LEWISBURG — Community members of the Susquehanna Valley are invited to a Candlelight Vigil at the First Baptist Church in Lewisburg on Sunday, December 3rd.
In addition to First Baptist, the event is being co-sponsored by the CommUnity Zone of Lewisburg and Citizens for Gun Safety, a newly formed grassroots organization. Dr. David Wilson, retired local orthodontist and founder of this group says, “This is an event where we can remember the victims of gun violence in the Central Susquehanna Valley with prayers, music and candlelight. There is hope since we know that we can curb gun violence with common sense safety initiatives that are proven to save lives.”
The vigil will be a community event and persons of all faith traditions or no faith tradition are welcome. Dr. John Colatch, pastor at First Baptist, says, “We will strive to convey a reason to be hopeful at the vigil.” The service will include a time to remember not only the victims of gun violence but also the survivors, including family members, law enforcement officers, and health care providers, just to name a few, whose lives have been greatly impacted by the gun violence epidemic and public health crisis.
There will be readings with members of the community participating in various aspects of the service. Ann Keeler Evans, Cynthia Peltier and Dave Wilson will be among those speaking and reading. Brett Hosterman, Music Director and Organist at First Baptist, Andy Seal, gong/bass, Paul Smith, guitar, and Amy Kenny, flute, will be among the musicians who will provide music during the vigil.
The vigil will begin at 4:00 p.m. and be held indoors at the First Baptist Church, 51 South Third Street, Lewisburg. Lasting an hour or less, it will conclude with a candlelight procession outside to the front steps of the church.
