September 21, 2022 Do not neglect to do good The Golden Rule mosaic based on the painting by Norman Rockwell is housed at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. MCC photo/Kirstin De M
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September 21, 2022 |
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Do not neglect to do good
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The Golden Rule mosaic based on the painting by Norman Rockwell is housed at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. MCC photo/Kirstin De Mello.
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As active global armed conflicts increase, we see the catastrophic outcomes of growing violence. Governments continue to prioritize militarized approaches to confront conflict while dismissing nonviolent and holistic peacebuilding mechanisms. The proposed
fiscal year 2023 U.S. federal budget would allocate
37% of discretionary funds to military expenses with little for life-saving foreign assistance.
Today, as the world celebrates the International Day of Peace, we remember that we are called to a mission of nonviolent peacemaking, as modeled by Jesus himself.
Ask
Congress to fund peace not war.
Resources such as
FEAR NOT,
Peaceful Practices and
How to be an advocate can be helpful tools as you work for a more just, peaceful world and for well-being for all.
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Policy updates
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Mining permitting deal
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A bill that would speed permitting for critical minerals mining and fossil fuel projects is expected to be attached to a must-pass continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded. This bill could remove important environmental and human health
safeguards, allow strip mining on sacred lands and disproportionately impact Black, indigenous and low-income communities.
Take action: Tell
Congress to stop the dirty energy permitting deal
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Enough for all: World Food Day (worship resource)
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On World Food Day, October 16, we raise awareness about various issues regarding poverty and hunger. Access to healthy, affordable food is being negatively impacted by violent conflicts, an ongoing pandemic, climate change and rising prices. This worship
resource will guide churches through reflection and prayer about global food security.
Download the worship resource.
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Nov 6-11: Puerto Rico Peace Camp
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Calling all young adults! Join us November 6-11 on the island of Puerto Rico as we discover new ways to live and proclaim the gospel of peace. This weeklong experience will be filled with practical learning about deconstructing oppressive systems, building
community, participating in spaces of healing and commitment to hospitality. Registration fee is $200,
sign up now!
**Our prayers are with the people of Puerto Rico following the devastation from Hurricane Fiona this past weekend. After speaking with peace camp organizers on the ground there, we are glad to know that staff are okay and that the peace camp location
was not impacted. As of today, we expect the peace camp to take place as planned.
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Jan 2-7, 2023: Peace for the Weary at Camp Deerpark
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Calling young adults living in metropolitan areas! Take a break from daily life and join us for a transformational week of connection and learning. During this experience, you will gain tools for understanding trauma and develop strategies for self-care and
healing through the lens of restorative justice to bring back to your city. Registration fee is $200,
sign up now!
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Office updates
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NPJM welcomes three new staff to D.C. office!
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Galen Fitzkee will focus on Latin America, immigration, and international climate policy. Galen has a B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies from Messiah University. He previously worked at the Church of the Brethren policy office and was a
Student Representative on the MCC East Coast Board in 2019.
Zachary Murray will focus on the Middle East, North Korea and U.S. sanctions policy. Zachary has an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the American University of Cairo (AUC). He has lived and worked in Egypt off and on since 2017, first
as an
MCC SALTer and later as a fellow at AUC.
Anthony Khair joins NPJM as an
MCC IVEPer, working on issues related to the Middle East (Palestine and Israel) and Latin America. Anthony has a 2-year diploma of theology from Bethlehem Bible College. He was part of The Model United Nations, a debate team for teenagers, and attended
conferences in Denmark and the Czech Republic.
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Immigration Law Training
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Thirty-seven individuals from across the U.S. took part in a 40-hour training on immigration law from Sept. 12-16 in Akron, Pa. Many participants will take these new skills back to their communities and provide low-cost immigration legal services for immigrants,
refugees and asylum seekers.
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In closing
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Renew us
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O God, transform our hearts and attitudes toward each other.
May we respect our differences and constantly thank you for the diversity.
You made all things good and beautiful; may your will be done.
Renew us and fill us with your presence.
Bring peace to our chaotic world.
We offer you our obedience,
and submit ourselves to you in all things.
Reconcile all things to yourself.
--Excerpt from the
MCC International Day of Peace worship resource
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