Western New York (WBEN) - How many of us take an opportunity to take a step back and reflect, as we continue to operate in a world that is always in "go" mode?
Love Rising, an expanding movement of local community members gathering to reflect, are coming together for a fourth year, with a series of events for people of all ages, taking place all weeklong in Erie and Niagara counties starting July 10th.
"Love Rising is a community and church organization that focuses on intent neighbors intentionally creating caring communities," says Love Rising coordinator Pam Leibring. "We take some time during July each year to really focus on how we, individually and as neighbors, as communities across Western New York, can really work intentionally to show kindness and care for ourselves, for our community. The hope is that it'll expand beyond that week, and people will start thinking about how do we live "Love Rising" all-year."
What started as a prayer service and a virtual meeting of friends in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly spread beyond the St. Andrew's Church congregation in Burt to churches in Buffalo, Newfane, Wilson, Olcott and other community groups.
The first of five events this week is scheduled for the kids. At 7 p.m. on Monday July 10, there will be free rides, games, crafts and other activities all relating to thankfulness at the Olcott Beach Carousel Park.
On Wednesday, there will be a community conversation at Schulze Winery in Burt. The theme is "Love Your Neighbor".
On Thursday, enjoy free, instruction-guided "Yoga in the Peace Garden" at St. Andrew's Church in Burt, available for all skill levels, aimed to prepare you mentally and physically for the main day of reflection on Saturday, June 15th, where there will be all-day events starting at sunrise at Krull Park in Olcott.
"A variety of clergy will be leading that service throughout the day, we ask that each person who's participating to just take a moment, an hour to reflect, it could be an hour all together out while you're having your coffee on your porch. It could be 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there, but to reflect on who you are, what you want, how you can create strong communities. Then, the St. Andrews, Niagara County portion of the event ends in the evening of July 15, with what we're calling "Sunset set to Music in our Peace Garden" at 7:30 p.m."
The following day, Sunday, July 16, a "Love Thy Neighbor" Praise and Prayer Community event will take place at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Buffalo.
You can find the whole list of events and more details at www.love-rising.com.
"Many of us believe in the power of prayer, but you don't need to be a religious person to be part of this day. If you have love for your neighbors, love for your community, please join us. Set aside an hour, or whatever time you have," says Leibring.
