Walk to Honor Victims Of Gun Violence

The Blair County Chapter of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF) will sponsoring a two-part ecumenical event called a “Journey of Remembrance” on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 2, to honor those who have been the victims of gun violence and to offer comfort to those who have suffered loss due to gun violence.

The event will consist of a short walk beginning at 2 p.m. from Wehnwood United Methodist Church, 2511 Juniata Gap Road, Altoona, followed by a vigil at 3 p.m. in the Edith Davis Eve Memorial Chapel on the Penn State Altoona chapel. Participants in the walk will meet at the front of the church and travel for approximately 45 minutes, including stops to speak briefly, light candles and pause for reflection, before arriving at the chapel. Participants can choose to walk before attending the vigil, meet at the chapel for the vigil, or only do the walk portion.

In case of severe weather, participants will meet at the chapel and “journey in spirit” starting at 2:30 p.m.

There also will be a simple service of remembrance at 5:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 806 13th St., Altoona, for the loved ones of children who were lost in any way.

The EPF is a national organization connecting all who seek a deliberate response to injustice and violence and want to pray, study and take action for justice and peace in their communities, houses of worship, and the world.

Melanie Merkle Atha, who was hired as the new executive director of EPF in January, is traveling across the country this year to visit various EPF chapters and will be participating in the Journey of Remembrance event. In addition, Atha will attend the Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Altoona, and speak afterward about the work of the EPF at a brunch at 11 a.m.

All are welcome to attend any or all of these free events.