Rapid City residents gather to hold vigil for residents in Ukraine

RAPID CITY, S.D. — After over per week since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world is sustaining its efforts to present their help for the nation.

Residents and parishioners in the Black Hills are additionally persevering with to emanate world examples. Despite below-freezing temperatures, Rapid City group members gathered for a quick service Sunday afternoon.

Trinity Eco Prayer Park, proper outdoors of Trinity Lutheran Church, was the placement for a quick however significant prayer vigil for all affected by the violence in Ukraine and in direction of its folks.

Calvary Lutheran Church Pastor Becky Piper, with the assistance of different native clergy, put the decision out for group members to attend after listening to about comparable gatherings in Sioux Falls.

Residents responded, crowded collectively below a small archway and round a small altar coloured to match the Ukrainian flag– yellow sunflowers atop a vivid blue fabric.

“Considering that it’s fairly chilly out, it means lots to come gather together- that they got here from numerous congregations in our group simply merely to present up and to pray,” Pastor Piper stated. “Everybody desires to do one thing, and prayer is an effective method to get collectively and simply know that we present our help.”

The ceremony was quick, however its that means was not misplaced on church leaders who made it occur and the residents in attendance. Events like this give the group an opportunity to assist those who want it most, in what is usually the one method they’ll.

“Whether it’s one thing constant round this battle or we’ve gathered for any variety of points or concern in the previous, it’s what we do and we do it higher collectively,” Pastor for South Canyon Lutheran Church Erik Thone stated. “And it’s one thing that binds us as a group.”