Swords into plowshares
About this blog
Swords into Plowshares is the blog of the Peacemaking Program and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations of the Presbyterian Mission Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Seeking peace. Striving for justice. Together.
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Posts with tag: faith
June 10, 2014Letters from Camp
Ever wonder what that kid remembers from camp? More to the point, what excites them enough to share with mom and dad? Check out some actual letters from campers.
- Posted at 12:00 p.m.
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July 2, 2013
Does your Ministry Transform Young Adults?
Coming "home" is as important a right of passage as being sent. When our youth get "sent" out into the world, where are they coming "home" to? This edition features 3 young adults who are coming 'home' to Stony Point after a transformative experience.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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April 9, 2013
The Upside of Church Decline
Just as we received more bad news about church health in America, the analysts have found a positive spin.
The Association of Religion Data Archives released the latest downward data in the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, citing “stark evidence of the aging and shrinking of many congregations.”
But the organization’s news release carried the headline: “Five Hopeful Signs for U.S. Congregations.”
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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March 26, 2013
Young Adult Eco-Stewards Program Applications Due
Is God calling you or someone you know to care for the environment?Now is the time to apply for the 2013 Eco-Stewards Program!
- Posted at 10:20 a.m.
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March 22, 2013
Why Are We Losing Our Kids?
“Our kids are smart. They picked up on the message we unwittingly taught. If church is simply a place to learn life-application principals to achieve a better life in community… you don’t need a crucified Jesus for that.” --from website Marc5Solas
- Posted at 11:17 a.m.
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January 31, 2013
Lenten Resource on Eco-Justice
Check out this resource for Lent 2013. It's a well laid out resource to focus Lent around environmental issues and God's call.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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January 28, 2013
Young Adults Grant Available From the National Council of Churches
The New Fire Task Force, in partnership with the Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team (EYAMT),invites and encourages young adults to apply for seed grants in the amount of up to $500 to support local ecumenical young adult-initiated projects.
- Posted at 1:24 p.m.
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January 15, 2013
Called to Spread Peace
With school and other mass shootings becoming more mainstream and less shocking, and with a nation debating gun ownership in a way we have not in a generation - how are we, as a people of faith, called to respond?
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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September 24, 2012
Great Opportunity in Energy Corps Internship
Here's a wonderful opportunity for a young adult to make an impact in energy conservation and eco-stewardship and learn huge skills in the process!- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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September 12, 2012
Farm the Land - Grow the Spirit
Check out how the PC(USA) has something to say that is transformational and relevant to young adults! Making a stand for peace in our multi-cultural shared future.- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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September 8, 2012
I Love to Tell the Story
One of the things I love about the forthcoming (2013) Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God, is that it is shaped by a story -- the story of our salvation in Jesus Christ.There are lots of ways to organize a hymnal: topical categories, theological doctrines, liturgical seasons, even alphabetical order (we tried that with the Worshipbook). But Glory to God is shaped by the story of salvation history.
The first half of the hymnal, therefore, is all about Christian faith, telling the story of God's Mighty Acts. It begins before the beginning, with hymns and songs …
- Posted at 9:45 p.m.
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August 16, 2012
Love is All You Need
Love is always patient and kind, it is never jealous, love is never boastful nor conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense, and is not resentful...
- Posted at 2:32 p.m.
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July 13, 2012
There Isn't a "Me" in Community?
This week one particular article piqued my interest.
I was initially taken with the article’s title, “Books Increasingly Show It’s All About Me”. I’m interested in anything that might shore up my feeling that it really is all about me.
- Posted at 3:27 p.m.
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February 22, 2012
Ministry Widgets
I stopped selling ministry widgets years ago. I know it’s a strange way to start a blog, but have you ever in your ministry felt like you were selling widgets? Have you ever felt like a church or ministry of the church was selling you a widget?
- Posted at 12:45 p.m.
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January 30, 2012
A number of years ago
A number of years ago, I was leading a workshop on evangelism for a group of folks who mostly represented the liberal and middle of the road side of our tradition. We were discussing the various reasons folks had for not sharing their faith. Some spoke of their hesitation to share that grew out of their concern that Jesus might not be the only way to God. How could they witness to their relationship with God through Jesus Christ when other ways might exist?
One pastor then said something like this in response to those concerns:
“Not sharing your …
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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December 21, 2011
Eco-Stewards Program 2012
Don't miss out! Sign up or encourage others to sign up today!
- Posted at 12:07 p.m.
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October 25, 2011
New Eco-Stewards Post
Eco-Steward Kathi Pogorelov studies public health and sociology, with a concentration in health and environment, at The College of New Jersey. She took a break from her coursework to reflect on her participation in the June 2011 Montana Eco-Stewards Program.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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August 30, 2011
Not Whole Cloth, Just Ribbons
The church is not the whole cloth of Christ's glory; we're just scraps, bits and pieces.
- Posted at 2:50 p.m.
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July 12, 2011
What Matters?
If you read my blog, you will find I am interested in a wide variety of subjects related to camp, conference and retreat ministry. I like to look at the ministry facilities we have as "Centers for Mission and Ministry" because they are one of the most flexible resources we have in our church. From facilities for education and retreat, to acres of God's creation, to skilled and multi-talented/flexible staff to help put any idea into action, to their reach into all aspects of church life, our centers are truly under-used and undervalued.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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June 23, 2011
Eco-Steward Program 2011
The Eco-Stewards Program website has been updated to include the a multimedia presentation created by program participants and program leader and journalist, Becky W. Evans. The 2011 program in Montana focused on "reconciliation and sustainability through agriculture, health and green building" in the context of the Crow Reservation and surrounding areas.
- Posted at 6:00 a.m.
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