Leaders from five local churches and Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network gathered Tuesday afternoon to pray for Christian Unity.

Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Gilbert once again hosted this annual event.

“This year our prayer has fewer participants to it because of the pandemic we are in the midst of, but hopefully as you are watching us on YouTube or Facebook, you are joining in our prayer for unity,” the Rev. Michael Quinnan said as he welcomed the few people scattered throughout the sanctuary and to those viewing the livestream at home.

Participants wore masks unless speaking at the lectern and remained socially distanced throughout the service.

The Week of Christian Unity began on Monday and will end on Jan. 25.

This year’s theme is “Abide in my love … you shall bear much fruit” and it comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 15. The theme was chosen by the sisters of the Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland.

The service began with three vigils, each led by a different pastor and containing a Psalm, reading, hymn, short silence and an intercession. The vigils were led by the Rev. Suzanne Brooks-Cope, St. Matthew’s UCC; Deacon Robert O’Connor, Our Lady Queen of Peace; and the Rev. Steve Claycomb, Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church.

Claycomb described “the stark contrast that occurred on Jan. 6” during his sermon.

As churches worldwide were celebrating Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas and the day in which the three wise men presented precious gifts to Jesus, elsewhere in America’s capital city of Washington, D.C., an angry mob stormed its Capitol building.

“Gifts were given to all that came, and mob that was striking, and destroying and yes, even killing at one point,” Claycomb said.

At one point on this day, he saw a local news story about three people dressed as three kings and giving gifts to people in front of the church. It is called “Three Kings Day” in Spanish-speaking cultures and is a festive occasion.

“That was the church in action. The church giving back to those in need, or even just to those whose hands are reaching out.”

He said we will forget this joyous celebration because of the chaos that ensued.

“You and I know that is not what will be remembered in 20 years from now on that day, Instead, we will remember the desecration of our Capitol building. It will be a day in our country’s history that lives in infamy.”

He then shared insights about two men he knew from high school, and tied his message into Scripture.

One is a pastor in Philadelphia and has continued his commitment to God’s love.

“I follow his posts on Facebook and I appreciate the way he communicates to others how to live out peacefully the truth of the Gospel during this turbulent time,” he said.

The other man appeared on his television among the crowd of rioters and is now behind bars. He was charged federally for storming the Capitol.

He is an example of what the wrong kind of passion can do to a person, Claycomb said.

“My brothers and sisters in Christ, as we look around, we need a paradigm shift. Not to something unknown. But to something which was made manifest 2,000 years ago,” he said. “Our country needs to hear God’s word more than ever.”

During his sermon, he asked that when it is safe to do so, area churches and ecumenical partners should gather together and be the light that carries us out of such darkness.

“Staff and volunteers at PVEN look forward to this week of Christian unity as a reason for why we serve,” said Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network president Tom Campbell during the moment to mission segment.

PVEN was formed over 30 years ago by 16 local churches. Its main mission is a food pantry and clothing closet. It also provides office and teaching space to other community agencies at its building, located at 2334 Route 209, Sciota.

Near the end of the service, participants took candles from a basket and went to the other side of the sanctuary and formed a large circle. One by one, they stepped into light their candle from one lit in the center. When all had lit their candle, they slowly walked to their pew and extinguished the candle.

For the most part, participants planned the service during Zoom meetings, she said.

The video will remain on YouTube. The link is: https://youtu.be/tTRbPH9Lq5A.