What: Once again the DM Faith Committee for Peace will be holding a Service
on the Feast of the Holy Innocents. We remember the slaughter of the
innocents in Herod’s time, and raise our prayers to stop violence against
innocent children caused by wars and conflict around the world today. We
continue to insist that “War is not the answer.” Waging peace is the
answer.
When: 6:30 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Where: First United Methodist Church, 1001 Pleasant Street, Des Moines.
Parking lot and entrance on north side. The service will also be live
streamed.
Who: Organized by Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace.
We are inviting co-sponsors to help organize, publicize and attend
the event, either in person, or virtually.
This ecumenical service is one of a series organized over the last several years by the
D.M. Faith Committee for Peace. This is a time to lament the terrible losses of war,
pray for peace, and re-commit ourselves to the cause of peace-making worldwide.
The service has its roots in the Christmas story recounted in the Book of Matthew, 2:16-
18: “When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and
he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or
under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what
had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing
and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled,
because they are no more.’”
The service will emphasize deeply that all children need peace with justice. The
purposes of the service are to remember the slaughter of the holy innocents of
Bethlehem, ask for God’s mercy upon innocent victims everywhere, call upon God’s
great might to frustrate the designs of evil, and pray for the coming of justice, love and
peace on earth. We will pray to strengthen our resolve to act against war.
We ask co-sponsors to lend their good names, help organize, promote and publicize the
prayer service, and encourage people to attend. Financial contributions of $25.00 or
Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace
$50.00 to help cover expenses are appreciated, but not required to be listed as a co-
sponsor. The offering for this service will be given to Children & Families First, an
organization in Des Moines that seeks “…to put the well-being of children and their
families first by offering evidenced-based programs and services through all phases of
development and life.” (from their web site) Donations to the program can be given
directly to them at: 1620 Pleasant Street, Ste. 237, Des Moines, IA 50314, or given to
the DM Faith Committee for Peace who will send the combined offering to Children &
Families First.
Co-sponsorship checks can be made out to DM Faith Committee for Peace and sent to
Linda Dorsey, 3519 Oak Creek Place, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Donations to the
Faith Committee are not tax deductible.
To reply or for more information: call Eloise Cranke at: 515-262-5974, or send email to
ecranke@mchsi.com The deadline to be listed as a co-sponsor is Monday, December
13 th
.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ECUMENICAL
SERVICES FOR PEACE.