GA08104

Peacemaking — ‘a calling for a lifetime’

by Mike Ferguson

Jazz pianist Harry Pickens performed at the Peacemaking dinner on Wednesday. Photo by Danny Bolin

SAN JOSE, June 25, 2008 — Lovely piano jazz music emanating from a beautiful old church rewarded the 100 or so attendees of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program celebration Wednesday evening.

Harry Pickens of Louisville, Ky., who’s worked with jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard, offered peacemakers a concert following dinner at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the oldest church in San Jose (1863).

After playing a kinetic version of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” at a grand piano in the sanctuary, Pickens said he had the “greatest respect for the people in this room,” because “as Presbyterians and global citizens, what you are doing in service during this dangerous, challenging and hopeful time is a bridge between a world in chaos and a world that can work for everyone.”

Peacemaking Program Coordinator Mark Koenig noted that 2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the Commitment to Peacemaking program. Banners from 50 churches and two presbyteries that have made the commitment ringed the cathedral’s fellowship hall, where a catered dinner — provided by a locally-owned restaurant — was served.

“Peacemaking is not a task for the moment,” Koenig said, “but a calling for a lifetime.”

A portion of the money raised at the banquet will benefit Comfort the Children, an international ministry begun by a pastor at Trinity, the Rev. Zane Wilemon, and his brother.

“We are leaving Saturday for Kenya,” Wilemon said. “Know that every penny is going right back to the people of Africa.”