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Peacemaking Offering - World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2003
In 1980, our General Assembly adopted a study paper and program entitled, "Peacemaking, the Believer's Calling." First Presbyterian Church, Bridgeton, then signed the covenant for peacemaking and made the annual special offering an ongoing part of our stewardship and mission.
Two-thirds of the offering goes to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for peacemaking programs at the presbytery, synod, and General Assembly levels - across the country and around the world. The other third stays with our local church, under the direction of the Session.
In the summer of 2003, we were able to give $1,000 of accumulated peacemaking money to the Building Bridges for Peace program which brings together Israeli and Palestinian teenaged girls for a 2-week camp designed to promote mutual understanding and respect. Often, the camp produces friendship among girls who had previously regarded each other as enemies. Because there is follow-up with the girls who have attended the camps and they keep in touch with each other, they become a support system for each other in their strife-torn land. This mission contribution left us about $500 in the fund prior to this year's offering received October 5.
Click here to be taken to the Presbyterian Church's new page: Spiritual Nurture for Peacemakers