Peace Committee - Eden Mennonite Church

Peace Committee

Peace Position The Eden Mennonite Church has had a long standing commitment to Christian peacemaking and actively promote the peace position in the context of contemporary societal events. This effort to live out our understanding of Christ’s teachings is coordinated by the Peace Committee. The Peace Committee is comprised of 7 members; 5 are elected, a Deacon Representative and a Pastoral staff person.

As part of this active peace witness the Peace Committee of the Eden Mennonite Church works with several activities annually and respond to other opportunities as they arise. This committee is also the main link to other organizations that work for peace and justice locally, nationally and internationally.

In April of 2004 the Eden Peace Committee, along with the Eden Historical Committee sponsored the printing of a book entitled The Eden Peace Witness: A Collection of Personal Accounts. The book is a compilation of 49 stories told by church members recounting how they responded to the call to service in the armed forces of the United States. The stories are presented in the actual words of the men who shared them. Beginning with the men who were drafted to service in the first World War, and following through the Vietnam years, the stories share interesting personal perspectives to the events of the periods involved. The accounts of the suffering endured by some of the men are an inspiring testimony to their depth of conviction and commitment to the peace teachings of the church. The stories in the book were collected by personal interviews, from records of interviews on file at the Mennonite Library and Archives at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, and from written submissions from the storytellers. The compilation was done by Jeff Koller of the Eden congregation. Koller also wrote the introduction to the book, as well as a historical perspective to "set the stage" for each era of service. The books are available at the office of the Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge, and can be ordered by calling 620-345-8320 or emailing . They can also be purchased at Faith & Life Bookstore and Peace Connections in Newton, KS.

Peace Sunday The second Sunday of February each year is titled “Peace Sunday.” A special speaker is brought in by the Peace Committee to speak during the morning worship service and Sunday school. The speaker is someone who has interest in promoting the Mennonite position for peace, justice and reconciliation. It is a very stimulating and challenging Sunday. The speaker selected for 2008 was singer, songwriter, peace activist, John McCutcheon.

Peace Essays Each year the Peace Committee sponsors a peace essay writing event for all high school seniors. The paper is to define their stance on the peace position tying in Biblical teachings and other research to a topic with current day context. The students present their essays to the church following a fellowship meal and receive a one time $350 scholarship to the school of their choice. In recent years the seniors have presented essays on topics such as, video game violence, conscientious objection, forgiveness, patriotism vs. nationalism, and parent violence at youth sporting events.

Peace Posters In conjunction with the annual Peace Sunday activities the 5th & 6th graders make Peace Posters. These posters are to highlight their understanding of peace visually and are displayed for Peace Sunday and during the following few weeks for members and visitors to enjoy. Each 5th or 6th grader that makes a Peace Poster is presented with a certificate during the Peace Sunday activities.