Special Invitation

This week is the fourth in Pastor Jack's 7 Week Cross Vigil standing between the gates in Northumberland for 3 hours each day from 12 noon to 3 pm. One of Jack's main reasons behind this venture is to highlight the ongoing "positive work" that is being carried out by many community groups and churches on both sides of the dividing wall. Pastor Jack feels that much of this work, on both sides, is not being properly recognised nor properly supported, not least his own Stadium Youth Projects, including the Higher Force Challenge cross community project and the Hobby Horse Playgroup with it's Butterfly Club for children with special needs etc.

 

Human Peace Wall: In an effort to highlight the existing good relations and the ongoing cooperation across the divide Pastor Jack is organising the formation of a Human Peace Wall. He has met with several churches and community groups on both sides of the wall, Shankill and Falls, and has been guaranteed support from both sides. The plan is to form a line along the middle of the road from the traffic lights on the Falls side of Northumberland Street through the dividing gates to the traffic lights on the Shankill side of Northumberland Street. Hundreds of people from both sides have already agreed to participate on Saturday 17 October at 12 noon sharp.

 

This is NOT a "Religious Event", but is a Community Event (of course the church is part of the community). The event is also being supported by United Against Hatred and by singer Peter Corry (sang at George Best's funeral) who will be singing a song of hope on the day. There will also be the building of a symbolic bridge involving young people from youth clubs on both sides of the wall. They will meet and greet each other on the bridge and will unfold a banner with the words "United in Hope". They will also release 400 coloured balloons representing both traditions, 10 for each year the walls have been dividing the communities. The event will only last for 15 minutes, but it is hoped its impact will last much longer.

 

Pastor Jack has also invited every politician to join with the people on that day. He promises that no one will be compromised, but feels it is important for politicians to step outside of Stormont and to stand on the ground with the people for a few moments of time, without election leaflets or manifestos.

 

Peace Pole: Over 250,000 Peace Poles have been planted in conflict zones throughout the world, yet not one exists in Northern Ireland. Pastor Jack sought to have one erected in the grounds of Belfast City Hall during 1997, but was met with apathy. A Peace Pole will now be erected between the gates in Northumberland Street at a separate ceremony, lasting 15 minutes, on Saturday 24 October at 2.45 pm. Special guests will be Patricia Lewsley, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, and the Waterford Omagh Peace Choir. That same evening at 7.30 pm there will be a "United in Hope" community concert in the City LIFE Centre in Northumberland Street with the New Life Worship Team and the Waterford Omagh Peace Choir.

 

This is your personal invitation to all of the above. WWJD. If you are living outside of Northern Ireland we would ask you to pray for these events.

 

RSVP via email

 

Jack McKee