Program for Children Explores Peace

How do children growing up in a world of violence, war and poverty learn a vision of peace? How can children choose peace over destruction unless they are exposed to peace? The answer is in a variety of ways, but especially through art and literature. The Columbus Mennonite Church and North Broadway United Methodist Church are joining hands to present "Children Choosing Peace," an interactive program for children in grades K-6 that will explore these important questions for children.

"Children Choosing Peace" will be presented on Saturday, October 30, 2004, from 9:00-3:30. Attendees will gather at Columbus Mennonite Church 35 Oakland Park Avenue. The program will be held concurrently with the Saturday adult schedule for the peace gathering "Choosing Peace: Practicing Faith in Public," October 28-30, and will be available only to children of adults registered to attend the gathering.

"Children Choosing Peace" is an interactive workshop that will incorporate scripture, music, stories, art and role play to challenge children to think about various aspects of peace. Participants will be encouraged to consider how they can practice peace in their daily lives. Activities will be led by Louise Matthews, Director of the Lion & Lamb Peace Arts Center of Bluffton University (www.bluffton.edu/lionlamb), and J.P. Schumacher, Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes Regional Associate. Lion & Lamb Peace Arts Center teachers emphasize multiculturalism, global awareness, and non-violent lifestyles.

Registration fee for the children's program is $15. Early registration is advised as space is limited. Please call the Columbus Mennonite Church at 784-9002 for further information or log on to peace.mennolink.org and click on the link Regional Peace Gathering, Columbus, OH.

Columbus Mennonite Church, Rev. Steve Goering and Rev. Susan Ortman-Goering, Co-Pastors, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214-1416, 614/784-9002, www.columbusmennonite.org. North Broadway United Methodist Church, Rev. Ed Lewis, Sr. Pastor; Rev. Patricia Wagner, Assoc. Pastor, 48 E. North Broadway, Columbus, OH 43214, 614/268-8626, www.north-broadway.org.

Media Contacts:
Leo Hartshorn, Mennonite Mission Network, 717/399-8353 or
Melonie Buller, Columbus Mennonite Church, 614/747-3662 or
Rev. Patricia Wagner, North Broadway United Methodist Church, 614/268-8625
or .