The congregation needs to clarify and focus its vision. Dozens of Mennonite congregations have answered God's call to offer healing and hope to their communities. Some sponsor refugees, open soup kitchens and grocery pantries, provide facilities for day care centers, staff donut shops and MCC 10,000 Villages Shops, support Christian Peacemaker Teams and the Peace Tax Fund, work with unwed pregnant women, begin congregational peace centers and offer hospitality to homeless people. The list, thanks be to God, goes on and on and on. Celebrating the call Congregations need to tell stories of their peacemaking projects.
Ideas flow from one congregation to another, encouraging and supporting.
Networks spring up to share ideas and resources. Growing congregations celebrate together. This is a party our children look forward to, that we delight in bringing friends to, that reassures us that God is in charge. This is the party of a community of God's peace.