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The News and Information Resource of
THE OHIO COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
SEPTEMBER 2024
View as Webpage
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S PEN
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite pieces of music is the anthem “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller. Every time I hear the song’s soothing melody and sing its hope-infused lyrics, I am reminded that this seemingly mild song is actually a call to action:
“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
What does “Let peace begin with me” mean? What does peacemaking look like?
One step along the path of peacemaking might include participating in the “Peacekeeper at the Polls” program. A project of the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition and Ohio Voice, Peacekeeper at the Polls participants:
• Provide a ministry of presence, a calming influence when tensions might run high.
• De-escalate potential conflicts using methods developed during the Civil Rights Movement.
• Offer practical support to voters using the 866.OUR.VOTE support hotline.
As we all know, voting in the United States has become a contentious enterprise. Politically motivated restrictions on voting masquerade as being warranted and have become more pronounced, while targeted voter misinformation and intimidation tactics are on the rise. In some areas, voters have felt insecure and even threatened as they attempted to make their voices heard at their polling places.
By all estimates, the Nov. 5, 2024, General Elections, along with state and local contests, may very well be the most consequential election cycle ever. Motivated by the love of God and a commitment to human flourishing as modeled by Jesus Christ, many church leaders will be working alongside people of other faiths and goodwill in serving as election peacekeepers who nonviolently help build polling-place dynamics where people can cast their votes confidently and without fear of harassment.
On Sept. 18, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., the Ohio Council of Churches will present a special “Lunch and Learn” Zoom forum on the "Peacekeeper at the Polls" program. It will be led by Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith and Rev. Joan VanBecelaere from the Peacekeepers at the Polls Program. Also presenting will be Ms. Jaladah Aslam of Faiths United to Save Democracy. She will describe the Poll Chaplaincy program. We invite you to register for this timely Zoom session and perhaps respond to the “Let peace begin with me” call to action by participating in the Peacekeeper at the Polls and Poll Chaplaincy efforts. See the information included in this newsletter.
With Hope,
Jack
Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr.
Executive Director, Ohio Council of Churches
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Lexington Theological Seminary's
Creating Vital Congregations Webinar Series
in collaboration with
the Lexington Theological Seminary Alumni Council
and Justice and Advocacy Ministries
of Disciples Home Missions
presents
FROM MUTED TO MOVEMENT:
FAITH-ROOTED ORGANIZATION AND CONGREGATION MINISTRY
Sept. 11, 2024 @ 6:30-8 p.m. ET
With Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr.
and Rev. Dr. Aaron Stauffer
Community organizing is arguably the most practiced form of political participation in the United States today. So why do so many congregations avoid the call to social justice? How can pastors develop and activate congregations to take their place in social justice movements across the country? In this webinar, two pastor-organizer-scholars will reflect on the trials, the tribulations, and the triumphs of navigating congregational involvement in community organizing. Come join us for engaging conversation and practical tools on how congregations can find their voice in the social justice movement.
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Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr. is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. He serves as Executive Director of the Columbus-based Ohio Council of Churches. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Sullivan is an ecumenist, church consultant, justice advocate, journalist, and death penalty abolitionist. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2022 Death Penalty Abolition Award from Restorative Justice International; the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine; and the 2018 African American Liberation Award from the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
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Rev. Dr. Aaron Stauffer is the Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. His work lies at the intersection of the academy, the Christian church, and community organizing. His current book project with Oxford University Press is Listening to the Spirit: The Radical Social Gospel, Sacred Value, and Broad-based Community Organizing. An ordained Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Dr. Stauffer most recently was the Executive Director of and then Special Advisor for Religions for Peace USA, where he helped launch a national anti-Islamophobia program based in the Southeast, along with organizing national senior religious leaders on issues of common concern such as mass incarceration, immigration, and climate change.
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Dear Friends,
Are you willing to be a Peacekeeper to help protect our Ohio elections?
As faith leaders, social workers, or counselors, you are uniquely equipped to help keep Ohio elections welcoming, peaceful and safe for everyone. That’s why you are invited to be a Peacekeeper at the Polls. And we have opportunities for you to take action.
Our society and political landscape have become divisive; anxiety and tensions can easily rise. To keep voters safe, we must help de-escalate harassment or verbal attacks at the polls. Leaders like you are uniquely situated to help defuse tensions that may otherwise lead to conflict.
We plan to have Peacekeeper Teams of at least two at the polls during Early Voting – especially the last two weekends – and on Election Day.
PEACEKEEPER TRAINING – CINCINNATI
Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship
Saturday, Sept. 21
10 a.m. to Noon (with refreshments)
4229 Brownway Ave.
Cincinnati OH 45209
Register here.
PEACEKEEPER TRAINING – TOLEDO
Saturday, Sept. 28
2-3:30 p.m.
Toledo Public Library: Mott Branch, Room A&B
1010 Dorr St.
Toledo, OH 43607
Register here.
PEACEKEEPER AND POLL MONITOR TRAINING – COLUMBUS with OSU CSW
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
10 a.m.-noon (EDT)
League of Women Voters Offices
471 E Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Register here.
This is no time for a casual or timid faith. Your caring skills and understanding of human nature are needed. But you don’t stand alone: Many others stand with you.
When I was outside the polling place in my suit and stole, hat and button, many people smiled at me. I could feel them relax a little bit. Voters have a right to a stress-free experience, and I was doing my part to make it so. – Peacekeeper Rev. Benjamin Maucere, Montgomery County
Please bring your skills and courageous faith to support democracy and love in these challenging times.
For more information, please email Rev. Joan or Rev. Susan.
In Faith and Peace,
Rev. Susan K. Smith
Rev. Joan VanBecelaere
303-641-5896
Peacekeepers at the Polls is a project of the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition and Ohio Voice.
I became a Peacekeeper because it fills a unique and needed role. I see myself as being prayerfully attentive to the dynamics of a polling location, available to de-escalate conflict and better enable all voters to cast their ballot in a civil environment. – Peacekeeper Rev. Joel Miller, Franklin County
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Join the National Council of Churches Christian Unity Gathering in Nashville, TN, from Oct. 15-18, 2024.
This year's theme is “Equitable Futures: Paving the Way for Environmental and Economic Justice.”
Register today for this gathering of prominent faith leaders from across the country to discuss critical issues that deeply impact the present and shape the course of the future. We will explore the critical intersection of ecological sustainability and socio-economic equity with prominent leaders.
Invite seminary students in your network to attend! Seminarians get 50% off registration when using the code “seminary.”
Book your hotel room today! The NCC room block at Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport will close Sept. 15, 2024!
Here is a link to register.
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Ohio’s reentry community is gathering soon for our 5th annual Building Bridges Community Experience on Oct. 16-17. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to connect and collaborate with your fellow reentry co-laborers.
Each year, the Community Experience brings together community leaders, government officials, non-profits, policy makers, faith and community-based organizations, correctional professionals, law enforcement personnel, legal services, academics, justice-involved citizens, and others interested in learning about and developing better community reentry responses.
From workshops to collaborative environments, the annual Community Experience is where Ohioans find their passion point, purpose, place, and people to co-labor in Building Bridges of Opportunity for reentry.
Each year, over 400 participants leave prepared and properly positioned to effectively strengthen Ohio’s reentry continuum of care with local coalitions, community members, agency partners, and organizations.
This year, we offer workshops and presenters that focus on developing community pathways for goal setting, agency, and opportunity to generate hope in supportive reentry environments. Our three reentry focuses this year are:
- Serving Families Through the Reentry Journey
- Support Returning Youth
- Soliciting Victims’ Voice in Reentry Efforts
Join us in Bridging Pathways to Hope. Register here. Or click on the QR Code below.
The Community Experience is FREE to attend. Additional details can be found here in a printable flyer.
Check out our Community Experience Info Hub for schedules and workshop details.
Please share this invitation within your network of co-laborers and those you serve.
See you on Oct. 16-17!
Reba Collins
rebakco@gmail.com
Community Experience Lead Coordinator
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SAVE THE DATE for our 4th annual
ANTI-RACISM SUNDAY - OCT. 20, 2024
Worship in Our House: All member churches are invited to attend and participate via Facebook in the Council's virtual worship experience on Oct. 20. There will be music as well as an adult and a children's sermon.
Worship in Your House: Again, all member churches are invited, but we are looking for commitments from at least 12 congregations from different parts of the state to fully engage and create their own Anti-Racism Sunday experience on Oct. 20. Contact us here.
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