Peace Means: COMING HOME

 In 1970 two things happened to me: one good thing, one bad thing.

The good: I was accepted by my session at Folsom Presbyterian Church to study for the gospel ministry.

The bad: Because I had a low number in the national draft lottery, I received an induction letter. 

Although I was contingently accepted by Union Theological Seminary to study for the ministry, I could not afford to attend the New York School. Then, my draft board told me that I didn't qualify as a conscientious objector.

In my service during the Vietnam Era I received a "service connected" disability. In fact, the Veterans Administration has had me tested for a mental health category: Shared Post Traumatic Stress. This is where my empathy for fellow combat troops created a period of very strong and sometimes difficult emotions. 

Since then, two more things have happened: two very good things!

Good #1: The PC USA General Assembly has requested "attention be given to those leaving the military as conscientious objectors." [Newsletter Vol 78 of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship]

This was good news. I have always considered myself a conscientious objector (C.O.) on the basis of mandatory service during a very unjust war.

Good #2: The church I was attending when drafted as an undergraduate college student, Davis Community Church, is exploring what it means to SEEK TO TEND WELLBEING OF THE "PLACE AND "PEOPLE AROUND US. [See presbypeacefellowship.org/peace-church/

This September I was welcomed as a guest at my old church's Compassion, Peace and Justice coordinating team meeting. In many ways this team works to "bring community members home." They are considering partnerships with various agencies, for example, working to assist new immigrants adapt and transition to a "new" home. They are working to bring home community members "displaced" by the  last two pandemic years to a "post quarantine" sense of home. 

Significantly, the Homelessness Working Group of the church continues to "advocate for the unhoused and marginalized in our community." [from DCC 2021-2022 annual report]

I am so thankful and appreciative for this sense of peace that rises from a sense of everyone needing to head homeward. I am myself in need of this sense of peace making. 

Bring it on!



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