Four Christian publications for women are combining their resources to publish a special issue devoted to women and peace, in preparation for the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. Glad Tidings magazine, published by the Presbyterian church's Women's Missionary Society, is the only Canadian church publication chosen. Horizons (published by PC(USA)'s Presbyterian Women), Lutheran Woman Today (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and Response (United Methodist Women) are also involved.

Most Rev. Donald Theriault, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Military Diocese and Roman Catholic Representative Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy and Col. David Kettle, Director of Chaplaincy Administration, Education and Training lead an ecumenical group gathered, appropriately enough to bless a new baptismal font, at 8 Wing Trenton Chapel, in Ontario. This marks the first time, in a Canadian Forces Chapel, that all forms of baptism can be performed at one font. Water flows constantly into the tank symbolizing the living waters of Christian faith.

The Christian Reformed Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a Sea to Sea cross-Canada bike tour beginning June 23. One hundred and sixty five cyclists have entered, with 97 scheduled for the entire Vancouver to Halifax trek. The event is intended to foster Christian unity and raise money for the church's Deep Roots, New Branches program that supports church planting across the country. Each cyclist has committed to raising $10,000, for an expected total of $1.2 million after expenses. Although no Presbyterians are on the roster that includes eight denominations, celebration rallies will be held every Sunday in cities along the route, where supporters can join with cyclists for worship and fellowship. The tour wraps up Sept. 4. For more information, visit www.seatosea.org. — AM

The Presbyterian church is willing to send more funds to India to help with the legal expenses of 13 Bhil Christians who were arrested following a local uprising last January. International Ministries already sent $5,000. Of the 13 arrested, eight were charged with the death of a Hindu man. He was killed while Christians were protecting their homes and a church that were damaged during the attacks. Trial hearings have been repeatedly postponed because judges and witnesses fail to appear in court.

Samantha Edwards has joined the Record as its new art director. She brings more than 12 years experience in editorial design, and has worked for Rogers Publishing designing advertising supplements and promotions for Today's Parent, Chatelaine and Canadian Business. She lives in Don Mills with her husband and two children, and looks forward to sharing her ideas with the Record.