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A number of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, colleges, and other church-related organizations and groups from across the country will be participating in Peace Day 2016 on or around Sept. 21. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cCalled to Build Peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
The annual observance of the International Day of Prayer for Peace is held each year on Sept. 21, initiated by the World Council of Churches to coincide with a United Nations international day of peace. On Earth Peace encourages, publicizes, and provides resources for Peace Day events in the Church of the Brethren and beyond. Bryan Hanger is serving as Peace Day 2016 organizer for On Earth Peace.<\/p>\n
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Here is a sampling of Brethren events planned for this year\u2019s Peace Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n — Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren is inviting its members to an International Day of Peace Interfaith Gathering planned for Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 7-8 p.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Refreshments will follow a prayer hour.<\/p>\n — Staunton (Va.) Church of the Brethren is planning for an Ecumenical and Interfaith Peace Event at a public park, that will feature music.<\/p>\n — An \u201cEverylight online prayer vigil\u201d is led by Rebecca Herder, an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. She is posting one-sentence prayers every 24 hours, with an invitation for others to engage \u201cin a way that resonates with your heart–commenting, sharing, reflecting, adding your own,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cIt\u2019s not enough to create a world of peace but together we can change the conversation about peace in our world.\u201d Find out more at www.facebook.com\/Everylight-Inc-405091910245<\/a> .<\/p>\n — Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind., will be having a Peace Walk and Prayer Vigil on campus.<\/p>\n — Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will offer a Meditation for Racial Peace for students, staff, and faculty.<\/p>\n — The Virlina District Peace Day Service will be held at Roanoke (Va.) Oak Grove Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 3 p.m. \u201cFormer Youth Peace Travel Team members from Virlina (and beyond) will be sharing with us about their experiences and inspiring us to consider how we are each called by God to build peace,\u201d said a district announcement. \u201cAs we will discover from the study of scripture and the testimonies from sisters and brothers, each of us are invited into God\u2019s holy work of peace building. Come, worship, pray and remain afterwards for a brief time of refreshments and fellowship.\u201d<\/p>\n — Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Littleton, Colo., will hold a Peace Fest to End Gun Violence, which will include educational sessions, worship, recreation, and food.<\/p>\n — Smith Mountain Lake Community Church of the Brethren is planning an inspirational evening service on Sunday, Sept. 18, that will include prayer, a sermon on peace, music, and a time of fellowship following worship. Peace doves will be displayed on the front lawn of the church.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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