A group of local citizens named the Prairieland Compassion Network wants to increase civility and compassion in central Illinois. Guided by the Charter for Compassion, a worldwide move to action of the Golden Rule, they are partnering with area faith and secular organizations in an attempt to transform Springfield into a more compassionate community. This September they have several events planned to kick off a Year of Compassion, hoping to ignite others to join them throughout 2011 and 2012 in events that focus on the theme of compassion. A schedule of September events follows.
Sept. 9-11 – Compassion Sabbath Services in participating local faith communities who plan to use compassion as the theme for services during the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Sept. 11, 1-2 p.m. – Peace Vigil on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in commemoration of those who were injured or lost their lives, and to stand for an end to violence throughout the world. Sponsored by Pax Christi Springfield. Federal Building, Sixth and Monroe streets.
Sept. 15, 6:30-8p.m. – PCN at H4H Youthbuild Kickoff. Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. First Presbyterian Church, Seventh Street and Capitol Ave.
Sept. 18, 3-4:30 p.m. – Gandhi event. Rajmohan Gandhi shares the mission of peace and compassion as lived by his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi. Sponsored by Laurel Peacemakers. Laurel United Methodist Church, Walnut Street and South Grand Ave.
Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m. – Uhlee’s Gold, a movie on compassion and a discussion will be held. Sponsored by the Grassroots InterFaith Team. Lincoln Library Carnegie North Room, Seventh Street and Capitol Ave.
Sept 21, 7:30-7:50am – International Day of Peace Interfaith Prayer Service. Sponsored by GIFT. Douglas Park, Mason Street and MacArthur Boulevard.
(Look for the rainbow banner from parking lot on Mason, between MacArthur
and Walnut streets.)
Read the Charter for Compassion at charterforcompassion.org.
PCN’s website is www.prairiecompassion.org.
This article appears in Aug 18-24, 2011.
