Title: Lutherans Preaching for Peace
ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF

April 7, 1997

LUTHERANS PREACHING FOR PEACE

Pastors, seminary students and lay preachers are taking
part in a sermon-writing contest sponsored by Lutheran
Peace Fellowship (LPF).  The competition "seeks to lift up
preaching as a form of peace witness, encouraging attention
to peace themes in the Bible," according to Glen Gersmehl,
Seattle, LPF coordinator.  The sermon will be judged on
"liveliness and integrity of biblical interpretation, vitality of
peace illustration and witness, and effectiveness and
creativity of expression," Gersmehl said.  Contestants will
present sermons on "blessed are the peacemakers"
(Matthew 5:9), grapple with "the things that make for peace"
(Luke 19:38-41) and share "compelling stories of
peacemaking."  Judging will take place after the May 18
deadline, and the winners will be announced at the ELCA
Churchwide Assembly in Philadelphia, Aug. 14-20, Gersmehl
said.   The four winning sermons will be published as a
resource for congregations and seminaries.  LPF is an
international community of Lutherans who seek peace
according to the biblical vision of shalom, peace with justice.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html