By Jeannie Breeze
As we prepare for the 30th annual World Peace Day, “Heart of Peace”, Thursday, December 31, 2015, 6 a.m. at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman (at Kingshighway) in St. Louis’ Central West End, the intention, as always, is to create a joyous, holy celebration of love and community, where our differences fade away and we recognize our unity, our common desire for a peaceful world, and a healed planet. We know that peace begins with us and radiates out to envelop our community, our nation, our world. Every aspect of our morning gathering is designed to help bring us to that point of common vision that we may truly be of one accord. This Universal Faith Service is FREE and OPEN to ALL. A love donation is invited.
Luminarias light the way to the entrance to Central Reform Congregation. Doors open at 5 a.m. so you can put your message on a prayer flag with Jeane Vogel’s “Dare to Touch the Face of God” project, buy raffle tickets for the 5 fabulous prizes to be awarded at the potluck breakfast following the service, or enter the sanctuary for silent meditation. Parking is available in the CRC parking lot, the church lot across the street, or along the street. Best to arrive early to insure close parking.
Music, meditation, and message invite your participation in the journey. The bells of JOIA, the flute and chant of Raven Wolf C. Felton Jennings, the gongs and bowls of healing sound artist Patti Pellerito awaken congregants with the Call to Peace. Music by stellar local artists Brian Clarke, Bridgette Kossor, and Tim Mead opens our hearts “to the luminous love light of the One.” We share The Universal Greeting, respond to the warm welcome of Rabbi Randy Fleisher, and find ourselves enlightened and enthralled by the Earth Wisdom of “Green” Jean Ponzi, and by the soul renderings of fellow traveler J’Asa, reading from her journal “The Book of Now”. Together we travel into the holy space of the heart, with event organizer Jeannie Breeze as our guide, as Patti Pellerito transports us with her sacred sounds. Together we emerge from our journey, renewed and revitalized, ready to bless ourselves and each other, to find compassion in our hearts for all life, ready to bless the Earth who sustains us. We must remain firm in our resolution to be agents of change and spiritual evolution, even as we remain centered in the power of love as the greatest force in the Universe. We celebrate our peace, our love, our joy with affirmation, chant, and jubilantly express our joy through dance & movement as JOIA inspires our final outpouring of radiant beingness. Our fellowship continues and grows as we share potluck breakfast (no pork or shellfish, please), and draw the winning raffle tickets.
We need volunteers on Wednesday, Dec. 30 to come to Central Reform Congregation (5020 Waterman at Kingshighway) between 1-4 pm to help decorate the sanctuary and the foyer, to prepare and place the luminarias, and to begin breakfast preparations. Early on the morning of the event, we need light bearers to come light the luminarias, greeters to welcome and direct guests, angels to help with breakfast. Please e-mail me at jjbreeze46@gmail.com with your names & telephone numbers to volunteer. You are also invited to support the event financially at https://www.gofundme.com/wpday or with the purchase of a program listing. Visit www.wpdaystl.com for full details. Peace & Love to All, Jeannie Breeze (event organizer).