By Christine Sheller
A moving prayer service and peace walk occurred Monday, June
11, 2018 in Des Moines, sponsored by the Iowa Chapter of MFSA (Methodist
Federation for Social Action), along with several other cosponsors of
organizations within the United Methodist Church.
Participants gathered outside Hy Vee Hall, where conference
goers were taking a break from business, (the Iowa Annual Conference was going
on for the UMC) and choosing to walk and pray for peace during their lunch
break. Others not from the UMC
conference took part in the walk and prayer service as well.
Walkers started at Hy Vee Hall, and proceeded downtown to
Cowles Commons to the Peace Garden, where they were welcomed by musicians and
places to sit! Participants sang a few
gathering songs, then proceeded through the prayer service. Bishop Laurie Haller (of Iowa Area UMC)
spoke, citing the issues which were on the program, and how the UMC supported
them. After the song, “What does the
Lord require?” participants were then welcomed by Laura Sweet, the Vice
President, Chief Operating Officer of the Des Moines Performing Arts, as we
were on Civic Center property.
More speakers were on deck to speak on four major
issues: gun control, health care/ mental
health, immigration, and racial justice.
These issues were championed by Rachel Hollingsworth, Kathi Mitchell,
Sol Varisco, and Rev. Abraham Funchess respectively.
We took part in a liturgy, and one more song: “Sent out in
Jesus Name.” Song leaders were Rita
Carter & Jean Swenson; and on the keyboard was Linda Clark.
Christine Sheller is editor & coordinator at Iowa Peace Network. She is a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary.
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