Peace at all times in all ways
Peacemaking is something that happens among leaders of countries warring over issues, rights and land. Certainly, this is true, but it is also true that peace is made by many others — even you and me! Conflict arises in our families and communities. Disasters, sickness, homelessness … they all disturb the peace in our world.
In stark contrast to this conflict and brokenness all around us are the words of the Apostle Paul: May God grant us “peace at all times in all ways.” Peace in our families, in our work, in our worship, in our communities, in our world and in our minds. It is the peace of Christ.
The Peace & Global Witness Offering draws Presbyterians together to support and engage in ministries of peace in many aspects of life, both on a grand scale as communities of faith, and on a smaller scale as individuals and congregations, bearing peace in every place that it is needed.
Pocket change creating change
For the past five years, a small congregation in southern Minnesota has used their Peace & Global Witness Offering to engage in peacemaking both on a grand scale, and on a very local scale. On months when there are five Sundays, they have their “Fifth Sunday Pocket Change Mission Offering.” Since one of these fifth Sundays usually falls in September or October, they have combined this offering with their retained portion of the Peace & Global Witness Offering. 
Through the Offering, the 42 members of First Presbyterian Church of Blue Earth, Minnesota, participate in ministries of peace and reconciliation on three very different scales: 50% of the Offering joins with many others to promote the work for peace done by Presbyterians around the world; 25% is retained by the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys and the Synod of Lakes & Prairies to support peacemaking regionally. And 25%, with the addition of their Fifth Sunday Pocket Change Mission Offering, brings peace in a small and simple way to the veterans in their community. They purchase gas cards from a local convenience store and give them to the county Veterans Office. The Veterans Office then distributes these cards to veterans who need assistance to travel to their doctor’s office, job interviews and other appointments.
As their Mission Committee Chair, Connie Hedland, likes to remind the congregation, “No amount is too small to make a difference — and we may never know what a difference it makes.” Even the gift of a tank of gas can bring hope and peace to someone in need.
As Presbyterians, we proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and the model of compassion, kindness and grace for every community and individual in this world. If we all give a little of ourselves to be peacemakers in this world, it adds up to a lot!
Let us pray
O God, you created a world where details matter and where nothing is too small to make a big difference. Invite us into your ministry of reconciliation; and inspire us to be peacemakers in our every word and deed, big or small. Amen.
Join us
For more information and resources related to the Peace & Global Witness Offering, visit presbyterianmission.org/peace-global.
This post is based on a regional Minute for Mission which can be found on our website as a script.
Please give generously to the Offering:
- Through your congregation
- Text PEACE to 20222 to give $10
- Donate online