A new devotional guide from the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program sets the stage for an inspiring Season of Peace

Free publication features 29 Presbyterians who’ve contributed to the common good at the local, national or international level

by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service

The Rev. Dr. Darius and Vera Swann, center, front row, with members of the Swann family and friends from Burke Presbyterian Church in northern Virginia (Courtesy of the family)

LOUISVILLE — Just in time for the 2024 Season of Peace, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program has released a devotional guide featuring individuals whose lives can serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement in the four weeks leading up to World Communion Sunday (Oct. 6).

The free and downloadable publication, “A Path of Peace: 2024 Devotional Guide for a Season of Peace,” features 29 Presbyterians who’ve displayed uncommon dedication to making a difference in the world around them.

The list, which may be expanded in a future collection, includes the Rev. Joseph Metz Rollins, a preacher and activist during the civil rights movement; Vera and Darius Swann, a couple who were instrumental in the integration of schools in Charlotte, North Carolina; Maggie Kuhn, who founded the Gray Panthers to assert the rights of older people; Maria Fearing, a teacher and former slave who did mission work in Africa; and the Rev. Peggy Howland, who advocated against racism, sexism and “gun totin,’” according to the guide.

“Each day, we offer a vignette of a Presbyterian who contributed to the civic and spiritual well-being of our church and world and made a significant impact on the common good here or abroad,” Peacemaking Associate Dr. Andrew J. Peterson notes in the introduction. “Some battled injustice; others broke down barriers and dividing walls. Many advocated for marginalized communities and made room for them within the church. Each offers us an example of how peace can be pursued in tangible ways.”

The guide is designed to uplift Presbyterians and other people of faith during the Season of Peace, a four-week period of reflection (Sept. 8-Oct. 6) that’s promoted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to deepen the pursuit of peace by congregations, small groups, families and individuals.

Dr. Andrew J. Peterson

“This season is a time of growth, encouragement, challenge, inspiration and education that invites you to consider your own relationship to peacemaking and justice,” said Peterson, the guide’s author.

The stories of featured Presbyterians are told through vignettes that also include a scripture, a prayer, and a call to action, such as doing additional reading of related texts, court cases and policies.

The 2024 Season of Peace comes at a time when conflicts are raging in a number of parts of the world and political divisions are ever-present in the United States as the country moves toward the presidential election in November.

“We were anticipating that people might need some good news during the fall and so we thought why not profile Presbyterians of substance and courage and who made a difference in a variety of ways?” said the Rev. Carl Horton, coordinator of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.

Peterson adds in the guide, “Our hope is that these reflections will spur personal, spiritual and moral growth while also serving as a sorely needed balm and a breath of fresh air. May they provide a counter-narrative of good news, true hope and stirring inspiration that moves us all to work together along the path of peace for the well-being of all of God’s beloved Creation.”

The guide can be downloaded in its entirety from Peacemaking’s website or received in the form of daily emails that are sent to those who sign up to receive them (Subscribe here).

It’s just one of the resources that PC(USA) makes available during the Season of Peace such as an adult Bible study, children’s curriculum, coloring poster and Peace Cards.

These and other resources from Peacemaking are designed to “inspire your peacemaking witness and to equip your congregations and communities to engage in peacemaking in all realms of life,” Horton states in an upcoming Compassion, Peace and Justice Focus newsletter featuring the ministry. (Subscribe here).

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is one of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Its work is made possible by your gifts to the Peace and Global Witness Offering.