We live in a beautiful community. We want to keep our hearts and minds open to meet the growing list of challenges our country is facing, and to create a community where everyone belongs. To do that, we know we need to have open, respectful dialogue.
The Love Rising effort began in June of 2020 as the COVID pandemic was raging across the country and many people were experiencing feelings of despair and isolation. Pam Leibring, originator of the Love Rising Community Day of Prayer & Meditation, was looking for something positive to come from those very challenging days. Pam explains her initial motivation this way: "When I listened to the news, it made my heart hurt. Pandemic, unrest, unemployment, racial tension, injustice … there was just so much pain. I felt like I had to do something. What do many of us do when we’re experiencing great sadness? We pray. So I talked to my priest, Reverend Randi Hicks Rowe, who is the rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Burt. We discussed a prayer vigil. I brought the idea to other church members, and the idea blossomed from there.”
Love Rising is not just about thoughtful consideration of challenges we’re facing at local and national levels. It's also about learning how to approach potentially difficult conversations with our neighbors from a position of love, asking questions and listening to each other to find common ground. Focusing efforts and actions on a single day – from dawn to dusk – may renew or create connections between the local clergy and community leaders who can help lead conversations and facilitate future efforts for positive change.
“Many of us believe in the power of prayer. But you don’t need to be a religious person to be part of this day,” explains Pam. She emphasizes that this effort is not owned by a single church, or even by faith communities. “If you have love for your neighbors, love for your community, please join us. Set aside an hour, or whatever time you have. Join in person or join from the peace of your own home.”
Love Rising is not just about thoughtful consideration of challenges we’re facing at local and national levels. It's also about learning how to approach potentially difficult conversations with our neighbors from a position of love, asking questions and listening to each other to find common ground. Focusing efforts and actions on a single day – from dawn to dusk – may renew or create connections between the local clergy and community leaders who can help lead conversations and facilitate future efforts for positive change.
“Many of us believe in the power of prayer. But you don’t need to be a religious person to be part of this day,” explains Pam. She emphasizes that this effort is not owned by a single church, or even by faith communities. “If you have love for your neighbors, love for your community, please join us. Set aside an hour, or whatever time you have. Join in person or join from the peace of your own home.”
What exactly is is "Love Rising"?
It’s a day to reflect on our place within our community, whether through prayer or meditation or
readings.
We want to express appreciation for what we have, and to engage in honest conversation with our
neighbors about how to make our community a more welcoming place to call home.
There are different ways to get involved, from the most basic – committing to spend an hour of the day
in quiet reflection, either consecutive minutes or spread throughout; to attending a sunrise service at
Krull Park in Olcott led by community faith leaders; to joining a community conversation in the evening
that ends by going outside to enjoy the sunset together.
There are themed activities for kids, and signs available to post in your yard to show your support for
Love Rising.
It was started by people who attend church together, but you don’t have to be religious or attend any
church to participate.
Participants are mainly from Newfane and Olcott, but we’ve grown through outreach, word of mouth,
and from people seeing our beautiful yard signs! This year we have participating parishes from Lewiston
and Buffalo, NY.
All are welcome.
It’s a day to reflect on our place within our community, whether through prayer or meditation or
readings.
We want to express appreciation for what we have, and to engage in honest conversation with our
neighbors about how to make our community a more welcoming place to call home.
There are different ways to get involved, from the most basic – committing to spend an hour of the day
in quiet reflection, either consecutive minutes or spread throughout; to attending a sunrise service at
Krull Park in Olcott led by community faith leaders; to joining a community conversation in the evening
that ends by going outside to enjoy the sunset together.
There are themed activities for kids, and signs available to post in your yard to show your support for
Love Rising.
It was started by people who attend church together, but you don’t have to be religious or attend any
church to participate.
Participants are mainly from Newfane and Olcott, but we’ve grown through outreach, word of mouth,
and from people seeing our beautiful yard signs! This year we have participating parishes from Lewiston
and Buffalo, NY.
All are welcome.
