Carrying a handmade giant dove that led the way, around 60 people of all ages walked in solidarity from the northeast section of Harrisonburg, Va., to Court Square, in the annual
Peace Parade held Palm Sunday afternoon, Apr. 9.
Amidst a setting of warm temperatures and brilliant sunshine, the group began its march at Immanuel Mennonite Church, stopping several times to hear short speeches on immigration, prison reform and other justice issues. Participants came from Community Mennonite Church, Immanuel Mennonite, Early Church and Bethel AME.
They assembled on the steps of the Rockingham County Courthouse to sing and to hear a call to “love as Jesus does” and to receive a blessing from Jennifer Davis Sensenig, lead pastor at Community Mennonite Church.
“The recent death of M.J. Sharp while working for peace in the Congo reminds us of the possible cost of peacemaking,” Davis Sensenig told the group. “Rather than depending on military might, we are seeking the shalom of the city through our connection with Jesus and people around us. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
Thanks to Jim Bishop for the photos and the reporting. CMC respects members’ privacy. If your picture is here and you do not want it to be, contact the church office to have it immediately removed and to add yourself to the ‘Do Not Photo’ list.