PEACE LIGHT COMING TO WAQUOIT
Flame From Bethlehem To Arrive at Waquoit Congregational Church
On Friday, December 12 from 4:00-7:00pm, under the care of Scout Troop 36, the Peace Light from the grotto at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem will arrive at the Waquoit Congregational Church. The Light is a perpetual flame that has been burning in the assumed location of Jesus’ birth for over 1000 years. The Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was originally organized in 1986 by the Austrian Broadcasting Company – ORF (Linz) – and was part of a large charitable relief mission – Light into Darkness, for children in need in Austria and abroad.
Each year, a child from Upper Austria fetches the light from the grotto in Bethlehem. The light is then flown to Austria for a Service of Dedication and distributed to delegations who take it back, with a message of Peace, to their own countries for use at ecumenical services. The Peace Light first came to New York in 2001 by Canadian Scouts who brought it to Ground Zero. In 2002, DHL delivered the Peace Light as a gift from Belgian Scouts and Guides to the Boy Scouts of America in NY. It is currently transported by Austrian Airlines.
The light is distributed by Scouts who take it on to houses of worship, hospitals, homeless shelters, retirement and nursing homes, prisons, and places of public, cultural and political importance – to anybody who appreciates the significance of the gift and hope of a peaceful world.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to connect with the spirit of the season and get involved,” said Nathaniel Higgins, Eagle Scout Candidate from Scout Troop 36.
“At this time of year, especially this year with all that has happened, we turn our attention to peace. This flame gives us the chance to tangibly connect with each other and ourselves,” states Rev. Jennifer Valentine, Minister of Education in Residence at the Waquoit Congregational Church.
A time of peace will be offered at the Waquoit Congregational Church, where Scouts, churches, or individuals can receive the light and share it with others. Bring an enclosed candle, an oil lamp, or other device to hold the flame as you transport it.
The Peace Light will be central in worship at the church on Sunday, December 14 during the Christmas Cantata at 10:00am. More information is available from Rev. Jennifer Valentine at jennieval@comcast.net or 508-572-5564.
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