of malnutrition and disease, and a new famine is feared. According to reports by the World Food Program, the United Nations and the Coalition for International Justice, 3.5 million people are now hungry, 2.5 million have been displaced due to violence, and 400,000 people have died in Darfur thus far." Sign on to urge President Bush to stop ignoring this genocide and to help bring an end to the violence in Darfur. http://www.savedarfur.org /splash.php

Justice in the Gulf Coast: While the federal government neglects its responsibilities, grassroots groups rooted in the Gulf Coast's African-American communities have launched efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast from the ground up. For information on how you can be a part of restoring and rebuilding the Gulf Coast, visit http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=3103

Close the School of the Americas: "The School of the Americas (SOA) - renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation in 2001 - is a combat training school for Latin American soldiers located at Fort Benning, Georgia. During its 56 years of existence, the SOA has used U.S. tax dollars to train more than 60,000 Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, sniper training, commando and psychological warfare, military intelligence and interrogation tactics. These graduates have consistently used their skills to wage war against their own countries' civilians." For more information, visit http://go.sojo.net/campaign/05_close_the_SOA

Words, Not War, With Iran: "As violence continues to rage in Iraq, and now in Lebanon and Gaza, a new confrontation is looming with neighboring Iran. Talk has increased of possible military attack against Iran to halt its nuclear program and support for Hezbollah. While we agree Iran should not support terrorism or obtain nuclear weapons, we come together as religious leaders to urge that the U.S. engage in direct negotiations with Iran as an alternative to military action in resolving the crisis." For more information, visit http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=action.wnw&item=wnw_main

ONE Campaign: In today's world, too often wealthy nations focus on war and acts of terrorism and neglect the fact that poverty, hunger, and disease are running rampant; however, this can change. Join the ONE campaign today and urge the United States government to use our resources to help turn the tide against hunger, poverty, and disease. For action ideas and to learn more, see www.elca.org/advocacy/one and www.bread.org

For more ideas, visit http://www.unitedforpeace.org and www.sojourners.com

LPF Resources

Budget Priorities Computer Activity 2006: As the war continues in Iraq, just how much of the US budget is being spent on military expenditures and how much for programs like the Peace Corps and other peacemaking initiatives? LPF's widely-praised Budget Priorities activity examines how the US budget it spent and explores the question "What Really Brings Security?" through vivid graphics and informative activities. The resource guide is available via our website at www.LutheranPeace.org; the CD computer activity is available for $10 ($4-$8 for LPF members). To order your copy, email lpf@ecunet.org or call (206) 720-0313.

Community News

Minneapolis, MN – Homemade Peace Workshop (December 16): at St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537 Third Ave. S, beginning 10:00 a.m. Speakers include Mel Duncan Ex. Dir., Nonviolent Peaceforce, Keith Ellison, sole Muslim elected to Congress, Mee Moua, only Hmoug legislature in the country etc. Sponsored by Do Peace MN and Department of Peace Campaign.

Washington, DC – March on Washington (January 27): The people have spoken, now congress must act. On Saturday, January 27^th, people form every corner of the country will march on Washington, DC. Our message will be clear, our voice will be strong: End the war in Iraq, Bring all the troops home now! We urge you to join us! For more information, visit www.unitedforpeace.org

Olympia, WA – Lutheran Advocacy Day (February 27): $15 registration fee includes advocacy toolkit and lunch. Registration materials will be available January 1st, 2007. For more information, contact David Coombs or Nick Barootian at (206) 464-4133 or email davidrcoombs@gmail.com

Washington, DC and Your Community - Christian Peace Witness Public Witness (March 16): We will share in an evening ecumenical worship service at the Washington National Cathedral, a candlelight procession to the White House, and a late night peace vigil, during which some participants may engage in “divine obedience” (civil disobedience) and risk possible arrest. For more information on Christian Peace Witness and this event, visit www.ChristianPeaceWitness.org

Chelan, WA –Youth Weekends at Holden Village (May): Registration for this coming May's Holden Youth Weekends will open Feb. 1. The theme is Christian Service (part of which is advocacy). Registration information is available at www.tlc.edu/cyfcenter or call 425-961-5544.

Spiritual Reflection

Though expected by many to be a mighty warrior king, Jesus instead came from humble beginnings, turning expectation on its head. Through his ministry, Jesus taught to feed the hungry and help the oppressed; the following from www.bread.org reminds us that especially in this time of Advent, we should remember who it is Jesus came to lift up. Finally, let us remember the Canticle of Mary, praising God for turning the set patterns of the world on end.

"Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given," Isaiah declares. As we prepare to receive the Christ child anew in this season of Advent, our faith compels us to hear the cry of all children, especially poor children. We must remember that every day millions of children are born suffering from hunger and poverty. Many of them will die of preventable disease.

If we are to receive the Christ child fully into our hearts, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work within us and shape our lives. We are called to take on God's passionate concern for the world's poor and oppressed people. This Advent and Christmas, let us remember with Isaiah that the Child who brings light to those "who walk in darkness" tells us that if we "offer food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted," our own "light shall rise in the darkness" and our "gloom shall be like the noonday." (Isaiah 58)

Luke 1:46-55

46 And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
⁴⁸for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
⁵⁰His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
⁵¹He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
⁵²He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
⁵³he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’