Produce For Peace

(This post, and the first four photos, were submitted by Kathleen Thompson.)

One of the families from the Ellisforde Church had an abundant harvest and decided a clever way to use some of the gourds and winter squashes would be to make a peace sign on the front lawn of the church since the church faces busy Highway 97.  Another person thought it would be a good project for the youth.

The peace sign is a reminder to passersby that the Church of the Brethren has a long history of pursuing peace. Yet, God's vision of a peaceful and just world is still one we must call into being with each step we take. The Church of the Brethren's peace conviction is firmly rooted in the New Testament through Jesus’ teaching to “love our enemies” (Matt. 5:44, Luke 6:27) and Paul’s admonition that Christians “if possible, be at peace with all men” and strive to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:18, 21).

Brethren strive to do their utmost to preserve peace, and to appease the anger and malice of others. Although we are not answerable to the conduct of others, we are answerable for our conduct toward them. This extends to everything connected with strife, whether it is in the home, at school, at work, at church, in the local community nationally or internationally.

Practically speaking, avoiding strife means not provoking others to controversy or prolonging it when it occurs; not speaking against another person or dealing unfairly with another person in business.

Not only do Brethren strive to live in peace with others, they seek after peace, pursue it, and cultivate it. On Earth Peace is an agency of the Church of the Brethren empowering people to discern the things that make for peace. Its Mission Statement is:

On Earth Peace answers Jesus Christ's call for peace and justice through its ministries; builds thriving families, congregations, and communities; and provides the skills, support, and spiritual foundation to face violence with active nonviolence.

The Ellisforde and Whitestone congregations invite our brothers and sisters in the Okanogan valley to join us in pursuing peace.