Online Archives

BY SANDRA COLLIN
UMConnection Correspondent

What happens when disciples of Jesus Christ face gun violence and murder almost directly in their midst?

If you are the Union Street UMC in Westminster, you organize a prayer vigil and peace march addressing two pieces of the Discipleship Adventure: sharing your faith and serving the community.

On Dec. 21, the longest night of the year, more than 50 people gathered at the Union Street UMC to respond to the recent murder of local resident Donnie Bowman.

His was the first murder in the area in nearly two years, and a somber reminder of the reputation that this neighborhood, in the process of healing, is working hard to overcome.

Among those gathered in support were the Revs. Burton Mack from Asbury UMC in Frederick, David Highfield from Westminster UMC, and Blango Ross from Strawbridge UMC in New Windsor. Also among the

supporters were local McDaniel College professor and peace advocate, the Rev. Ira Zepp and Westminster native and mayor, Thomas Ferguson.

Ferguson, a Westminster Community of Shalom board member, expressed the importance of the Union Street UMC?s role as one of the partners in the Community of Shalom?s mission of community transformation. Just across the street from the church is a key Shalom project, the Westminster Community Center, which broke ground in October 2005. The building is expected to be completed this summer.

The mayor noted that the church has piloted a highly successful Boys and Girls Club that meets three times a week and is at capacity with over 25 youth involved in its after school program. The Community Center will be able to offer a safe haven to twice that number of youth, as well as offer a variety of programs and services for both youth and adults in the Westminster area.

It is, Ferguson noted, a step toward wholeness in the community.

The prayer vigil began with the hymn, 'Spirit of the Living God,' and Union Street?s pastor, the Rev. Daryl A. Foster, offering a blessing over the basket of bundled seeds to be distributed during the Peace March.

As Jada and Jessica Waters, members of the Youth Usher Ministry, held the basket, he proclaimed, 'Seed is a powerful symbol. It is important to be mindful of planting the seeds of hope, peace, joy and love in this community.'

Foster then offered words of healing to Bowman?s family and friends.

'We love you,' he said. 'Be encouraged, God will see you through. We serve a God that is with us until the end of the ages.'

As the peace marchers left the warmth of the church into the cold night, Foster reminded them that faith is action and the church is called to go beyond its front door.

With candles and seeds in hand, dozens of community members began the march down Union Street toward Pennsylvania Ave., stopping at several intervals for prayer readings between hymns and spreading the seeds along the way. Even in 25-degree weather, neighbors came out onto their porches to show support.

At the spot where Bowman died, the singing grew softer, then voices fell silent.

Words of healing were offered, as tears were shed and embraces shared. The singing continued in a more pensive tone as the marchers returned to the Union Street UMC.

The prayer vigil and peace march ended with a prayer and benediction, and with the neighborhood knowing that the church was attempting to live its 2 Kings vision of 'pouring vessels for Jesus Christ, building faith, building family and building community' through an active ministry of justice and compassion.