Saint Stephen's Scout Group
Kearny, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Meeting the Needs of Today's Youth
Saint Stephen's Scout GroupKearny, New Jersey, U.S.A.Meeting the Needs of Today's Youth
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The Light of Friendship and PeaceA Christmas Gift from the International Scout MovementA living flame and a gift A light for Peace and understanding A light for Fellowship and Tolerance A light for those who help others A light for the Needy A light for Friendship The tradition of the Light of Friendship & Peace started in Austria in the late 1980's. The "Peace Light" campaign was originally organized by the Austrian Broadcasting Co. and is still part of a great charitable mission for handicapped children and people in need. Every year, during the weeks before Christmas scouts distribute the light to now more than 30 European countries. The light is given from one person to another as a symbolic gift with reference to the meaning of Christmas and the wish for peace and forgiveness among human beings. Worldwide, communities seeking international friendship and peace is a special concern of all Boy & Girl Scouts here and abroad. According to the ideals of Scouting, we want to encourage everyone, all nations and peoples, through personal contacts to actively create Peace and fear-free living in their environment by being tolerant towards different ethnic, cultural or religious groups. The Light of Friendship & Peace was first introduced to the United States in the year 2000. It was flown over from Oslo, Norway with a brief stopover in London, England before landing in Bartlesville, Oklahoma the headquarters of Phillips Petroleum Co., the sponsors of the flight. The light quickly spread to six states in the heartland of America. It would be a great pleasure to all of us if the Scouting movement helped to bring this new Christmas tradition to the people of each state in the United States of America. Take part in the distribution of the Light of Friendship & Peace. Use the Peace Light or perhaps pass it on to someone you know, please consider yourself invited and accept our best wishes. Use the light however, and bring a little light "...and peace to all people on earth. We of Saint Stephen's Scout Group today, December 14, 2002, received the light from Paul D. Stanton, International representative of the Greater New York Councils and will place it on the alter of our parish. We have also passed it on to burn in a Methodist church in Rockaway, New Jersey. The light will burn on the alter until the first day of 2003 in the hope that we can carrying the flame of Peace & Understanding into the New Year. The Peace Light Hymn (sung to the tune of "Edelweiss" as a link to the Austrian Scouts and Guides) Father God, up above, All your blessings surround us, Love and Care, everywhere, In all the world around us, Grant that our service may be of use, Bless the Peacelight endeavour, Father God, up above, Bless us now and forever. (If you are using Microsoft Explorer the background music for this page is "Edelweiss")
For additional information about the Peace Light, please
follow the following links:
Venture Crew 305 receives Peace Light from GNYC
International Representative Paul Stanton |
