Building Courage and Connection: Highlights from Atwood Institute, Activist Council, and What’s Next!

Hey Friends,

We hope summer is winding down smoothly for you all. Over here at PPF, we’re just getting back from two incredible weeks at Ghost Ranch, where we hosted both the Atwood Institute and Activist Council gatherings.

While we missed having you with us, we are excited to share some highlights from these amazing events. Both weeks were filled with deep conversations, inspired ideas, and generative work towards our shared vision for a better world.

We’re especially grateful to Germán Zárate from the Presbyterian Church of Colombia for his insightful presentations. You can find links to these valuable resources below, along with more highlights from both gatherings.

Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage

In late August, we held the inaugural Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage in New Mexico. More than 70 people from across the US came together for workshops, panels, and discussions on how to take concrete steps against gun violence in their ministries and communities. The Atwood Institute’s mission is to create a supportive network for those advocating for gun violence prevention, continuing the powerful legacy of Jim Atwood’s commitment to nonviolence.

We were incredibly moved by the energy and dedication of everyone who participated, and we’re excited to continue building this network. For a deeper dive into what we discussed, you can check out this article by Dartinia Hull for The Presbyterian Outlook.

Activist Council Gathering

The week after Atwood was the Activist Council Gathering, where we had a fantastic time planning the future of PPF. We were also fortunate to hear from Germán Zárate, the Coordinator of Diaconal Service for Social Justice with the Presbyterian Church of Colombia, who joined us as a long-time partner and friend in our 20-year accompaniment partnership. Alongside Germán, we heard from Edwin González-Castillo and Michelle Muñiz from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance who led a workshop on how to build equitable and respectful relationships during volunteer trips. We are so thankful to all of our presenters for their insights and contributions, which sparked meaningful conversations throughout the week. The Activist Council also had the opportunity to work through emerging ideas, with the week filled with hiking, brainstorming, stargazing, and connection. You can find the slides from Germán's presentation below.

Link to Germán's Presentation

Throughout our time together, the Activist Council engaged in dynamic, generative discussions around key projects that will shape PPF’s future. From exploring how to engage the arts in peace-building to brainstorming ideas for incentivizing peace over militarism, our gathering was full of creative energy and big ideas. We are excited about the work ahead and will continue to build on these efforts, inspired by our shared commitment to creating a more peaceful world.

Upcoming Delegation to Colombia

Are you discerning? Already devoted? Deciding what comes next?

Join us on a meaningful journey of connection, community, and solidarity as a delegation representing the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship heads to Colombia in February 2025 to celebrate 20 years of shared ministry with Germán and explore the future of this partnership. Learn more here!

Final Christian Zionism Webinar (September 19):

The last session of the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Christian Zionism series will focus on Christian nationalism and its political implications. Our Executive Director, Laurie Lyter Bright, will be joining Mitri Raheb and Jermaine Ross-Allam for this important conversation. Be sure to register and take part in this insightful final installment! You can register for the event here.

Guns to Gardens Action Circles (Sept. 19 - Oct. 17):

This fall, join a Guns to Gardens Action Circle to learn how to host your own event where guns are safely dismantled and transformed into garden tools. The GVP team will guide you through every step, from engaging your congregation to offering pastoral care. Choose between daytime and evening cohorts, with registration now open for both.

Link to Register