DUNEDIN CHURCH HONORS CASUALTIES

First Presbyterian’s designated Peace Advocate initiates weekly tolling of the bell, April 29, 2007.

Today, in this worship service, we begin something new. This is an idea I picked up at a recent meeting of the Presbytery Peace Advocates. As confirmed last week by our Session, each Sunday morning from now through December, we will turn our attention to a region of the world currently suffering violent conflict. In so doing, we will honor and mourn the dead on all sides of the conflict. We will toll the bell in their honor, and we will pray for peace.

It goes something like this.
Today, we turn our attention to Iraq.
Please follow in your bulletin as we join in the

PRAYER FOR PEACE

We pray for the Church in Iraq.
Peace be with you.

God of all people, we long for the day when peace will reign in Iraq. Bestow the wisdom and practice of non-violence to all in Iraq. We pray your presence would strengthen all people of faith in these fearful times. Protect and empower all people of peace in the birthplace of our faith so that they may together rebuild their nation. In the name of the One who came to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior we commend those 111 coalition troops and over 17-hundred civilians who have lost their lives in the conflict in Iraq this month. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, and into the blessed rest of everlasting peace.

Amen

Tolling of the bell