As Christians we are called to point to and become part of God’s peacemaking in the world. We are called to be agents of reconciliation for individuals, in families and communities, in the international arena and with the whole creation, building a culture of peace.

The Peacemaking Offering was created in 1980 to support the efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to live out a deeper commitment to peacemaking as part of our faithfulness to God. It is one of four special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly.

Since 1980, when the Peacemaking Offering was first received, Presbyterians have responded with enthusiasm by financially supporting peacemaking ministries throughout the church. Congregations have shown great creativity in strengthening peacemaking efforts within their churches and communities and throughout the world.

Most churches receive the Offering on World Communion Sunday,

the first Sunday in October, which this year is October 4th.

Each congregation is encouraged to retain 25% of the Offering it receives to use for local ministries of peacemaking within the church and its community. Twenty-five percent is used by presbyteries and synods and 50% is used by the General Assembly ministries through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.

Uses of the Peacemaking Offering by General Assembly Mission Council Ministries in 2008

Congregations are encouraged to retain 25% of the Peacemaking Offering to use in peacemaking activities within their communities or to support peace-related projects they are interested in. Here are suggestions for ways your congregation can use its share if you haven’t yet decided. The suggestions are listed under headings taken from the “Commitment to Peacemaking,” which identifies eight areas of ministries congregations can engage in as they pursue peace.

The Offering bulletin inserts and brochure, “Justice and peace shall kiss each other ,”give examples of how some congregations have used their share of the Offering, and they might also give you ideas.

For more information, go to the pcusa website:  http://www.pcusa.org/peacemakingoffering/25ways.htm