Peacemaking & Justice Reflection Archive
Pieces on Peace :
Reflections by Veronica Ota
February/March 2026 Edition:
I have now been serving as Peacemaking and Justice Advocate for one month. My first goal, perhaps a bit lofty but an ongoing project, is to get acquainted with the 30+ congregations, fellowships, and worshipping communities in our presbytery. If we haven’t made contact yet – I hope to soon, and invite you to reach out with any peace/justice related ministries, partnerships, or events you’d like to promote, questions you might have, or concerns on your heart.
I am coming to understand my advocacy role as someone who helps create “onramps for engagement” (thanks, Rev. Bryan Franzen for the catchphrase). I’m endeavoring to learn about the diverse churches and regions of the presbytery to be able to lift up examples of congregations, nonprofits, businesses, pastors and community leaders who are doing important peacebuilding work. Each month in my “Pieces on Peace”, I’ll highlight something impactful that I’ve encountered, in the hopes that it might inspire others to learn more, collaborate, start something new, or lean into important work they’re already doing.
As I myself learn more and get involved with on-the-ground peace work in our presbytery, I hope to also serve as “connective tissue” (metaphor credit: Rev. Erik Swanson), able to transmit information, relay resources, and get folks connected around justice-oriented efforts. Connective tissue must be flexible, responsive and communicative for coordination, and has to be healthy to keep other parts operating at their best. I am here to advocate, support, encourage, and participate in the peacemaking work of the children of God in thought, word, and deed – and I look forward to partnering with you in God’s unfolding project of peace!
– Veronica Ota