Peace Light Celebration In Luton 2018

Around 150 friends and supporters gathered at the Parish Church of All Saints with St Peter in Luton to welcome the Peace Light as it arrived on the latest leg of its annual journey from Bethlehem. The light was collected from Dover in the early hours by Luton Deep Sea Scout Mike Jarman.

The Curate of All Saints with St Peter, Revd Jo Burke,welcomed guestsincluding the Mayor, Cllr NaseemAyub, Mr Sanjeev Kumar from Shri Guru Ravidass and Maqsood Anwar from the Madinah Mosque, together with many Scouts, Guides and friends from all over Luton.
Revd David Chesterton spoke about the “Faithful Friends” in the West Midlands and their vision to build a community that celebrates diverse communities bringing peace, friendship, understanding and hope. Mr Kumar and Mr Anwar shared thoughts and readings, before Mr Kumar lit the first of the many candles which would create a circle of light around the church. Then, by candlelight, new friends and old exchanged olive branches and messages of peace.

Cllr Ayubsaid “it’s wonderful to see people from so many backgrounds come together in this beautiful church, a place of peace and harmony, to celebrate together, share cultures and make friends. In Luton, where more than 120 languages are spoken, there must be at least 20 or 30 of those represented here. In a town as diverse as ours it’s so important to have such a sense of community as I have felt tonight.” She added, “I would like to thank Mike for his service to the Peace Light”.

Originally organised by the Austrian Broadcasting Company in 1986 as part of a charitable mission for children in need, the light is collected every year from the Holy Land.

This year it started its journey on 28th November, being flown to Austria for a service of dedication. From there, with the aid of Scouts, it is shared with millions of homes across Europe, USA and Canada. In the UK, the light’s journey is co-ordinated by Deep Sea Scouts like Mike, all of whom are serving or retired members of the Armed Forces, officers and crew in the Merchant Navy, fishermen, and many others with strong connections to the sea.

The peace light continues its journey from All Saints into the homes of people all over Luton, including Cameron, a Cub Scout who has been taking the light home for the last three years.

His light will be kept shining in the kitchen window until twelfth night, sharing peace and goodwill in the finest of Christmas traditions.

During the service a collection which was generously supported was made in aid of the Luton foodbank

For more details about Scouting fun and adventure, see our website at www.lutonscouts.org.uk or call our hotline on 0844 414 5687

Helen Halsey / Mark Chamberlain