Thank you!

Dear Friends,
The words, “thank you” do not come close to expressing the emotion, the gratitude and the pride I feel as I look back to the generous contributions of time, energy, money, muscle, food, services, gifts and so much more that was given to us last Sunday to make our peace party a success. And it was a very wonderful success. We had wonderful donations that reflected the talents and opportunities in our midst and over 30 volunteers that made it all come together on Sunday. It was a perfect example of community. Many people do not know that the Peace Center relies entirely on the money we receive from the public to survive. And for 25 years, the public – our community – has come through for us, throughout the year in memberships and donations and especially at the peace party. Check out the list of donors and volunteers at http://www.jrpc.org/pdf_files/Peace%20Party/2011%20donor%20poster.pdf – and make a point to thank them yourself! Thanks to all of you, we will forge ahead into the future to work alongside you in order to leave a better world to those who come behind us.
With much gratitude for each and every one of you,
Betsy

International Day of Peace, 9/21/11

Dear friends,
Even as we scurry around getting ready for the peace party and worrying over the weather, ticket sales and all the minute details, we are all aware of the deeper reason we do this and the larger worries inherent in that work. We are involved – actively, diplomatically or behind the scenes in wars around the world and even here in our back yard against the working class and the poor and other disenfranchised groups. Next Wednesday, the world will set aside one day to acknowledge the International Day of Peace. Millions around the world will dedicate themselves to a 24-hour global ceasefire and to personal participation through spiritual reflection, by offering acts of kindness, displaying increased tolerance, rekindling strained personal relationships or participating in local observations of the International Day of Peace.
President Obama plans to conduct test launches of nuclear missiles on that day. In addition to the million dollar price tag for each test, it is just not an appropriate way to celebrate a day set aside as a 24 hour cease fire by the United Nations. It does not honor President Obama’s own commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and the United States obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and other international agreements. I invite you to sign this petition asking him not to test launch nuclear missiles on the international day of peace. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6357/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8001 and then please plan to join us at JRPC on Wednesday, September 21 from 12 noon to 1 pm. We will spend some time in meditation for peace and compassion and then connect with each other in dialogue and conversation. We will be serving some light treats and you are welcome to bring a lunch or food item to share.
See you then – and hopefully on Sunday too!
Betsy

Remembering 9/11

Dear friends and neighbors,
911. The stories, the memories and the commentaries are monopolizing the pages of every news outlet, much of it focused on the militarism and Islamophobia that have become commonplace since 2001. The victims of that tragic day, as well as the victims of the 10-year aftermath deserve our remembrance and our honor, for they are all victims of the world as we know it. Most of us remember the wonderful ways neighbors and strangers reached out and connected with one another and the work we did in those first days to lobby for sanity, forgiveness and peace. Every time I walk into the peace center, I see the series of wire circles created by all of you with names of 911 victims wrapped lovingly around each wire. Today those wires are covered in green, growing vines that remind me that life goes on and it is possible to grow and thrive from the ashes of destruction.
In the three weeks between now and the October 6 anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan, people of peace and faith all around the country are planning walks, teach-ins, fasts, vigils and other events to bring the focus of 911 back to forgiveness and peace – to build instead of destroy. I challenge you to find some way to build community in your life. You might sit in meditation today at Unity Church’s Day of Prayer, or join them tonight for an interfaith prayer service. You might celebrate community at the Festival of Peace in Arlee this Saturday, at Missoula’s Sunday Streets this Sunday, and of course at our peace party on the 18th. Perhaps you simply reach out to someone you don’t know, help a neighbor, fast for a day or say a prayer. Each action we take, however small, builds collectively. Stop by JRPC during Sunday Streets to write down your ideas for community-building. We’ll compile them all and send them off to all those in Washington who need to hear a different way forward built on hospitality and kindness.
In the coming weeks, do what you can and pray in whatever way your heart commands for an end to fear and violence and a way forward to peace, pace, Paix, Amani, Vrede, Hoa Binh, Paz, Baris, Shalom, Salaam, dangnefedd, Eirin, Heiwa, Ashti, Shantee, Mir, Frieden, He Ping…
…Betsy

Peace Party 2011: Homegrown Community–9/18/11 at 4:30 pm Caras Park

Dear Community of Friends and Supporters…
As we greet September, I am reflecting on our heritage here at the peace center. It was with a few interested folk wanting to gather, discuss and create a peace community that the peace center began. It was a grassroots gathering and over the years we have become a vital and visible place and vision in Missoula. Now 25 years we not only want to remember, but celebrate our beginning and our community.
So this year’s theme is “Homegrown Community”. The Peace Party is scheduled for Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 4:30 – 8 pm in Caras Park. In keeping with our theme and celebrating community we want our silent auction to reflect our commitment to community with donations that are home-made or services that can be provided. For instance, if you can put up preserves, mow a lawn or sew a garment, then together we celebrate and showcase the many talents of our community. How about a gift certificate for a pumpkin pie in November, or one for walking a dog or gifting flower seeds for spring planting. The ideas are as diversified as our community and surely items we might all find useful. I look forward to hearing your ideas and ways to make this a Homegrown Silent Auction.
Please don’t hesitate to call the Peace Center (543-3955) to discuss your ideas and questions, or to arrange a pick up for your donation. Also, remember tickets for the Peace Party are available at the peace center. Stop in, call us or download the forms for mailing at www.jrpc.org. And let us know by tomorrow if you’d like to volunteer at the party.
I am looking forward to all the preparations as well as sharing the celebration with you.
peace and blessings,
Carel Schneider, Coordinating Council Chair