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Building a Just Peace in Colombia -- Day 1

An Ecumenical Delegation
June 26-July 8, 2002

At 6:30 this morning 7 delegates from The Connecticut Conference UCC flew to Florida in preparation for their trip to Colombia. They will be joining delegates from the Central Atlantic and Massachusetts Conferences among others for a multi-level ecumenical visit to Colombia. Working in cooperation with Witness for Peace and Justapaz, our Mennonite partner in Colombia, the delegation will be meeting with Colombians who are working to strengthen the work and prophetic voice of the peace church and for a radical change of current U.S. policies. Bridges will be built between faith communities in Colombia and the United States and human faces will be linked with the news stories.

The Colombia Delegation (L to R) Kent Siladi, Lyn Shaw, Davida Foy Crabtree, Kate McLean, Sarah Dowling, Jerry Streets, Hugh McLean

During the visit there will be reminders posted of the situation in Colombia that the delegation will be exploring. We will hold the delegation, Justapaz, Witness for Peace and the people of Colombia in our prayers.

While Witness for Peace and Justapaz will monitor the situation in Colombia carefully and keep the delegation out of harm's way, the situation is still volatile and we pray for safety and enlightenment for the group throughout the week.

The following are the members of the CT. Conference delegation:

• The Rev. Davida Foy Crabtree (Conference Minister; First Church in Windsor)
• Ms. Sarah Dowling (First Cong'l, Cheshire)
• Dr. Hugh McLean (First Church, Windsor)
• Ms. Kate McLean (First Church, Windsor)
• Ms. Lyn Shaw (First Church, Middletown)
• The Rev. Kent Siladi (Regional Minister, First Cong'l Guilford)
• The Rev. Jerry Streets (Church of Christ in Yale University)

Reflections

"God created all things in such a way that they are not outside himself, as ignorant people falsely imagine. Rather, all creatures flow outward, but nonetheless remain with God." Meister Eckhart

"God hugs you. You are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God." Hildegarde of Bingen

Prayer

Creator God,
We pray for your presence today with Kent, Jerry, Davida, Hugh, Kate, Lynn and Sarah as they set forth on your mission. Hug them as they endeavor to build bridges with the Colombian people. Watch over Justapaz and Witness for Peace in their work for peace in Colombia. Be with Ricardo and Janna as they work with the displaced people of Colombia. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen