Contact Information Pastoral Care Needs

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1 *Word with the Children (For children grade 1 and younger, care is provided in the nursery during the remainder of our worship time. We ask that children from grade 2 upward remain with their families so they can continue to learn the beauty and art of worship. A single youth volunteer may be needed. Please ask the adult nursery personnel if a youth is necessary.) Military Service Please keep these people in your prayers. Hillary N. Bender, granddaughter of Ellen and Bill Bender, Doland J. Miller II and Jeremy Miller, grandchildren of George J. Smits. Christopher Call, brother of Courtney Call Kennedy. Contact Information Pastoral Care Needs To contact our Pastor, please use Tim Dooner s address: tim@faithchurchemmaus.org. For pastoral care needs between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Mondays through Thursdays, contact the church office After hours, please contact either Terry Eck, Moderator of Deacons ; or Lynn Ingram, Clerk of Session , who will make the appropriate connections. For medical emergencies or deaths, contact Tim at Faith Church Prayer Chain Anyone with prayer concerns that they would like our membership to pray for should contact Ginny Robertson, our prayer chain coordinator. Her address is VSRobertson7@gmail.com and her telephone number is Please feel free to contact her so that our Faith Family may talk to our Heavenly Father about your concerns. He hears and listens to all prayers, no matter how large or small. SO THAT THOSE PRESENT MAY EXPERIENCE GOD WITHOUT DISTRACTION, WE ASK THAT CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES BE TURNED OFF PRIOR TO THE START OF WORSHIP. THANK YOU. PASTOR: Rev. Timothy Dooner PASTOR EMERITUS: Rev. Dr. Charles E. Colson ORGANIST/DIRECTOR, SENIOR CHOIR: Brian Snyder DIRECTOR, CHILDRENS/YOUTH CHOIRS, HANDBELLS: Tammi Howorth ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Lynda Scheirer CUSTODIAN: Scott MacKenzie DEACON GREETER: Ann Greenwood FLOWER DEACON: JoAnne Herring WORSHIP ASSISTANT: Yvonne Stauffer USHER CAPTAIN: Carolyn Benner USHERS: Eleanor DePhillips, Jim DePhillips, Sophia DePhillips, Madison McWhinney VIDEO: Evan Gill AUDIO: Chas Shimer FELLOWSHIP: Matt & Michele Somishka FLOWERS: The Melnick family, in memory of Kris s mom and dad. Rob & Bailey Clark, in memory of Bob & Dorothy Clark. ELDERS: Class of Rob Clark Jack Decker Jim DePhillips III John Gill Diane Millick Bill Gosner Jack Hillman Michelle Somishka Lisa Heineman Tim Melnick Erik Walker Richard Smith DEACONS: Class of Melanie Shimer Terry Eck Luana Graber Christy Smits Toni Fernandez Anne Greenwood Matt Somishka Krista Gosner Donna Hill Amy Waters Joanne Herring Jana Masenheimer Worship sheets and activity bags for children are available from the ushers. Assistive listening devices are available for those with hearing difficulties. Large print hymnals are available. Please ask an usher for assistance. The large candle on the communion table is a symbol for us that, as Christians, we believe Christ is still the light of the world. May it also remind us that PEACE is what we hope for. A Flawed Vessel with a Guarantee Order of Worship September 25, 2016 N. Second and Cherokee Streets, PO Box 507 Emmaus, Pennsylvania office@faithchurchemmaus.org

2 THE ORDER OF MORNING WORSHIP 26 TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 10:00 AM SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 THE FIRST NOTE OF THE PRELUDE begins our worship. Please use the prelude time to turn your attention to God s presence and help. As worship is not an obligatory offering unto God, but a natural response to God s goodness, take time to consider all the reasons, big and small, for which you are thankful unto God. Nurturing our relationships and friendships in fellowship is essential to our life as a congregation, so please continue to do so following our time of worship. Those who are able are invited to stand. Latecomers may be seated. APPROACHING GOD PRELUDE Prelude RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP FROM PSALM 139 Leader: God is the creator of our inmost being and has knitted us together. People: We praise the Lord, for we are wonderfully and fearfully made! Leader: God s works are wonderful - we know that full well! People: How precious to us are God s thoughts and God s guidance into life everlasting. We praise the Lord, for we are wonderfully and fearfully made! HYMN #473 For the Beauty of the Earth DIX CALL TO CONFESSION SILENT CONFESSION AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FROM THE SECOND HELVETIC CONFESSION (1951) Leader: Friends, let us confess our faith! People: Faith is not an opinion or human conviction, but a most firm trust, a clear and steadfast assent of the mind, and a most certain apprehension of the truth of God. Faith is a pure gift of God which God alone gives of grace. Truly good works grow out from a living faith. These works ought not to be done in order that we may earn eternal life by them, nor are they to be done for ostentation or gain. Good works are done to the glory of God, to adorn our calling, to show gratitude for God, and for the profit of the neighbor. Leader: We are saved by grace and the favor of Christ alone. Works necessarily proceed from faith. Salvation is improperly attributed to them, but is most properly ascribed to God s grace! People: Thanks be to God! HYMN OF ASSURANCE #579 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, Amen. PASSING OF THE PEACE GLORIA PATRI GATHERING JOYS AND CONCERNS FOR INTERCESSIONS AND PETITIONS INTERCESSIONS AND PETITIONS THE LORD S PRAYER PRESBYTERIAN HYMNAL PG. 16 (Please use debts & debtors.) WORD WITH THE CHILDREN* THE WORD OF GOD TO THE CHURCH FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON JEREMIAH 18:1-12 OT Pg. 739 in the white-edged Bible, Pg. 677 in the blue-edged Bible HYMN God the Sculptor of the Mountain SEE INSERT SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON PHILEMON 1: 8-20 NT Pg. 205 in the white-edged Bible, Pg. 203 in the blue-edged Bible SERMON A Flawed Vessel REV. DR. LARRY D. PICKENS, ESQ. with a Guarantee OUR RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD OFFERTORY Andante Grazioso RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Senior Choir DEDICATION HYMN #705 Change my heart, oh God. Make it ever true. Change my heart, oh God. May I be like You. You are the potter. I am the clay. Mold me and make me. This is what I pray. Change my heart, oh God. Make it ever true. Change my heart, oh God. May I be like You. PRAYER OF DEDICATION CHANGE MY HEART, OH GOD HYMN #392 Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord HALL CHARGE AND BENEDICTION SENT OUT AS GOD S PEOPLE POSTLUDE Allegro molto RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS We are sent out from worship to be grown as disciples of Jesus Christ and to serve throughout the week as we live out His ministry. There are Sunday School classes for all ages following worship this morning at 11:20 so that we might grow and be equipped as disciples, so instead of heading out, please prayerfully consider grabbing a quick snack in Fellowship Hall and then joining a class or conversation!

3 F AITH LIFE S UNDAY, S EPTEMBER 25, 2016 In the name of Christ, welcome to Faith Church. Please greet those around you with a word of peace. Welcome! We hope you ll join us following worship in Fellowship Hall for beverages, snacks, and fellowship. TODAY! TODAY! Sunday School NO Youth/Children s Music Rehearsals today! Youth Groups Book Club Watch for NEW, IMPORTANT and UPDATED announcements each week. IN THE PULPIT This morning, we welcome to the pulpit the Rev. Dr. Larry D. Pickens, Esq. the ecumenical director of The Lehigh Conference of Churches. He will be preaching the sermon today, and then during the Discipleship hour will lead a discussion centered on discipleship and the opportunity for mission. We thank him for sharing his ministry with us this morning. Learn more about Rev. Pickens by reading his bio on page 5, where you will also learn a little more about Daybreak, one of the programs led by Lehigh Conference of Churches. BOOK CLUB Book Club is resuming meetings beginning tonight, at 6:00 PM in the Adult Education classroom. We will have discussions about our summer books and pass out our new book for Fall discussion, entitle Tribe by Sebastian Junger. Please contact Heather Nicholas. heathera7271@yahoo.com, or call or text if you intend to join! All are welcome, but I need to know a head count so I have enough books. SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS MORNING FOLLOWING WORSHIP We are sent out from worship to be grown as disciples of Jesus Christ and to serve throughout the week as we live out His ministry. There are Sunday School classes for all ages following worship this morning at 11:20 AM, so that we might grow and be equipped as disciples, so instead of heading out, please prayerfully consider grabbing a quick snack in Fellowship Hall and then joining a class or conversation! W ORSHIP NEW TO FAITH CHURCH? If this is your first time in worship with us here at Faith Church, welcome! We want to get to know you, so be sure to sign the friendship registry when it is passed to you. ADULT, YOUTH, CHILDREN S WORSHIP CHOIRS Choir rehearsals begin this week! We have choirs for every age and no experience is necessary. All of Faith Church s choirs welcome new members. If you love to sing, come out and give it a try! If you love to ring, come out and give it a try! For information about the Senior Choir, please contact Brian Snyder at 4spadesdoubled@gmail.com. For more information on the Handbell choirs or Children s and Youth s choirs, please contact Tammi Howorth at tammi@faithchurchemmaus.org. Sunday Morning Rehearsals (Music Room) 8:30 AM: Youth Bells (Middle School/High School) Bells. 9:05 AM: Fellowship (Youth Bell & Youth Vocal) 9:15 AM: Youth Choir (Middle High School-Youth Vocal) 11:20 AM: Genesis (Ages 3-Grade 1) 11:40 AM: Children s Vocal Choir (Grades2-5) Noon: Children s Handbells (Grades2-5) Monday Evening Rehearsals (Music Room) 6:00 PM Adult Handbell Choir Wednesday Evening Rehearsals (Sanctuary) 7:30 PM Senior Choir Please check your and the church online calendar for occasional changes. Faith Presbyterian Church of Emmaus 3002 N. Second Street - PO Box Emmaus, PA office@faithchurchemmaus.org Visit us on the web! Page 1

4 D ISCIPLESHIP M ID-WEEK EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Small groups that meet during the week. New participants are always welcome. NOON BIBLE STUDY Bible Study begins at noon on Wednesdays in the parlor. Come share the Bible with this lively group. All are welcome! Next meeting: September 28. W OME N OF FAITH HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW Anyone interested in signing up for our holiday craft show on Saturday, December 3rd, whether as a vendor or craft seller, please contact Sandy Gingrich at or Sue suelaw2@verizon.net for more information and registration forms. WOMEN S DEVOTIONAL FELLOWSHIP This group meets on Thursdays in the church, Room 7 (the brick room). We will start at 9:30 AM with a time of fellowship, followed by our study and discussion, and end with joys and concerns by 11:30 AM. This group is open to any woman who wishes to explore the Bible, expand their faith, and share in fellowship time. We are doing a study of Proverbs, using the Living Word Bible Series. If you are interested or desire more information, please contact Sally Heimbach. Next meeting: September 29. DISCIPLES OF CHRIST DOC is a men s study & discussion group, meeting every other Thursday at 7:30 AM in the parlor. The topic of discussion will be living in a diverse society. Next meeting: October 6. YOUTH GROUP This year, our youth will be exploring tough topics, they will learn and explore their capacity for leadership, and they will explore what it means to live in relationship to God, each other, and our world. Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to participate in Middle School Youth Group which meets at Faith Presbyterian Church, Emmaus (3002 N. 2 nd St.). We meet from 5:00-7:00 PM. Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in high school youth group from 6:30-8:30 PM at Faith. Each week, we have a meal together, which is sponsored by our awesome parents and mentors. Next meeting: Tonight. R EADY OR N OT! Y OU RE AGING! On November 13th at 5:30 PM here at Faith Church, there will be a free presentation Ready or Not! You re Aging! All ages are welcome! Parents please bring your children who are mature enough for the topic of aging preparedness. Topics will include: the 4 main legal documents everyone needs aging in your own home levels of care caregiving in the future and so much more. This topic is deep, serious, & necessary for your parents and yourself. Presentation given by: Charles Waters Esq., Julie DePhillips MCW, & Heather Nicholas RM Light snacks will be provided. Page 2 NOMINATING IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR! We are looking to arrange the leadership of the church for the 2019 Class of Deacons and Elders. If you have never served in this position, consider giving of your time and talents to help direct the church as it moves through the year. If you have served in this position in the past, consider coming back and giving us the benefit of your experience. For those with questions about what these positionls entail, or to volunteer your time, Please contact Jack Hillman at JHillwtr@aol.com or at Faith Church Ministry & Mission Leadership CONGREGATIONAL LIFE Discipleship... John Gill Fellowship... Diane Millick Membership... Jim DePhillips Worship... Lisa Heineman EVANGELISM Mission... Jack Decker The Rob Clark STEWARDSHIP Administration... Richard Smith Building & Grounds... Erik Walker, Bill Gosner Finance... Tim Melnick Nominating... Jack Hillman Special Projects... Michele Somishka DEACONS... Terry Eck, Moderator Luana Graber, Ann Greenwood, Donna Hill, Jana Masenheimer, Melanie Shimer, Christy Smits, Matt Somishka, Amy Waters, Toni Fernandez, Krista Gosner, Joanne Herring

5 M ISSION PEACE AND GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING: COME TO THE TABLE OF PEACE The Peace & Global Witness Offering has a global reach, significant impact, and brings peace to people through Christ. The Peace & Global Witness Offering is received during the Season of Peace, which ends on World Communion Sunday, October 2. We will be giving our 25% to East Penn Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Their mission is to serve families within the East Penn School District through multi-faceted short-term assistance in order to help restore and sustain healthy, independent living. See this month s issue of The Faith Flyer for more information. In 2015, Faith Presbyterian Church received $ , with $ going towards support of East Penn Neighbors Helping Neighbors. We had 29 faithful mission givers. What can we do in 2016 to help set the TABLE of PEACE? WALKERS NEEDED 2016 Crop Hunger Walk Sunday, October 1:30 PM St. Timothy s on Ott Street, Allentown By walking and/or donating money, you can help the hungry. The donations will help provide food and water, as well as resources that empower them to meet their own needs. An information table will be located in the narthex at church. If you have any questions, please see Donna Hill. macsalad@ptd.net CLOSET OF HOPE Barbara Newman was asked by Mary at Closet of Hope at Macungie Baptist Church to thank the Faith Church congregation for continually supporting their mission to give free clothing and household items to those in need. Our cart is always ready to receive donations. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH Every Tuesday, meals are prepared and served at New Bethany in Bethlehem. Other volunteer opportunities are available at the same time, in the food bank or in the distribution of clothing. Those interested should contact Richard Smith. Volunteers can meet at Faith Church at 8:30 AM to carpool and return to the church at around 1:30 PM. F AITH FEEDS GARDE N E AST PE NN N EIGHBORS H ELPING NEIGHBORS COMEDY NIGHT Benefitting East Penn Neighbors Helping Neighbors October Wisecrackers Comedy Club Ramada Inn 1500 Macarthur Blvd. Whitehall, PA Doors Open 8:00 PM Comedy Show 9-11:00 PM Starring Max Docelli Max s animated onstage presence and sharp material get the audience on board for a wild ride. His high energy has made him one of the most sought after comics on the circuit. He plays all the clubs from AC to Vegas. Also appearing, Brandon Scott. Enjoying some laughs while supporting your local community is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Tickets are $20 a piece and can be obtained from Pastor Tim. T HE 412 UPCOMING WORKSHOP 412 Community Arts Workshops Presents Mandala Workshop Presented by Stephanie Smith Saturday, October 1 st from 10:00-noon This is a free inter-generational arts workshop connecting members of our community. Stephanie Smith is a self-taught fine artist who continues to study the mandala and how this sacred form of circular art has been utilized cross culturally and throughout a wide variety of wisdom traditions for religious and spiritual beliefs. Artist Statement: Created for the purpose of spiritual evolution, my art is process based and conceptual in nature. By working in a manner consciously designed to disarm personal criticism and negative self-talk, I give myself permission to create in an unrestricted manner which ultimately allows greater potential for communication with the divine spirit within. ***There is limited capacity for this workshop. It will be open to the first participants who register. Please register early for this event.*** To register, call Joanne Marchetto at THANK YOU! The Faith Feeds Garden is finishing up a wonderful season of growing and sharing! Thank you so much to the many people who helped in so many ways - planting, hoeing, picking, washing, watering, packing, providing bags and salad dressings!! We have received very positive feedback from both of the food banks. Thanks so much to the entire Faith community for your support!! B IRTHDAYS 9/25 Betty Winters 9/26 Joe Payea 9/28 Philip Martin, Richard Smith, Michele Somishka Page 3

6 T WO WEEKS OF FAITH This calendar is prepared a few days prior to distribution. Please see the church website for the most up-to-date information. Room Numbers, indicating where meetings will be held (when known), are shown in parentheses following the listing. More information for activities taking place at The 412 can be found on the 412 Facebook page or by checking with the church secretary. Key FH Fellowship Hall MR Music Room P Parlor O Office S Sanctuary T HIS W EEK Sunday, September 25 10:00 AM Worship Service 11:20 AM Sunday School 4:00 PM Daisy Girl Scouts 5:00 PM Middle School Youth Group 6:00 PM Book Club 6:30 PM Senior High Youth Group 6:45 PM Junior/Cadet Girl Scouts Monday, September 26 9:00 Community Office Day 6:00 PM Adult Handbells (MR) 6:30 Sahaja Yoga 7:30 PM Emmaus Chorale (FH) Tuesday, September 27 Wednesday, September 28 Noon Bible Study 10:00 AM Bridge to God (2) 12:15 PM Communications Committee (P) No Senior Choir (S) Thursday, September 29 9:30 AM Women s Devotional Fellowship (7) 7:00 PM Narcotics Anon. (FH) Friday, September 30 Church Office Closed 9:00 Happy Destiny Clubhouse 2:00 PM Daybreak Saturday, October 1 9;00 AM Zumba (FH) 10:00 Mandala Workshop N E XT WEEK Sunday, October 2 Peace & Global Witness 8:30 AM Youth Handbells (MR) 9:05 AM Youth Music Fellowship (MR) 9:15 AM Youth Vocal Choir (MR) 10:00 AM Outdoor Worship Service: Communion 11:15 AM Church Picnic 4:00 PM Daisy Girl Scouts 5:00 PM Middle School Youth Group 6:30 PM Senior High Youth Group 6:45 PM Junior/Cadet Girl Scouts Monday, October 3 9:00 Community Office Day 6:00 PM Adult Handbells (MR) 6:30 Sahaja Yoga 7:30 PM Emmaus Chorale (FH) Tuesday, October 4 9:00 AM Emmaus Garden Club (FH) 7:39 PM Finance Committee Wednesday, October 5 Noon Bible Study 10:00 AM Bridge to God (2) 7:00 PM Senior Choir (S) Note time change! Thursday, October 6 7:30 AM Disciples of Christ (P) 9:30 AM Women s Devotional Fellowship (7) 6:00 PM Worship Committee 7:00 PM Narcotics Anon. (FH) Friday, October 7 Church Office Closed 9:00 Happy Destiny Clubhouse A ROUND THE CORNER... Oct SCRIP Orders Due Oct Crop Hunger Walk Oct Deadline for November Faith Flyer Oct Flyer Crew Nov Fellowship Lunch Nov Election day Nov Veterans Day Nov. 11&12... Lemon Tree Holiday Westminster Village Nov SCRIP Orders Due Nov Presentation on Aging Nov Deadline for December Faith Flyer Nov Flyer Crew Page 4 Saturday, October 8 9;00 AM Zumba (FH) 9:00 Sing N Move 10:15 AM Crazy Quilters Quilt Guild (FH) I GIVE Monthly, Quarterly, or Electronically. To learn more about giving electronically, click on the Stewardship link under the About Us section of our website. If you wish, you may tear this off and place in offering plate.

7 Biography The Rev. Dr. Larry D. Pickens, Esq. is a native of Chicago, where he grew up in the Englewood community. Larry has served The United Methodist Church for over 30 years in ordained ministry. Dr. Pickens is married to his wife, Debra and they have a daughter, Jessica, who is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, where she majored in psychology. Larry also serves as the ecumenical director of The Lehigh Conference of Churches and is part time pastor at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Allentown. Larry is an attorney, licensed in both Illinois and South Carolina; he is concerned about merging justice and mercy as a framework for ministry and social engagement; this is the cornerstone of his ministry. He believes that all of God's people have been "fearfully and wonderfully made" and therefore have a unique contribution to share with the world and the church. Larry believes that change is effectuated by addressing the systemic causes of injustice and the Holy Spirit's ability to change the hearts and minds of God's people. Larry has represented The Church in many capacities. He has served as a pastor in urban and suburban settings, and as the ecumenical staff officer of The United Methodist Church. His ecumenical experience included representation of The United Methodist Church on the Executive and Central Committees of The World Council of Churches and leadership in the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. He served as the general secretary of The United Methodist General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns from He also served as a member of the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church. Larry is a graduate of North Park University, where he majored in Political Science, completed theology work at Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary, Chicago Theological Seminary and the Ecumenical Institute Graduate School at Bossey. He also has a law degree from DePaul University College of Law. Daybreak Daybreak is one of the many programs of Lehigh Conference of Churches, and one that Faith Church participates in once a month. Other than the fact that we provide and serve a cooked meal and bake cookies, but you may not know that Daybreak is a drop-in center for adults living with mental illness, addiction, and/or HIV/AIDS, as well a seniors living in extreme poverty. In 2015, 391 members received services. Daybreak serves three balanced meals each weekday. Daybreak holds an annual plant sale fundraiser, in partnership with Blue Mountain Nursery, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, and Union United Church of Christ, Neffs. The average income of a Daybreak member in 2015 was $7,582, with 96.9% reporting incomes between 0% and 30% of the Area Media Income. The average Daybreak member spends greater than 90% of their monthly income to cover the cost of their housing. As a result, the average Daybreak member lacks money or other resources for food. Fact: 100% of Daybreak membership is food insecure. In 2015, 3,125 volunteers contributed to 10,335 hours of service, resulting in contributions worth over $227,370. DAYBREAK CHANGE! The September date for our outreach to Daybreak was changed to Friday, September 30, because the kitchen was undergoing cleaning on our regular day. Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve. Please contact Richard Smith if you are able to help. Cookies would need to be in the church kitchen by 2:30 PM on Thursday, September 29. Thank you to all who may bake or volunteer. Page 5

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9 AT GOD S TABLE, PEACE IS POSSIBLE. PEACE GROWS MORE ABUNDANT WHEN WE SHARE IT. In the midst of conflict, God spreads a table of peace, justice, and reconciliation. Your gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering this World Communion Sunday (October 2) gathers more people to that table. PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY. Through your congregation Text PEACE to to give $10 presbyterianmission.org/give/peace-global Resources: 1 Measuring Mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo. International Rescue Committee, Web. 27 April Stearns, Jason K. and Christoph Vogel. The Landscape of Armed Groups in the Eastern Congo. The Center on International Cooperation, Dec Web. 27 April org/sub-saharan-africa/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/ 4 Invisible Survivors, Girls in Armed Groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo From 2009 to United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Nov Web. 27 April Johnson, Kirsten et al. Association of Sexual Violence and Human Rights Violations with Physical and Mental Health in Territories of the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. JAMA 304 (2010): Web. 20 April Democratic Republic of the Congo. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2016, from

10 GOD WITH US, EVEN IN THE THICKEST JUNGLE The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been in constant conflict for nearly two decades. The civil war there officially came to an end in 2003, but violence continues in the country s eastern provinces. Women are victims of conflict-related sexual assault. Children are conscripted into militias. People live in daily fear. In 2013, a delegation from the Federation of Protestant Women in Ituri decided enough was enough. With unwavering faith in God s power to draw their enemies to the table of justice, these women ventured to the jungle hideout of the fearsome rebel leader Cobra Matata. For more than a year, they visited with Cobra repeatedly, asking him to lay down his arms. Finally, their courage and faith won out: Cobra surrendered to the Congolese Army. Encouraged by this sign of peace, the women of eastern DRC are inviting other warlords to begin the long process of peace and reconciliation. With the support of Presbyterians like you, they hope to begin healing the deep spiritual, physical, and emotional wounds of their nation s conflict and move toward a lasting peace. Consequences of Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Over 5.4 million people have died from conflict-related causes. 1 Nearly half of them are children under age 5. 1 At least 70 armed groups are active in eastern DRC. 2 As of late 2015, about 2.9 million people remain displaced in the DRC. 3 Since 2009, over 31,000 boys and girls have been recruited as soldiers by armed groups. 4 An estimated 1.31 million women in eastern DRC have experienced sexual violence. 5 By giving to the Peace & Global Witness Offering, you support peacemaking work that brings people to God s table of peace, even in the deepest conflict.