As I've mentioned here before, I am excited to be working with Reverend Karen Junker on a new project called "Housechurch: A Ministry of Peace" in San Francisco. We meet on Sundays and are exploring powerful ways we can be the peace we hope to see in the world.

Rather than being anti-war (which feels decidedly unpeaceful), we choose to be pro-peace. We choose to pray for the Bush Administration rather than inwardly raging against them. Our mission is to be the peace we wish to see in the world. We know that peace begins with us.

Karen shared this message from the Hope Elders in Oraibi, Arizona at Housechurch today and I felt moved to share it here...

We have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people this is the Hour.

And there are things to be considered.
Were are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.

It is time to speak your truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look out side yourself for the leader.

This could be a good time!
There is a river now flowing very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold onto the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, and push off and into the river.
Keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
See who is there with you and Celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally.
Least of all ourselves.
For the moment that we do,
Our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that you do now must be done in a sacred manner
And in celebration.

We are the one's we've been waiting for...