Hollister
– Four of Hollister’s churches plan to come together tonight in
a prayer for peace.
Hollister – Four of Hollister’s churches plan to come together tonight in a prayer for peace.
“We’d like to see the year 2007 start out with a hopeful feeling,” said the Rev. Ardyss Golden of Hollister United Method Church.
Golden will be joined by the Rev. Bob Rufener of Abundant Life Foursquare Church, the Rev. Rudy Ruiz of Sacred Heart/St. Benedict’s Church and the Rev. David Rodriguez of First Presbyterian Church.
Some special guests – the leaders of the city and county government – have been invited too.
Golden said she especially hopes to see Hollister’s City Council members at the service.
“We want to let new city officials know that we’re praying for them and we’re behind them,” Golden said.
Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia, at least, plans to attend.
“We need to get the community more involved, and this could be a piece of that,” Valdivia said. “I think it’s great.”
This will be the first event of its kind in Hollister, Golden said. Some churches have cooperated in the past, but this is the first time all four churches have teamed up to pray for peace.
Golden said tonight’s service will include prayers for peace within ourselves, peace between the churches, peace within the community, peace within the country and peace within the world.
Tonight’s service also commemorates the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an international event that began in 1908. Golden said the week officially ended on Wednesday, but organizers hoped to increase turnout by holding the event tonight.
Rochelle Flosi, administrative assistance at United Methodist, said that since it’s the inauguration of what organizers hope will become an annual event, turnout at tonight’s service may be a bit low.
“It’s really hard to know,” Flosi said.
Of course, Christians don’t have a monopoly on peace or goodwill, and Golden said people should enjoy the “night of singing and praying” regardless of their faith.
“There will be no preaching,” she said.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
