Swords into Plowshares

Hymn lamenting gun violence

2009-11-07T11:48:19-05:00

As we reflect on incidents of gun violence in Fort Hood and Orlando and in places that did not make the national news, "God of Mercy, You Have Shown Us" is a hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette that can be used in private prayers and in corporate worship. A version of the hymn with words and music [PDF] is available.

This hymn may be reproduced and used in nonprofit worship with the inclusion of the complete copyright citation plus the words "Used by permission." It may not be used for profit, sold, republished, altered or placed on a Web site. Links to the hymn may be made.

Vote on health care reform

2009-11-07T11:39:14-05:00

Pray for wisdom, vision, and courage for the members of the House of Representatives as they vote today on health care reform.

Fort Hood Shooting

2009-11-07T11:37:46-05:00

As our prayers continue for all impacted by and affected by the shooting at Fort Hood:

the senior Presbyterian military chaplain has addressed the event and

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has responded.

Study resource on Africa

2009-11-05T22:28:08-05:00

Resolution on Africa: A Guide for Study and Reflection [PDF] is now available for download.

Based on "Resolution on Africa" approved by the 215th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the study is intended for youth of all ages. Former Stated Clerk, the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, notes that the study guide invites us to explore "our calling to be partners with Christians in Africa—and to do something about it!"

The study guide [PDF] has six sessions, but there probably is more material than can be covered in six one-hour sessions. Options are to expand the number of sessions or to be selective about the discussion questions to keep to a shorter time frame. The guide includes the resolution.

The sessions address a comprehensive range of topics and concerns:

Introduction to Africa and the Church in Africa
Singing a New Song:The African Church
Diseases of Poverty (HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis) and Health Issues
Human Rights
Development
The Role of the PC(USA) with the Churches in Africa

In the closing words of the resolution [PDF]:

"Christians in Africa sing and pray every day for the kingdom of God. We can do no less than join them—and in so doing fortify and renew our faith by sharing the pilgrimage of God’s people everywhere who seek justice, peace, and freedom. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) joins African church partners in working for the liberation of all people worldwide."

Remembering military chaplains

2009-11-05T22:02:53-05:00

On Veterans Day, November 11, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Office of Vocation invites us to remember those Presbyterians who serve as military chaplains. Remember in prayer those who are called to embody the hope of Jesus Christ in some of the world’s most perilous places.

Pause to say a prayer . . .

2009-11-05T20:20:23-05:00

. . . for those slain and wounded at Fort Hood, those who love them, those impacted by and affected by this shooting . . . and for all victims of gun violence.

Witness and vigil at Fort Benning

2009-11-04T23:10:38-05:00

Join the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship on November 20-22 at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA. They will be part of the annual event to close the Western Hemispheric Institute for Security Cooperation training facility. This year's event will also call for an end to military aid to Mexico and Colombia, and will support the return of the elected democratic government of Honduras.

The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship has reserved a block of rooms, and are arranging transportation from the Atlanta airport for those arriving Friday morning and leaving Monday afternoon. Workshops will be offered as well as a vigil on Sunday morning.

The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship will sponsor a breakfast on Saturday, November 21, from 7 - 9 a.m. at the Holiday Inn North, where we will celebrate PPF's 65th birthday; honor prisoners of conscience and Colombia accompaniment program volunteers; hear updates on PPF projects; and enjoy the fellowship of 60-80 Presbyterians! The cost is $10 for a full breakfast, and reservations are required.

After the Sunday morning vigil, meet at the PPF information table to walk together to the gate for a brief prayer and communion service.

For more information about housing or transportation, or for breakfast reservations, contact Marilyn White.

Support Health Care Reform - Contact Congress Today

2009-11-04T16:09:03-05:00

From the Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Support Health Care Reform - Contact Congress Today

ACTION: Contact your member of Congress before Saturday, November 7th, and urge him/her to support H.R. 3962 - "The Affordable Health Care for America Act."

U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121

For over 60 years, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assemblies have called for reform of the U.S. health system, urging the establishment of a national medical plan that will ensure health coverage for all persons residing in the United States.

The most recent General Assembly (2008) "endorse[d] in principle the provision of single-payer universal health care reform in which health care services are privately provided and publicly financed... as the program that best responds to the moral imperative of the gospel." [Minutes, 2008, p. 1133]

The U.S. House of Representatives is winding up its health care deliberations. "The Affordable Health Care for America Act" [H.R. 3962] blends and updates the three versions of previous bills passed this summer by the House Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; and Education and Labor Committees. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on H.R. 3962 on Saturday, November 7th.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) believes that any reform plan should be guided by these values:

o Universal Accessibility: We believe that all people possess inherent worth as children of God, and that God's promise extends to all. Health coverage must be available to all persons living in the United States, regardless of income, race or ethnicity, geography, age, gender, employment status or health status [Minutes, 1994, p. 574; Minutes, 2002, p. 634]

o Equity: Because the right to acquire adequate health care springs out of our worth as living human beings, rather than out of any particular merit or achievement belonging to some but not to others, adequate health care should be defined equally for all people. [Minutes, 1976, pp. 203-207]

o Responsible Financing: Since society has an interest in the health of its people, those individuals and organizations who can pay should help to finance the care for those individuals and families who cannot pay [Minutes, 1991, p. 817]. While concerns for the costs of health care are appropriate, these concerns must continually be balanced against the objectives of access to adequate, quality care for all. The sacrifice of access and quality at the shrine of cost containment is too high a price to pay and should not be tolerated [Minutes, 1988, p. 525].

"The Affordable Health Care for America Act" [H.R. 3962] reflects these values and will move the U.S. health care system a step in the right direction to provide access to quality, affordable health care for all. Most of the bill's provisions would go into effect in 2013.

This bill will:

Increase the number of legal U.S. residents with health insurance by 36 million by 2019.
Expand Medicaid to include all individuals under age 65 (children, pregnant women, parents, and adults without dependent children) with incomes up to 150% of the poverty level.
Provide subsidies to help lower income individuals and families purchase insurance and to lower their cost sharing obligations.
Require individuals to purchase health insurance or pay a tax of 2.5% of their adjusted gross income above the income tax filing threshold up to the cost of an average insurance policy.
Require employers with payrolls exceeding $500,000 per year to provide health insurance to their employees or pay a penalty (86% of American businesses would be exempt from this requirement, though most employees would be covered).
Prohibit pre-existing condition exclusions.
Eliminate underwriting based on health status, gender or occupation.
Limit out-of-pocket expenses.
Remove lifetime or annual coverage caps.
Define "essential" benefits that must be covered by insurance plans.
Create a National Health Insurance Exchange through which individual and employers can purchase qualified insurance, including from private health plans and the public health insurance option.
Create a public health insurance option to be offered through the National Health Insurance Exchange that must meet the same requirements as private plans regarding benefit levels, provider networks, consumer protections, and cost-sharing.

Action:
Contact your member of Congress before Saturday, November 7th, and urge him/her to support H.R. 3962 - "The Affordable Health Care for America Act."

U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121

New study resource on Sudan for children

2009-11-02T11:59:00-05:00

Order Piece Work/Peace Work: Working Together for Peace and Sudan at the Presbyterian Marketplace. Use item number 24-358-09-008. The cost is $8.00 plus shipping and handling.

Piece Work/Peace Work: Working Together for Peace and Sudan is a curriculum designed for elementary children from Grades 1-6.

The study is divided into four sessions, one intergenerational session, and a resource section which includes stories of Sudan and information on African quilt history and Sudanese religions and customs.

Using a quilt project, the study explores the relationship between the work of making a quilt from different pieces of fabric and the work of making peace. Activities include games, simulations, and art projects.

Through an exploration of situations faced by the children of Sudan, children are led into an understanding of the largest country in Africa and learn also of the many divisions within the country. Worship, songs, scripture, a book center, and a computer station all enhance the
learning process.

As the author, Martha Bettis Gee says, “It is vital to the future of Sudan that followers of Jesus take seriously what is happening there and respond with compassion and real help.”

Piece Work/Peace Work: Working Together for Peace and Sudan is produced in partnership between the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and the Presbyterian Office on Child Advocacy. Representatives of the Sudan Advocacy Action Forum, the Sudan Mission Network, and the Presbyterian Africa Office provided assistance with the content of the resource. Presbyterians have been in ministry with the people of Sudan for over 100 years.

Order Piece Work/Peace Work: Working Together for Peace and Sudan at the Presbyterian Marketplace. Use item number 24-358-09-008. The cost is $8.00 plus shipping and handling.

Community of Living Traditions

2009-11-01T21:38:44-05:00

Something new is happening at Stony Point Center.

An interfaith intentional community dedicated to nonviolence and peacemaking is in the making. For at least five years, Christians, Muslims and Jews will live together at Stony Point where they will work, worship and learn together.

Residents will move into the three houses that will comprise the community in January, according to co-director Kitty Ufford-Chase.

The Community of Living Traditions will offer workshops, camps and internships focusing on interfaith traditions and nonviolence.

This exciting new ministry was announced during a 60th anniversary and homecoming celebration of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-related conference facility.

Partners in the Community of Living Traditions are:

Luke 6 Project

Shomer Shalom Institute for Jewish Nonviolence

Muslim Peace Fellowship

Hold this interfaith effort to work for nonviolence and seek peace in prayer.