Remembering…
This was a week for remembering. It was a time to reflect on those who have gone to war and fought for their country. It was a time to reflect on victims of war and its impact. It was a time to reflect on those who work for peace.
Rockway is a school, rooted in the Mennonite faith. One of the foundations of the Mennonite faith is living a life of peace, focusing on living without harming others and loving our enemies.This is a challenge; as on many levels, this is in conflict with the ways of the world.On Tuesday, November 12, we gathered as a community for our annual peace chapel, an opportunity for us to look at our attitudes toward violence and war.Faculty, staff and students were called to pray for:
·those who have given their lives for peace
·hope for peace in situations of injustice in our world
·those who work for peace in our world
·all of us, as we work for peace in our own school, families and communities.
Following the prayers, students, faculty and staff were invited to come to the front of the chapel and choose a symbol that represented the message he/she most clearly resonated or connected with, based on the prayers above.They wrote their initials on the symbol and/or a situation for which they wished to remember, and then they placed the symbol in a basket by the Christ candle.
These symbols are now arranged beautifully around one of the concrete pillars in our front foyer. You are welcome to drop by and read them!The vibrant colors and messages are a reminder of the diversity of the Rockway community, something I deeply value.
May we all continue to remember the lives lost throughout history and the challenge to work for peace.
Ann L. Schultz
Principal
Tags: C3, contentment, faith, Family Breakfast, Gratitude, peace, prayer