ELKHART, Ind. (MC USA) -- Last year, twenty Church of the Brethren and Mennonite congregations sampled the Second Mile congregational peace training curriculum. Here is some feedback from those who participated:

"The study (of Second Mile) has generated good discussion, new ideas, and valuable storytelling around the theme of what it means to be a peacemaker in all areas of life."

Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, co-pastor
First Church of the Brethren
Harrisburg, Pa.

"Lao people learn that if someone does something to you, you are supposed to fight back. But we learned with Second Mile that there is something different (than that) in the teaching of Jesus and in Mennonite peace theology."

Kuaying Teng, co-pastor
Lao Christian Fellowship
St. Catharines, Ont.

 

"We have one adult Sunday school class and the numbers usually fluctuate; but when we studied Second Mile, attendance was better than usual. We also have ethnic and non-ethnic Mennonites in our congregation, so this provided a way to talk about the historical aspects of peace, as well as some of the challenges of the Anabaptist lifestyle – something we don’t often find ourselves talking about."

Sherwyn Smeltzer
Immanuel Mennonite Church
Harrisonburg, Va.

"The quarter ended and our group wanted to keep going! The lessons on war, peace, and financial issues were the most popular. It was very practical for a city congregation. With crime in the city, questions about war and peace are ever-present things in our neighborhood."

Linda Baker
Living Water Community Church
Chicago, Ill.

"I currently serve on the church’s peace committee and feel the material takes a hard look at many of the issues a Christian must investigate in order to follow a path of peace. Our group felt the leaflet format was a helpful and fresh approach to curriculum material. The history segments were especially helpful." 

Wendell Eller, associate pastor for visitation
and peace committee member
Bridgewater Church of the Brethren
Bridgewater, Va.

"We found the variety of teaching methods and suggestions to be helpful as well as the peace-related categories of subjects offered within the curriculum. We think it is important to study peace on a more holistic approach than simply as opposition to violence or involvement in the military."

Jim Good, adult Sunday school superintendent
First Mennonite Church
Richmond, Va.

 

"Second Mile: A Peace Journey for Congregations" is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Central Committee’s U.S. and Canadian offices.

"Pathway A: The Land that I Will Show You", "Pathway B: Heading for the Promised Land",  "Pathway C: The Road to Emmaus" and "Pathway D: Walking Through the Valley" are available from Faith & Life Resources, a division of Mennonite Publishing House by calling 1-800-245-7894, or visit www.mph.org. Free Leader's Guidebooks for Pathway A,  Pathway B , Pathway C and Pathway D are available for download. Printed copies may also be ordered from Faith & Life Resources. Call 1-800-245-7894. Cost is $6.99 ($8.49, Canada) per copy plus shipping.

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Tony Krabill, Mennonite Mission Network