Focus on Hunger

Whether you feel excited or disappointed with the election results, we know one thing for sure: hunger does not end when elections do.

In a recent poll, half of voters said they live paycheck to paycheck; four out of five think hunger in America is still a problem. But even with the current financial crisis, three out of four voters are willing to spend additional tax dollars to cut hunger in half by 2015.

Clearly, we have a huge task. Hunger will only end when we change policies, programs, and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist.

So get involved! Push your president, governors, city council-members, church leaders, and school clubs to work to make sure we all have the food we need. See Bread for the World, Alliance to End Hunger, LPF's hunger resources.

Reclaim the Season

Want to celebrate Christmas without "buying in" to the pressure to buy! buy! buy!? Here are some ideas for gift-giving in alternative, sustainable ways.

Be Creative
Make a personalized CD mix
Bake your favorite holiday treat or homemade goodies
Give a donation to LPF or another nonprofit organization in honor of someone you love
Make your own calendar using photos and/or drawings

Give your time
Give a monthly lunch date for an elderly relative or friend
Give coupons for massage, yard work, cooking meals, outings, other services you can offer
Volunteer at a soup kitchen, shelter, or community center

Check out
Alternatives for Simple Living
The Center for the New American Dream
Heifer International

Saturday, November 1st
All Saints Day

"Christianity stands or fails with its revolutionary protest against violence, arbitrariness, and pride of power and with its plea for the weak... Christendom adjusts itself far too easily to the worship of power. Christians should give more offense, shock the world more, than they are doing." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

As All Saints Day approaches, I am convicted by these words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a hero and martyr of peacemakers. All Saints Day gives us an opportunity to remember the saints and martyrs throughout history whose stories and legacies serve to inspire and encourage us today. Bonhoeffer's story of resistance to the Nazi regime and commitment to the oppressed inspires me to identify my own participation in systems of oppression and conceive of ways to peacefully respond with justice.

Join us on Saturday, November 1st at 7:00 PM at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle, Washington to reflect upon the challenges facing our country as we prepare to participate in the national election. We will join in prayer and song as we remember the witness of saints, both ancient and modern, who inspire and encourage us as we follow the One who proclaimed, "The Spirit of the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoner, recovery of sight for the blind, and release to the oppressed..."

St. Mark's is located at 1245 10th Ave. E. in Seattle, Washington. For more information, call (425) 379-7067, or visit http://kairos-action.org.

Coleen's Reflections on

Let Justice Roll

The Lutheran Peace Fellowship recently sponsored "Let Justice Roll," an event for peace and justice-minded high school-aged youth. The attending youth were engaging, passionate, and lively. Here are the reflections of one such youth, Coleen Hogan:

My name is Coleen Hogan and I am a senior at Olympia High School and a member of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard in Olympia WA. A few weekends ago I was fortunate enough to go on a fun and meaningful retreat up at Holden Village called "Let Justice Roll" to learn and discuss the theme of practicing our faith in the Salmon Nation. The number of people was small but we immediately made connections and became a very close-knit group, sharing fun and faith throughout the weekend.

Our discussions on practicing our faith in the Salmon Nation centered on care of self, care of neighbor, and care of creation, and we explored these topics in different ways using art, games, movies, slideshows, and scripture. In care of self we thought about our self image and the difference between what we want to see in ourselves and what the media wants us to see. In care of neighbor we talked about all the different parts in our communities and how our decisions can affect everything in our world. Our last focus was care of creation where we thought of all the ways we can change and preserve the beautiful gifts God has given us by “going green” or just helping a friend in need. These topics inspired a lot of thought and insight and gave me new ideas on how to live my life in the Salmon Nation.

Throughout this experience it was evident that though we may be talking about the pros and cons of being more eco-friendly, God was ever present in our hearts and minds. It is one thing to discuss “going green” but to talk about it from a Christian standpoint gives new perspective and made me realize that it’s not just an issue of environmental conservation, but of faith and responsibility. For me practicing my faith in the Salmon Nation means learning how to preserve and sustain the beautiful home and people God has given me while educating others as well. Being at Holden was the best part of retreat, with all the quiet beauty around it was easy to feel God’s presence and kept me focused on the theme. All the great ideas against the amazing backdrop of Holden Village is enough to fill a weekend with laughter, song, and fellowship while also restoring and preparing me for my life back home. I came back a little happier, a little wiser, and a little more prepared to go out and practice my faith in the Salmon Nation.

Understanding the Economic Crisis

Economics can be a tough thing to get our head around sometimes. But as with any issue, a good way to start thinking about it is by asking: Who is benefiting? Who is suffering? How can we meet each person's needs? Is there a better way?

Here are some links to help you understand our current economic situation, and think about our role as Christian peacemakers.

Effects on the rest of the world: United Nations discussion.
Lutheran response to the crisis: ELCA action alert.
What you can do for yourself: Smart saving, banking, investing.
Wall street, creating wealth, and money: David Korten column.

Art and Hope! Peace Leadership Training
In this day-long workshop, we'll use the arts and hands-on activities to explore our hopes for our world and how we can make them a reality. You don't have to consider yourself and "artist" to attend- this is "art" for everyone!

During the day, we will spend time doing personal reflection, group discussion exploring peace and justice, learning skills and tools for making change, collaborating and encouraging each other. No matter how much you know about justice, or how much you have been involved in your community, you should expect to find like-minded friends who will inspire you.

We encourage you to register and come with other friends from your school, school club, youth group, or church. Spread the word!

This workshop is sponsored by us at Lutheran Peace Fellowship, but is open to people from all spiritual traditions (or none at all!). We will do all we can to foster a space that is safe for folks of all race, class, ethnic, gender, religious, ability, and sexual identities. The facilitators are Monica Fisk and Lindsey Bulger, youth trainers with LPF.

When: Saturday, December 6th, from 9am- 5pm.
Where: University Friends Meeting, 4001 9th Ave. NE Seattle, 98105 (University District). For directions, click here.
Cost: $25-50 sliding scale, scholarships available.
To register: email lpfyouth@gmail.com, call (206) 720-0313 ask for Monica or Lindsey.

Join our facebook group! Lutheran Peace Fellowship Youth Group

Come to our spring training:

Peacemaking in the Real World

Leadership Training in Jesus’ Way of Shalom

April 25-26, 2008
(Friday eve., Saturday all day,
optional Sunday session)

Seattle, WA
Central Lutheran Church
1710 Eleventh Ave., free parking

What? Participants will strengthen their leadership in the biblical vision of peacemaking, conflict transformation, and nonviolence in action. You’ll learn how to help others transcend lethal cultural myths about violence and conflict, and take their next step on Jesus’ way of Shalom.

Why? Many Lutherans feel a new sense of urgency for bringing the gospel vision of shalom to the conflicts we face in our family, workplace, congregation, community, and world. This workshop is designed to help congregation and youth leaders respond more effectively to this need.

How? Participants will learn how to present lively and creative exercises, audiovisuals, & small group discussions on peacemaking. They were refined in sixty intensive and 500 shorter LPF workshops. Outstanding resources on key workshop topics will be available for browsing or purchase.

Cost? The participant fee is just $18 to $150 per person, sliding scale. Scholarship help is available for registration, transportation, etc.; no one is turned away for lack of funds. We encourage local congregations to sponsor youth or adult leaders.


Lead Facilitators:
Monica Fisk is LPF’s Youth Program Coordinator and Trainer and has 6 years experience work-ing with youth in experiential education including nearly two years working with overseas volunteers in Namibia.

Glen Gersmehl’s peacemaking experience includes 10 years work in the highest crime areas of NY City and Oakland, a major role in passing a crucial arms control treaty, and service as US delegate to UN Decade for Peace meetings in India. National Director of LPF since 1994, Glen has written for The Lutheran, Journal of Lutheran Ethics, Newsday, Peace Chronicle, Seattle Times…

For more information or to register:

206.720.0313 lpfyouth@gmail.com

Youth Network Phone Gatherings

Wanna to get to know other Lutherans who care about peace and justice? Want to know more about LPF peacemaking mini-grants? Want to feel connected and supported in your own peacemaking?

We have scheduled two phone gatherings of Lutheran college and high school youth from across the country, and would love to have you join us.

The goals for these calls are:
1. To get to know each other.
2. To share about the biggest issues in your schools, and ideas for organizing
3. To hear about how LPF support can help with your expenses for peacemaking events or actions on the war in Iraq.

To attend this phone gathering, dial (605) 990-0700 and enter code 164699# on Tuesday, January 29 at 5 pm Central ST (6pm Eastern, 4pm Mountain, 3pm Pacific) or Thursday, January 31 at 7pm Central ST (8pm Eastern, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific). Both calls will be basically the same, and it doesn’t cost anything over your own phone minutes or long distance.

Please let me know if you are planning on calling in, or if you’d like to know more but can’t make the call. Hope to talk with you soon!

Monica
lpfyouth@gmail.com

Youth Peacemaking Mini-Grants

Hey there, fellow peacemakers, welcome to 2008! Its going to be a big year, I’m sure. Here at LPF, we want to start it out right by supporting your efforts for peace with both encouragement and some cold, hard cash!

So if you or someone you know wants to host a local action against the war in Iraq, and you need a little financial help with that, contact me at lpfyouth@gmail.com. Details below.

What is the purpose?
The Lutheran Peace Fellowship (LPF) is offering small grants to high school and college students and groups in order to support their local organizing for actions and vigils against the war in Iraq. These actions and vigils will be a part of a nationwide, ecumenical “wave” of Christian witnesses.

What sort of “actions” count?
For the purposes of this grant, LPF will consider any action that is 1. nonviolent and 2. provides a public witness against the war or 3. builds bridges between community/religious/school groups. Some examples are a candlelight vigil in a key intersection, a worship service for peace in your church, a march through your campus or town, a student forum about Iraq. We prefer actions to take place during the Lenten season, and they must happen before the end of the school year.

Who is eligible?
Any youth group, student group, or pair of individuals who are in high school or college can apply. If it is a large group, you should choose one point person to fill out the form and talk with me.

How much?
Each group should ask for the amount they need. Most grants will be up to $35, (in some cases higher), depending on the group’s needs and the LPF funds available.

How does it work?
You fill out the form on the next page and email or mail it to LPF. After reviewing your request, we will contact you about how much money we can offer you. You will front the costs of your project, keeping receipts and records which you will then turn in to LPF for reimbursement. When you send in your receipts for reimbursement, you will also send a short report with photos of your event. Then LPF will mail you a check!

Questions?
If you have any questions, want input about your action idea, or need help filling out the form, contact Monica at LPF. Email me at lpfyouth@gmail.com, or call me at (206) 720-0719 on Tuesdays.


Lutheran Peace Fellowship
www.lutheranpeace.org 1710 11th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122 Phone: (206) 720-0719

December Peace Newsletter

Sowing Seeds of Peace

Lutheran Peace Fellowship Youth Newsletter

Hunger in the Holidays

This morning I was packing food to take to my family’s house for Christmas— some coffee beans, cheese, and tangerines— and was reminded of how hard it is to reconcile my heart for justice with the Christmas traditions I am used to.

How can I enjoy the good food, people, and gifts that are in my life while still honoring all of those who will go hungry, who may have just lost a loved one, or who live with war every day?

I know that you also struggle with how to make the season meaningful while acting on your values of peacemaking. Our challenge is that we each have to find our own balance. This issue provides resources and ideas for a meaningful Christmas, with a specific eye toward hunger worldwide….

Peace and Justice Gifts

Be creative!

o Personalized mix CDs are always hits!

o Make a video of interview/s with family members talking about their childhood, memories of a specific person, etc.

o Pass along your favorite books to people you know would like them too.

Repaint, refurbish, or decorate used pieces of furniture, picture frames, and other items.

Buy fair trade!

o Lutheran World Relief recommends fair trade: www.equalexchange.com

o Ten Thousand Villages indigenous crafts: thousandvillages.com

o SERRV International: www.serrv.org

o PEOPLink grassroots, handmade gifts: peopleink.org/EN/O.html

o Fair Trade Federation: fairtradefederation.org

Give your time!

o Give a monthly lunch/coffee/pizza date to a friend or relative.

o Give vouchers for hours of your time doing yard work, giving massage, tutoring, babysitting, cleaning or running errands.

o Volunteer together at a soup kitchen or shelter.

Resources for Simplicity

Websites

o Alternatives for Simple Living: www.simpleliving.org

o Center for the New American Dream www.newdream.org

o LPF Peace Points: http://www.lutheranpeace.orgBooks

o Simple Living, Compassionate Life, Michael Schut, ed.

o Unfettered Hope: A Call to Faithful Living in an Affluent Society, Marva Dawn.

o Unplug the Christmas Machine, Jo Robinson and Jean Staeheli.

o Simplify and Celebrate, Michael Crosby, Joan Chittister, and other writers.

Scripture and Quotes

o Parable of the rich fool, Luke 12:13-21, also Deut. 24:14-15, Matthew 6:20-34, John 6:12, Acts 4:32-35, I Timothy 6:6-10

o “Justice is sorting out what belongs to whom and returning it to them.” Walter Brueggemanno “Here [in the West] you have a different kind of poverty, a poverty of the spirit, of loneliness, of being unwanted. And that is the worst disease in the world today.” Mother Teresa

Current News

Africa: rainwater collectionIn Zimbabwe, people collect rainwater to ease water shortages in their city.

World: food stocks dwindle The United Nations warns that our food supply is rapidly dwindling and food prices will continue to rise.

US: farm bill disappointsThe Senate approved a farm bill that continues to subsidize wealthy landowners at the expense of conservation, nutrition, and equity.

WA: farming on roofsAt Start Now Farms, folks grow enough produce on their lot and roofs to feed themselves and to sell at a local farmers’ market.

Youth Organizing

Sharing food, breaking laws- Members of Food Not Bombs share food with hungry people in Orlando’s public parks.

Students against hunger-National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness educates, trains, and organizes national student campaigns.

Christian witness for Iraq- National interfaith movement of peace witness against the Iraq war. Local actions across the nation.

Upcoming Events

Global Day of Action- The 2008 World Social Forum will be a week of creative, independent activities worldwide, with actions on January 26, 2008.

Breaking Out! - 2008LSM’s alternative spring break of theological reflection, discussion, and service around poverty and injustice. March 2-7 or 9-14, 2008.

Peace Prize Forum- 20th annual peace conference- a weekend of speakers, workshops, and networking. Look for LPF! March 7-8, Moorhead, MN.

Youth & Arts in Columbia- Share skills and learn with youth-led peace and justice organizations in Columbia as part of this delegation. March 22-30, 2008.

Peacemaker Training- Challenge yourself, gain knowledge and build community with otherdynamic youth organizers! Start thinking now about summer…

Join the Network!

See www.lutheranpeace.org

To get this newsletter in full color with links, contact Monica: lpfyouth@gmail.com

Lutheran Peace Fellowship 1710 11th Avenue Seattle, WA 98122 Phone: (206) 720-0313