See news and notes for more on Bienenberg Peace Path Project and reunion at Camp Amigo

Bienenberg Peace Path Project

 

At a time when the world seems to be in constant turmoil with violence and war being the primary way nations try to settle conflicts, it seems appropriate to establish examples of other ways to solve differences.  The Theological Seminary Bienenberg (TSB), founded in 1950 as The European Mennonite Bible School by members of the Mennonite churches of France, Germany and Switzerland was also supported by MCC.  And so, when a request came to former PAXers for assistance to establish a PEACE PATH at this location many responded.  A total of 56 former PAX related persons contributed $5,200 that will be used to assist in establishing 18 sites along the Peace Path on the Bienenberg campus, the first of which is a fountain established to commemorate the MCC PAX program, an alternative to participation in the military from 1951 to 1976.  In August, Walter Schmucker, PAX treasurer, presented a check for $5,200 to Seminary Director: Dr Claude Baecher (baecher@bienenberg.ch) and Undergraduate Programme Administrator and Director of School of Discipleship: Heike Geist ( hgeist@bienenberg.ch)

The “PAX Fountain” was completed in July by a small work camp that included one person from Germany, two from France and 4 from Switzerland who worked along with Bienenberg staff members.  Various stations along the Peace Path will eventually represent “Creation”, “The Fall”, “Redemption”, and “Hope”.  The seven progressively higher stones behind the PAX Fountain represent the seven days of creation.  Two other completed stations along the Peace Path include a group of “stumble stones” and a metal sculpture turning swords into plowshares.

See photos from the July trip on the News and Notes page .