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Candlelight Prayer Vigil
If you’ve driven past First United Presbyterian Church at the corner of Noble and Division in Guthrie, you may have noticed a sea of purple flags covering the church lawn. Each flag represents a domestic violence-related call made to law enforcement in Logan County. This year, 650 flags stand in recognition of calls received by the Logan County Sheriff’s Office and Guthrie Police Department alone.
Behind each flag is a reminder that domestic violence is not a distant issue. It is happening here, in our own community, affecting our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and families.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services invites the community to its 5th Annual Candlelight Prayer Vigil, an evening dedicated to reflection, remembrance, prayer, and hope.
Domestic violence reaches far beyond the person experiencing abuse. Its effects ripple through families, impact children, and leave lasting wounds throughout communities. The annual vigil provides a space for survivors, their loved ones, and community members to come together, honor those affected by violence, and reflect on how we can better support one another.
The evening will begin with a free community dinner at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First United Presbyterian Church, followed by the candlelight vigil at 6:00 p.m. The vigil will include scripture readings, a message from Wings of Hope, a message to the community, collective prayer over the epidemic of domestic violence, and a symbolic lighting of candles.
This year, Wings of Hope is also inviting families and loved ones to submit the names and, if desired, photographs of individuals whose lives have been lost to domestic violence. Those submitted will be honored during the vigil as the community pauses to remember the lives taken and the families forever changed. Submissions can be sent to vigil@sdvs.org.
While the purple flags serve as a sobering reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence in Logan County, the candles lit that evening will represent something equally important: hope, compassion, and the power of a community standing together.
“We cannot always change what someone has experienced, but we can change how our community responds. When we choose compassion over judgment, understanding over assumptions, and support over silence, we become part of breaking the cycle of violence.” - Coy McPeek, Director of Community Advocacy The event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend, whether personally affected by domestic violence or simply wishing to stand alongside those who have been.
Together, we can shine a light on domestic violence and remind survivors that they are not alone.
If you, or someone you know needs help, you can contact Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services at their 24/7 Helpline (405) 6243020.