Sparta Church dedicates peace pole

Sparta — A peace pole monument with a prayer for peace in eight languages was planted and dedicated at Sparta United Methodist Church on Friday, June 30, as a mission project for Vacation Bible School Students in fourth and fifth grade. Following the planting of the pole, children and parents gathered for a prayer for peace for all people, and sang “Let Their Be Peace On Earth” led by The Rev. Dr. Charles T. McNeil. The handcrafted cedar pole displays the message, “May peace prevail on Earth,” in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Hebrew, Cherokee and Swahili. These eight languages were chosen to represent the cultural and spiritual diversity that exists in the world. There are more than 200,000 peace poles in 180 countries all over the world. When a peace pole is planted, it links people of various cultures and ethnicities together who have also planted their poles in the spirit of peace. For more information, visit www.spartumc.org. The Sunday School session will begin on Sept. 10 followed by the worship service and annual church picnic.