Ecumenical Prayer Meeting
While we may not always agree on war and peace issues, one thing all congregations believe in, no matter what denomination they belong to, is prayer. Several local congregations could come together to pray for peace, as part of the International Day of Prayer for Peace. See the International Day of Prayer for Peace web page at On Earth Peace for more information on this popular initiative.
Noon Prayers
In one congregation, a small group gathered every Wednesday at noon to pray for peace, They spent a half hour in silence and prayer together, then shared a simple lunch.
Prayer and Faxing
The concept is simple: interested persons meet for a time of prayer together, and then each writes one or more letters to Congresspersons or other policymakers, which are faxed to the intended recipients. Handwritten letters are fine – sometimes preferable.
Bible Study
Return to the source. Look for the ways Jesus did peacemaking, prevented violence, or taught reconciliation.
Book Study
Three excellent study booklets are: Enemylove by Matt Guynn, available from Brethren Press at 800-323-8039, and two booklets in the Shalom Series, available from On Earth Peace: Shalom: Christ’s Way of Peace by Lani Wright and Susanna Farahat, and Where Two or Three Are Gathered by Annie Clark. Contact On Earth Peace or Brethren Press for other titles.
Give a Peacemaker Award
A Pennsylvania congregation had the idea of offering “Peacemaker of the Year” award to a graduating senior in the local high school. The award carried a $500 college scholarship. On the annual awards night, the gospel witness of the Church of the Brethren was made clear through sponsoring and personally awarding this scholarship. It worked so well that they have decided to give award in another school. Other congregations have now adopted the idea.
Participate with Christian Peacemaker Teams 
Get on the CPT mailing list to learn of this violence-reduction initiative. You can join a delegation to Colombia, Palestine or other areas in need of peaceful presence. Contact CPT at peacemakers@cpt.org or 773-277-0253.
Each January, a two-week delegation to Palestine is co-sponsored by On Earth Peace, and Brethren are especially invited to take part. Contact Bob Gross for more information, at bgross@onearthpeace.org or 260-982-7751.
Put a Peace Sign in your Yard
Witness to your neighbors and everyone who passes by. On Earth Peace is working with a Virginia congregation to provide attractive 18" x 24" signs in black and white. Two messages are available: “Seek Peace and Pursue It” and “Pray for Peace”. Ordering information is on the Yard Signs web page.
Donate Peace Books to the School or Public Library
One Brethren couple offered $200 to the school librarian to purchase books on peace. The librarian used their gift as leverage and obtained $2000 from a foundation, with which she bought 250 peace books for the high school library!
Show Concern for Persons in the Military
Because we believe war is wrong, it is often assumed that we don’t care about persons in the military. This is a serious misunderstanding, and has caused unnecessary barriers in our communities. For ideas about how to offer a caring welcome to those who may be carrying unseen wounds, look at the Welcome Home Project web page.
Sponsor a “Kids as Peacemakers” Project 
On Earth Peace is helping to spread this exciting and fun project to children in communities coast to coast. Children ages 6-12 can participate, learning how they can be peacemakers and then creating a peace mural to be displayed in their community. See the Kids As Peacemakers web page at On Earth Peace for more information, or call Marie Rhoades, peace education coordinator, at 717-917-9392.
Wear your Witness and be Ready to Share It
Our very popular message, “When Jesus said, ‘Love your enemies,’ I think he probably meant don’t kill them.” comes from a song by Linda Williams. It’s available on bumper stickers, T-shirts, buttons, envelope stickers and note pads. Call 410-635-8704 or go to the Resources page to order any of these materials for your own witness.
Here’s the new idea: wear the T-shirt when you travel, or shop, or go to work, and when people comment favorably on the message, offer them a button or bumper sticker for their own use. We’ll provide a handful of stickers or buttons free if you’ll give them away!
Many more ideas are available from On Earth Peace.
On Earth Peace provides practical resources, ideas and support for congregations and individuals, as we all respond to the call from Annual Conference to be a Living Peace Church.
