Peace

Mennonite Church USA is scheduled to hold its biennial convention in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2013.  In light of the passage of the Arizona immigration law, SB1070, the church is reconsidering its plans to meet in the state.

"God's Love Has No Borders - Immigration Reform Must Be Just" is the message of a banner that the members of First Mennonite installed on the church lawn at the conclusion of the worship service on June 27. Pastor David Orr said, "Our hope is that it will reminded people of their own immigrant heritage and of the Bible's teachings which are often forgotten as this issue is debated."

Banners are available for purchase.

Become a volunteer mediator.  Help bring about reconciliation, healing, and restoration.

Lancaster County Juvenile Offender and Victim Mediation needs volunteer mediators. The program conducts face-to-face dialogues between juvenile offenders and their victims. Volunteers will receive Nebraska Office of Dispute Resolution approved basic mediation training (regularly an $850 course) free of charge. Information and applications are available at: www.hsfed.org/community-information.php.

Anna Baltzer and Mustafa Barghouti discussed peace and Palestine on the Daily Show on October 28.  View the uncut interview.

Must conflicts between people and nations inevitably lead to broken relationships, strife, and violence?

Does the Bible offer another way?

Rev. Daniel Buttry will explore the biblical basis of conflict transformation and ways it may be lived today on October 11 and 14.

The most moving experience of my trip, however, was a visit to Aida Refugee Camp. During the war in 1948, many Palestinians fled from the violence, simply locking their homes and expecting to come back when things had settled down. Unfortunately, that time never came, and now they are spread all over the world... The self-proclaimed symbol of hope for Aida refugee camp is the key: the key that many families still hold to their homes that they are barred from returning.

Sara Brubacher reports on experiences of hospitality and cross-cultural friendship. 

Sara Brubacher reports on Christian Muslim dialogue and cultural understandings.  She will be the special speaker at First Mennonite Church at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 30.

Sara Brubacher reports from the East/West Dialogue and Peacebuilding Workshop in Amman, Jordan.

Occupied Palestine will be the focus at First Mennonite Church on Sunday, April 26.  Dr. Gordon Brubacher will preach during the 10:45 a.m. worship service, sharing from his academic and personal experiences in the area.