Heeding God’s Call, a multi-faith coalition of Harrisburg area faith communities will gather in one of the city’s crime-ridden neighborhoods between 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 21 for a prayer vigil to end gun violence in our community. The vigil will take place at the corner of 13th and Derry Streets adjacent to Mt. Pleasant Plaza. The vigil is being held in observance of the International Day of Prayer for Peace.  

United Methodist Advocacy in Pennsylvania is a partner in Heeding God’s call in both Harrisburg and Philadelphia.  

In 2008, Harrisburg’s per capita crime rate was the highest in Pennsylvania. So far this year, 11 persons have been murdered in Pennsylvania’s capital city. The last murder took place a just few blocks from where the vigil will be held. Gunshots are frequently heard in some neighborhoods.  

“Join our cries for a ceasefire from the frequent gunshots in Harrisburg,” said the Rev. Belita Mitchell, pastor of Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, one of the partner faith communities of Heeding God’s Call.  “Join us. Be a voice for the children as we raise our voices in anguish and anger and prayer.”

Other Heeding God’s Call partners sponsoring this event include Market Square Presbyterian Church, Martin Luther King Baptist Church, and the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg.

Event Parking: in addition to street parking, both the front and back lots of the Harrisburg First Church of Brethren, 219 Hummel St., will be available.

 Rain Location: The event will be held indoors at Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, 219 Hummel Street, about two blocks from the intersection of 13th and Derry Streets.