"Why are we here?" Ask business owners and residents in north Minneapolis' Harrison neighborhood, and many would say: "Someone needs to commit to being a positive influence here, shaping our community for good." For Redeemer Lutheran Church, planted in the middle of this urban, low-income neighborhood, "peace" is not a word to describe acquiescence or tranquility. Working for peace involves reconciliation; "peace" is a challenge to be rooted in this place and committed to its people.

A local business owner made it possible for Redeemer to re-open a confectionery and popcorn shop with a new name one block from our church. The "Peace Palace" opened in December 2001 to address serious community challenges such as the fear and lack of communication between our neighborhood's youth and adults. Now, on any given day, 7-year-old Lionell, 9-year-old Margaret, and 13-year-old Latrice might be found with older adults from the church assembling gift baskets, playing checkers, or designing greeting cards for sale. We aim to be a place where barriers are lowered and relationships are built across age and race.

The Peace Palace also offers business experience, asset-building, and training for older youth. Fifteen-year-old Antonio's dreams for the future have grown as wide as his smile as he has earned the title of Student Manager-in-Training. Regular volunteering has opened up many opportunities for him. Antonio admits that if he was not involved in the Peace Palace, he would probably be "out there getting in trouble." The Peace Palace is offering skills to help build toward the future.

An important part of keeping the business open will be gaining enough support to become self-sustaining. A related goal is to create relationships between Redeemer and suburban and rural churches. Churches and civic groups can help by purchasing Peace Palace popcorn in bulk for fundraisers, ordering baskets for gifts, and volunteering as groups or individuals to spend time with us in the heart of the Harrison neighborhood.

As the Peace Palace grows, we hope to expand into the building next door, which will provide room for computers, group meetings and youth worship space. Our eyes and imaginations grow large as we consider the possibilities, but we stay centered in the identity we have claimed from the beginning. A place for peace is about relationships on a personal level, and being with people where they are, and we believe, where God is.

By Redeemer youth ministers Sara Olson & Lee Ann Machosky. For more information, contact us at 612-374-4139 or the Peace Palace Manager at 612-377-5311. Visit us when you are in the neighborhood: 1900 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55405.

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Profile

"Tara is choosing to be a leader in her community. As an adult, I am both inspired and humbled to see her living a life rooted in the gospel."

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Young Peacemaker

In October of 2001, Tara Olson attended the Region I "Let Justice Roll" youth retreat, on the theme of the faithful nonviolence of Jesus. Taking an active role in the weekend, she was significantly moved by the speakers, Pastors Susan Briehl and Dan Erlander, and the LPF workshop.

Upon returning from the retreat, Tara shared her experience with our church by writing the lead article for our youth and family newsletter and began organizing a regular meeting of other young people concerned with issues of peace and justice. Tara and her mother helped serve a meal at our local food shelter on New Year's Eve and delivered homemade blankets and hats.

As Tara continues to grow in her faith and commitment to peace and justice, I am excited to see her take on new life. I want Tara and other young people to know they are not alone on this journey. They are supported by their youth groups, churches, and communities. I hope Tara sees this as a life-long journey: that she is called to a vocation in God's ministry of peace and justice for the world.

(Tara Olson, a sophomore at Annie Wright High School in Tacoma, was nominated by her youth and family director, Krista Sickert-Bush, Mt. View Lutheran, Edgewood, WA.)

LPF is pleased to introduce this new feature. If you know a young person in your congregation, another congregation, or in college who is living out the gospel vision of Shalom, we invite you to nominate them to be featured in this column. Please submit your 300-500 word nomination to lpfyouth@yahoo.com.