The Center for Formation, Justice and Peace

We are mourning another act of mass violence. We mourn the loss of life, the feeling of safety and we pray for healing for students, faculty, staff and parents of the Apalachee High School community. “O Lord, you who abhor those who murder the innocent, be not deaf to our bitter cries, we pray, and do not abandon us to our pain this day. Hear our raging words of protest, O God of Jacob, heed our groans for justice, and meet us in this lowly and desperate place. Awake, Lord! Rouse yourself! Deliver us from evil, for your name’s sake, so that we might witness your might to save and your power to heal. We pray this in the name of our Fortress and Refuge. Amen. “A Prayer After a Mass Shooting” from Prayers for a Violent World, by W. David O. Taylor

It's finally here! From Success to Suffering: Part Ten of the People of Repair Series "Millions of Christians, bewitched by these apocalyptic revelries, devote endless time, money, and dissociative moral energy toward avoiding these sorrows and attaining these glories." Can you relate? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gFxHiqJW

"America’s ideological groups are resolved to punish each other at every intersection. Winning isn’t enough. We must rob every semblance of joy and worth. Civil dialogue and political compromise are left to the naïve. But in this time of great division and belligerence, the church must choose the opposite reaction. We must be peacemakers, especially when it comes to race and politics. But what exactly is peace, and how do we make it? Some assume peacemaking requires inactivity or silence in the face of disorder and injustice. But true peace is not passive quiet or the absence of action or the silence of indifference. Biblical peace is shalom, meaning completeness, well-being, and right relationship with God and each other. Silence or inaction amid grave partiality and inequality is not peace." excerpt from “Only Biblical Peacemaking Resolves Racial and Political Injustice” by Justin E. Giboney . . . . . Read the entire article at https://lnkd.in/ecyq8EQs

This interview is our 2nd most listened to episode of all time!! Jemar Tisby left it all on the floor in this Peace Talks interview. The list of topics covered is long and fascinating: ⁠ ⁠ The lack of attention to racial issues is spiritual malformation⁠ Post-2020, racial awareness is crucial but not enough⁠ Racial justice is a way of life, not a side dish⁠ Black History Month is a kind of cultural liturgy⁠ Justice takes sides⁠ Jemar's description of a Jesus addict⁠ ⁠ You don't want to miss any of it!⁠ https://lnkd.in/ewkxmVrB

It's book study time! This fall we are discussing The Ballot and the Bible, by @kaitlynschiess. Join host Dr. Greg Thompson in September and October as we explore America's history of using the Bible in politics. Kaitlyn highlights moments of proper practice and examples of deep misuse, and helps us apply the Scriptures in our political participation.⁠ A great book for this time in our country! ⁠ 🗓️September 26-October 24⁠ ⌛️Thursdays at 7pm CST⁠ 📍Zoom! ⁠ ⁠ Register at (or head to the bio): https://lnkd.in/eAjkeXDZ⁠

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" -- Matthew 16:26 Are we willing to lose our own soul for an “existential threat?” Soul. It is the hidden or spiritual side of the person. It includes an individual's thoughts and feelings, along with our heart or will, with its intents and choices. My soul is spoken for. It is passionately committed to the Great Commandment, to loving the Lord my God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind and with all my strength…and to loving my neighbor as myself. . . . . *excerpt from The Gospel of the Kingdom, by Todd Hunter (our Founder). To subscribe to The Gospel of the Kingdom, visit: https://lnkd.in/eT_rQKDX

The 3rd most downloaded Peace Talks interview is one with Linda Royster and Dan Allender from The Allender Center. Our wide-ranging conversation covered trauma as alienation from self, racism as a projection of unhealed wounds, epigentics as legacy and so much more. Don't miss this tender and thoughtful hour. https://lnkd.in/eTDEsTd9

Our partner, Chasing Justice, is about to launch the next Live Justly Intensive this September. Join a community of peers, under the coaching of activist pastors Tyler Burns and Sandra Maria Van Opstal and let’s explore your role in rebuilding a just world. Live Justly Intensives are prayerfully designed to foster an environment of flourishing – who your journey is with matters to us. It is open to both BIPOC emerging leaders and allies who want deeper integration of their ideas into action. Justice in Action: From Charity to Advocacy Justice and Consumption: Lifestyle Justice and Generosity: Redistribution as Justice Justice and Relationships: True Solidarity and Mutuality Student discounts are available so you can participate for only $50. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eZDdmjW8

How are you dealing with and healing from the weight of all the things today? If you are like so many of us, it feels like a lot, doesn't it? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed or need some soul rest. Join us for NOURISH Daily. NOURISH Daily is 30 days of simple, soul-nourishing experiences in a daily email to your inbox. Our prayer is that you would feel energized by your inward journey to move outward towards justice and shalom in the world. Register at: www.centerfjp.org/nourish/ . . . . . #centerfjp #formation #justice #peace #anxiety #stress

📚️FALL BOOK STUDY is coming📚️ Join host Greg Thompson in September and October as we discuss The Ballot and the Bible, by Kaitlyn Schiess. This study explores America's history of using the Bible in politics, highlighting moments of proper practice and examples of deep misuse, and helps us apply the Scriptures in our political participation. 🗓️September 26-October 24 ⌛️Thursdays at 7pm CST 📍Zoom! Register at https://lnkd.in/eAjkeXDZ