Community gathers to pray for peace in Ukraine

By John McLoone

Hastings area religious leaders and community members gathered Sunday evening at the Pray for Ukraine service, held at First Presbyterian Church, 602 Vermillion St.

Rev. Stephen Robertson welcomed those attending and thanked local clergy for joining in the service.

Joining Robertson were Rev. Mark Miller of Resurrection United Methodist Church of Hastings, Rev. Beth Wanamaker and Rev. Mary Rowan of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Hastings, Fr. Matt Shireman of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Rev. Tanner Howard of All Saints Lutheran Church of Cottage Grove, Rev. Michael Le Buhn Jr. of Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and Rev. Gregory Geier of St. Phillips Lutheran Church of Hastings.

The event started out by singing the State Anthem of Ukraine. The English translation of the song was included in the night’s bulletin.

“When I read them, they seem to be a powerful statement of what we are about here tonight,” he said.

Those assembled stood for the anthem, followed by Robertson’s remarks.

“Welcome to this time of worship this evening and this time of prayer for Ukraine. We’re glad you’re here. We’re glad to be together to join our prayer,” said Robertson. “Someone asked me, ‘Do we need to have a prayer service. Can’t we just pray on our own for Ukraine?’ Certainly, we can and we do and we should. By being together, we just witness to our community, our nation, our world to the power of prayer and the hope for peace.”

The clergy members took time at the podium for different parts of the service, with Scripture readings and a recitation of the “Litany for Ukraine.” Each line below was read, with attendees.

A Litany for Ukraine – written by Iris de León-Hartshorn Associate Executive Director, Mennonite Church USA Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Ukraine, As they seek refuge from the terrible effects of war. May they find sanctuary in God’s arms, As they try to calm their fears. May they find relief in God’s arms, As they worry about where to find food and shelter. May they find comfort in God’s arms, As they witness the death that war brings. May they find solace in God’s arms, As they leave their homes behind to find safety. May they find strength in God’s arms.

Deliver us all from the madness of believing that good can come from violence. God hear our prayer.

Give us the courage to resist the myths of violence. God hear our prayer. Forgive us our pride as a military super-power. God hear our prayer. Give us the compassion that gives birth to generosity and hospitality.

God hear our prayer.

Let us show love and mercy for those fleeing war. God hear our prayer. Mold us as a people of peace. God hear our prayer. May God hear our prayers and the cries of the Ukrainian people.

Prayer came with the backdrop of the piano music of Karen Altpeter, and soloist was Kelly Spavin, both of First Presbyterian Church.

Fellowship followed the event.

Photo by Bruce Karnick.

Photos by Bruce Karnick.

Rev. Stephen Robertson of First Presbyterian Church of Hastings welcomed attendees of the “Pray for Ukraine” community service Sunday night. Below, pianist for the event was Karen Altpeter.