October 6, 2024
“Sowing the Seeds of Peace” (Zechariah 8:12)
We’ve all witnessed it, haven’t we?
Flowers miraculously blooming across a ravaged landscape. Children holding hands and smiling in the face of war.
We’ve all seen it and wonder how it’s possible. Such scenarios seem unlikely when we’ve all but given up hope.
And yet …
The prophet Zechariah casts a vision for peace. He shows forth a world where each person — old and young, all genders and races, people from north, south, east and west — lives without enmity, fear and destruction. In Zechariah’s vision, there is “a sowing of peace” where the world is restored, made whole and abides in peace. People in Zechariah’s prophecy bind themselves together in love for one another, imbued in them by God, where all people have dignity and worth.
The Presbyterian Confession of 1967 invites us, the Church, to be “emissaries of peace.” It also reminds us that “with an urgency born of this hope, the Church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world.”
Peacemaking is central to the gospel and the mission of the Church. Peace is possible, and it begins with us sowing the seeds of peace in every interaction and decision we make.
The Peace & Global Witness Offering is one way we can begin to bring peace. Through our support, the Central America Migration Mission Network seeks solutions to the root causes of migration and offers support for those who have had to flee their homelands; the Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, began their “Loads of Love” laundry program (not being able to keep yourself clean robs people of their dignity); and after members from Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, attended a Peacemaking Travel Study Seminar to the Native Lands, the church voted to send funds to help with necessary repairs and improvements to Native American churches.
This World Communion Sunday, let us remember the Christ who we meet at the Table of Grace and affirm that in Christ all Christians are one, regardless of nationality, race or ethnicity.
We are the Church. Together.
Special Offerings
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, October 6, 2024, the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Today’s Focus: World Communion Sunday/Peace & Global Witness Offering
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Barbara Soete, Ministry Specialist for Special Offerings, Ministry Engagement & Support, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
Samuel Son, Manager, Diversity & Reconciliation Associate, Advocacy, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us pray
God, you are the bringer of peace. We recommit ourselves to you as you bring peace to our world. May the works of our hands, the marching of our feet and the meditations of our hearts join with you as we sow the seeds of the peace only you can bring. In your name we pray. Amen.