This year, members from the community and attendees of the
Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC )
joined together in a walk for peace, planned by the MFSA (Methodist Federation
for Social Action) along with several other agencies of the UMC .
Approximately 50 walked. The walk started at Hy Vee Hall (or
There were many carrying signs, saying such things as “Pray
for Peace,” and “Prayer is not the Answer.” Among others outside of the UMC, Vets for Peace were present. The walk was anchored by a duo carrying
an “Iowans for Peace” sign.
Walkers at end of procession (Sheller/IPN)
The Prayer Service consisted of music, short talks, and
responsive readings. After everyone had
arrived at the Peace Garden
Speakers spoke on the three tenets of the theme- “Making
Peace…” “In our church,” “In our world,”
and “In ourselves.” UMC
Bishop Laurie Haller spoke on the first: (“in our church”), Rev. Alejandro
Alfaro-Santiz pastor at the Trinity Las Americas UMC
in Des Moines
Bishop Laurie Haller speaking. (Sheller/IPN)
Attendees were led in a litany, sang “Let there be peace on
earth,” and the service concluded with lay leader Margaret Borgen speaking a
“sending out”. Song leaders were Jean
Swenson and Kathi Mitchell. On the
keyboard was Linda Clark.
Cosponsors supporting MFSA included Conference Board of
Church and Society, Conference Board of Laity, Conference Board of Global
Ministries, Commission on the Status and Role of Women, Commission on Religion
and Race, Iowa United Methodist Women, Conference Legislative Advocacy Team, Do
No Harm, Wesley Center at the University of Iowa, Threehouse: a Wesley
Foundation at UNI, Simpson College Religious Life Community, and Wesley Center
at ISU.
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