Free devotional marks 40 years of PC(USA) Peacemaking

Contemplative resource is ideal for Lent or any time of the year

by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — A new publication from the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program showcases reflections by people of faith who’ve been involved in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s long history of peacemaking and reconciliation.

The daily devotional booklet, “40 Reflections for 40 Years of the Commitment to Peacemaking,” is available through the PC(USA) store for free and features various authors, such as the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, PC(USA)’s advocacy director; Mission Co-Worker the Rev. Sarah Henken; and Sue Rheem, the PC(USA) representative to the United Nations.

The Rev. Carl Horton (Photo by Rich Copley)

“We created this devotional booklet to celebrate four decades of the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Commitment to Peacemaking,” said the Rev. Carl Horton, coordinator of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. “It touches upon a number of the peacemaking emphases over the years and includes a wide variety of contributors.”

The Commitment to Peacemaking is a tool that was introduced in 1983 to help Presbyterians engage individually and collectively in peacemaking ministries. Over the years, it’s been affirmed by more than 4,300 congregations and other groups that consider becoming a part of God’s peace-giving to be a mission priority.

Like the Commitment, the new booklet’s appeal is timeless, Horton said.

“The devotional can be used anytime and by anyone. It could be given to members to be used as a personal devotional, used by groups to reflect together, or given as a gift to new members or new leaders,” he said. “With its 40 entries, it could be used by an entire congregation during a church season like Lent or Easter or it could be distributed for summer while many in the congregation are dispersed and traveling.”

The Rev. Dr. John Wilkinson, director of Ministry Engagement and Support (MES) in the Administrative Services Group, believes the booklet will have a strong impact.

“This 40th anniversary booklet, representing a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences, will be a vital resource to this generation of Presbyterians as we take up the call of Jesus — and his blessing — to be peacemakers,” Wilkinson said.

On a personal note, he added, “I was entering seminary as our Presbyterian predecessors adopted ‘Peacemaking: The Believers’ Calling,’ and this statement and its vision has given shape to my ministry ever since. Though born in a different era, its persistent drumbeat is as timely as ever.”

The Rev. Wilson Kennedy

The Rev. Wilson Kennedy, another member of the MES team, believes the booklet will be impactful too.

“I’m so excited the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program has developed this fantastic resource to support congregations as they live into Christ’s command that we be committed to peace,” said Kennedy, associate director for Special Offerings and Appeals. “This booklet will certainly assist congregations as they receive the Peace & Global Witness Offering, which provides over $1 million annually to help create peace around the world. I can’t wait to see how congregations utilize this resource as they receive the offering this World Communion Sunday (in October) or anytime throughout the year.”

To order the booklet, go to the PC(USA) Store. The cost of shipping and handling will be added.

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is one of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.