Two Special Events Highlighted The Week At Trinity

Some of Trinity Episcopal Church’s Sunday School classes commemorated the United Nation’s International Day of Peace on Sunday, September 21, with their giant peace dove.

The Peace Dove was made from directions found on the International Day of Peace website, originated by Jane Goodall. Sue Vogelman, Trinity’s minister of children and youth education, designed and made the dove (with help from other parishioners) using chicken wire, white bed sheets, and PVC pipe.

Residents may recognize the dove (pictured) from the two most recent Labor Day Parades. Trinity incorporated the dove as part of its float for the 2007 and 2008 parades.

 “Since our class lessons often focus on peace both in our hearts and around the world, we thought we should fly the dove on this special day to remind us all of the importance of peace in our lives,” Ms Vogelman said. “The children love the dove! Doves like this one were flown in celebrations all around the world on Sunday.”

The United Nations’ International Day of Peace — marked every year on September 21 — is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations, and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. Established by a UN resolution in 1982, Peace Day has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in myriad events large and small.

In addition to last weekend’s observation, members of the church were planning to ring the church’s bells on Thursday, September 25, to commemorate the halfway point of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.

Eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were agreed upon in 2000 by 189 heads of state, including the United States, to eradicate extreme poverty by 2015. September 25 will also be marked as a day of rededication, fasting, and prayer for the occasion.

On September 25, Bishop Curry planned to attend the special session of the UN, and in Connecticut two worship services were planned at the Cathedral in Hartford with Bishop Laura Ahrens.

Churches all over the world were to spend the day in prayer and hold special services. Trinity Newtown was to ring its bells at 11:45 and 4:45 to mark the start of the services being held at the Cathedral in Hartford.