Simple Living --- by Elizabeth Glew

Why is a peace church so interested in simple living?

The Church of the Brethren has been a peace church for over 300 years. We strive to continue the work of Jesus simply, peacefully, together. We believe that war is never the right answer and violence is not a good solution to any problem. We are conscientious objectors who do not join the military or participate in war because we believe that God does not want us to harm each other. Instead we are very active in relief work, seeking to heal rather than to destroy, because we believe that God does want us to help each other. War and violence are not what God wants for creation.

A Pacifist Goes to Boot Camp - Day 2

Marine Corps Educators Workshop
March 2 – 5, 2010
Parris Island, SC
Day 2

Forenote: I’m purposefully not including too much personal interpretation. I would love further conversations if you have questions, but would like this reading to be more informational than what I personally thought. I will mention that this entire experience was emotionally wrenching for me. On one hand I felt I was on ‘enemy territory’ but on the other hand wanted to just take it all in. While I knew this was certainly a production of sorts for the Marine Corps, I felt there was a good degree of honesty in the conversations I had, which continues to be a conundrum for me – this war machine is comprised of good and honest people, compassionate people. How do I explain that?

A Pacifist Goes to Boot Camp - Day 1

Marine Corps Educators Workshop

March 2 – 5, 2010

Parris Island, SC

I must preface everything I say about my experience with the Marine Corps Educators Workshop on Parris Island with the fact that I am a life long, unabashed, committed advocate for work in Peace and Justice issues. I am Anti-War. I believe that war is NOT the answer in any situation. Although most of you already know this about me, I need to say this!! That said, as a high school educator I am in daily contact with young men and women who make the choice to enlist in some branch of the military, and I also have regular contact with Staff Sergeant Rock, our local recruiter who comes to my school to work with our students and who also introduced me to the Educators Workshop. My anti-war position, and my ignorance of anything military, has put me at odds when working with these students and Staff Sergeant Rock. When the opportunity came in the Educators Workshop, I saw my chance to gain a little knowledge and hopefully begin to build a bridge – as it turns out I only need a bridge over the gap in my own understanding.

Welcome!

"We welcome you to this celebration of the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ. In light of this Gospel, we are called to be an open, inclusive, and affirming Christian community in this world. We seek wholeness and healing for all as we continue the work of Jesus simply, peacefully, together."

So we welcome people each Sunday morning to our meetings for worship, and so we welcome you to this blog, where we intend to celebrate the Good News of God's love and share opportunities for worship, service, learning, good food, and good fun.

Our regular website is here, and Facebook users can search for our page under "Lansing First Church of the Brethren." Join us for worship Sunday mornings at 10 and as otherwise posted. The church building is at 3020 S. Washington in Lansing.