"Proclaiming peace through Jesus Christ," the motto of this congregation, comes from a passage in the book of Acts (chapter 10, verse 34) in which the apostle Peter is explaining why Jesus Christ came into the world.

Jesus Christ came into the world to make peace between God and humanity, between one human being and another, between one group, one nation, and another. The message proclaimed by Jesus Christ is that peace is God's intention for human life.

We have been called to share the peace of Christ, the gift of salvation, which in its fullest meaning is healing of relationships, not just healing of individuals, but the healing of the nations.

THE BELTRAM PEACE CENTER is the name of the space in our Meeting House where we hold peacemaking events. It is named for Fred Beltram, whose faithful witness to Jesus Christ included serving as a non-combatant in World War II. When Fred died in 2006, at the age of 92, he left us, his congregation, the legacy that provided the funds for the purchase of our Meeting House.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:

IN THE GALLERY

Rivers of Peace, exhibit opening October 16
Photographs of natural Florida by Gainesville photographer Renee Hoffinger

CONTINUING SERIES

Muslims and Christians in Conversation, second and fourth Saturdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Reading sacred scriptures (Bible and Koran) with interfaith partners.

Living the Questions: An exploration of Christian faith and life for seekers and growing Christians.
Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30 p.m., beginning February 1, 2012
Each session begins with a 20-minute video presentation by leading scholars, theologians,
and teachers, and is followed by a guided discussion, spiritual practices, and resources
for continued exploration and engagement in acts of social justice.  Everyone welcome.

EVENTS:

Immigration Crisis and the Churches
Saturday, February 10, 12 noon

Speakers include:
Parrish Jones (Presbyterian Peace Fellowship)
Andrew Bodden (Mennonite Central Committee)
Jaime Zelaya (Spanish Baptist Curch, Alachua)
panel of local clergy; faith comms supporting immigrant comms

Our peacemaking programs are co-sponsored by the Beltram Peace Center and the Gaines
(Fellowship of Reconciliation).

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