Day 17: Vigils and Marches

December 14, 2021

Day 17: Vigils and Marches

When I started thinking about this entry on the Tree of Contemplative Practices, what immediately came to mind was the Morton Grove Interfaith Walk in September 2016. The UCC church I pastor is located in Morton Grove, which is a multicultural, multi-ethnic, interfaith community in the suburbs of Chicago. Yes, I was an organizer (and walker!) in this Interfaith Walk through parts of Morton Grove.

This interfaith walk was a tremendous opportunity for different cultures, different faith traditions and different ethnicities to come together, learn about each other, and walk together on this Saturday morning. We centered it around three representative houses of faith, and in cooperation with the village of Morton Grove, walked from one to the next and the next. Fifty to sixty people of all ages participated, and had a wonderful opportunity to show the community that diversity matters. We rejoice in our diversity, and each individual is important and worthwhile.

The success of this interfaith walk continued a desire in me for work in the community. I began organizing and coordinating the Family Peace Fest for Hope and Harmony, which ran for four successive years, in cooperation with the Morton Grove Farmers’ Market and the Morton Grove Chamber of Commerce. The Family Peace Fest started in 2016, and the final year was 2019. (Sadly, we all know that the pandemic intervened, and a lot of worthwhile events did not happen in 2020.)

I had a vision for the inclusion for so many diverse cultures, ethnicities, and faith traditions in the wider community. And, it came to pass! We had the support of the Village of Morton Grove and the Morton Grove Library, too, with a special selection of children’s books on peace and diversity at the farmers’ market that day. Arts and crafts booths, activity booths, and the market, too! Many people were so pleased with the event. It was a lot of work! And yes, I am so happy it happened for four years.

What next, you may ask? I do not know. God willing, I am open to whatever God leads me to do for the community where I serve.

Dear God, thank You for the Interfaith Walk and the Family Peace Fests. Thank You for the witness we all gave to the greater community and the Village of Morton Grove. Thank You for so many people who participated, who came and learned more, and who had their eyes and hearts opened more. Thank You for the many things I learned, too. Please continue to come alongside all of our neighbors and friends who were involved. Bless them, Lord! And, may Your name continue to be lifted up. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

Thanks to the website www.contemplativemind.org for their excellent image the Tree of Contemplative Practices.

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: www.pastorpreacherprayer.com, matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks! )