Advocacy Alert

Development aid for the world’s poor and hungry received a much needed boost in Pres. Obama’s budget proposal for 2011 (released  in Feb.).  Our letters and calls are now urgently needed to reverse a  $4 billion cut from Obama’s proposed international affairs funding! The cut appears in the Senate’s Budget Committee markup, a first step in the Congressional budget process. What we can do. . .

Calling all unsung heroes:

May 25 and June 3: Seattle area gatherings for volunteers in food banks, meal programs and homeless services...  see flyer

Day of Prayer for Peace . . .

Now is also a great time to encourage your congregation to begin  planning  for the International Day of Prayer for Peace. We have suggestions, a bulletin insert, and other resources and activities below to make this a meaningful and useful experience for all.

You may find these helpful as well:

Encouraging Shalom in the Congregation: a resource guide

Last year, the ELCA produced a series of videos on peacemaking released in the week before the Day of Prayer for Peace. LPF's director is featured in one.  His focus is on the biblical vision of Shalom that offers such promise in helping us strengthen peace and justice work in our congregations and communities.

"Taking Root" is a superb five-part
curriculum for your congregation
from the ELCA World Hunger Program.
It is available for three different age levels, primary, middle, youth, each with very different, well conceived activities, visuals, stories, and a great graphic look.
Several LPF pastors and lay leaders who have used the program in their congregation have raved about its quality, flexibility, and ability to engage young people.

For parents, teachers, and young people:
New resources guides on recommended computer games,
the new media, books, parenting...