In search of peace: Uniting Island community through a message of hope

Special to the Reporter

A newly installed peace pole will be dedicated in the garden of the Mercer Island United Methodist Church on First Hill on Aug. 19. The public is invited to attend this dedication, reaffirming our community’s commitment to promoting peace and understanding. Proclaiming “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight languages, this pole will join the other beacons of hope that grace the parks, schools and places of worship throughout Mercer Island. These poles invite prayers and ardent wishes for peace to prevail here and throughout the world.

The free event will occur from 2-3:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be served. Parking is available behind the church, which is located at 7070 SE 24th St.

As part of the dedication, the community will be invited to gather around the peace pole. There will be uplifting music and a brief ceremony. After that, there will be a lemonade social in the church’s Fellowship Hall with activities, such as rock painting. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, laugh together and share reflections on the importance of peace in their lives.

The outdoor installation of this peace pole is an Eagle Scout project done by Islander Nathan Yang (Eagle Scout Troop 647), who planned and designed the installation with the support of fellow troop members. As we witness conflicts in local communities, the distressing escalation of the war in Ukraine and tensions rise across the globe, Nathan felt it was important to once again bring the message of peace to the forefront.

The peace pole was commissioned in 2022. Amid the uncertainties of the pandemic and war in Ukraine, it was meant to instill optimism and celebrate the high school’s graduating class. The Mercer Island High School (MIHS) baccalaureate, led by Cheryl Prophater, collaborated with the Mercer Island Clergy Association on this project in the shared hope of inspiring the young graduates to work for peace as they embark on this next chapter in their lives.

The pole was unveiled a year ago during an interfaith baccalaureate celebration commemorating the 2022 MIHS graduation and donated to the United Methodist Church, where the celebration was held. It has been on display inside the church since then, proclaiming its profound message in English, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, Norwegian, Swahili, Hebrew and Lakota.

For his Eagle Scout project, Mercer Islander Nathan Yang installed the peace pole with fellow members of Troop 647. Photo courtesy of John Go