Monday, February 8, 2010

Next Peace Church Brunch - Sat April 24


About the speaker for next

Peace Church Brunch #6

Saturday, April 24, 2010

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

St. John’s Unitarian Church

Melanie Snyder

Church of the Brethren author of

Grace Goes to Prison:

An Inspiring Story of Hope and Humanity

With a genuine passion and a focus on Anabaptist peacemaking principles, Melanie offers an excellent perspective on our “justice” system here in the United States. What you can expect from Melanie:

  • inspiring true stories from her book about Marie Hamilton’s 30 years of prison volunteer work
  • community dialogue about related criminal justice issues
  • information on promising approaches such as restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration – approaches which are now receiving renewed attention as state budgets are strapped and legislators seek better ways to address crime and reduce recidivism.

This is an excellent opportunity for our churches & meetings to engage in dialogue about criminal justice as a peacemaking issue, and a very real issue in our neighborhoods.

Through these speaking engagements, Melanie hopes to foster understanding of restorative justice and promote awareness of current issues in the American criminal justice system.

Melanie has seen the issue from many sides and brings both vision and perspective to the matter—just in the last few years in our congregation we have experienced a member arrested and incarcerated, and a member murdered.

Melanie is a trained victim-offender mediator and has also met with parents of offenders and those offended.

Author information: www.melaniegsnyder.com/books

Copies of her book will be available

at Joseph Beth Bookstore in Hyde Park / Rookwood

Event location: St. John’s Unitarian Church

320 Resor Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220-1616. (513) 961-1938

Give peace a chance!

Peace Churches of Greater Cincinnati
Email: peacechurches@gmail.com

Tel: 513.376.7768

Website: http://amanioutreach.blogspot.com/

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Peace Church Brunch this Saturday!

The Peace Churches of Greater Cincinnati

welcome you to join the next quarterly

Peace Church Brunch


This Saturday morning

January 30, 2010

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Cincinnati Friends Meeting

8075 Keller Rd

Cincinnati, OH 45243

(513) 791-0788


All are welcome

Brunch & fellowship: 10-11 a.m.

Speaker: 11 a.m.-12 noon


Paul Chappell


Newly-retired Army Captain and

author of Will War Ever End?

Book is available at Joseph Beth Books; see details below


Event is open to all.

Childcare will be available.



Flyer available at:

http://tinyurl.com/peacechurchbrunch5


The Peace Churches of Greater Cincinnati meet about quarterly

for fellowship and mutual encouragement.

We are interested in supporting one another in local peacebuilding efforts.

To learn more and get involved, call the numbers above!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Local Haiti Relief & Recovery Projects this weekend

Please spread the word to your congregations, as these projects are taking place this coming week!

1. Resurrect Haiti | An Art Event

DESCRIPTION
A two-evening art event to raise money for the urgent humanitarian crises in Haiti. An offering from a variety of artists, of over 60 pieces of small affordable artwork. 9" Pieces are free with a minimum donation of $75 dollars each. Enjoy snacks and beverages, live music and like-minded friends. This event is a doable, practical and
meaningful way to help those in pain, and thus fulfill the desire to stand with those who are suffering so much loss.

A handful of underwriters have generously agreed to underwrite all the expenses of the event, covering all the manufacturing costs of printing and framing the photographs. THIS MEANS THAT 100% OF ALL
SALES WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE RELIEF EFFORT. We have the names of/and relationships with at least four organizations on the ground doing work there.

Organizations who will distribute the benefits from this event include:
-International Sports Alliance http://www.internationalsportsalliance.org/
-Matthew 25 Ministries http://www.m25m.org
-Restavek Freedom http://www.restavekfreedom.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.home

WHERE
Resurrect Haiti will be held simultaneously at two adjacent locations:

The Speckled Bird Café in Norwood (1766 Mills Avenue, Cincinnati,
OH 45212-2826.)

AND 1801 Mills ( 1801mills.org <http://1801mills.org> )

WHO
A large portion of the work are photographs of Haiti from Cincinnati artists and photographers JON WILLIS and OWEN A. BROCK, taken while on recent humanitarian trips to Haiti. We are also excited that a number of other artists have offered their work as well, so there should be a tremendous offering of work on display. A great way to contribute to the needs of Haitians and walk away with some great art.

WHEN = this weekend
Resurrect Haiti will be held for two consecutive nights:
Friday and Saturday evenings, January 22 - 23, 7:00 - 10:00 pm.
LESS THAN ONE WEEK AWAY

Haiti needs YOUR help:
Because of the urgency and short notice of this event, we are relying on all of your support to get the word out. Please re-post this event to your profile, invite as many friends as you can muster
and send it to any Newspapers/TV/Media that would be able to publish it prior to this Friday.

CONTACT
Regarding art contact Owen Brock at: obr...@visualfluency.com ...@visualfluency.com> or 513.253.5683.
Regarding organization of event or volunteering contact Matt Dawson at: mattdaws...@gmail.com ...@gmail.com> or 513.390.8580.


2. Kids Against Hunger – Sending Haiti Relief Supplies

Debbie Miller and Cincinnati Friends Meeting Peace & Social Concerns committee wanted to let you all know of an opportunity to help pack supplies to be sent to Haiti this Friday and Saturday through an organization called Kids Against Hunger. From their website...

Tax deductible donations can be made by check payable to KAH, or online at

http://www.achildshopeintl.org/DonateNow.html.


For checks, write "Haiti" in the memo line.

For online donations, specify Humanitarian Relief from the pull down menu of options.

We also need the following items:

1. CASH DONATIONS for the ingredients, supplies and shipment of items

2. diapers (disposable)

3. baby formula (liquid only)

4. wash cloths

5. bars of soap

6. toothbrushes

7. toothpaste

8. small toys (little--balls, cars, stuffed animals, etc.)

9. small combs or brushes

10. children’s NEW shoes, sandals and sneakers

11. gallon size ”Ziploc” type bags

The times and days for the emergency packing events are:

Wed. 1/20 1-3 PM

Fri. 1/22 1-3 PM and 3-5 PM

Sat. 1/23 1-3 PM

To volunteer go to http://www.achildshopeintl.org/Haiti.html and register.


Also, the above items can be brought to the Kids Against Hunger Factory in Downtown Blue Ash at the Towne Square, 4900 Hunt Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242 during the mentioned times above.


Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Haiti quake relief efforts - Menno Central Cmte & American Friends Service Cmte

American Friends Service Committee logo

View this message as a web page.


Dear Friend & Supporter of AFSC,

Yesterday a major earthquake devastated Haiti.

The worst reported earthquake in the region in 200 years struck, killing countless numbers of people and wounding many more. According to preliminary reports, 3 million people have been affected by the quake.

We need your help to respond.

The American Friends Service Committee is seeking financial contributions to help Haitians recover from the devastation of the earthquake and rebuild their lives and communities. Please make a gift today and aid Haitian earthquake survivors.

As I write, we have been in contact with some partners and are analyzing ways AFSC can work with them to help Haitians recover from this tragedy and help those most in need. In the quake’s aftermath, power and telephone access is difficult right now, but we continue to try to reach our many contacts in Haiti to assess the best way for AFSC to help.

In Haiti, we will continue our distinct approach to responding to humanitarian crises. As we did after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, AFSC will work with partners where our capacity to help is greatest. While tending to the immediate crisis, AFSC is always committed to strengthening local capacity to rebuild, recover and heal after times of crisis and devastation.

I will keep you updated as our work evolves and the situation becomes clearer.

Right now, we need your help to respond to this emergency.

Our prayers and sympathy go out to all in Haiti and elsewhere who are mourning, anxious, searching for their loved ones. Please join me in holding them in the Light.

In Peace,

Mary Ellen McNish's signature

Mary Ellen McNish
American Friends Service Committee


=====================


Subject: MCC to respond to Haiti earthquake, donations welcome

Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers.

Additional information will soon be posted at http://www.facebook.com/l/0bc23;mcc.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MCC to respond to Haiti earthquake, donations welcome
January 12, 2010

Mennonite Central Committee is responding to the earthquake that struck Haiti late Tuesday afternoon.

According to news reports, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Haiti and is feared to have caused major loss of life in and around the capital, Port-au-Prince. The quake, which struck about 15km (10 miles) south-west of the capital, was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude.

MCC was trying to connect with its staff in the country late Tuesday night but was having difficulty doing so. MCC has been working in Haiti since 1928 and currently has 23 staff in the country including nine people from the U.S. and Canada. They support efforts in reforestation and environmental education, human rights and advocacy for food security.

It is too early to say how MCC will respond as it shifts to emergency relief efforts.

Officials with the US Geological Survey said that, based on the location and size of the quake, about three million people will have been severely shaken by its impact. [Roughly 1/3 of the entire population has been affected.]

Donations to help victims of the disaster should be designated Haiti Earthquake and can be made:
http://www.facebook.com/l/0bc23;https://donate.mcc.org/project/haiti-earthquake
http://www.facebook.com/l/0bc23;mcc.org/about/contact

MCC website: http://mcc.org/



From BBC - Other international aid charities are appealing for help for the victims. Here are some of the ways you can help.

In the UK:

British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Oxfam

In the US:

Mercy Corps, American Red Cross, Unicef USA

These organisations also have ways to donate:
International Red Cross, Interrnational Medical Corps, Medecins Sans Frontieres, Save The Children

We will keep you updated with relief efforts as the information comes in.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8456322.stm

More from UNICEF - The U.S. Fund for UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has sent out a urgent appeal for aid to victims in the wake of the 7.0 Haiti Earthquake, regional tsunami warning, and subsequent 13 aftershocks above 4.0 on the Richter Scale.

Haiti's population of 9.6 million people is just barely larger than that of the San Francisco Bay Area. Half of Haiti's population is under the age of 21, and the country is severely impoverished. It's estimated that 80 percent of Haiti's residents live in total poverty.

UNICEF reports:

Funds are urgently needed to provide safe water, temporary shelter systems, essential medical supplies etc. UNICEF’s country office in Haiti and the regional office located in Panama has deployed emergency teams to assess the situation and determine what the additional emergency needs are for the people of Haiti.

You can donate to UNICEF's effort at http://www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake or call 1-800-4UNICEF

Stay tuned.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/abraham/detail??blogid=95&entry_id=55159



Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Next brunch coming up Jan 30th!

The Peace Churches of Greater Cincinnati

welcome you to join the next quarterly

Peace Church Brunch


Saturday

January 30, 2010

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Cincinnati Friends Meeting

8075 Keller Rd

Cincinnati, OH 45243

(513) 791-0788


Brunch & fellowship: 10-11 a.m.

Speaker: 11 a.m.-12 noon


Paul Chappell


Newly-retired Army Captain and

author of Will War Ever End?

Book is available at Joseph Beth Books; see details below


Event is open to all.

Childcare will be available.


Kindly RSVP by Monday, Jan. 25 to

Mary Kay Rehard 513-376-7768

or Linda Coppock 513-321-3696.


Flyer available at:

http://tinyurl.com/peacechurchbrunch5


The Peace Churches of Greater Cincinnati meet about quarterly

for fellowship and mutual encouragement.

We are interested in supporting one another in local peacebuilding efforts.

To learn more and get involved, call the numbers above!

Give peace a chance!

Peace Churches of Greater Cincinnati

www.amanioutreach.blogspot.com


About Paul Chappell

Captain Paul K. Chappell graduated from West Point in 2002 and was deployed to Baghdad during 2006 and 2007. He now serves as the commander of a Patriot Battery at Fort Bliss, Texas. He is finishing his second book, Peaceful Revolution, which explains in detail how together we can end the wars between countries, our ongoing war with nature, and the suffering in our hearts.

From the Publisher

Will War Ever End? is a book we felt must be published. Along with its accompanying website, we hope this book will contribute to meaningful change in the way people look at our world and how we live, not only with our fellow humans, but with our fellow beings of all kinds. Humans are violent not only to each other but to the natural world we inhabit. We have reached a point of no return in our relationships with each other and with our planet. Our commitment to helping make that change is the reason this book exists. Any profits that come to us from publishing this book will be dedicated to furthering its goals. When you buy a copy of Will War Ever End? you are making a contribution to help change the world.

"Captain Chappell has written a lucid, eloquent, compelling book, a wonderful book... The abolition of war is possible, providing we do the work of creating trustworthy structures of collective security and waging peace as Captain Chappell models for us." - Jonathan Shay, MD, PhD, 2009 Omar Bradley Chair of Strategic Leadership, US Army War College; MacArthur Fellow, author of Achilles in Vietnam and Odysseus in America (foreword by Senators John McCain and Max Cleland)


A SOLDIER'S VISION OF PEACE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

"Paul K. Chappell has transformed my way of thinking about war and peace." --Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, U.S. Army (ret.), author of On Killing, and Director of the Warrior Science Group

"I am certainly in agreement with so much of what Paul K. Chappell has to say. His values are truly humane and admirable." --Howard Zinn, historian, activist, author of A People's History of the United States

"This work points clearly to the possibility of a better future . . . an excellent work, very engaging, inviting, well reasoned, and in depth." –Gary Weimberg, Emmy award-winning filmmaker, co-director of Soldiers of Conscience documentary

15 Copies of Paul’s book available at Joseph Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, at 20% discount.

Ask at information desk for Quaker Classics Reading Group to buy your copy:

2692 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208. Tel. 513-396-8960


Visit the author’s website:

http://paulkchappell.com/author/

Monday, November 16, 2009

Holiday Happenings!

The Peace Churches of Greater Cincinnati
invite you to celebrate the holiday season
with simplicity, music, community, & joy.

News & Events at:
www.amanioutreach.blogspot.com
* * * Stay tuned! Updates will be added as received! * * *

Give peace a chance!

Cincinnati Church of the Brethren – Walnut Hills / Eden Park
www.cincinnatibrethren.com

Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship – Oakley
www.cincinnatimennonite.org

Fair trade holiday gifts at Ten Thousand Villages
2011 Madison Rd, Tel. 513-871-5840
http://tinyurl.com/yhz5drr

Cincinnati Friends Meeting (Quaker) – Indian Hill / Kenwood
www.cincinnatifriends.org

Community Friends Meeting (Quaker) – North Avondale
www.communityfriendsmeeting.com

Eastern Hills Friends Meeting (Quaker) – Anderson Twp
www.easternhillsfriends.org

Midweek Quaker Gathering in Uptown
Next meeting is Thurs Dec 3
First & third Thursdays, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Simple meal, worship, Bible study, sharing & discussion.
Open to all, for Friends and others interested in peace & social justice.
Call for location & details: 513-376-7768.
http://tinyurl.com/ylcqhhq

Blessed are the peacemakers. Mt 5:9


Thanksgiving survival strategies
from and with Quakers

Sunday, Nov 22, 2009, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Worship at 11:00 a.m., followed by:

Kids Cook, Kids Care (Benefit Meal Event) 12:00 p.m.

Hosted by Cincinnati Friends Meeting First Day School (children's RE program)

The children of Cincinnati Friends Meeting invite you THIS Sunday to join them for a homemade lasagna meal complete with salad, bread, drinks and dessert for their annual service project [Kids Cook, Kids Care] of earning money and shopping for a family in need at Christmas.

The meal will be served promptly after worship, about noon. This is a tradition the children look forward to and so appreciate the meeting's annual support. It instills the Quaker tradition of service on a level that makes them feel involved and compassionate. Some would say passionate. It also helps them relate personally and become prayerful for those with less and grateful for what they have. It really puts more meaning into Christmas for them.

We appreciate your participation and donations for the meal on behalf of this project and those it serves.Come hungry! If you 'd like to provide a dessert that would be greatly appreciated. Fondly, First Day Students

For more information & location:

Cincinnati Friends Meeting 8075 Keller Rd Cincinnati, OH 45243 (513) 791-0788

National Buy Nothing Day:
Friday, Nov 27, 2009

http://www.buynothingday.org/
Sponsored by Adbusters
Buy Nothing Day is an international day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. Typically celebrated the Friday after American Thanksgiving in North America and the following day internationally, in 2009 the dates are November 27 and 28 respectively.[1] It was founded by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by Adbusters magazine, based in Canada.
The first Buy Nothing Day was organized in
Vancouver in September 1992 "as a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption."[2] In 1997, it was moved to the Friday after American Thanksgiving, also called "Black Friday", which is one of the 10 busiest shopping days in the United States
.
From Wikipedia



Friday, Nov 27, 2009
StoryCorps: National Day of Listening
The National Day of Listening is November 27, 2009
On the day after Thanksgiving, set aside one hour to record a conversation with someone important to you. You can interview anyone you choose: an older relative, a friend, a teacher, or someone from the neighborhood.
You can preserve the interview using recording equipment readily available in most homes, such as cell phones, tape recorders, computers, or even pen and paper. Our free Do-It-Yourself Instruction Guide is easy to use and will prepare you and your interview partner to record a memorable conversation, no matter which recording method you choose.
Make a yearly tradition of listening to and preserving a loved one’s story. The stories you collect will become treasured keepsakes that grow more valuable with each passing generation.
The Power of Listening

Now through the holiday season:
Fair Trade Holiday Gift Shopping

Hosted by Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship's
Ten Thousand Villages shop in O'Bryonville

http://cincinnati.tenthousandvillages.com/php/stores.festivals/store.homepage.php
O'Bryonville, 2011 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45207
513-871-5840
Speakers available to talk to your church/meeting about Fair Trade gifts!
Our store has extended hours from November 1st through December 23rd. Please note that on Monday, December 24th and 31st we will be closing at 2:00 PM
Monday:10:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday:10:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday:10:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday:10:00am - 7:00pm
Friday:10:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday:10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday:12 noon - 4:00pm

December 13, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ish

Cincinnati Church of the Brethren

Carry-in meal after worship and a walk down to the Krohn Conservatory to see the live nativity and the trains/holiday flowers.


December 20, 11:00 a.m.

Cincinnati Church of the Brethren

Children's Christmas program during the main service.


Sun Dec 20, 10:00-1:00 pm
Meeting for Worship followed by

Holiday Pot-luck, Carol Singing, and Talent Sharing
Hosted by Eastern Hills Friends Meeting
http://www.easternhillsfriends.org/
1671 Nagel Road, Anderson Township, Cincinnati, Ohio
513-474-9670


Date/time TBD
Holiday Caroling, walking outdoors in Oakley

Hosted by Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship
http://www.cincinnatimennonite.org/CMF
4229 Brownway, Cincinnati, OH 45209 Phone:(513) 871-0035

Thurs, Dec 24, 2009, time TBD

Christmas Eve program

An Evening in Community with Cincinnati Friends Meeting

Join us on Christmas Eve for music, poetry & inspiration. Seeking readers, players & performers of all stripes for the annual CFM Christmas Eve program on Dec. 24. If you have ideas for readings, musical selections, plays, or other performances, and/or if you are willing to participate in the program, please call the pastoral minister, Donne Hayden, at 513-207-5353 (cell) or email: dhayden - AT - cincinnatifriends.org.

Fri Jan 1, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Shape Note Singing on New Year's Day

At Community Friends Meeting House

With pot-luck lunch at noon.

(Not a Quaker event, but a number of Friends participate)
http://www.communityfriendsmeeting.com/
3960 Winding Way - Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
Phone: (513) 861-4353



In the wider community:

Ways to help those in need:

These organizations need contributions year-round. But with the economic crisis, they are receiving more requests than ever for help from those in need during this holiday season.

Please give generously to the charity of your choice! Click on any of the organizational names below to learn more:

Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship hosts a community meal twice a month, on 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, for those in need in Oakley (45209). Contact the church to donate or volunteer.

Cinti Mennonite Fellowship, 4229 Brownway AveCincinnati, OH 45209-1226 (513) 871-0035

CAIN - Churches Active in Northside provides food and clothing to those in need in the Northside area (45223). When the pantry is open, there is often a meal served. They need donations of food and other household supplies. Contact the office to donate or volunteer.
CAIN, 4230 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223
513-591-CAIN (2246)
513-591-2262 (fax)
E-mail: cainministry-at-fuse.net

First Unitarian Church is one of several congregations that helps homeless families through the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Other congregations like St. John's UU Church support the efforts of those that provide shelter, by preparing meals or participating in activities. Contact them to find out how you can get involved.

Interfaith Hospitality Network, 2110 St. Michael Street Cincinnati, OH 45204

Phone: (513) 471-1100 Fax: (513)471-0100
Email: ihn-at-ihncincinnati.org

Freestore/Foodbank feeds 200,000 people per year through about 350 partner organizations, throughout a large geographic area in Southwestern Ohio. They need donations of food and other household supplies.

The Drop Inn Center is the largest homeless shelter in the Cincinnati area, with about 250 beds. They need financial contributions to to provide housing, help and hope to their clients, including programs to help those recovering from addiction and help with finding permanent housing. Call the Drop Inn Center to arrange delivery of donations, or give online:

Drop Inn Center, 217 W 12th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-7501 (513) 721-0643

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul helps families in need throughout Hamilton County. St. Vincent de Paul Desperately Needs Donated Furniture & Household Items -- Please Help
The current economic conditions are taking a significant toll on those in our community -- particularly the elderly, those on fixed incomes and increasingly people who have lost their jobs recently-- who have never asked for help before. You can help with a financial gift of any amount, a donation of food or gently-used clothing, furniture or household items.

Food donations can be made at St. Vincent de Paul's Edyth and Carl Lindner Choice Food Pantry, 1125 Bank Street in the West End. Financial contributions can be sent to:

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1125 Bank Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214, or can be made online at http://www.svdpcincinnati.org/.

Donations of gently-used clothing, furniture or household items can be made at any of our Greater Cincinnati thrift stores - -click here for locations.

Volunteers are always needed to facilitate the requests. They accept donations of vehicles, and they will collect larger items of furniture. For more information on the Society and how you can be part of it, please e-mail us at info-at-svdpcincinnati.org or call St. Vincent de Paul at 513-562-8841, ext. 225.

These are only a few ways to help those in need.

Make a difference wherever you can.


Events that are free or low-cost, and the focus is on fun, family, and friends, not getting more stuff!

Experience more joy with less hassle:

Sunday Nov 29, 3:00 p.m.

Advent Lessons & Carols

St. Peter in Chains Cathedral

325 West 8th Street · Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Tel: 513.421.5354

At 8th & Plum Streets, downtown

> Click here for directions

Our annual Advent Carol service sung by the Choir of Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral, featuring seasonal choral music with the 'O Antiphon' chants and handbells to mark the beginning of the Advent season.

Saturday Dec 5th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
IJPC 7th Annual St Nick Day Sale
Peaslee Neighborhood Center
215 E 14th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-7308
Tel. (513) 621-5514

This year we’ll have our wonderful Syracuse Cultural Worker items, cards, books, mugs, bags, CDs, and more; Equal Exchange coffee, tea, hot cocoa; Divine Chocolate; international art and crafts from Ecuador, Ghana, Madagascar, El Salvador and more; local artist Mary Ann Letterer’s art, local authors and more.

In addition to our fundraising sale – expect to see friendly partners selling as well, including Brett Hartmann’s Art from death row. Questions? Contact Nick: nick-at-ijpc-cincinnati.org


Saturday, December 5, 2009; 1 and 4 p.m.
May Festival presents CarolFest

Music Hall: 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Call (513) 381-3300
Tickets:
$12, $6 ages 12 and under
Reservations recommended.
FREE Entertainment in the Music Hall lobby 1-hour prior to the Carolfest performance

Features May Festival Chorus, May Festival Youth Chorus, guest adult choir and a children’s choir. Caroling in the lobby prior to performances. Holiday sing-along with May Festival and Youth Choruses, Cincinnati Boychoir, Southern Baptist Church Mass Choir and The Studio for the Dance. Preconcert entertainment one hour prior.


Sunday, December 6, 2009
Grailville’s Advent Feast & Intl Creche Luncheons

http://www.grailville.org/
932 O'Bannonville RoadLoveland, Ohio 45140-9705
Offices: 513.683.2340
Conference Center: 513.683.5548
Email: web.grailville-at-fuse.net
Office Hours: weekdays 9am to 5pm (EST)

Sun Dec 6, 3:30 - 5pm
International Crèche Exhibit Opening Reception

An afternoon of family and friends, song and prayer. Please come to view Grailville's unique collection of over forty Nativity scenes from around the world. Stay for a seasonal program of readings and music, an art project and something hot to drink. The afternoon festivities are free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested.

Sun Dec 6, 5:30pm
Grailville Sunday Supper

Featuring Grailville grown food and other culinary delights. Prepaid reservations are required for the Sunday Supper; the cost is $15 per person $10 for children 10 and under.
For more information and reservations please call Grailville at 513-683-2340.
Sunday Supper reservations may also be made online at http://www.grailville.org/.

International Crèche Exhibit & Luncheon/Program Series
Tuesday-Friday, December 8, 9, 10, 11 and

Monday-Wednesday, December 14, 15, and 16, 2009, from noon to 2 pm.
A delicious holiday luncheon will be followed by a short presentation. Members of the Grailville staff will speak on the origin of the Nativity scene and talk about the history and background of many of the Nativity sets in the Grailville International Crèche Collection.

The doors open at 12 noon; the luncheon is served at 12:30 and the program begins at 1:30 pm. Typically the program ends at 2:00, with time after for browsing the Grailville Store for some of your holiday shopping needs.

The cost is $15.00 per person and $10.00 for children 10 and under. Reservations required for both individuals and groups. For more information and reservations please call Grailville at 513-683-2340.


Sunday, Dec 20, 2009

5:00 p.m. (arrive early to get seats!)

A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols at Christ Church Cathedral

http://www.christchurchcincinnati.org/

318 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-4299

Telephone: 513.621.1817

Fax: 513.621.9013

The Christ Church Cathedral Choir will present A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m.

This traditional and well-loved Christmas service was developed in Cornwall, England, in 1880 by Edward White Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury. It has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world. The service sung at Christ Church Cathedral draws upon that sung by the famous choir of King's College in Cambridge, England, since 1918.

The carols that will be sung by the cathedral choir this year will include:

  • Ding Dong! Merrily on High (arr. Charles Wood)
  • The Lord at First Did Adam Make (arr. Stephen Cleobury)
  • Jesu, As Thou Art Our Saviour (Benjamin Britten)
  • Sussex Carol (arr. David Willcocks)
  • A Spotless Rose (Herbert Howells)
  • Gabriel’s Message (arr. Stephen Paulus)
  • Today the Virgin (John Tavener)
  • Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (arr. Gerre Hancock)
  • The Three Kings (Peter Cornelius)
  • A Babe Is Born (William Mathias)

Wherever the service is heard and however it is adapted, the pattern and strength of the service, noted Eric Milner-White, the dean who introduced the service at King's College, derive from the lessons and not the music. “The main theme is the development of the loving purposes of God ..."Christ Church Cathedral is located at 318 East Fourth Street, downtown Cincinnati.

For more information, call 513.621.1817 or go to http://www.christchurchcincinnati.org/

Christ Church Cathedral
THE 70th ANNUAL
BOAR'S HEAD and YULE LOG FESTIVAL
http://www.christchurchcincinnati.org/action/boarshead
318 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-4299
Telephone / Fax:
513.621.1817 / 513.621.9013

Dress Rehearsal
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2:00 P.M.

1st Performance
Saturday, January 2, 2010
5:00 P.M.

2nd Performance
Sunday, January 3, 2010
2:30 P.M.

3rd Performance
Sunday, January 3, 2010
5:00 P.M.

TICKET DISTRIBUTION
Reserved ticket distribution for the next performances of the Festival will occur on the morning of December 12, 2009. The doors open at 8:00 A.M., with ticket distribution at 8:30 A.M. Availability of tickets during the public distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we suggest that you arrive early. Due to the limited number of tickets available, we are only able to distribute TWO TICKETS TO EACH PERSON AGE 18 AND OLDER.

Information on Ticketed Seating
Distributed tickets will indicate the row, not the specific seat, which we have reserved for you and your party. All attendees must have a ticket, including children who walk. For additional information, our ticketing hotline can be reached at 513.621.BOAR (513.621.2627).

Friday, November 13, 2009

New Tools for Peace in Afghanistan

by Jim Wallis 11-12-2009

When all you have is a hammer everything seems like a nail. No famous line more aptly applies to the president’s current dilemma of seeking the best solution for Afghanistan. When it comes to foreign policy, if all you have are military options, then every situation becomes an argument for a troop escalation. For Afghanistan, President Obama has been presented with four options — all hammers — ranging in size from 10,000 to 40,000 more troops. Fortunately, he has sent his advisors back to the drawing board to come up with some new options.

The Times of London reported that President Obama also spoke with Karl Eikenberry yesterday, the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, who has raised concerns about increasing U.S. troop presence without clear progress from President Karzai in cleaning up corruption and mismanagement. Without a dependable and reliable partner in Afghanistan, our ambassador to the country is raising fundamental concerns about adding more forces. As a former general himself, Mr. Eikenberry is well aware of the military issues at stake in the country, having commanded the U.S. troops in Afghanistan from 2006-2007. But that experience has also increased his concern that the U.S. is failing when it comes to a strategy vital to our success in that deeply battered country: development. The Washington Post reports:

Eikenberry also has expressed frustration with the relative paucity of funds set aside for spending on development and reconstruction this year in Afghanistan, a country wrecked by three decades of war. Earlier this summer, he asked for $2.5 billion in nonmilitary spending for 2010, a 60 percent increase over what Obama had requested from Congress, but the request has languished even as the administration has debated spending billions of dollars on new troops.
The Japanese government, directly preceding President Obama’s visit, has announced a 5 billion dollar investment in aid for Afghanistan over the next five years. This is part of Japan’s “New Strategy to Counter the Threat of Terrorism.” It recognizes the need for security forces but focuses primarily on humanitarian assistance and development aid:

… to improve Afghanistan’s security, political measures will also be required. Among the insurgents, some moderate groups seem to be willing to put their arms down in exchange for security assurance and economic independence.

For the Government of Afghanistan to obtain confidence from its own people and to lay the grounds for long term political reconciliation, it is essential to stabilize people’s lives and establish economic foundations. Tangible outcomes recognized by the people will be critical in areas of agriculture and rural development, infrastructure development, and education, health and other basic human needs.

The very candid and insightful statements by Ambassador Eikenberry are already changing the conversation here in Washington. And the clear signals from the president that he is unhappy with the narrow range of options he has been given clearly presents us with a real opportunity — to offer a better way. I would call it a humanitarian and development surge in Afghanistan; we laid out the elements of it in a recent blog post. Since then, several leaders from both faith and development community organizations, some of whom are working on the ground in Afghanistan, have shown great interest in a new direction for Afghanistan and in offering some new options for the president.

Development and humanitarian assistance can no longer be an afterthought; they must be central to any strategy the U.S. government puts forward. It is time to stop arguing about the size of the hammer needed and begin looking at what other tools we might have in our belts.
In the meantime, pray for the president not to succumb to the logic of the hammers, but with patience and perseverance, to wait until we can find the better solutions we need for Afghanistan.

Categories: War & Peace

Tags: Afghanistan, Congress, corruption, debate, development, escalation, foreign policy, government, hammers, humanitarian, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure, japanese government, karl eikenberry, Military, military options, Military spending, president karzai, President Obama, security, security forces, Surge, Terrorism, UN, Washington, washington post

http://blog.sojo.net/2009/11/12/new-tools-for-peace-in-afghanistan/