Ten possible congregational and personal responses in the face of war

1. Join the Women's Fast for Peace. Fasting can offer a powerful and focusing sense of connection with God and with others. This is not a time to be or feel alone.

2. Choose a common symbol that your congregation and each member household can use during this crisis as a reminder of your united commitment to live as peacemakers -- e.g. candles, oil lamps, or crosses.

3. Choose common Scripture texts that member households can all use for devotional reading during the week. "Bread for the Enemy: A Peace and Justice Lectionary" compiled by Dorothy Jean Weaver would be one such resource

4. Keep your church open as a place for members of your congregation and broader community to gather for prayer. Plan or participate in community-wide prayer vigils or rallies that call for ending U.S. military action.

5. Find ways of connecting with and supporting families of U.S. troops from your community.

6. Plan an interfaith meal and activity with members of the Arab-American and Muslim-American community. Pay attention to what they are experiencing during a time of war.

7. Make relief kits for MCC's "Iraq Families at Risk" campaign, or contribute to "All God's Children" - an effort to raise $1.0 million to address urgent health care needs for Iraqi children. Both campaigns are highlighted at: http://www.mcc.org/respond/rapid_respond/iraq/index.html

8. Send letters to the editor of your local newspaper or take out an ad expressing alternatives to war.

9. Fax letters to the White House and to your elected officials. Ask the President and members of Congress to:

a. stop the military invasion of Iraq and allow the inspections process to begin again;
b. to commit adequate funds to rebuild any damage caused by U.S. actions in Iraq;
c. to give relief agencies like MCC unimpeded access to deliver supplies inside Iraq.
Fax numbers:
· White House: (202) 456-2461 or (202) 456-6218
· Senate: check www.senate.gov to find your Senators' fax numbers
· House: check www.house.gov to find your Representatives' fax numbers