Peace Initiative

The peace initiative of PCC was born from violence. It was the Advent Season of 2012 and 26 children were killed at Sandy Hook, Connecticut. The Board of Trustees agreed to dedicate 2013 to a year of peace. Jesus, too, was surrounded by violence, yet he is the Prince of Peace. PCC would follow Jesus.

A small group met and reflected on several passages of the Bible. From Matthew 26:52, “Put your sword back, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword,” and Luke 19:42 as Jesus entered Jerusalem for last time, “As he drew near and came in sight of the city, he shed tears over it and said,’ If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace. ‘”

And with that the peace initiative began. 2013 activities included “26 Acts of Kindness”, dedication of a peace pole and community dinner, Good Friday march with Sacred Heart Church of Camden, and a special program to increase awareness and compassion of youth who live with mental illness.

The year continued with weekly meditation incorporated into the Sunday school program. Prosecutor Bob Bernardi spoke on New Jersey gun laws and violence. George Rubin, WWII POW spoke on the impact of being a prisoner that led to his life of non- violence as a Quaker.

Youth held a food drive. PCC members visited the Coptic church, and PCC held a special World Communion Service with 200 individual donations of bread loaves.

As the year of dedication came to a close, the group realized its work had just begun. The group worked on a vision and a mission statement.

The working vision and mission is: Vision – We envision for the PCC a focused effort of following Jesus on a journey toward peace. Mission – To provide opportunities to learn to live a more peaceful life, to increase peace in our community and in the world.

In early 2014, the group began plans for celebration for the International Day of Peace on September 21.

Two internationally-known speakers: executive directors of the Coalition for Peace Action, NJ Reverend Robert Moore; and Bryan Miller, of Heeding God’s Call led workshops. Representatives from the Quaker and Mennonite Communities also shared in the celebration.

Later in 2014, PCC welcomed Dr. Rafey Habib, professor at Rutgers U., to share in a service, speak on being a Muslim, and break bread at lunch. Later, 30 PCC members attended the local Muslim Mosque in Voorhees for prayer and discussion.

In early 2015, Reverend Steve Winkler offered sermons on the possible future of PCC, including being known as a peace church – a church similar to a Quaker meeting or Mennonite church that people would automatically recognize as a “peace church.”

The Peace Initiative Group continues its work to provide activities of peace for PCC and the community.


If you would like more information about ICCC, please visit their website at http://www.icccnow.org/

The following Statement of Concern has been issued by the International Council of Community Churches Board of Directors.

February 20, 2017
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY CHURCHES
The Board of Trustees
A Statement of Concern regarding Immigration and Related Matters

‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’ Leviticus 19: 33-34 (NIV)

The International Council of Community Churches was formed in 1950 to champion justice and reconciliation as well as Christian unity. We recognize the need for realistic regulations among and within nations that support their need for public safety. We cannot and do not give our support to national regulations that automatically exclude or discriminate against people who are seeking a place of sanctuary because of their national origin, race, religious faith or other arbitrary markers. Such classifications deny the fact that God has created all people, and in so doing encourage bigotry and hatred while doing nothing to increase public safety.

We are saddened by the numerous conflicts that exist around this small planet, and we are further saddened that the violence and destruction of conflict have displaced large numbers of those who under God are our sisters and brothers. Our duty and privilege as followers of Him who was exiled as an infant to a foreign land, is to offer hospitality and refuge to those who have been made homeless. We are compelled by faith and love to be among those to whom our Lord will say at the last day,

‘I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me… truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25: 35-40 (NRSV)

We call upon all nations to turn away from the counsels of fear, and to show mercy to those who are in an hour of desperate need.

Adopted by the ICCC Board of Trustees and endorsed by the ICCC Board of Directors, February, 2017


PCC concluded a donations drive for Syrian Refugees living in the US and overseas on February 19. Ten boxes of children’s clothing, linens, blankets, towels, school supplies, personal care items, and a financial donation from PCC and Congregation Beth Tikvah (Marlton) were delivered to the nonprofit organization Narenj Tree Foundation in Norristown, PA, on February 25.


September 22, 2019, International Day of Peace observance “Make a Joyful Noise” multi-faith concert