Sherwood Rotary Peace Pole planted at the Sherwood Methodist Church, Sherwood, Oregon-USA

On March 19,2017,  the Rotary Club of Sherwood  dedicated its fourth Peace Pole at Sherwood United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm. As part of their commitment to peace making this year the Sherwood United Methodist Church is highlighting various struggles faced by indigenous peoples. Following the service for the installation of the Peace Pole there will be a presentation by Rev. Aric Clark about his visit to Standing Rock with an update on the current situation of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Rev. Aric Clark shared the following. “We are honored to take part in this effort to build a visible commitment to peace in Sherwood. As Christians we believe that it is our life’s work to build a just and sustainable peace for all people, beginning with the most vulnerable and marginalized among us. That is why we have worked for years to alleviate hunger in our community. It is why we publicly proclaim welcome for refugees and immigrants, seek understanding with our neighbors of all faiths and of no-faith, and demand justice for the oppressed. May this Peace Pole be a reminder of those commitments to us and to everyone who visits this garden. May Peace Prevail On Earth.”

As part of their commitment to peace making, the Sherwood United Methodist Church is highlighting various struggles faced by indigenous people.  Rev. Clark made a presentation after the Peace Pole dedication about his visit to Standing Rock with an update on the current situation of the Dakota Access Pipeline.  On Sunday, June 4, Sherwood United Methodist Church will host a screening of the documentary “Promised Land” about the struggle of the Duwamish and Chinook peoples to be recognized as tribes by the federal government.  Following the film there will be a panel discussion by several members of the Chinook Nation.  All are welcome.

Sherwood Rotary initiated its Peace Pole project in 2016 to raise awareness in the community of the need to promote world peace and understanding.  The Peace Poles are 6 feet high and display the words “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in 4 different languages.  The languages displayed on their pole will be English, Arabic, Hebrew and Mandarin Chinese.  To date, Peace Poles have been erected at the Sherwood YMCA and St. Francis Catholic Church and School, Our Table Cooperative with commitments for 6 more at sites throughout town.

Sherwood Rotary has qualified as a Peace Builder Club and is part of Rotary District 5100 which has taken on a major initiative to establish 100 Peace Poles in Oregon and Washington in partnership with the Jubitz Family Foundation which is providing funding for the project.

Members of the community are encouraged to view the Peace Poles at the YMCA, St. Francis, Our Table, Sherwood  United Methodist Church and to participate in a series of peace-related educational events and activities being offered in Sherwood over the coming months.  For more information on Sherwood Rotary’s peace initiatives, contact Rotary President Joe Gall at gallj@sherwoodoregon.gov.

Photo and Press Release Submitted by:
Wendy Wells
Sherwood Rotary Service Chair