Everyone is invited to a celebration to welcome the Peace Light from Bethlehem this Sunday 22 December 2013 at the Market Place in Epsom at noon.

The short multi-faith service is organised in partnership with the 7th Epsom Methodist Scout Group, Churches Together in Epsom and Ewell, the Hindu Community of Epsom and Ewell, the Baha’i Community of Epsom and Ewell, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and the Business Development Manager, Epsom.

The service will commence with the Scouts bringing the Peace Light into the Market Place with a welcome by the Five Farthings Handbell Ringers playing ‘Silent Night’. This will be followed by the Scouts explaining the origin of the Peace Light and presentation of the light to the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Colin Taylor who will welcome it on behalf of the Borough.

Representatives from Churches Together in Epsom and Ewell and various faith communities will also welcome the light with short readings followed by lighting a candle from the Peace Light. The service will culminate with the Five Farthings Handbell Ringers playing during the release of balloons of peace.

Reverend Sue Curtis, Associate Minister, Christ Church, Epsom said “We are delighted that members of the faith community of Epsom & Ewell are joining together to welcome the Peace Light from Bethlehem and stand together for peace at Christmas. It is good that this event is happening as a symbol of hope in the community here.”

The Peace Light has been coming to Surrey for over 20 years and is received with a short service at Bentley Copse Scout camp site in Shere around 20 December. It has been coming to Epsom since 2004 and used in the Crib and Christmas services at Christ Church on Epsom Common.

This will be the first of what is hoped to be a regular event for the Borough with the opportunity of the light, with its message of Peace, being taken on to many other places of worship (and other places) in the Borough.

information (c) epsom-ewell.gov.uk