COB Gun Violence Prevention Newsletter: April 2026

Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention

April 2026 Newsletter: 

Offered by the COB Gun Violence Prevention Action Team 

In this Issue

1. Reminder April 20-24:  Youth Violence Prevention Week  
2. A Call for Action for Bereaved Mother’s Day May 3, 2026
3. Plan Ahead for: Bring Annual Conference to your Congregation
4. Safe Gun Storage: Be SMART
5. Learn how other churches and GVP folks implemented Gun Violence Prevention

Reminder! April 20-24:  Youth Violence Prevention Week 

Founded in 2001, National Youth Violence Prevention Week is a community-wide campaign to promote effective strategies to prevent youth violence. Violence is everyone’s concern, and we invite you to work hand in hand with youth and your community to raise awareness and pursue solutions.

This month we can:

1. Let youth know they are supported by their community.
2. Reinforce that violence prevention is an issue that needs collective attention.
3. Remind others that an engaged community is a safe community.

Here are some ideas of ways to bring awareness in your congregation and community:

• Work with your congregation’s media coordinator to post information on social media. 
• Consider applying for a district-level grant (e.g. Jesus in the Neighborhood Grant in PSWD) to connect with your community. 
• Bring awareness to your own congregation.
• Read and Share Agape Magazine, a peacemaking guide for youth to develop the skills and find their voice to pursue justice, navigate conflict, and build community. Here is our 6th edition, Tough Topics: What to Do About Guns.

Call to Action 

Bereaved Mother’s Day

It's a day of remembrance and support for mothers who have lost a child, recognizing the unique and profound grief they experience. This day acknowledges the pain and loss experienced by mothers who have lost children, providing a space for remembrance and support. Talk to your pastor or worship team about including a litany and/or a prayer in your church service on May 3rd, 2026.

Check the link below for resources you may use during worship or in a newsletter. 

Plan ahead

Bring Annual Conference to your Congregation

We plan to have an active presence at Annual Conference this year:

• Exhibit Hall: Gun Violence Prevention section of On Earth Peace booth
• Gun Violence Prevention Candlelight Vigil (6/29 at 4:30)
• Be SMART Equipping session (6/29 at 12:30)

Plan on participating in all.

If you are not attending, ask your delegates, pastors, and attendees to bring back information and share it with your congregation.

Are you trained yet to Be SMART

Learn how to keep our children safe from accidental shootings.

Learn: Gun Violence Prevention Stories and Actions from Others

Bi-Monthly Park Pop-up by the Pomona Office of Violence Prevention 

Members from La Verne Church of the Brethren attended a workshop offered by the Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention. This workshop featured a panel of representatives from various national and local organizations working to end violence in our communities. These photos are from the Pomona Office of Violence Prevention that offers bi-monthly park Pop-Ups. These events are crafted to foster community engagement and spotlight the critical issue of gun violence. Here is a link to their webpage: Events & Activities - 2024 | Pomona, CA

Check out what your community is doing and share with us. 

Let Us Know

COB GVP Action Team members at Annual Conference 2025

Please contact the team at [email protected] to share the story of your service, including pictures or anecdotes.  

With each action we move closer to peace and justice and beloved community,  

The COB GVP Action Team, a project of On Earth Peace,

Mandy Park, Sandi Evans Rogers, Rhonda Baker, Linda Himes, Bev Eikenberry, Gerald Rhoades, Linda Williams, Gail Heisel, Steve Stone, Matt Guynn, and Nubwa Josiah. 

Calendar for the 2026

The calendar below lists the events we will be promoting in 2026. Please share this with your leadership, affinity groups, or other interested parties. Choose which events/activities that interest your church so that you can plan ahead. Each month we will provide resources to help you prepare and support the listed event.

Click on the blue link below to find out more information.

January: Be SMART

February: Say Something March 23-27

March: Youth Violence Prevention Week April 20-24

April: Bereaved Mother’s Day (new resources) We will provide elements to include in your church service

May: Wear Orange Purchase COB Orange t-shirts here

June: Bring Annual Conference to your Congregation

Get prepared for Annual Conference Or bring Annual Conference happenings to your church

July: (TBD)

August: Pinwheels for Whilred Peace (new resources)

Prepare for International Day of Peace 

September: Bystander Training Tips

Learn different methods a person can use to help victims of harassment

October: Elections/Legislation Activism

Information will be provided about Gun Violence Prevention and national/local elections

November: National Vigil to End Gun Violence (new resources)

Prepare for Blue Christmas or All Saints Day Service. Service Elements will be provided

December: Celebrate Progress

Let us know what your congregation contributed to Gun Violence Prevention

The Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team has formed to galvanize the Church of the Brethren to be faithful as an effective force for reducing gun violence in our neighborhoods and wherever it occurs.

Help support On Earth Peace's internships and work for justice and peace by following our social media/blog and donating!

We want to make sure On Earth Peace can continue to build a beloved community far into the future.