Coming Events and Other News

from Every Church A Peace Church

(1) . . Next  Bimonthly Potluck Supper  -  July 14th

(2) . . A Very Special Theater Experience  -  July 17 - 20

(3) . . Look For A Paper Mail Message from ECAPC - TC

(4) . . A Special Two-Day Conference - Sept. 19 - 20

(5) . . Volunteers  Needed -- Please Read

         ******************

(1)

The next regular bimonthly potluck supper meeting will be on Monday, July 14th at 6:30 p.m. at

. . . United Church Church of Christ in New Brighton

. . . 1000 Long Lake Road  -  (just north of I-694 at Exit 41)

. . . 651-633-1327 - - http://www.uccnb.homestead.com

Program will feature a presentation titled:

LIVING OUR FAITH

PEACE ACTIVISM IN TWIN CITIES CHURCHES

A Survey Conducted For Every Church A Peace Church

by Polly Mann and Roxanne Abbas

Members of ECAPC often find themselves frustrated with the negligible role our churches are playing in advocating Christ's message of nonviolence.  You may have heard Polly Mann rail in frustration "The Churches need to do more!"  After discarding the notion that telling the churches what they ought to be doing, Polly and Roxanne Abbas  decided to try to find out what local Christian churches are actually doing to advocate Christ's message and work for peace. 

At our July 14th meeting Roxanne and Polly will report on their findings after surveying 20 "progressive" Twin Cities' churches about their peace related programs and projects.  Copies of their survey report titled "Living our Faith:  Peace Activism in Twin Cities' Churches" will be available to attendees.

******  PLEASE! Download the attached file; print a few copies (in color if possible).  Post them at your church and/or hand them to others who should know about this event.  *********

(2)

See the play "Cirque de Guerre" at the Illusion Theater in downtown Minneapolis at 6th St. and Hennepin Ave.

in the Center for the Arts - 8th floor.  July 17 - 20, 2008

http://www.illusiontheater.org/season/index.asp?id=126

Look for:  Cirque de Guerre

by  Beth Gilleland, Blayn Lemke and Bill Berneking

This play has been created through the efforts and support of Every Church A Peace Church - Twin Cities.  It began at a Potluck Supper Meeting on a very snowy night in March of 2006.  Those attending worked in small groups to try to imagine dramatic skit that would either humorously or seriously show the absurdity of each of the tenets of "Just War" theory. From there the project went to a committee of our local members and ultimately to Bill Berneking and the two theater professionals mentioned above.

(3)

Some time in the next week our local ECAPC Steering Committee expects to send out a paper mail message to all those in our database for whom we have a street address.  The message is in the form of a letter asking for your assistance.  Please do take a few moments to consider our plea and respond as you are able. If you do not receive such a letter within about ten days, please contact us by e-mail or phone (see item #5).

(4)

We are planning a two-day special conference which we hope will provide information and inspiration for those of us who are working to move our churches to become peace churches.  Many details are not yet fixed. We can tell you the following, however:

The conference will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 19 -20, 2008 at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

On the evening of Friday, 9/19 there will be a performance of "Cirque de Guerre"

This will be an expanded and/or refined version of the play as done at the Illusion Theater - see item (2) above.

On Saturday 9/20 the program will include a keynote address by Glen Stassen, Ph.D. Professor of Christian Ethics, Fuller Theological Seminary. The topic will be some variation of "Just Peacemaking" as espoused in his several books. Following the keynote address there will be several break-out sessions which will provide opportunities for discussions led by local experts.

(5)

We need volunteers!  Can you help with planning, ideas, publicity, record keeping, etc.  Call or e-mail - let us know about your interests and availablity.

Rod Olsen   rolsen6376@...    651-228-7224

April/May Events & News from Every Church A Peace Church

(1) . . April 3rd and 4th - MLK related Events Sponsored
by
         Calvary Baptist Church, St. Joan of Arc Church,
etc.

(2) . . April 14th - ECAPC Steering Committee Meeting -
              Visitors, new members WELCOME!  Read more
below

(3) . . April 19th and 20th - At the Basilica of St. Mary
              Centennial Peace Site Dedication and Concert

(4) . . Monday May 12th - ECAPC Bimonthly Potluck Supper
Meeting
              Basilica of St. Mary  -  Raising Peace
Seeking Children

           ******************

(1) . . April 3 & 4 - THIS Thursday & Friday  The
Silencing of a Prophet - local faith-based organizations
and churches commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the
Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thursday at 7 pm, A Knock at Midnight: Remembering the
Radical Nonviolent Struggle of Dr. King, featuring Civil
Rights Activists/Organizers/Leaders Charles F. McDew and
Dr. Harry C. Boyte. Calvary Baptist Church, 2608 Blaisdell
Ave. So., Minneapolis.

Friday at 7:30 pm, the award-winning documentary "At the
River I Stand": The Story of the Memphis Sanitation
Workers Strike and the Assassination of Dr. King, followed
by a facilitated discussion.  St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537
3rd Ave. So., Minneapolis.

Events Sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church, Pax Christi
Twin Cities, Community of St. Martin, St. Joan of Arc
Church, and Workers Interfaith Network (WIN).  FREE;
www.calvarychurchmpls.org; 612-872-7855;
www.workersinterfaith.org.

(2) . . Hello Committee - AND OTHERS - Next meeting is on
Monday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m. It will, as usual, be held
at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 31st St. in
Minneapolis. Look for us in the Latch Key Room, which is
on the right just inside the church entrance.
   (Enter the parking lot slightly more than a block east
of Minnehaha Ave.)  We will be discussing details relating
to May, July and beyond Potluck Supper programs.  Should
we be considering a regional conference and/or other
special event to take place next fall?
Joan Haan, a member of our local group and also a member
of the ECAPC national Board of Directors, will be
attending and hopes to be able to bring some information
about resources for our fall planning.

Other business? . . How can we increase volunteer effort?
This "Steering Committee" is NOT an exclusive group.
**** WE NEED HOST CHURCH VOLUNTEERS for July and beyond.
       Forward this message to anyone you think should join
us.

Rod Olsen rolsen6376@... 651-228-7224

(3) . . Centennial Peace Site Dedication and Concert: That
All May Be OneOn Saturday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. - The
Basilica of Saint Mary will be formally dedicated as a
Peace Site.  Also taking place in conjunction with this
event there will be "PEACE-IN-ACTION FAIRS" consisting of
invited speakers, exhibits by local peace organizatiions,
and worship services. These are scheduled for:Saturday,
April 19th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. (just prior to the
concert), andSunday, April 20th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. For more information contact Lorri at 612-220-6078.
(4) . . On Monday, May 12th at 6:30 p.m. the ECAPC
bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting will be held at the
Basilica of St. Mary at Hennepin Ave. & 17th Street in
Minneapolis.  Off-street parking is available behing the
church and education building.  The program title will be:
  "How Do You Raise Compassionate, Peace-Seeking Children?"
Martha Nemesi and other members and staff of the Basilica
will report on this aspect of their efforts to be
recognized as an "International Peace Site."  It is
anticipated that there will be ample opportunity for
questions and discussion.  Watch for more details soon.

            *******************************

Significant Events - News from Every Church A Peace Church

(1) . . March 19th Weekly Vigil on Lake Street Bridge
              Participation by church members is especially
invited
(2) . . Events Sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church, Pax
Christi Twin Cities,
              Community of St. Martin, St. Joan of Arc
Church, and
              Workers Interfaith Network
(3) . . Steering Committee April 14th - Visitors, new
members WELCOME!
              Read more below

(4) . . SAVE THE DATE!  Monday May 12th - Bimonthly
Potluck Supper Meeting
              Basilica of St. Mary  -  Raising Nonviolent
Children
           ******************


(1) . . On Wednesday, March 19th, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.,
churches are being invited to join in speaking out against
the war on Iraq at the weekly vigil on the Lake
Street/Marshall Ave. Bridge. Please wear or carry
something indicating your church affilliation.
Note: ECAPC will also have a presence at this event.

Following the vigil, at 6:30 there will be a Potluck
Dinner & Program at Macalester Plymouth United Church,
1658 Lincoln Ave., St. Paul (One block south of Grand Ave.
and just west of the Macalester College campus).
Program speakers will include Wes Davey and Brandon Day,
members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Sami
Rasouli, Iraqi American recently returned from Iraq.
For more info. > . . Call 612-522-1861 . . or 612-827-5364

(2) . . April 3 & 4 – Thursday & Friday  The Silencing of
a Prophet – local faith-based organizations and churches
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Assassination of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thursday at 7 pm, A Knock at Midnight: Remembering the
Radical Nonviolent Struggle of Dr. King, featuring Civil
Rights Activists/Organizers/Leaders Charles F. McDew and
Dr. Harry C. Boyte. Calvary Baptist Church, 2608 Blaisdell
Ave. So., Minneapolis.

Friday at 7:30 pm, the award-winning documentary “At the
River I Stand”: The Story of the Memphis Sanitation
Workers Strike and the Assassination of Dr. King, followed
by a facilitated discussion.  St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537
3rd Ave. So., Minneapolis.

Events Sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church, Pax Christi
Twin Cities, Community of St. Martin, St. Joan of Arc
Church, and Workers Interfaith Network (WIN).  FREE;
www.calvarychurchmpls.org; 612-872-7855;
www.workersinterfaith.org.

(3) . . Hello Committee - Next meeting is on Monday, Feb.
11th at 7:00 p.m. It will, as usual, be held at Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 31st St. in Minneapolis.
Look for us in the Latch Key Room, which is on the right
just inside the church entrance.

We will be discussing details relating to May, July and
beyond Potluck Supper programs.  Should we be considering
a special event?
Other business? . . How can we increase volunteer effort?
This "Steering Committee" is NOT an exclusive group.
**** WE NEED HOST CHURCH VOLUNTEERS for July and beyond.
       Forward this message to someone you think should
join us.

Rod Olsen rolsen6376@... 651-228-7224

(4) . . Members and staff of the Basilica will report on
their intense efforts to be recognized as an
"International Peace Site."  Watch for more details soon.

Reminder - Potluck Supper Meeting in One Week and other
events

EVERY CHURCH A PEACE CHURCH  - MnECAPC Reminder - One
Week:

EVERY CHURCH A PEACE CHURCH  - Our next regular bimonthly
Potluck Supper Meeting will be held on Monday, March 10th
at 6:30 p.m. at University Lutheran Church of Hope in
Minneapolis.  The program will address the question: "Is
Your Church A Peace Church?"  It will consist of a panel
presentation featuring five local churches at which there
have recently been efforts directed at joining the
National Registry of Peace Churches
  <http://www.ecapc.org/Registry.asp>.

The five churches and their spokespersons will be:
Macalester Plymouth United  -  Roberta Olson
St. Joan of Arc  -  Julie Madden and Peter Eichten
Pilgrim Lutheran  -  Rodney Olsen
Edina Community Lutheran  -  Tom Holm
Basilica of St. Mary  -  Janice Andersen

Moderator for the program will be Craig Wiester, member of
Judson Memorial Baptist Church and Office Administrator at
University Lutheran Church of Hope (our host).

Following the short presentations there will be ample
opportunity for an open discussion of progress and
problems described.  We would like to extend a special
invitation to members of any other churches that are also
currently engaged in this process.

The University Lutheran Church of Hope is located at 601
13th Ave. SE.  Free on-site parking is available.

FFI:  e-mail ecapctc@...   or call Rod Olsen at
651-228-7224.

    Anyone wishing to have announcements made, relating to
local peace events or activities, should submit that
information to me, in writing, in advance of the meeting.

     Some have asked about what to bring for the Potluck
Supper.  In the past we seem to have always had a
reasonable variety of hotdishes, desserts, salads, bread,
etc.  So there is no suggested plan for telling people
what to bring.  Sometimes there are questions regarding
recipes or ingredients.  To that end, a card with your
name left next to your dish could be helpful.

     Please help spread the word about ECAPC and this
particular event to other members of your church and
community.  For a useful publicity piece look at:

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MnECAPC/messages

On Wednesday, March 19th, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., churches are
being invited to join in speaking out against the war on
Iraq at the weekly vigil on the Lake Street/Marshall Ave.
Bridge. Please wear or carry something indicating your
church affilliation.
Note: ECAPC will also have a presence at this event.

Following the vigil, at 6:30 there will be a Potluck
Dinner & Program at Macalester Plymouth United Church,
1658 Lincoln Ave., St. Paul (One block south of Grand Ave.
and just west of the Macalester College campus).
Program speakers will include Wes Davies and Brandon Day,
members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Sami
Rasouli, Iraqi American recently returned from Iraq.
For more info. > . . Call 612-522-1861 . . or 612-827-5364

Every Church A Peace Church (through the national office)
is again this year an official Partner in The Christian
Peace Witness for Iraq.  The main thrust of this will take
place in Washington, D.C. from March 6 - 10.  Visit the
website >
    http://christianpeacewitness.org
On the local level there is "officially" listed only one
event. It is:

Lenten Wave of Worship and Witness
Thursday March 13, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
1895 Laurel Ave.; St. Paul, MN  FFI: Call 651-646-6175

  From the the western Twin Cities we also have this
message:
On a local note - there will be an evening service in
support of the Christian Peace Witness Washington, DC
events on Friday, March 7 at St Luke Presbyterian Church
in Minnetonka at 7:00 p.m.   Peace, Linda Thomson
For more information you might e-mail Linda >
  tearthangel@...

March Events - News from Every Church A Peace Church

(1) . . . March 10th  Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting
              Update:  Names of program participants, other
datails
(2) . . . March 19th Weekly Vigil on Lake Street Bridge
              Participation by church members is especially
invited
(3) . . . Christian Peace Witness for Iraq
              Events both national and local; read much
more below

           ******************

(1) . . Our next regular bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting
will be held on Monday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. at
University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis.  The
program will address the question: "Is Your Church A Peace
Church?"  It will consist of a panel presentation
featuring five local churches at which there have recently
been efforts directed at joining the National Registry of
Peace Churches  <http://www.ecapc.org/Registry.asp>.

The five churches and their spokespersons will be:
Macalester Plymouth United  -  Roberta Olson
St. Joan of Arc  -  Julie Madden and Peter Eichten
Pilgrim Lutheran  -  Rodney Olsen
Edina Community Lutheran  -  Tom Holm
Basilica of St. Mary  -  Janice Andersen

Moderator for the program will be Craig Wiester, member of
Judson Baptist Church and Office Administrator at
University Lutheran Church of Hope (our host).

Following the short presentations there will be ample
opportunity for an open discussion of progress and
problems described.  We would like to extend a special
invitation to members of any other churches that are also
currently engaged in this process.

The University Lutheran Church of Hope is located at 601
13th Ave. SE.  Free on-site parking is available.  Please
download the attached MS-Word document file. It is
designed for printing half-sheet publicity handouts. For a
2-sided piece print the two pages back-to-back.

(For a full sheet flyer for posting, download:
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MnECAPC/files       then
click on Potluck0803.doc

(2) . . On Wednesday, March 19th, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.,
churches are being invited to join in speaking out against
the war on Iraq at the weekly vigil on the Lake
Street/Marshall Ave. Bridge. Please wear or carry
something indicating your church affilliation.
Note: ECAPC will also have a presence at this event.

Following the vigil, at 6:30 there will be a Potluck
Dinner & Program at Macalester Plymouth United Church,
1658 Lincoln Ave., St. Paul (One block south of Grand Ave.
and just west of the Macalester College campus).
Program speakers will include Wes Davies and Brandon Day,
members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Sami
Rasouli, Iraqi American recently returned from Iraq.
For more info. > . . Call 612-522-1861 . . or 612-827-5364

(3) . . Every Church A Peace Church (through the national
office) is again this year an official Partner in The
Christian Peace Witness for Iraq.  The main thrust of this
will take place in Washington, D.C. from March 6 - 10.
  Visit the website >
    http://christianpeacewitness.org   and/or read more
about it in the message from John Stoner - copied below.
On the local level there is officially listed only one
event. It is:

Lenten Wave of Worship and Witness
Thursday March 13, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
1895 Laurel Ave.; St. Paul, MN  FFI: Call 651-646-6175

            *******************************


Subject: Come to Washington on March 7th - and sign the
Pledge to Seek Peace!
   From: John Stoner
   Date: 2008-02-19 13:02
   To: rolsen6376@...

   Subject: Come to Washington on March 7th - and sign the
Pledge to Seek Peace!    From: John Stoner    2008-02-19
13:02

ECAPC friends,
Here is an invitation  to Washington on March 7, written
by the key visionary and organizer, Rick Ufford-Chase.
  Every Church A Peace Church is one of the partner
sponsors, and we encourage you to attend.  Fill up a car
and identify with the Christian voice for peace!
(If you receive two copies of this, pass one on (!)  It
means that you are subscribed to both the Commentary and
Newsletter of ECAPC, a good thing, with only occasional
overlaps.  )

John
John K. Stoner, Consultant
Every Church A Peace Church
ECAPC, PO Box 240, Akron PA 17501
http://www.ecapc.org  jstoner@...
717 859-1958  A movement to restore the nonviolent
peacemaking of Jesus as the practice of every church.
Friends,

This note will be quick!

1. You can finally register for the Washington Witness!!!

Go to www.christianpeacewitness.org to learn more about
and register for the Washington Events, or to register
your own Lenten worship or witness for Peace on the CPWI
page.

There are great workshops and nonviolence trainings on
Thursday night the 6th and Friday morning the 7th.
There are nearly a dozen different Christian worship
services to choose from on Friday the 7th at noon.
There are plans for an Interfaith Witness and public
action (during which some may choose to risk arrest as an
expression of conscience) at the capitol.
There will be a workshop on Saturday afternoon the 8th for
those who want to volunteer as local/regional organizers
for ongoing CPWI efforts.
Saturday night there will be a Faith-Based Coffee House
for Peace and Justice.
If you can't come to D.C., register your own local
service/witness to end the war in Iraq on the CPWI
website!


2. Check out the Pledge to Seek Peace. You can sign
online.

Go to www.pledgeforpeace.org to view and sign the pledge,
and to invite your friends and colleagues to sign as well.

3. Learn more about the new Olive Branch Interfaith Peace
Partners.

I'm excited about this emerging coalition because I think
we are into a new age of Interfaith relationships. Thirty
years ago, the task of reaching out beyond the boundaries
of the Christian faith was largely left to the leaders of
our denomination, or perhaps to pastors. Now, however,
those relationships are commonplace where we work and
live, and most of us have the opportunity to live the rich
possibilities of those relationships rather than simply
learning about them second hand.

That opportunity is also a responsibility, of course. Our
nation is said to be the most religiously pluralistic in
the world. As my friend, Dr. Sayyid Syeed, the founder of
the Islamic Society of North America, has claimed, "we are
responsible to model for the world what healthy,
multi-faith community is."

4. The Christian Peace Witness for Iraq and Olive Branch
Interfaith Peace Partners have planned the Washington
Witness to coincide with Ecumenical Advocacy Days.

Go to www.advocacydays.org to register now!

5. Check out the "Picturing Peace" Youtube video contest
Go towww.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10139607274 to learn
more.

The bottom line is that you have the chance to get in on
the ground floor on a movement that I believe is going to
take off. Bring your youth group for a witness you can
trust will be principled, thoughtful, and positive. Come
with your Bible study or adult group for some or all of
the events. Fill minivans and buses, and if you can't make
it to DC, remember that you can hold your own service and
witness locally around the county. Remember to register
your event at www.christianpeacewitness.org.

One last thing. I'm reading a book during Lent that I
highly recommend, called "The Last Week: What the Gospels
Really Teach about Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem" by
John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg. I highly commend it
to you.

Peace to you, and blessings as your Lenten journey moves
toward Jerusalem.

rick

News: Past and Upcoming Meetings

. . (1) Our next Potluck Supper Meeting - Mon. March 10th
        "Is Your Church A Peace Church?"
. . (2) Advance Notice: May Potluck Supper Meeting at
Basilica of St. Mary
        On Monday, May 12 - A report on their own peace
program
. . (3) More on our January program: "Jesus At Guantanamo"
        Read a message from attorney James Dorsey who led
the discussion.
. . (4) Steering Committee TONIGHT  -  Visitors, new
members WELCOME !
              Read more below

(1) . . Our next regular bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting
will be held on Monday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. at
University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis.  The
program will address the question: "Is Your Church A Peace
Church?"  It will consist of a panel presentation
featuring five local churches at which there have recently
been efforts directed at joining the National Registry of
Peace Churches  <http://www.ecapc.org/Registry.asp>.
Following the short presentations there will be ample
opportunity for an open discussion of progress and
problems encountered. The five churches to be represented
are: Macalester Plymouth United, St. Joan of Arc, Pilgrim
Lutheran, Edina Community Lutheran and Basilica of St.
Mary.  We would like to extend a special invitation to
members of any other churches that are also currently
engaged in this process.

The University Lutheran Church of Hope is located at 601
13th Ave. SE.  Free on-site parking is available.  Please
download the attached MS-Word document file. It is flyer
suitable for posting or distribution. PLEASE! Print some
copies and display them conspicuously at your church. Hand
them to people who might be interested. Pass this
information on to your church office and ask to have it
included in your weekly bulletins and/or monthly
newsletter.

(2) . . The program at the Basilica will be presented by
Martha Nemesi and/or others.  It will include a report on
their efforts to be recognized as an International Peace
Site and a discussion of how to raise nonviolent children.

(3) . .   The program for our meeting last Month, Jan.
7th, was a performance of the play "Jesus At Guantanamo."
  If you were there you will recall that the very lively
discussion following the play was facilitated by Mr. James
Dorsey.  Following the discussion I asked Mr. Dorsey to
send me more information about his interest in talking to
other groups about his experiences related to Guantanamo.
  What he sent me is copied below.  It may be of interest
to other religious institutions and community peace and
human rights groups.

(4) . . Hello Committee - Next meeting is on Monday, Feb.
11th at 7:00 p.m. It will, as usual, be held at Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 31st St. in Minneapolis.
Look for us in the Latch Key Room, which is on the right
just inside the church entrance.
We will be discussing details relating to March, May and
beyond Potluck Supper programs.
Should we be considering a special event? Do we have any
involvement in the local CPW event in March?
Other business? . . How can we increase volunteer effort?
This "Steering Committee" is NOT an exclusive group. (I
know - they let me in!)
       Forward this message to someone you think should
join us.

Rod Olsen rolsen6376@... 651-228-7224

                    *************************

Subject:Guantanamo talks
Date:Wed, 9 Jan 2008
From:"Dorsey, James" <jdorsey@...>
To:ECAPCtc@...
CC:"Moen, Nicole M." <nmoen@...>
      Rod,

It was good to meet you Monday evening after the play.  If
people would like to learn more about Guantanamo, they can
email or call me.  The title of the presentation would be:
  The Guantanamo Bay Challenge: Finding the Balance between
Our Nation's Security and Our Nation's Ideals.

During the presentation, Nicole Moen and/or I will
explain: (1) who are the detainees (how many detainees are
still there, where are they from, where were they picked
up), (2) how are they being treated (the nature of the
prison facilities, the interrogation techniques that have
been used, and the effectiveness of and rationale for
those techniques), and (3) what legal recourse is
available to test the appropriateness of their continued
detention.  The presentation will include photos of the
prison and sketches of the interrogation procedures.

Short bios:

A graduate of Yale University and the University of
Virginia School of Law, James Dorsey is a trial lawyer
with the Minneapolis law firm of Fredrikson & Byron.  Over
his 25 year career as a lawyer, Jim has represented the
MCLU, the ACLU, the NAACP, and death row inmates, as well
as many indigent clients in the Minneapolis area.  A
founder and past president of Minnesota Advocates for
Human Rights, he has investigated human rights abuses in
South Africa and Central America.   Jim is also a former
infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Nicole Moen is a commercial litigator with Fredrikson &
Byron.  A native of Minneapolis, Nicole is a graduate of
Minneapolis South High School, the University of
Wisconsin-Madison, and she received her law degree from
the Harvard Law School in 2003.  She recently completed a
clerkship with the Honorable John R. Tunheim, United
States District Court Judge for the District of Minnesota.

Jim and Nicole, with several colleagues at Fredrikson &
Byron, currently represent an Algerian detainee held in
Guantanamo Bay in Zemiri v. Bush.  They have visited their
client in Guantanamo Bay five times, most recently in
January 2008.  Nicole also serves as translator during
their visits.

Please call me with any questions.  Thanks for your
interest in this topic.  We find it fascinating.

Jim
612.492.7079

. . (1) "Jesus at Guantanamo" - A one-man play - Fri. Jan.
18th
        Another performance by Matthew Vaky at Robinsdale
UCC
. . (2) Our next Potluck Supper Meeting - Mon. March 10th
        "Is Your Church A Peace Church?"
. . (3) Minnesota Caucus Night - Tuesday, Feb. 5th
        For peace - more important than the elections

(1) . . The program for our meeting last Monday evening
was a performance of the play "Jesus At Guantanamo."  If
you missed it or if you saw it and would like to tell your
friends about it, then you should know that it will be
repeated on Friday, Jan. 18th at 7:00 p.m.  This
performance will be given at the Robbinsdale United Church
of Christ; it is sponsored by the Northwest Neighbors for
Peace group and the church.  An attractive publicity flyer
is attached as a MS-Word file.  Please download it for
more information and print a few copies to post at your
church and elsewhere as may be appropriate.

*** For still more information about the play, VISIT
. . .
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/07/25/mannafest
. . . http://www.kfai.org/node/3951

(2) . . Our next regular bimonthly* Potluck Supper Meeting
will be held on Monday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the
University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis.  The
program will consist of panel/group discussion addressing
the question: "Is your Church A Peace Church?"  There are
at least a few local churches that working towards being
listed on the ECAPC National Registry of Peace Churches.
  Come and hear about the progress and problems being
encountered at some of these churches. If your church
would like to be formally involved in this program
(discussion) please e-mail ecapcTC@... or call Rod
Olsen at 651-228-7224.

* Note that our meeting this month was held on an
irregular date.
. . . There will be NO meeting on Jan. 14th.  The
"regular" dates for our meetings are on the second Monday
of every odd-numbered month.

(3) . . . Tuesday, February 5th - Political Caucus Night
in Minnesota for ALL PARTIES.  For locations and other
information check the website for the party of your
choice.  To learn more about what to do at the caucus
check your party's website.  Charley Underwood's weekly
"Peace Calendar" lists several opportunities for caucus
training related to peace candidates and issues.
To subscribe, please write to peacecalendar@... with
"peace calendar" in the subject line.
The website "Peace in the Precincts" may also have useful
information. Visit >
. . http://www.PeaceInThePrecincts.org

. . . (1) "Jesus at Guantanamo" - A one-man play - Mon.
Jan. 7th
        Program for our ECAPC bimonthly Potluck Supper
Meeting
. . . (2) Tonight (Friday 12/28) Candlelight Service for
the Children of Iraq
        This has become a very special annual event.
. . . (3) Minnesota Caucus Night - Tuesday, Feb. 5th
        For peace - more important than the elections

   (1) . . . Every Church a Peace Church-TC and the
Outreach Board of Plymouth Congregational Church in
Minneapolis will co-host the one-person play, "Jesus at
Guantanamo" as the program for ECAPC's bimonthly Potluck
Supper meeting on January 7.  The play, written and
performed by Matthew Vaky, of Minneapolis, will be
performed at the Howard Conn Theater at Plymouth, 1900
Nicollet Av., Minneapolis.
The play was performed to rave reviews last August at
Augburg College as part of the Manna Fest.  "Jesus is
back. And of course, since he's from the Middle East, he's
been picked up and sent to Guantanamo Bay.  He doesn't
have a lawyer, he's been tortured, and so now he's
talking.  Jesus offers surprising inghts on the nature of
morality and addresses the issues of habeas corpus and
torture." There will be opportunity for discussion
following the performance.
. . . The potluck supper will begin at 6:30 p.m., the
performance begins at 7:30 p.m. There is no charge for the
performance, but a free-will offering will be taken.
  Those who come only for the play should be advised to
arrive well before 7:30 to attend the play and discussion.
. . . Park in the lot behind the church at LaSalle &
Franklin. After supper and some brief announcements the
group will move to the theater in a different part of the
building.  The play will begin at 7:30 p.m. A block of
seats will be reserved for those who have been at the
supper. At 7:10 p.m. the outside door nearest the theater
will be opened for others who may wish to come only for
the play performance.

. . . Forward this to your friends who might be
interested.  It is not necessary that they participate in
the potluck supper but should be advised to arrive well
before 7:30 to attend the play and discussion.
. . . Download the attached MS-Word document file.  Print
several copies and distribute at your church.

*** Note that this is an irregular date for our January
Meeting.
. . . There will be NO meeting on Jan. 14th. ***

*** For still more information about the play or program,
VISIT
. . .
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/07/25/mannafest
. . . http://www.kfai.org/node/3951
. . . OR e-mail questions to > ecapcTC@...

(2) . . .******************************************
TENTH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
FOR THE CHILDREN OF IRAQ AND OTHER CHILD VICTIMS OF WAR

FRIDAY,  DECEMBER 28, 6:30
St. Joan of Arc Church
4537 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis
(Convenient parking available)
******************************************

(3) . . . Tuesday, February 5th - Political Caucus Night
in Minnesota for ALL PARTIES.  For locations and other
information check the website for the party of your
choice.  To learn more about what to do at the caucus
check your party's website.  Charley Underwood's weekly
"Peace Calendar" lists several opportunities for caucus
training related to peace candidates and issues.
To subscribe, please write to peacecalendar@... with
"peace calendar" in the subject line.
The website "Peace in the Precincts" may also have useful
information. Visit .
http://www.PeaceInThePrecincts.org


Rod Olsen

EVERY CHURCH A PEACE CHURCH  -  TWIN CITIES

(1) . . . September 10th  Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting
 	 May be of special interest to veterans and families.

(2) . . . Volunteers  Needed -- Please Read
. Look at the attachment to this message!

(3) . . . October 4th - Reception for ECAPC National Board
. Save the date.  More info below and later.

(4) . . . National Registry of Peace Churches
 	 You can sign on as an individual!

(5) . . . November 12 Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting
. Prof. Christine M. Smith of UTS.  Details T.B.A.

. . . . . ******************
(1)
THIS NEXT POTLUCK SUPPER MEETING MAY BE
OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO VETERANS
AND THEIR FAMILIES.

The next regular bimonthly potluck supper meeting will
be on Monday, September 10th at 6:30 p.m. at
. . . Guardian Angels Catholic Church
. . . 8260 Hudson Blvd.N.; Oakdale, MN  55128
. . . 651-738-2223 - - http://www.guardian-angels.org

The program title will be:
. . . THE CHURCHE'S ROLE IN THE REINTEGRATION
. . . OF VETERANS WITH THEIR FAMILIES
. . . AND COMMUNITIES

Program (at about 7 pm) will feature a presentation by:
. . . Amy Blumenshine, convener of The Coming Home
Collaborative. It will explain some of the issues war
veterans encounter and present recommendations for
church accompaniment of veterans and their families
as they transition back home.  Churches have a special
role to play in the healing of war wounds of the soul.
One healing opportunity can be 11.11.07.

Ms. Blumenshine holds a Masters Degree in Social Work
and is enrolled as a Diaconal Ministry candidate at UTS.

(2)
Your help is needed!  Planning, publicity, ideas, hosting,
others ?. . . . To volunteer or for more info: e-mail
. . . ecapctc@...    or call 651-228-7224
. . . Come to a Steering Committee meeting -
. . . . . only 6 x per year - Give it a try!
     There are ALSO useful things you could do at or close
to home, . . . things that will fit with an irregular schedule.

Download the attached file.  It is a flyer/poster in
MS-Word format.  Print some copies - in color if possible.
Put them up in your church; hand copies to other members
whom you think would or should be interested.  If you live
on the east side of St. Paul, print some copies to post in
your neighborhood - coffee shops, laundromats, libraries,
rec. centers, etc.

Could your church host one of our meetings?
Do you know someone who doesn't do e-mail but may be
interested in our efforts and activities?  Put us in touch
with them.  e-mail:  ecapctc@...  or call:
651-228-7224 . . . . . . Rod Olsen

(3)
The ECAPC National Board of Directors will be meeting in
Minneapolis on October 4, 5, 2007.  In connection with this, the Twin
Cities ECAPC will host a reception on the evening of Thursday, Oct.
5th at the Danish American Center (Danebo) at 31st & West River
Parkway South.
Everyone is welcome!  More information soon.

(4)
Below, find printed the Peace Church Registry invitation.  Have you
looked at this on the website and asked yourself,
"is there ANY reason NOT to add my name to this list of
Christian peace people?" . . .  Please sign on!
____  <http://www.ecapc.org/RegistryForm.asp>   ___

The churches, groups and individuals which are listed on the registry
below hereby give public expression to their intention to be on the
journey of peacemaking and, in a general way, to support the movement
to make every church a peace church.

     They have committed to some form of study and action process
around the following affirmations, knowing that Jesus call to be
peacemakers includes many things, but believing that in the United
States today these affirmations represent a meaningful starting point
in a journey which will find many forms of expression:

1. We, the churches, groups and individuals listed on the registry
below hereby give public expression to our intention to walk the
journey of nonviolent peacemaking and in our own way to support the
movement to make every church a peace church.

2. We have committed to a process of prayer, study, and action,
focused on Jesus call to love all, even our enemies, and a vision
that the church could turn the world toward peace if every church
lived and taught as Jesus lived and taught.

     An article describing "the peace church way" can be read at
<http://www.ecapc.org/articles/article-8458.htm>

     Click here <http://www.ecapc.org/RegistryForm.asp>
if you are interested in adding your name to this growing
movement, as an individual, group or church, so that others
can contact you, encourage you, and learn from you.
ECAPC will contact registrants and offer study resources and action
ideas for the peacemaking journey.

EVERY CHURCH A PEACE CHURCH - Twin Cities

(1) . . . July 9th  Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting

(2) . . . July 11th Weekly Vigil on Lake Street Bridge

(3) . . . Notable Activities of Some Local ECAPC People

(4) . . . Sept. 10th  Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting

          ******************

(1)
THIS NEXT POTLUCK SUPPER MEETING SHOULD BE
OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO YOUNG PEOPLE.

PLEASE! . BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF
. . . THE YOUTH LEADER AND STUDENTS
. . . AT YOUR OWN AND OTHER CHURCHES!
. . . -- YOUR CHILDREN - OR - GRANDCHILDREN?

The next regular bimonthly potluck supper meeting will
be on Monday, July 9th at 6:30 p.m. at
. . . St. Stephen Lutheran Church
. . . 8400 France Ave. S.; Bloomington, MN  55437
. . . 952-835-6876 - - http://www.ststephen.net
Program (at about 7 pm) will be:
. . "Build Bridges, Not Walls": A panel presentation with
. . three students and a Lutheran Pastor from Red Wing, Minn.

The participants are students Katherine Amberg, Spencer
Raymond, Joe Walsh and pastor Paul Christenson.  These
four, with others from Red Wing, Minn. took part in one
international peace conference, "Build Bridges, Not Walls"
held in Drammen, Norway in 2005 and another (same title)
this past April in Red Wing and the Twin Cities.  Come,
hear what these students have done and are doing to
advance the cause of peace in our world.  And as always:
. . . There will be ample opportunity for discussion.

. . *** Download and print the attached document - it is a
half-sheet hand-out. Print the pages back-to-back; cut the
sheets in half.   Distribute freely at you church!

(2)
On Wednesday, July 11th, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., churches are
being invited to join in speaking out against the war on Iraq
at the weekly vigil on the Lake Street/Marshall Ave. Bridge.
Please bring something identifying your church.
For more info. >. . . Call 612-522-1861 . . or 612-827-5364
Note: ECAPC will also have a presence at this event.
. . . . . Come, be a part of that presence!

(3)
Open House for one of our founding members, Nils Dybvig
and his wife Michele Braley - returning soon from Colombia
for a brief vacation from their CPT assignment.  It will be on
Thursday, Aug. 9 from 7 - 9 p.m. in Roseville. To RSVP or
for more information contact:  mardipearson@...

Another of our early members, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, is
looking at another foray into the political arena. Check it
out at:  http://www.MostImportantDecade.com

Two more recent members, Bill Habedank and David Harris
are organizing the 5th Annual Pigstock - a peace gathering
in Hagar City, WI (near Red Wing MN) on Sat. July 14 - an
all-day event with nationally known speakers.  More
info                   . . . call David at   651-388-5863
. . . or e-mail Bill at   habedank@...

(4)
Save the date - Monday, September 10th for our regular
bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting - Amy Blumenstein
speaking at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale.

(5)
YES!  Volunteers are STILL needed.  You CAN help.
We need people for short-term, sporadic and long-term
involvement.  We need ideas and suggestions - names
of potential speakers, program topics, special events.
Could your church host one of our meetings?
Do you know someone who doesn't do e-mail but may be
interested in our efforts and activities?  Put us in touch
with them.  e-mail:  ecapctc@...  or call:
651:228-7224 . . . . . . Rod Olsen

Update on July 9th Potluck Meeting and other events

(1) . . . July 9th  Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting

(2) . . . July 11th Weekly Vigil on Lake Street Bridge

(3) . . . Sept. 10th  Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting

(4) . . . Oct. 26th (Friday)  Nonviolent Atonement Seminar

(5) . . . Volunteers  Needed -- Please Read

          ******************
(1)
PLEASE! . BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF
. . . THE PASTOR, YOUTH LEADER AND STUDENTS
. . . AT YOUR OWN AND OTHER CHURCHES!
. . .
The next regular bimonthly potluck supper meeting will
be on Monday, July 9th at 6:30 p.m. at
. . . St. Stephen Lutheran Church
. . . 8400 France Ave. S.; Bloomington, MN  55437
. . . 952-835-6876 - - http://www.ststephen.net
Program (at about 7 pm) will be:
. . "Build Bridges, Not Walls: A panel presentation with
. . three students and a Lutheran Pastor"

The participants are students Katherine Amberg, Spencer
Raymond, Joe Walsh and pastor Paul Christenson.  These
four, with others from Red Wing, Minn. took part in one
international peace conference, Build Bridges, Not Walls"
held in Drammen, Norway in 2005 and another (same title)
this past April in Red Wing and the Twin Cities.
Please come! Bring some young people from your church.
There will be ample oppertunity for discussion.

(2)
On Wednesday, July 11th, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., churches are
being invited to join in speaking out against the war in Iraq
at the weekly vigil on the Lake Street/Marshall Ave. Bridge.
Please bring something identifying your church.
For more info. >. . . Call 612-522-1861 . . or 612-827-5364
Note: ECAPC will also have a presence at this event.

(3)
Save the date - Monday, September 10th for our regular
bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting - Amy Blumenstein
speaking at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale.

(4)
A Nonviolent Atonement - Did God kill Jesus?
. . . A One-Day Seminar

Save These Dates: October 25 and 26, 2007

On Friday, October 26, 2007 Every Church A Peace Church invites you to a one-day
seminar presented by three experts in the field of atonement, who will explore
an understanding of the death of Jesus from a peace perspective.

Violent images of God abound in America today. This seminar begins with the
nonviolent Jesus and the proposition that his rejection of violence is
fundamental to his story and should be visible in expressions of Christology
and atonement.

The classic version of atonement attempts to explain how the death of Jesus
benefits humankind. The explanation comes out of a system of justice through
punishment and thus results in a story that humankind has sinned against God
sufficient to warrant the penalty of death, but that Jesus satisfied the
offense on our behalf by being crucified. This sacrificial view of atonement
allows and arguably promotes a world of sanctioned and systemic violence
including war, capital punishment, racism, sexism, abuse, and poverty.

This seminar will offer an alternative explanation for how Jesus saves, focusing
on Jesus' life as an expression of the nature of God rather than on Jesus' death
as an act of God. The result is a message of redemption through unconditional
love and forgiveness, not through retributive suffering.

The seminar will be led by Michael Hardin, J. Denny Weaver, and Tony Bartlett.

Michael is a religion writer and speaker. He is the education coordinator for
Every Church A Peace Church, an instructor at the Mercer School of Theology in
Garden City, NY, and the senior writer of PreachingPeace.org. He is coeditor of
the upcoming collection of essays developing the nonviolent atonement from a
number of perspectives, entitled Stricken By God? Nonviolent Identification &
the Victory of Christ.

Denny is Professor Emeritus of Religion at Bluffton University in Ohio and
author of The Nonviolent Atonement. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

Tony is Assistant Professor of theology at Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary,
Rochester, NY and author of Cross Purposes, The Violent Grammar of Christian
Atonement.


The seminar will be at St. Joan of Arc church in Minneapolis from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. on October 26. The cost is $35.

On Thursday, October 25 Michael Hardin will give two short presentations. At
noon he will talk about "Mimetic Theory and Peacemaking" at Hamline United
Methodist Church. He will talk about "How Jesus Read His Bible" at St. Martin¹s
Table at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, call Bill Berneking at 952-473-7839.

(5)
YES!  Volunteers are STILL needed.  You CAN help.
We need people for short-term, sporadic and long-term
involvement.  We need ideas and suggestions - names
of potential speakers, program topics, special events.
Could your church host one of our meetings?
Do you know someone who doesn't do e-mail but may be
interested in our efforts and activities?  Put us in touch
with them.  e-mail:  ecapctc@...  or call:
651-228-7224 . . . . . . Rod Olsen

Coming Events and Other News from
  Every Church A Peace Church - Twin Cities

(1) . . . July 9th  Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting

(2) . . . July 11th Weekly Vigil on Lake Street Bridge

(3) . . . Sept. 10th  Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting

(4) . . . Oct. 26th (Friday)  Nonviolent Atonement Seminar

(5) . . . Volunteers  Needed -- Please Read

(6) . . . National Registry of Peace Churches

          ******************
(1)
The next regular bimonthly potluck supper meeting will
be on Monday, July 9th at 6:30 p.m. at
. . . St. Stephen Lutheran Church
. . . 8400 France Ave. S.; Bloomington, MN  55437
. . . 952-835-6876 - - http://www.ststephen.net
Program (at about 7 pm) will feature a presentation by
a panel of three or more Red Wing, Minn. peace
activist students, followed by discussion.
More details will be available soon.

(2)
On Wednesday, July 11th, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., churches are
being invited to join in speaking out against the war on Iraq
at the weekly vigil on the Lake Street/Marshall Ave. Bridge.
Please bring something identifying your church.
For more info. >. . . Call 612-522-1861 . . or 612-827-5364
Note: ECAPC will also have a presence at this event.

(3)
Monday, September 10th - Potluck Supper Meeting:
Amy Blumenshine: . The Church's Role in the Reintegration
of Veterans with their Families and Communities.
Location: Guardian Angels Church (in Oakdale)

(4)
Friday, October 26, 2007   Nonviolent Atonement Seminar
This one-day seminar brings together experts in the field of
atonement for a spirited (9 am to 5 pm) session to explore
new trends and trajectories in understanding the death of
Jesus, from a peace perspective.  Speakers will include
Michael Hardin,  J. Denny Weaver and Tony Bartlett.
Other related events  on Thursday 10/24 are pending.
. . . See Info on a past seminar:
. . . . http://www.ecapc.org/articles/article-11452.htm

(5)
Your help is needed!  Planning, publicity, ideas, hosting,
others ?. . . . To volunteer or for more info: e-mail
. . . ecapctc@...    or call 651-228-7224
. . . Come to a Steering Committee meeting -
. . . . . only 6 x per year - Give it a try!
     There are ALSO useful things you could do at or close
to home, . . . things that will fit an irregular schedule.

(6)
     Below, find printed the Peace Church Registry invitation.  Have you looked
at this on the website and asked yourself if you have good reasons to add your
name or not add it to this registry of Christian peace people?  Please sign on!
____  <http://www.ecapc.org/RegistryForm.asp>   ___

The churches, groups and individuals which are listed on the registry below
hereby give public expression to their intention to be on the journey of
peacemaking and, in a general way, to support the movement to make every church
a peace church.

     They have committed to some form of study and action process around the
following affirmations, knowing that Jesus call to be peacemakers includes many
things, but believing that in the United States today these affirmations
represent a meaningful starting point in a journey which will find many forms
of expression:

1. We, the churches, groups and individuals listed on the registry below hereby
give public expression to our intention to walk the journey of nonviolent
peacemaking and in our own way to support the movement to make every church a
peace church.

2. We have committed to a process of prayer, study, and action, focused on Jesus
call to love all, even our enemies, and a vision that the church could turn the
world toward peace if every church lived and taught as Jesus lived and taught.

     An article describing "the peace church way" can be read at
<http://www.ecapc.org/articles/article-8458.htm>

     Click here <http://www.ecapc.org/RegistryForm.asp>
if you are interested in adding your name to this growing
movement, as an individual, group or church, so that others
can contact you, encourage you, and learn from you.
ECAPC will contact registrants and offer study resources and action ideas for
the peacemaking journey.

Greetings Peaceful People:

Our next regular bimonthly potluck supper meeting will be
on Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at
.    Lake Harriet United Methodist Church
.    4901 Chowen Ave. S.;     Minneapolis, MN  55410
.    612-926-7645       http://www.LakeHarrietUMC.org
Program (at about 7 pm) will feature a presentation by
Iraqi-American,  Mr. Sami Rasouli ->
Iraq Today:  A Firsthand Account of War and Occupation,
.        followed by discussion.  More information at:
      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MnECAPC/message/53

Rod Olsen

EVERY CHURCH A PEACE CHURCH  -  Coming Events!

(1)
** EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THIS SPECIAL EVENT !
Sunday, May 6, Diane Ford Jones, National Director of
Every Church A Peace Church will speak at 8:30 and
11:00 a.m. services at Pilgrim Lutheran Church,
1935 St. Clair Ave,; St. Paul.  She will also lead the
Adult Forum at 9:45; her topic will be >
"Apathy, Empathy or Prophetic Action: Building a Peace
and Justice Movement in America"  -  More information at:
     http://www.ecapc.org/staff.asp  OR
     e-mail:   ECAPCtc@...

(2)
The next regular bimonthly potluck supper meeting will be on
Monday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at
     Lake Harriet United Methodist Church
     4901 Chowen Ave. S.;     Minneapolis, MN  55410
     612-926-7645       http://www.LakeHarrietUMC.org
Program (at about 7 pm) will feature a presentation by
Iraqi-American,  Mr. Sami Rasouli.
Iraq Today:  A Firsthand Account of War and Occupation,
followed by discussion.  More information at:
      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MnECAPC/message/53

(3)
Future Potluck Supper Meetings:
      Monday  7/9,  To Be Announced
Suggestions for host and/or program are welcome.
      Monday 9/10,  Amy Blumenshine:
The Church's Role in the Reintegration of Veterans with their
Families and Communities.
      Mondays 11/12 ... programs TBA.
Steering Committee Meetings:
      Mondays at 7:00 p.m.,  6/11, 8/13 ...
To be added to the committee contact-list, please >
      e-mail ecapctc@... or call 651-228-7224
More participation in our planning is welcome and needed!

(4)
Friday, October 26, 2007   Nonviolent Atonement Seminar
This one-day seminar brings together experts in the field of
atonement for a spirited (9 am to 5 pm) session to
explore new trends and trajectories in understanding the
death of Jesus, from a peace perspective.  Speakers will
include Michael Hardin, J. Dennis Weaver and Tony Bartlett.
Other related events are pending.  Info on a past seminar:
       http://www.ecapc.org/articles/article-11452.htm

--
EVERY CHURCH A PEACE CHURCH  -  Next Meeting  5/14

(1) The next regular bimonthly potluck dinner meeting will be
     on Monday, May 14 at 6:30 pm.  See details below  ******** .

(2) Sunday, 5/6, Diane Ford Jones, National Director of
     Every Church A Peace Church will speak at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
     services at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1935 St. Clair Ave,; St. Paul.
     She will also lead the Adult Forum at 9:45; topic will be
     "Apathy, Empathy or Prophetic Action: Building a Peace and the
                Justice Movement in America"
     More information available at:
     http://www.ecapc.org/staff.asp    e-mail:  ECAPCtc@...

(3) Future Potluck Supper Meetings: Mondays 7/9, 9/10 ... programs TBA.
     Steering Committee Meetings Mondays at 7:00 p.m. 6/11, 8/13 ...

(4) Friday, October 26, 2007   Nonviolent Atonement Seminar
     This one-day seminar brings experts in the field of atonement
     together for a spirited (9 am to 5 pm) session to explore new
     trends and trajectories in understanding the death of Jesus from
     a peace perspective.  Speakers will likely include Michael Hardin,
     Dennis Weaver and one other.  Other events before and after are pending.
     Info on a past seminar:  http://www.ecapc.org/articles/article-11452.htm

(5) Your help is needed!  Planning, publicity, ideas, hosting, others ?
     To volunteer or for more info: e-mail ecapctc@... or call 651-228-7224
     Come to a Steering Committee meeting - only 6 x per year - Give it a try!
     There are useful things you could do at or close to home,
     ..... even without a computer.

(6) A major peace event next week (several days) in Red Wing!  Check it out >
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MnECAPC/files    or call 651-228-7224

     ****************

What:   ECAPC Bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting

When:   Monday, May 14, 6:30 - 8:30 P.M.*

Where:  Lake Harriet United Methodist Church   Parking available in church lot.*
         4901 Chowen Ave. S.;     Minneapolis, MN  55410
         612-926-7645       http://www.LakeHarrietUMC.org

Who:  You and... someone else from your church ... or another church?
       Someone who needs to know about ECAPC?   Your pastor?
       An interested friend, neighbor or relative?

Why:  Support, networking, delicious food, and an outstanding program!

Program (at about 7 pm) will feature a presentation by Mr. Sami Rasouli.
Iraq Today:  A Firsthand Account of War and Occupation.

Sami Rasouli is an Iraqi-American who grew up in Najaf.   He left Iraq in the
late 1970s and  eventually moved to the United States, living in the Twin
Cities area for more than 17 years.  In 2004, nearly 30 years after leaving
Iraq, Sami returned to help rebuild his country.  Since returning to Iraq, Sami
has worked with the Karbala Human Rights Organization in Najaf and started the
Muslim Peacemaker Team movement, a group dedicated to the principles of
nonviolence.  Sami returns to the U.S. for two to three months each year to
help build bridges between the peoples of his two homes.

Sami will share his day-to-day experiences in Iraq and his insights about the
role of the U.S. military, the resistance, the political climate, social
conditions and the aspirations, hopes, and dreams of ordinary Iraqi people.

He will be bringing, for sale, original Iraqi art pieces from adult artists and
children. Proceeds will go one-half to the artists and one-half to the Muslim
Peacemaker Teams.

          http://www.leftspot.com/jess/node/3  (Muslim Peacemaker Teams)

For more information call Mary Yee at 952-941-9445.

We'll see you on May 14th!

     * Notes:
To obtain a copy of the above, suitable for posting or distribution, download
the attached file(s).  It is in MS-Word format.  Please print a few copies and
help us reach out to others in your church and/or neighborhood.

If you can't make it at 6:30, feel free to come around 7:00 for the program.

For maps to help in locating Lake Harriet United Methodist Church visit:

http://www.LakeHarrietUMC.org

--
EVERY CHURCH A PEACE CHURCH  - Our next regular bimonthly potluck dinner meeting
will be on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 6:30 p.m. at Macalester Plymouth United
Church in St. Paul. Program (at about 7 pm) will feature a presentation by Roy
Wolff on the topic:  The Bible and the Nonviolent Way of Jesus - The prophetic
knife of John L. McKenzie;  followed by discussion. For more information visit:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MnECAPC/message/49
or call Rod Olsen at 651-228-7224.

   Anyone wishing to have announcements made, relating to local peace events or
activities, should submit that information to me, in writing, in advance of the
meeting.

    Some have asked about what to bring for the Potluck Supper.  In the past we
seem to have always had a reasonable variety of hotdishes, desserts, salads,
bread, etc.  So there is no suggested plan for telling people what to bring.
Sometimes there are questions regarding recipes or ingredients.  To that end, a
card with your name left next to your dish could be helpful.

    Please help spread the word about ECAPC and this particular event to other
members of your church and community.  There are two MS-Word document files
attached to this message.  Please download them.  They may be printed
back-to-back (or separately) and cut in half.  Post or distribute them.

Rod Olsen  rolsen6376@...   651-228-7224.

-- Friends in Peace -

The Christian Peace Witness for Iraq is an event to be held in Washington, DC on
Friday, March 16, 2007.
   *** Every Church A Peace Church is one of many sponsors. ***

For information >  http://www.christianpeacewitness.org

Also, read the "Message from Rick" at >
     http://www.presbypeacefellowship.org

There are tentative plans for a bus trip from the Twin Cities.
It is known that there are a number of people interested in this.
There must be some minimum number to make it feasible.
IF you are interested please contact Pastor Suzan Ireland of Lynnhurst
Congregational Church (UCC) at suzan_ireland@... and copy
rolsen6376@... as soon as possible. A decision must be made soon.

Please give us your name, e-mail address, phone number and general location.
Also, mention any questions or concerns that you might have.

The bus would leave the Twin Cities on Thursday morning 3/15. It would return
Sunday afternoon, at the latest.  Typically on these kinds of trips there is no
overnight hotel stay in Washington. Cost would LIKELY be in the range of $150 -
$175, with no lodging (except in the bus) needed, and food at the riders¹
expense.

More details will be provided as soon as possible.

Incidentally, there is also a bus trip being arranged by the Minnesota Anti-War
Committee, for a Washington, DC event on Saturday, March 17th. For more
information see:  http://www.antiwarcommittee.org

Rodney Olsen

--

EVERY CHURCH A PEACE CHURCH - Twin Cities
This message contains two items that are likely to be of interest to
members of the MnECAPC Yahoo.com group list:

Christian Peace Witness for Iraq, Friday, March 16th in Washington, DC
Organized by Every Church A Peace Church (national), and many other
organizations.
      For more details go to >  http://ChristianPeaceWitness.org
      For updates on local (Twin Cities area) efforts to arrange
transportation: Contact Rod Olsen by e-mail:    rolsen6376@...

         ******************

Our next bimonthly Potluck Supper Meeting:

When: Monday, March 12, 6:30 P.M.

Where:  Macalester / Plymouth United Church
             1658 Lincoln Ave.;  St. Paul, MN  55105
              Near Grand Ave.; Just west of Macalester campus
                (parking available in church lot).
                651-698-8871;  http://www.macalester-plymouth.org

Who: You and… Someone from another church?
Someone who needs to know about ECAPC?   Your pastor?
An interested friend, neighbor or relative?

Why: Support, networking, delicious food, and an outstanding program!

The program will feature a presentation by Roy Wolff, Peace Education
Consultant:
The Bible and the Nonviolent Way of Jesus -
The prophetic knife of John L. McKenzie

Q.   Who was John McKenzie, and WHY should we heed his words?

A.   McKenzie was probably the pre-eminent Christian biblical scholar
of the 20th Century, and was described as a "master of the
declarative sentence." Here is a taste of McKenzie's ability to be so
clear and forthright:  "If we cannot know from the New Testament that
Jesus rejected violence absolutely, then we risk knowing nothing of
Jesus' person and message. It is the clearest of themes."

Can you swallow that statement?  Will you at least chew on it before
you come to the potluck supper on March 12th?  McKenzie intimates
that those who believe in the "Just War Theory" may have to digest
their just desserts!  "There is a deadly and irreconcilable
opposition between western civilization and Christianity, and one of
them must destroy the other. "So, take three steps forward:
(1) Alert your grandchildren
(2) Attend the March 12th program
(3) Activate your need for transformation

You are invited by Roy Wolff, Peace Education Consultant, to take
part in  PEACE OFFERINGS   "gifts or services given of peace or
reconciliation"

               **********************************
Will you help with the publicity for this event? It is important for
more people to become aware of Every Church A Peace Church and its
principles and efforts. Please download the attached file; it is an
MS-Word document, a flyer/poster for our Jan. 8 event. Print a few
copies to post or circulate at your own church or other suitable
place. Print them in color if that is feasible.

Also available is another document which will give you two half-sheet
flyers per printed page. This document (file) can be downloaded from
our Yahoo.com group website. Visit >
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MnECAPC/files/

Feel free to contact me if you have any difficulty with this process.
And, thank you very much for your assistance!

Rod Olsen     rolsen6376@...     651-228-7224