World Communion Sunday is a time to be in communion with Christians everywhere. On this day we celebrate our unity as Christ’s church, made up of people of every nation around the world. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) also marks the special day by a call to peacemaking, urging us to be followers of the Prince of Peace. One concrete way that we do that is by receiving the Peacemaking Offering.
The Peacemaking Offering invites each congregation to find ways to promote peace within the congregation and within the community. For that reason, St. John’s will retain 25 percent of the offering we receive, another 25 percent goes to our presbytery or synod, and the remaining 50 percent goes to the General Assembly for peacemaking involvement throughout the world.
The theme for Peacemaking 2009 is Peace and Justice Shall Kiss Each Other, Psalm 85:9-14:
I will listen for the word of God; surely the LORD will proclaim peace to his people, to the faithful, to those who trust in him.
Near indeed is salvation for the loyal; prosperity will fill our land.
Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss.
Truth will spring from the earth; justice will look down from heaven.
The Lord will surely grant abundance; our land will yield its increase.
Prosperity will march before the Lord, and good fortune will follow behind.
