Peace and Justice

The Peace and Justice Committee seeks to explore opportunities for advancing the causes of peace and justice in the world, nation, city, "Community Around Us", church, and family. We seek to help the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, its members and friends work with and through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PC (U.S.A.)), the National Capital Presbytery (NCP), the Presbyterian Washington Office, and local ecumenical and secular organizations and like-minded individuals to increase our effectiveness and broaden our horizons. When we work with individuals and organizations outside our own beloved NYAPC Community, we gain insight, perspective, and inspiration. This year we found this challenge in these words from a PC (U.S.A.)-supported project in the former Demilitarized Zone in Vietnam: "What can peacemakers do? We can expand our understanding or choose not to know. We can do something that will lead to sustainable change....or we can do nothing". The PC (U.S.A.) Brief Statement of faith reminds us that "in a broken and fearful world, the Spirit gives us courage . . . to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom and peace." The Committee welcomes the prayers, ideas, efforts, and participation of all.

Each year the PC (U.S.A.) offers us opportunities to contribute to the church's peacemaking efforts, hunger programs, disaster relief, and self-development of peoples via two special offerings that the Session has authorized us to take. The Peacemaking Committee publicizes the needs served by these projects and organizes the Peacemaking and One Great Hour of Sharing Offering campaigns so that New York Avenue members, friends and visitors can continue to give generously to these efforts. The Peacemaking Committee retains 25 percent of the Peacemaking Offering for use by New York Avenue directly. This year, funds were committed to purchase peace candles that are available to members and visitors, to purchase books and periodicals on peace and justice topics for the Docherty Center, to purchase Mission Yearbooks for children and youth education, to support the Friday Noon Forums, to send a member (Niala Boodhoo) to Cuba on a PC (U.S.A.) trip, and to contribute to meeting the needs of prisoners for basic items they must purchase through a pastor who ministers to prisoners at the District of Columbia Jail. The Committee also organizes an Alternative Christmas Store to give members and visitors an opportunity to give meaningful gifts to friends, colleagues, and family. In 2003 our 2002 gift supported projects in Cuba, DC, Haiti, and Kenya, and land-mine removal worldwide. Thanks to Bernice McIntyre for organizing this effort this year, and arranging the option of purchasing crafts that help people and communities support themselves.

In the coming year we hope to build stronger relationships with the Elburgon Presbytery in Kenya via the National Capital Presbytery partnership, and with the help of Kirsten Kingdon, who visited Kenya this year on a NCP trip. If there is support within the congregation and with the help of Parish Associate Gary Campbell and Niala Boodhoo, we hope to find meaningful ways to be in relationship with Cuba through the PC (U.S.A.), and to work on issues of concern to Presbyterians, Christians, and others in Cuba. Parrish Jones is exploring possibilities for purchase and sale of justly produced and marketed coffee. Kathryn (Kitty) Smith keeps the peace candles burning. Leonora Marquis has suggested that we try to erect a "Peace Pole" on the land in front of our building to witness to our commitment to peace. Christian Education is an important part of what we do. In 2004 we hope to organize an Adult Christian Education course dealing with responsible investing. Members of the Committee have helped organize the Friday Forums on war and peace topics. With Tara Spuhler's help, we try to educate the children and youth of the congregation about opportunities to be peacemakers and justice seekers. Eleanor Robins is organizing an "action table" where we all can find information about how to be effective public policy advocates.

This year David Inoue joined Karen Mills to co-chair the Committee. New participants include: Nancy Bagwell, Parrish Jones, and Cynthia Young. The Cuban interests group included: Margaret Blabey, Niala Boodhoo, Margaret (Chess) and Gary Campbell, Jack Carroll, Kathryn Jones Calone, Martha Davis, Eleanor Robins, Bernice McIntyre, Amy McKee, Karen Mills, Dick Rettig, Barbra Tschida, Jessica Tate, Rachel Tyree, and Mark Zaineddin. We valued the participation of Merry Ward and Kathryn Jones Calone who moved away. Gilbert Anderson, Kirsten Kingdon, Leonora Marquis, Nansy Matthews, and Kathryn (Kitty) Smith also contribute to our work. Rev. Roger Gench, Tara Spuhler, and Rev. Bryant George all provide wonderful inspiration and support. The paid and volunteer office staff, especially James Adams and Maura Kenerson, ably and generously assist us with publicity and mailings. We also appreciate the help of building staff. Anyone wishing to be added to the Committee's e-mail list should contact David Inoue, or contact Karen Mills for addition to regular mail or phone contact list. We welcome you!