First Congregational United Church of Christ is Hosting International Day of Peace

First Congregational United Church of Christ, in recognition of the International Day of Peace, will host a service of music and prayer for peace on Sunday, September 22nd at 4:00 p.m. on the west lawn of the church, located at 315 South Moore Street here in Algona.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations vote. The U.N. General Assembly declared it as a day devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.” Furthering the day’s mission, the General Assembly augmented the original resolution in 2001, fixing the date on September 21st to provide a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. The theme for this year’s observance is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. In that declaration, the United Nations’ most inclusive body recognized that peace “not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.”

The congregation has observed the day annually since the purchase and installation of a peace pole on the church grounds in 2014. It has four sides with the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” written in English, French, Spanish and Hebrew.

“The United Church of Christ is a “Just Peace” denomination,” notes Pastor Chris Burtnett. “Praying and working for peace are part of the teachings of Jesus. We feel that it is important to lift up and advocate for peace in all the ways that we are able, especially in these unsettled times of conflict between nations, within nations and social unrest.”

The congregation observes the day with a special service on the Sunday closest to the actual date in order to allow people from Algona and the surrounding communities to attend. “Our intention is for this to be a community event,” Rev. Burtnett stated. “The hope for peace among all peoples and nations transcends every religious, political and ethnic belief. Gathering together to observe the day and commit ourselves to work towards peace for all is a powerful statement to the world of our determination to bring it about.”

The event is open to the public. A free will offering will be received and given to the Carter Center for Peace to assist in its continued work for peace. Those who wish to attend are asked to bring their own lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the church’s fellowship hall. Ice cream and assorted toppings will be served following the service.