2012 Peacemaking Offering Focus: Conflict Resolution

The Mission Outreach and Justice Committee (MOJC) of Mission Presbytery encourages all congregations to participate in the 2012 Peacemaking Offering on World Communion Sunday, October 6.   The Peacemaking Offering is one of four offerings taken by the Presbyterian Church (USA) each year.  This year's Peacemaking Offering focuses on four areas:  Respectful Dialogue and Civility, Human Trafficking, Bullying and Discerning a Nonviolent Path in the World. 

MOJC will recommend on October 26, 2012 at the Mission Presbytery meeting that the commissioners  vote to spend Mission Presbytery's portion of this year’s offering for the development of an introductory course in conflict management. The course will deal with basic principles in handling conflict constructively such as focusing on interests rather than positions, and taking the “other side’s” viewpoint as seriously as one does their own. The project will explore communications skills, such as use of the “I,” in potentially heated exchanges. Local leaders experienced in conflict management will be invited to participate in some of the sessions.

Although the course is designed for 6 one-hour sessions, it can be adapted for use in a retreat or intensive course setting.

Participants will be strongly encouraged to purchase and read Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury and to make a “good faith” pledge to attend all sessions. Since the Mission Outreach and Justice Committee anticipates developing a program useful to many congregations, participants will be asked to carefully evaluate their experiences. They will also be asked to meet for a 7th session some weeks following the completion of the course to review the impact upon their lives.
The project is expected to begin in early 2013. Initially, three congregations will be chosen to participate. For your congregation to be considered, please contact the course coordinator, the Rev. Phin Washer at pwasher@earthlink.net or 281-292-4091 or Presbytery Peacemaking Advocate Marilyn White at marwhite@igc.org or 512-450-2766.