BY KADIE TAYLOR
THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika held a Candlelight Prayer Vigil for Peace on Jan. 29. Many prayed, read poems and led songs to help attendees process feelings regarding current events. Candy Williams welcomed the audience and opened the vigil in prayer.
The candles were lit during the singing of “This Little Light of Mine,” and the light from candles was spread across the room. Leaders from many churches offered prayers and poems — including Rector Rev. Thomas Joyner of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Auburn; Lay Leader Karl Welsher of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Smith Station; Senior Warden Lissa Weathers of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Roanoke; Rev. Kelli Hitchman-Craig, United Methodist Church Minister; Pastor Rev. Monique Summers of St. Luke AME Church, Opelika; and closing remarks and a benediction by Rector Rev. Larry Williams of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Opelika.
During the vigil, there was a time for, “Open prayers for peace and meditations from the congregation.” Many stood and shared thoughts, prayers, poems and parts of songs with the audience.
PHOTOS BY KADIE TAYLOR | THE OBSERVER
