“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NRSV). Hey everyone! I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to an event that we’re hosting on Thursday evening, October 3rd at 7pm. Now you’re probably thinking, “Pastor, why on earth are you promoting an October event in the September newsletter?” Well, it’s partially because the event is early in the month of October. But it’s also because; this is a really unique opportunity. How many times in our lives will we get to meet and hear a Nobel Peace Prize Nominee speak? And I want to make sure that you have time to mark the event on your calendar and invite others that you think would enjoy the presentation to come with you. What is the event? That evening, on behalf of United Churches of Lycoming County, we will be hosting Father John Dear as he presents his new book “The Gospel of Peace: A Commentary on Matthew, Mark and Luke from the Perspective of Nonviolence.” Father John is a Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and the author of numerous other books. His many accomplishments outside of his writings include; his founding of “The Beatitudes Center for the Nonviolent Jesus.” He served for many years as the Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. After 9/11, 2001, he served as the Red Cross Coordinator of Chaplains at the Family Assistance Center. He helped Pope Francis draft his January 1, 2017 World Day of Peace message on nonviolence and has pastored several churches in New Mexico. This event is free, open to the community and will be held here at New Covenant, in the sanctuary. I hope you’ll plan to come out and meet Father John and invite your friends, family members and neighbors to join you.