Peacemaker. Who has arrived at this label? When can onerightfully call herself a peacemaker? Is one a peacemaker if shespends a prescribed number of hours each week organizing letter writing campaigns to urge her government representatives tosupport legislation which would end gun violence? Or is one apeacemaker if she maintains honest relationships with her familyand friends by giving and accepting love and in broaching conflictwhen necessary? Is one only a peacemaker (or at least more of apeacemaker) if she lives at Shalom House?And what is "peace", anyway? Is it a definable thing? And if so, is that definition universal or is it subjective, existing differentlywithin the mind of any given individual? Does the mere absence of conflict signify peace, or does peace perhaps involve conflict as anecessity, being that sincere relationships require honest dialogue of misunderstandings and wounds inflicted? Can true peace evenexist in this world at all? Won't there always be injustice here? If there is no justice, there can be no peace... And if peace can never be fully present here, why bother at all?Like life itself, maybe peace for us is more about a journeytoward rather than an arrival at something. Perhaps less importantthan ascribing the label 'peacemaker' to oneself is sincerelyundertaking the quest for peace each day. For we Shalom Housers,snippets of thesequestions floatthrough our conversationregularly. It seemswe are eachcontinually askingourselves whatexactly it is that weare doing andwhether or not our passions and theactions that wemanifest as ShalomHouse truly signifypeace making.Why are we doing Shalom House? Is Shalom House a destinationat which to arrive, or is it a journey? Amidst all of this questioning, we are still trying to remain inaction. Though we do not have the answers to all of theseexistential questions, we know we still care about justice and peaceand maintain faith that justice and peace are good pursuits, whether or not we have their full understanding or not. We strive to becontinually discerning and moving, following the Spirit's breath onour lives even when the whole picture is unclear to us, even as wecontinue to sleep and to rise in our imperfect human state.In the recent months, we hope we have been continuing our mission for Shalom sincerely. As a community, we have had severalissues in our collective consciousness, some fresh, some continuingfrom our last correspondence. The reality of gun violence and itseffects here in our city and beyond has come to the fore and wehave been pursuing possible actions to promote peace in this venue.In July we hosted a forum for people in our congregation to learnand discuss about the pervasiveness of gun violence & thetrafficking of illegal guns in Pennsylvania. Shalom House crafted aletter, in which we invited others to sign onto, that we sent to our elected officials urging them to support legislation that would helpstem the tide of this kind of violence. See our “Peacemaking” pageatwww.shalomhouse.usif you want to know more.Trading dialogue with others who are also on the quest for peace is an important aspect of being Shalom House. In recentweeks, we have had several opportunities for stimulatingconversation with teenagers in particular. We have connected withthree Brethren in Christ youth groups, two from rural Pennsylvaniaand one called the Awakening from Ontario, Canada. Issues suchas gun violence, the social and economic injustices that capitalismcreates and what it means to offer hospitality to strangers wereamongst the topics on which ideas were exchanged.It is one thing to discuss a challenging topic and to seekconsensus with those like us in religious faith and cultural and classbackground, but perhaps the greater calling is to strive for peace inalliance with persons having very different lenses than our own.Shalom Houser Brian S has recently arrived home from Jordanwhere he participated in a forum designed to create cross-culturaldialogue between young adult Muslims and Christians from bothEastern and Western countries. We hope and pray to haveincreasing opportunities in the months ahead to engage in peacefuldialogue with people whose backgrounds, perspectives andpersuasions are divergent from our own. A couple of other topics brewing within Shalom Houseinclude how consumption, and in particular food consumption,reflects our concern for justice and peace and also how to find waysto assist individuals in making peace with themselves so that theycan be freed to extend that peace outwardly. Shalom indicates amulti-dimensional, all encompassing peace. We as a communityhope that with all of our natural skills and passions combined that wewill be able to continue to be proactive and sincere in the journeytoward peace in a more all-encompassing way than any of us couldbe alone. We pray that our faith and hope in the necessity of such apilgrimage, even in times when the questions remain unansweredand the bigger picture remains unclear, is sustained.Peace be with you,Kristan, Brian B., Tandi, Mimi, Adam, and Brian S.

Peaceful Ventures

Issue 3, Fall 2008

A newsletter from Shalom House -- a community of proactive Christian peacemakers started by Circle of Hope

On the journey together. House retreat atPromised Land State Park -- Mimi, Adam, BrianB., Tandi and Kristan. Brian S. is taking the shot.

Brian Shingledecker’s Journey to Amman, Jordan

A few weeks ago, from August 9-16, I had the privilege of attending a four-dayworkshop in Amman, Jordan. This event, co-sponsored by the Middle EastCouncil of Churches (MECC) and the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)took the form of an East/West Dialogue on the challenges of cultural andreligious differences as they relate to international peacemaking. Attending theworkshop were 30 young adults, both Christian and Muslim, from the MiddleEast (Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, & Syria) and N. America(Canada & United States). We all met for the first time as we arrived at our hotel in the heart of downtown Amman.The experience would probably be described by a majority of theattendees as both intense and extremely rewarding. The formal structure wassimilar each day, beginning with breakfast at 8am and ending after an eveningactivity at 10 pm. Most mornings were spent together in one large group,listening and responding to lecture and facilitated discussion on theory relatedto conflict management, the art of dialogue, communication, and technology.Speakers included a former Jordanian cabinet member, the general secretary of the MECC, the MCC Jordan representative (J. Daryl Byler), and several Arabgraduates of Eastern Mennonite University's "Summer Peacebuilding Institute".Following an extended lunch, the afternoons were led by two excellentMECC facilitators and consisted of interactive workshops and small groupactivities designed to put the theory from the morning into practice as well ashighlight similarities (many) & differences (few) between Eastern & Westernattitudes in approaching dialogue. Our evenings were spent in group outingssuch as cultural presentations, dinner at a famous local Jordanian restaurant,and a formal bus tour of Amman.Beyond the formal sessions, an integral part of the workshop's valuecame through the relationships formed between participants during the rest of the time we spent together. Each meal at the hotel restaurant was a chance tomake new friends across differing national, cultural or religious backgrounds.Lunch meant an opportunity for some to relax together in the pool. Group trips,both during the workshop and during a free day afterwards, brought theexcitement of experiencing new things from diverse points of view together.Presentations during the first evening gave new insight into the unique cultureof each country represented. And several late-night conversations in the lobbymeant trading common experiences, such as family, university studies, travels,faith practice and even some slang! Key to creating these successful dialogueswas the open and respectful attitude displayed by each one of the 30participants. After just four days together, it was unexpectedly difficult to saygoodbye as we went our separate waysFor me, there were several first-time experiences, such as being inthe Middle East, hearing the beauty of the Arabic language, and somethingdefinitely new to me, the triple-kiss goodbye with my new male

A Note from the Shalom House Guidance Teamby Jane Clinton

What a year it has been! 12 months ago the four founding housemembers were learning how to share space, spending time getting toknow each other, setting goals and doing all the basic things thatcommunity members do. Now, they have increased in number by50%, moved house, and have a number of activities, events, andconnections on their "Done" list. It is a pleasure to be a part of theguidance team of this community – I get to contribute my ideas, helpthem figure things out, and have an inside scoop when it comes topraying for and supporting them. At the end of June, we had a houseand guidance team get-together. The two newest house members,Tandi and Kristan, were able to join us, so it was the first time wewere all in one place. We spent time reflecting on the successes of the past year, dreaming about the future, and discussing some of thechallenges of starting a brand new peacemaking community.One of the challenges that the house has encountered isdeveloping and maintaining a budget. When the guidance team wasdreaming about this community, we wanted to ensure that housemembers had plenty of time to spend on peacemaking activities and,in most cases that work will not be paid. To keep the house running,we asked each member to work about 20 hours a week at a paid job.The house members agreed to contribute all of their income to thehouse's common purse. Unfortunately, working 20 hours a weekoften means that a person does not receive health insurance, andwe do want the house members to be insured. As you may know thecost of obtaining insurance outside of an employee plan can becostly. Another expense that the house incurs is student loans thatmembers are sharing while they are in community together. Thesetwo substantial costs – insurance and loans – are taking a toll on themeager Shalom House budget.(continue on p.3)buddies on the last day! I also learned much on a cultural and aspiritual level. One thing I won't forget is the degree of hospitality Iexperienced. For example, I was not allowed to pay for myself whenout with my new friends and a mutual friend, whom I only met after we arrived arranged a trip to the Dead Sea for a group of us duringour free day. The outing included a traditional barbeque on amountain overlooking the Promised Land. Most important, however,was the message I both heard and experienced during the week wespent together. That is, despite strong stereotypes indicatingotherwise, not only are there many Christians in the Middle East(15m out of a total population of 280m) but that as a whole, followersof both Islam & Christianity share almost all of their cultural history &traditions and thus live together in a deep, mutually respectful peace.It was beautiful.So, where do we go from here, collectively and individually?First, the group dialogue begun in Amman will continue throughmediums such as Facebook, visits to each other's countries andfollow-up MECC workshops taking place during the next 2 summers.On an individual level, I look forward to writing and speaking moreabout my experience to Circle of Hope, within the MCC, andthrough our website. I also planto use this new insight in our ongoing work at Shalom Househelping Iraqi refugees resettle inPhiladelphia. The East/Westdialogue has begun- Will you join us?

How you can help

Be a prayer partner.

We are contributing to theformation of God’s network of peacemakers around theglobe.2.

Be a local partner.

Sign up at our website --www.shalomhouse.us --to be on the Circle of Peacemakers Listserve andparticipate in our dialogueand actions.3.

Find further partners.

We have a new cohort of house members who joineach year. We are looking for those God has prepared for our community.4.

Be a contributing partner.

We need to raise at least$30,000 a year for expensesbeyond our mutual sharing.

If you would like to share with us in thisway, you can make a check out to CircleVenture and in the memo line add ShalomHouse. Please use the enclosed envelopeat you convenience. Thank you for financial support.

We are grateful for answeredprayers!

New community members. Kristan andTandi have been here for 2 months.Safe travels, good experiences &finanical support for Brian’s trip to Jordan.Clarity on the work of Shalom House.Currently, we are focusing our attention onthe gun violence in our city and theresettlement of Iraqi refugees in Philly.

And we ask that you continue tokeep us in your prayers. Pleasepray for:

Our city, Philadelphia. We continue tomourn the daily reality of gun violence.The inner peace we strive for as westruggle through our personal turmoils.A friend of ours, who we’ve walked alongside of, as he decided to not go through with joining the U.S. military and is adjusting tothe implications of that decision.

Let Us Introduce Ourselves!

Tandi Book.

My name says a lot about my history. Tandi means lovein Ndebele, a dialect of Zulu. My parents were missionaries and I wasborn in Zimbabwe, where they worked with the Ndebele people. Theywanted to give me a name that was common in my place of birth and Iam grateful that they did. My cross-cultural upbringing has shaped meimmensely and I am glad to have a tangible marker, like my name, thatpoints to my background. Aside from Zimbabwe, I lived in Nicaraguaand was raised primarily in Colombia.Growing up abroad has made me who I am, complete with culturaland identity issues that I will continue to work through. I have been fortunate to grow up obliviousto the many stereotypes about 'other' people that permeate U.S. culture, and North America's rolein the countries I have lived in has always been evident to me. I was also raised in the Brethren inChrist tradition, and pacifism and social justice were modeled by my parents since I was little. As Imatured and reflected on my life experiences and the beliefs of my Anabaptist ancestors, respectfor life and promoting peace became an intricate part of my identity and passion.Some steps on my peace journey have been the following: volunteering in Washington,D.C.; exposing privileged people to the reality of life for underprivileged people; helping tostrengthen the literacy skills of children in North Philadelphia; and working with war refugees atJubilee Partners, an intentional Christian community. Shalom House seemed like an appropriatenext step to further align my life with my values. A few of my peacemaking interests are in theareas of food and simple living and their relation to justice, international peacemaking efforts andrefugee-related work.

Kristan Menzel.

When I was a freshman in college, planes flew into the Twin Towers in New Yorkand from this event, my conviction in nonviolence as a means to peace was birthed. I recall thecommunity of the Christian school I was attending at that time rallying around George W. Bush,thanking God for a Christian president at such a time and standing behind his plans to attack our evil-doing enemies. This unbridled trust in Bush's plans for vengeance did not sit well in mystomach and interest in learning an alternative solution began festering within me. Gradually, Ibecame exposed to the framework of pacifism and nonviolence and the more I learned, the more Ibecame convinced of the validity in my instinct that violence and killing is never justified.At that time, I was also solidifying my belief that capitalism is not the path designed by Godthat we are socialized to believe. Thoreau's writings were a major catalyst for me to actively beginmy quest to stop acquiring possessions and to seek the meaning of life on a deeper, more Reallevel. I also became interested in communal living, which I was able to try firsthand in 2006 whenI volunteered at a community called Jubilee Partners.This journey for an alternative solution has led me to where I am today. My personalinterests in peacemaking have come to lie primarily on the micro level, in finding peace withinmyself and in assisting others to do the same. I believe deeply in the value of each person as aunique Intention, without whom the collective body would suffer. I hope, using creative mediums,to find ways to bring this sort of peace to those I touch as I continue my peacemaking journey as apart of Shalom House.

A Note from the Guidance Team (continuation from page 2)

Missy Stoner, another guidance team member, is using her keen financial skills to help thehouse develop their budget in order to meet these expenses. The house is also exploring creativeways to save money on basics like groceries and cutting back member's weekly stipends. Our hope is that the common purse will cover the living expenses and basic needs for the house. Theyare doing a good job on living on less income and finding ways to live simply.In addition the guidance team raises funds under Circle Venture for special projects,peacemaking trips, a stipend for the Director, and other projects to continue the mission of Shalom House. As the house faces a rising cost of insurance and loans, we want to insure thatthe mission of proactive peacemaking locally and globally is not hindered by lack of funds.The guidance team felt that you would want to know a little more about how ShalomHouse shares its money both among the house members and with the larger community. We relyon grants and individual donors to help continue the work. With that background, we hope you'llconsider donating to the Shalom House Mission fund. All donations are tax deductible and shouldbe made to Circle Venture and marked for Shalom House. We have included an envelope here.Please continue to pray for the work of Shalom House and its members; your prayers areinvaluable.