Communities of Shalom

The first of 5 training sessions for becoming a Shalom Zone was hosted at Vineville United Methodist Church on Saturday the 10th of October. From the literature they presented, we learned that Communities of Shalom is a grass roots, faith-inspired, community development network that seeks to support local congregations and community groups as they work together with representatives of all faith traditions and community organizations to create economically and ecologically sustainable communities of peace, justice, hope, healing and wholeness in which all God’s people experience shalom.

Over 50 people, representing 5 possible sites in Macon, were in attendance to hear the National Training instructor from Drew University, Ms. Annie Allen, discuss the history of the Shalom Zone project and its helpfulness to troubled neighborhoods. The Pleasant Hills Community was well represented at the training, as was East Macon, Village Green, Bealls Hill and Lynmore Estates. We are hopeful that a certified Shalom Zone program will be sited in each of these neighborhoods. Additional participants and partners would be welcomed at the next training session on November 14th , especially as we try to support our Pleasant Hill neighbors revitalize their neighborhood. Come hear the scriptural admonition of Jeremiah 29:7, which is to seek the shalom of the city where God has sent you, for in its shalom you will find your shalom, is taught and made relevant, thereby empowering neighborhoods to address the problems that confront them.

For more information, go to www.CommunitiesofShalom.org or to volunteer for training, contact Keith Moffett at 751-7101 or keith.moffett@macon.ga.us .