Some Good Reading Material

I'm technically still out on maternity leave until October, but that's given me a chance to catch up on some reading! A couple of recent reads seem fitting to recommend to Project Peace-minded folks, since they align quite well with PP's emphasis on justice:

The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God's Call to Justice by Mark Labberton (Pastor of First Pres of Berkeley).

Just Courage by Gary Haugen (founder of International Justice Mission).

Both are challenging exhortations to break out of the comfortable rut that the church often finds itself in (what Haugen calls a "cul-de-sac") and wake up to the call to seek justice for the oppressed in our own communities and around the world.

University Village Day of Peace

Thanks to all 29 of our great volunteers who came out to help put on the "Whatever you speak, you are welcome" UC Village International Festival and Potluck. Budget cuts were forcing the Village staff to cancel the annual welcome back event for resident Berkeley students and their families. But Project Peace came to the rescue to make the first ever International Potluck and Festival possible. Volunteers helped to set up and run game and art booths for younger kids, coordinate the international potluck for families, facilitate dodge-ball for older kids, and even administer the launch of a book exchange program. For many residents who are often mired in their studies, or who are new to Berkeley or even the U.S., this gathering of neighbors was a great event to meet new people and reduce the sense of isolation that student families can often feel, thereby fulfilling Project Peace's goal to "cultivate better communities." Even though twice as many people turned out to help as we had hoped for, we could have used more hands - so we hope to see you in future years as we continue to partner with the UC Village.

Upcoming Day of Peace - August 29

Join us for our next Day of Peace:
Saturday, August 29
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
University Village Berkeley
RSVP now for Day of Peace

Day of Peace Details
We will be working with Berkeley’s University Village (a partner for one of our monthly service groups) to help put on the “No Matter What you Speak, You are Welcome” International Fall Festival and Potluck. Project Peace volunteers will be helping Resident Advisors set up and break down, man game booths, display a children’s art presentation, and coordinate an international potluck. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes!
NOTE: There will be no childcare provided for this event. However, mobile, supervised children are welcome to participate at both sites.

What is a Day of Peace?
A Day of Peace is a coordinated effort by Project Peace East Bay and local churches and faith-based groups in which volunteers serve with East Bay agencies and organizations in order to meet needs in the East Bay Community. Days of Peace are not overtly Christian projects (there is no teaching or prayer), and the agencies and organizations served are not faith-based non-profits.

What does a Day of Peace look like?
A Day of Peace usually involves community “sweat equity.” Landscaping, construction, painting, organizing, cleaning up a watershed—all of these activities and more comprise a Day of Peace. See photos on our Flickr collection.

About International Day of Peace, September 21

The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.

International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal or political. Take this opportunity to make peace in your own relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts of our time. Imagine what a whole Day of Ceasefire would mean to humankind.

Background and Purpose - International Day of Peace

Project Peace Film Fest: Out of the Ashes

Out of the Ashes
Out of the Ashes is a film festival featuring films by Bay Area female filmmakers. The four films share the theme of women overcoming various obstacles and adversities.

Featured FilmsStep Into You by Dorian Davis
Moms Living Clean by Sheila Ganz (Work In Progress)
Exposing Homelessness by Kerri Gawryn
*La Corona by Amanda Micheli & Isabel Vega
*Academy Award® Nominated Documentary Short
Friday, July 31, 2009
Doors open at 7 pm
Films and panel discussion 7:30-10:30pm

Tickets
$10 (includes one drink and snacks)
All proceeds benefit Oakland Elizabeth House and Project Peace East Bay
Project Peace East Bay is privileged to partner with Oakland Elizabeth House in cultivating better communities.

http://www.outoftheashes.eventbrite.com/

June Day of Peace Photos are Up

IMG_5055, originally uploaded by Project Peace.

Check out the photos from the June Day of Peace at Berkeley Aquatic Park.

View the Photos here

Free BBQ

DSC_9228, originally uploaded by Project Peace.

Christ Church partnered with Urban Church to help with a Free Easter BBQ for the Oakland community.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/projectpeace/sets/72157617713268262/

Battle of the Salsa Bands

Party like it’s Cinco de Mayo — on Dos de Mayo! Project Peace East Bay invites you to a fundraiser to help us continue cultivating better East Bay communities. Come enjoy salsa music provided by Josh Jones & His Latin Jazz Orchestra. Free salsa dance lessons will be offered, beginning at 7:15 PM. $20 entry entitles you to one free drink, plus all the food, music & dancing you can handle. Additional donations are welcomed along with your ticket purchase as well as at the event. For more information, email contact@ProjectPeaceEastBay.org.

http://dosdemayo.eventbrite.com/

Chili anyone?

DSC_8904, originally uploaded by Project Peace.

Check out the photos from the chili lunch that Project Peace served up at Urban Church.

View photos here

February Day of Peace Photos are on Flickr

DSC_2635.JPG, originally uploaded by Project Peace.

Photos are up from the February Day of Peace at Claremont Middle School.

View the Flickr page here

College Avenue Friday Night Meal

090227_173143_1, originally uploaded by Project Peace.

Project Peace small groups serve throughout the community. One team from Christ Church of Rockridge serves once a month at College Avenue Friday Night Meal in Rockridge. Christ Church's team cooks a hearty and healthy meal and enjoys connecting with the community.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/projectpeace/sets/72157614854823144/

October 2008 Day of Peace Photos

Painting the Gym Wall, originally uploaded by Project Peace.

The Day of Peace is a coordinated effort in which members of the community serve the needs of a social service provider. On October 25, 2008, 50 volunteers helped with painting and gardening projects at Claremont Middle School in Oakland.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/projectpeace/sets/72157608524803385/

September 2007 Day of Peace

Heavy Load, originally uploaded by Project Peace.

Day of Peace is a coordinated effort that mobilize volunteers to serve and meet the needs in our East Bay Community.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/projectpeace/sets/72157607558231580/