For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  (Matthew 18:20)

If you would like to receive a weekly e-mail devotional from Rev. Carlisle, please e-mail Dawn Harvey at: dharvey@presbyteriancoshocton.org

Peacemaking Offering

Every year our congregation joins Christians around the world in celebrating World Communion Sunday.  Born in a time of international unrest as nations were about to enter another world war, World Communion Sunday’s central focus is the Lord’s Supper instituted by Christ and its unifying message for all who partake of it.  We are one in Christ Jesus and not to be separated by the nations, ethnic groups or denominations we belong to, or for any other reason.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) also marks the day by a call to peacemaking, urging us to be followers of the Prince of Peace.  One concrete way that we do that is by receiving the Peacemaking   Offering.  Through this special offering, we work together with others in our presbytery, our synod and nationally through the General Assembly’s Peacemaking  Program to learn and live out the ways of peace.

The Peacemaking Offering invites each congregation to find ways to promote peace within the congregation and within the community.  For that reason, our church will retain 25 percent of the Offering we receive.  Jody Cox, River View Counselor, and Farrah Cunningham, Educator at First Step, will lead a panel discussion on bullying for youth and parents.  The program will be open to the public.  Another 25 percent goes to our presbytery or synod, and the remaining 50  percent goes to the General Assembly for peacemaking involvement throughout the world.

Join us October 4 to celebrate World Communion Sunday and to commit ourselves to working for the unity of the church and the peace of Christ.  Come ready to give generously to the Peacemaking Offering.

* Sunday * October 4 *

The theme for 2009 is  taken from Psalm 85:10, “Justice and peace shall    kiss each other.”