PEACE CRANE MINISTRY

Facilitated by Penny Tarr

Every year many thousands of people around the world fold paper cranes as an expression of hope for a world at peace, where non-violent means are used to resolve conflicts, and where people can live without fear.  For most of these people the origin of the paper crane as a symbol of peace probably lies with the story of Sadako Sasaki.

Sadako was just over two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.  While she suffered no immediate injury, the effects of her exposure caught up with her some ten years later and she fought a courageous battle with leukemia.

During her treatment she began to fold a thousand paper cranes so that her wish for good health would come true.  She died before completing her task.  Her fellow students folded the remainder of the thousand cranes which were buried with her.

Sadako's courage and faith inspired her friends and students from across the world to raise money for a memorial to the children who were innocent victims of the atomic bomb.

Each year children and adults from all over the world fold a thousand paper cranes to be taken to the Children's Monument in the Peace Park in Hiroshima.  The cranes are placed at the foot of the monument where the inscription reads:  "This is our cry.  This is our prayer.  Peace in the world."

Following this practice, paper cranes are now sent to a number of other peace parks and monuments around the world.  There are also opportunities to send just one folded crance.  Whether one or a thousand, all are folded with the same wish for peace.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Facilited by Deb Smith, RScP

The making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver.  It is a gift freely given with no strings attached.  Made in prayer, as prayer, for prayer, the shawls are passed on hand-tohand and heart-to-heart.  Explanations for the symbolic color and a prayer will be enclosed for the receiver.

Because this is a spiritual practice, we will start with prayer and knit or crochet in prayer with soft music.  As shawls are finished, they will be blessed and prepared for their intended recipients.  There will also be time for fellowship afterward.

Patterns, colors, and ideas will be provided or you can use your own.  If you don't know how to knit or crochet, a basic skills workshop will be available so that you can participate.

Prayer Shawl recipients may be someone you personally know and have chosen to gift or someone whose name has been submitted to the Prayer Shawl Ministry

MEN'S BREAKFAST

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