COB Gun Violence Prevention Newsletter: May 2026

Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention

May 2026 Newsletter: 

Offered by the COB Gun Violence Prevention Action Team 

In this Issue

1. Reminder: Bereaved Mother’s Day May 3, 2026
2. A Call for Action: Bring Annual Conference to your Congregation
3. Plan Ahead: Share Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Data with Your Congregation
4. Safe Gun Storage Initiative: Be SMART
5. Learn: how other churches and GVP folks implemented Gun Violence Prevention

Reminder: Bereaved Mother’s Day May 3, 2026

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.

Call to Action 

Bring Annual Conference to your Congregation

Monday is Wear your Orange t-shirt Day  

Purchase a Church of the Brethren shirt here 

MONDAY EVENTS

• Be SMART Equipping session @ 12:30
• Gun Violence Prevention Candlelight Vigil @ 4:30

* We hope you will attend and Encourage your Delegate to attend! 

CHECK OUT our Space in Exhibit Hall

• Find the Gun Violence Prevention table located at the On Earth Peace Booth

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

Plan ahead

Think about how you might share Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Data with Your Congregation in July. Consider a table after church, a bulletin announcement, a flyer, or an announcement at the beginning of the service. Look for resources next month.

Safe Gun Storage Initiative

The GVP Action Team’s goal is to bring Be SMART trainings to every COB District 

To accomplish this, the Action Team is planning regional trainings, kicking off in the Virlina and Mid-Atlantic districts.

Look for trainings in your area! 

You can also attend a Be SMART training on your own

Upcoming trainings:

Saturday, May 16, 2026

6604 Plantation Rd.

Roanoke, VA 24019 

Ministry and Mission Day 

Hosted by Summerdean Church of the Brethren

Sponsored by: On Earth Peace

Click here Contact Us to find out how to Register & Pay 

Saturday, May 26: 1:30-3:00 

Exploration Commons, Westminster Library

50 E. Main St. Westminster, MD

Hosted by the Peace and Justice Forum of

Westminster Church of the Brethren, 

Sponsored by: On Earth Peace 

Call the Church office to register:410.848.8090

Learn: Gun Violence Prevention Stories and Actions from other Congregations

High school students participating in the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something and Belonging Curriculum

Using a Jesus in the Neighborhood grant from the Pacific Southwest District, 

the La Verne Church of the Brethren sponsored 28 additional high school students to participate in the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something and Belonging Curriculum. 

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: Share Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Data with Your Congregation

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.