When the television is turned on for the nightly news it’s hard to avoid seeing violence. There is violence internationally, in the United States and in the home. The United Methodist Women’s group at Wesley United Methodist Church in Iola wants to promote peace.
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday Wesley United will open its doors at 301 E. Madison to the community for a pray for peace effort. The idea came to the women after hearing a program on peace.
“Peace needs to be in the home, it needs to be personal and national,” Regina Woodworth, church secretary, said. “It starts from the bottom up.”
With the current conflict in Ukraine, the women thought now would be a good time to promote a day of prayer. Woodworth said international conflict isn’t the only thing the community should be aware of.
“In this community we need peace because there is domestic violence,” she said. “We know God desires peace when we remember that we’re not in this alone and there is a higher power that can be a big part of the guidance.”
Gerry Uphoff said everyone is welcome to stop by the church.
“You can stay for a couple minutes or stay for as long as you like,” Uphoff said. “You can sit in a pew or go to the altar. It’s however or whatever you want to do.”
As a coincidence, April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time communities are encouraged to share prevention awareness strategies and activities.
The women would like community members to realize violence against children is a real problem that affects everyone.
“When they feel like it’s their concern, too, they are more apt to be a part of it,” Woodworth said.
For more information on the event contact Wesley United at 620-365-2285.
Pray for peace at Iola church
