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Field of Flags:
History
The Field of Flags is a display of support and
Christian witness that began in October 2005 at the Somers Congregational
Church in Somers, Connecticut. The flags were put in place to
honor those that have given their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan
conflicts and to show soldiers, their families and friends that
they are remembered in prayer.
The idea came about as members of the Somers
Memorial Garden Committee wrestled with what the church might
do to show their support of our American troops. Their awareness
of the war was heightened as they prayed for a member of their
own community, Noah Cass, and became increasingly aware of the
danger and loss of life endured by those deployed. The Field of
Flags was erected to witness to the church's increasing empathy
toward military service persons and their families.
When the field was dedicated on October 23,
2005, the field consisted of 2,231 twelve-inch flags, one flag
for every American casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the
four weeks the display remained up, 120 flags were added, demonstrating
the continual loss of life. Today, the Field consists of 3,592
flags.
The display is a powerful reminder of every individual American
that has lost his or her life and the estimated 4.3 to 6.5 million
Americans likely to know someone who has been injured or killed
in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Our Witness
The Conyngham UMC community
is made up of a diverse theological and political body
but with the simple unifying mission of: Inspiring People
to Love and Serve God.
We are also a congregation that has within its
body many active and retired civil service personnel and the families
that support them. This includes local and state police, volunteer
firefighters, local government officials, and military personnel.
As a result, our regular community prayer life includes these
persons and the challenges and joys they face in their everyday
life and work.
The Field of Flags made its way to Conyngham
UMC after a congregant saw the display in North Carolina. She
and her husband were so moved by the display that they inquired
if the church would host the display.
Our purpose in hosting the Field of Flags is
to witness to certain core doctrines of our faith:
-- God created us, humankind, in His
image
-- This image has been marred by our sin-fulness, which separates
us from God
-- Suffering, sorrow and death result
-- God still loves us anyway!
-- God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, that we might experience
life giving transformation,reconciliation, and eternal life
-- We experience solidarity with those that are suffering and
are called to witness to the hope of the Gospel
We also therefore recognize the 1.9 million
people in Iraq and Afghanistan who have had a family member killed
and the near 10 million people who have had an acquaintance killed.
Hope!
"Come to me, all you that are weary and
are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew
11:28).
"Even youths will faint and be weary, and
the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord
shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like
eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not
faint" (Isaiah 40:30-31).
"For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from
him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall
not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty
rock, my refuge is in God" (Psalm 62:5-7).
"The thief comes only to steal and kill
and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly"
(John 10:10).
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the
light of life" (John 8:12).
"But these are written so that you may
come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and
that through believing you may have life in his name" (John
20:31).
"For I am convinced that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things
to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else
in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of
God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
Service of Dedication:
Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 7:30pm
Display: March
25 - April, 21, 2007
Sanctuary Open For Reflection and Prayer:
Tues, Wed & Thurs 11:00am-2:00pm, 4:30-6:30pm
Prayer Requests: Lifted up weekly in
Sunday morning worship 10:30am
Service of Healing:
Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 7:30pm
Please send us a message
sharing your thoughts or to let us know of a loved one
or a concern that we might lift up in prayer for you. Email us
at: conynghamumc@epix.net
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