Neighborhood news: Interfaith communities unite in prayer for peace

Nokesville residents and musicians Emiko and Ahmad Nadimi and Bristow's Benedictine sisters took part in Sunday's "International Day of Prayer for Peace." The program was organized by Unity in the Community and held at Congregation Ner Shalom in Dale City.

An interfaith effort called "The Healing of Our Community," the service included prayers and music by Rabbi Jennifer Weiner and the Jewish community; Muslim members of Dar AlNoor and Manassas Mosque; mem-bers of the Buddhist community, Wat Lao Buddhavong; Christian churches of Prince of Peace United Methodist, First African Methodist Episcopal, First Baptist, Buckhall United Methodist and Manassas Church of the Brethren; Catholic churches of St. Francis of Assisi and All Saints; Bull Run Unitarian Universalists Congregation.

Led by mistress of ceremonies retired Army Brig. Gen. Clara Adams-Ender, each section began with voicing a community concern. Concerns identified were gun violence, racism, discrimination, social injustice, premature death due to hunger, drugs, lack of respect for human dignity, abandoned elderly, the need for peace in homes, families and schools, divisive politics and war.

Imam Johari Abdul-Malik provided a call to prayer. Buddhist chants and traditional wood pipe pieces were provided by Von Chandaphone and community. The Daily Office with Sister Theresa Anderson and a variety of choirs, in-cluding the Spanish Choir of All Saints Catholic, also participated.

Musician and educator Susan Bardenhagen led a sing-along of "Blowing in the Wind" and "Morning has Broken." Ciarra and Simone McPhail performed an interpretative dance. The Nadimis concluded the service with a selection from their composition "Suite of Peace."

Among the speakers were Albert Williams, who reflected on his visit to Anne Frank's home.

Governor's scorecard

Bristow's Victory Elementary was awarded the Silver Medal for the Governor's Nutrition and Physical Activity Award. And 46 Prince William schools received awards of Best Practices in Nutrition and Physical Activ-ity.

The award program, designed to encourage policies and practices on nutrition and physical activity, has schools tracking three trends: healthy lunches and breakfasts, vending options and physical activity.

Prayer exercise

Christian breathing and meditation exercises, accompanied by praise and worship music, will be facilitated by Dr. Debbie Coyner on Oct. 7 to 28, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Spiritual Care Support Ministries (SCSM) Bris-tow/Manassas Satellite Office. Sponsored by SCSM, this program is non-denominational and free.

The SCSM office is located at 11500 New Life Way, Bristow (Manassas Assembly of God Church). For informa-tion call 540-454-1676.

19th century farm life

Discover the everyday activities of a 19th century farm at the newly restored Haislip House at Brentsville Court-house Historic Centre. Join staff from Prince William Historic Preservation for Historic Farm Day on Sept. 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The program will highlight 19th century log home building, candle dipping, butter making, carding wool, pounding corn, ice cream making and open hearth cooking.

There is no charge for the program, and no reservations are needed.

The Centre is located at 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow. For more information, call 703-365-7895 or e-mail rorrison @pwcgov.org.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Nokesville, Bristow and Brentsville areas every Friday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to .