Israel/Palestine has been on the minds and hearts of many Presbyterians this year, especially in light of recent increased violence there and the 221st General Assembly’s vote on divestment.
About 100 Presbyterians also traveled to the region this spring as part of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s Mosaic of Peace tour. Now, some of their reflections are available to the larger church as part of the Peacemaking Program’s 2014 Advent devotional.
Proclaiming the Good News of God’s Peace contains 26 devotions written by Mosaic of Peace participants.
“We saw it as an opportunity to interpret the conference to the wider church,” said Bryce Wilson, program assistant for the Peacemaking Program. “It’s a good way for the experiences of the conference to live on.”
Working from the Revised Common Lectionary, volunteers were asked to reflect on the day’s scripture readings and write responses to what moved them. Writers range from pastors to seminary students to staffers of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, but all of the devotions share a common message of peace.
“They are very helpful and pastoral in tone,” Wilson said. “This should contribute to a common goal of making peace” rather than encouraging divisive conversations.
The devotional is available for sale now in the online Church Store for 50 cents.