Church gathers for International Day of Prayer
By Jenn Chumsae Contributing Writer

At the candle-light peace vigil held Sept. 20, (l to r) William Ercolini, 6, and Jack Crue, 5, light each other's candles. Pastor Doug Robinson-Johnson of Hudson's First United Methodist Church organized the "peaceful gathering" to acknowledge the International Day of Peace.

Hudson - On Sept. 20, members of the First United Methodist Church gathered for an evening of food, music and prayer to acknowledge the International Day of Prayer for Peace. The event, organized by Pastor Doug Robinson-Johnson and called a "peaceful gathering," included music, a candlelight walk around the Hudson Rotary, and viewing a documentary film honoring those fighting in the war and remembering the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

A complimentary meal consisted of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Head cook Carolyn Paskavitz provided the meal, home-cooked by her team. Paskavitz will continue to provide meals at the church every Thursday evening from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with 4 to 5 p.m. being a social hour for tea and coff ee.

"We want to demonstrate God's love to the community, regardless of their needs," Paskavitz said.

After dinner, participants gathered to listen to singersongwriter Shelley Tworoger and her husband, guitarist Mike Tworoger, both active members of the church. Songs included "Legacy," and participants sang along to "Share the Well," "Live in Charity" and "We Shall Overcome."

Shelley participated in the event to help promote peace.

"[I want to] contribute in the peace process as a way of having and producing active peace," she said.

Following dinner and music, attendees participated in a candlelight procession around the Hudson Rotary. The procession continued from the Rotary to the War Memorial and was followed by a visit to the Armory.

Robinson-Johnson encouraged participants to share stories and their feelings on the war. Many members told personal stories of past wars and provided the group with thoughts and reflections of the current war.

They then returned to the church to view "The Ground Truth," a documentary showing footage from the war and interviews with soldiers who have returned home.

"We are gathering to share hopes and fears of the war," Robinson-Johnson said. "I feel I have a responsibility to participate in stopping the war."

The film included testimonials from men and women who fought in the war in Iraq and have returned home to a life they no longer recognize. Live footage from the war is included in the film.

According to Robinson- Johnson, the "peaceful gathering" was intended to focus on the war in Iraq and to pray for the men and woman risking their lives. This event was also to commemorate the International Day of Prayer for Peace Sept. 11.