Building Bridges Together: Perry Highway Lutheran Church Seeks Your Support for the Peace Not Walls Initiative
Greetings, dear members and friends of Perry Highway Lutheran Church! We are excited to introduce you to a powerful initiative called Peace Not Walls from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This program fosters unity, love, and understanding within our community. This blog entry will explore what this initiative is all about and its importance to our lay community in Wexford, PA. We seek your support and collaboration as we work together to grow our church and positively impact our community.
What is the Peace Not Walls ELCA program?
Peace Not Walls is an initiative launched by the ELCA to promote justice, peace, and reconciliation among various communities. The program focuses on breaking down barriers and creating an environment of understanding and unity.
The Peace Not Walls program is centered around three main pillars:
- Awareness: Increasing knowledge of social, political, and religious issues that cause community divisions.
- Accompaniment: Supporting and standing with those affected by these issues, promoting dialogue, and building relationships.
- Advocacy: Encouraging active participation in creating positive change, fostering justice, and addressing the root causes of conflict.
Inviting Your Support and Collaboration at Perry Highway Lutheran Church
At Perry Highway Lutheran Church, we are committed to living out the values of the Peace Not Walls program. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment will foster unity and understanding within our congregation and the Wexford community.
To make this vision a reality, we need your support and collaboration! We have several potential events and initiatives to engage our congregation and the wider community in promoting peace and justice:
Educational workshops and seminars: We seek volunteers to help organize and lead workshops addressing cultural sensitivity, understanding different faiths, and conflict resolution. Share your expertise or partner with others to develop these valuable educational opportunities.
Interfaith dialogues: We invite members to join our efforts in collaborating with other religious communities in Wexford to host interfaith dialogues. These conversations aim to foster understanding, and mutual respect and explore the shared values that unite us.
Community outreach: We encourage you to get involved in community events and volunteer initiatives that promote peace, justice, and inclusivity. Help us support local food banks, assist refugees, and engage in environmental stewardship by volunteering your time and skills.
Prayer and reflection: We invite you to join us in prayer, lifting up our community, nation, and world as we seek God’s guidance and wisdom in our pursuit of peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Conclusion
Perry Highway Lutheran Church is dedicated to embodying the principles of the Peace Not Walls program. We need your support to make a meaningful impact on our congregation and the Wexford community. We invite you to join us on this journey of peace-building and unity as we work together to create a brighter, more compassionate world. Let’s build bridges together and grow our church through the spirit of love, unity, and understanding.