That wise observer, Anonymous, has written, “To the people who grew up in chaos, peace is easily mistaken for boredom.”
Friends, as you know, we are currently living amidst chaos, and in this time each of us can be captured by the temporary attractions of revenge and aimless anger. Just what does peace look like in a time like this?
In John’s gospel, Jesus proclaims, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” Clearly the peace that Jesus offers is more than simply the absence of war. It’s rather an active, generative, imaginative source of creation’s flourishing. It is the antithesis of boredom!
We collect the PC(USA) Peace and Global Witness Offering on World Communion Sunday (October 5). In some ways, this offering marks a recognition that, by ourselves, we can’t co-create with God a vital peace — a peace that builds, not tears down. We try to do our part in our corner of God’s world, and we also must partner with and support those doing the hard work of peacemaking elsewhere. In this way, worldwide communion becomes global witness.
- Half of our offering supports the work of Presbyterians worldwide to foster a living peace,
- One quarter goes to presbyteries and synods to unite congregations in peacemaking, and
- One quarter remains with NYAPC to support the peacemaking ministries, global and local, that have captured our attention and passion.
Here, our gifts support the Washington Interfaith Network, Churches for Middle East Peace, Presbyterian Churches in Iraq, the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and other efforts. See what God can do through us!
So don’t be misled. Peace, the peace of Christ, which we are told passes all understanding, is not a static, passive thing. It is alive in the world if we can only glimpse its presence in our midst and claim it in our lives and in our giving.
Donating to the Peace and Global Witness Offering is one tangible way to be part of the most un-boring adventure in this world.
You can give online at nyapc.org/give or place your gift in the Offering Plate, marked “P&G Offering.”
Thank you for helping bring Christ’s peace into a chaotic world.
