UPDATED schedule of the Journey of Peace and Friendship
[NOTE: Durham Friends Meeting will hold its April 2025 Meeting for Business on April 27 at noon.]
Falmouth Quarter is scheduled for April 26th and 27th. On April 26th we will join A Journey of Peace and Friendship: Kindling Moral Courage, Kindness and Connection”. This is an event designed to be an antidote to the fear, division and chaos our communities are experiencing currently: it is being planned by a multi-faith planning group gathered by Sherri Mitchell, Penobscot writer, activist and attorney. Shirley Hager and Andy Burt from Midcoast Friends Meeting are part of the organizing group. Please also see this website for more information: https://www.landpeacefoundation.org/events
Sherri writes: “We are bringing together a multi-faith, cross-cultural group to organize a 7 day processional prayer/unity walk to uplift the dignity and sacredness of every living being. We will begin with a ceremony at the Penobscot Nation Boat Landing on April 22nd (Earth Day), where Wabanaki people will welcome all those who have come to this land seeking refuge, asylum, or simply a better life. We will also honor Mother Earth who holds and nurtures us all.
We will begin our processional following the opening/welcome ceremony with a five mile walk. Each of the following days, we’ll begin and end our day of walking with a prayer, ceremony, or ritual led by one of the faith groups joining the walk. We intend to invite people to join us in those moments of prayer, even if they cannot join the walk. On the 29th, we will arrive in Augusta and hold a collective ceremony, with prayers, songs, and shared vision at the state house.
We will also be reaching out to those with perceived differences and asking them to walk together during the walk, this includes politicians, religious groups, etc., to help connect and humanize one another. Our goal is to uplift all that we hold most dear, we want to celebrate one another, show our care for another, and amplify moral courage, kindness, and connection. “
On Saturday the 26th the day will begin with a prayer circle at 8:30, followed by a 5 mile walk and a midday celebration, multi-faith worship, and feast. Friends are welcome to join the prayer circle, and the walk or just come to the feast and celebration. In the afternoon there will be another 4 mile walk. We will send details of where the procession is, and organize carpools later.
The quarter will also gather Sunday 4/27 afternoon at a meetinghouse to be determined to receive and forward State of Society reports, Memorial Minutes and reports of those with recognized ministries.
All are welcomed and All are needed.
