Saratoga Springs Peace Week Features Events Sept. 21-27

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Peace Week observes the UN International Day of Peace – Sept. 21 – through local events. 

Tuesday, Sept. 21 
• 7 p.m. – Book Discussion: “The New Jim Crow,” by Michelle Alexander. In person at PNECC or by registering for Zoom. The New Press Michelle Alexander’s classic study of mass incarceration and its racist foundation, illuminates the concept of systemic racism with concrete data. Copies of the New Jim Crow are available at Northshire Bookstore. For more information about the event, contact tdiggory@skidmore.edu .

Wednesday, Sept. 22
•10:30 a.m. – Peace Week Story Time at The Childrens Museum Saratoga, 69 Caroline St.  Participate in a peace art project and a reading of “I am Peace” by Susan Verde. Peace Week is an opportunity for children to learn how every person has a part in building peace. In honor of Peace Week, all regular admission tickets are $2 off. 
• 6 p.m. – Outside Interfaith Service: Celebration of the Fall at Interfaith Healing Garden behind Sanctuary, PNECC. All are invited to celebrate the Fall Equinox at The Interfaith Healing Garden behind the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church. The service will be led by The Reverend Kathy Johnson, an Interfaith-Interspiritual minister, alongside people with different beliefs helping with readings, music, meditation and sharing the bounty of the garden. Celebration will be outdoors. For more information, contact Rev. Kathy at pyramidofpotential56@gmail.com.

Friday, Sept. 24
• 10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Contemplative Labyrinth Walk with Harp led by Rachel Magnell, Spiritual Director in Saratoga Springs. Limited space. Registration required. Details provided upon registering at Elizbeth1226@yahoo.com. 

Saturday, Sept. 25
• 7 p.m., Early Victims of Climate Change: The Pacific Islands In person at PNECC or by registering for Zoom. Ms. Frances Namoumouis, from Fiji, has been involved with Climate Justice and Disaster management projects since 2004. Moderated by Laura Faulk, co-chair of the local chapter of The Climate Reality Project and Board Member of Sustainable Saratoga.

Sunday, Sept. 26 
• 2 – 4 p.m. – Documentary, “Purple” and Film Discussion. United Methodist Church, (175 5th Ave.). At a time of immense division, “Purple” tells the story of Americans with opposing viewpoints confronting their disagreements head-on and discovering the concerns and humanity that lie behind each other’s positions.

Monday, Sept.27 
• 7 p.m. – Sponsoring Asylum Seekers in the Saratoga Region. In person at PNECC or by Meeting Registration – Zoom. Asylum seekers are often placed in detention, not because they are criminals but because they lack a residence where immigration officials can keep in touch. Sponsorship can get them released from detention and provide a temporary secure home.

Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, or PNECC, is located at 24 Circular St. Saratoga Springs. For more details on Saratoga Springs Peace Week and events, go to: www.pnecchurch.org/peaceweek