Executive Director

Jan. 10: Candlelight Vigil for a Time of National Anxiety

Sunday, January 10, 2021, 4:30pm
Wesley United Methodist Church, 79 Clinton Street, Concord, NH 03301

Several news outlets covered this vigil:

On January 17, the Episcopal and Lutheran congregations of Berlin also held a candlelight vigil:

Rev. Jason Wells, the Council’s executive director, shared this prayer:

Let us pray.

Good and gracious God, we have gathered as a people: some of us are sad. Some of us are angry. Some are confused or worried. Some remain stunned by what they never though possible. Some are stunned by seeing happen what they knew was all too probable. As a diverse and mixed people, we confess for our selves and our nation the sins of hate and of racism, of silence and of complicity that we saw on display. Through these readings and prayers, show us again that you are a God so much greater than our wrongdoing.

We thank you, God, for the strength and dignity we saw on the margins. We thank you for the courage of journalists, for the quick intelligence of the women who rescued the electoral ballots, for the humble strength of the elected officials and Capitol staff who cleaned up afterward. Most solemnly we thank you for the lives of Capitol security who put themselves on line. We pray, God of justice, that you set wrongs aright, that you comfort those still feeling vulnerable and those still mourning loss.

Your prophet Martin told us that darkness can never drive our darkness, only the light can do that. As we light our candles and hear your Word, the light for our feet and lamp for our path, show us the way to peace, not the negative peace which is the absence of tension but the positive peace which is the presence of justice.

Give us the courage, wisdom and strength to walk in your light and to reflect your light in dark days where your light is needed the most. Amen.

Leaders of our member denominations also spoke up or led their own prayer vigils:

See and share this event on Facebook.

This is a hybrid event: people attending in person must wear masks and maintain social distancing. Come dressed for outdoor weather. We will not be indoors.

Click here to download the vigil program (PDF).

“For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Ecumenical faith leaders of the NH Council of Churches offer this candlelight vigil following the crisis in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021. The program will consist of candle lighting, prayer, silence, Bible readings and other reflections.

Participants include:

  • Rev. Jason Wells, Executive Director, NH Council of Churches
  • Marian Baker, recorded minister, Weare/Henniker Quaker Meeting
  • Rev. Allison Palm, minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua
  • Rev. Cheryl Meachen, pastor, Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord
  • Rev. Mark Ferrin, pastor emeritus, First Baptist Church, Keene
  • Rev. Emily Burr, community minister, Starr King U. U. Church, Plymouth