4th Annual International Day of Peace Gathering on September 20
Free community event features workshops on peaceful parenting, storytelling and dialogue, live music, community group exhibits, and a food drive.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
- What: 4th Annual Frederick International Day of Peace Gathering
- When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 2:00 PM.-5:30 PM
- Where: Grace United Church of Christ, 25 E. 2nd Street, Frederick, MD 21701
- Cost: Free admission; open to all
- RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/WEKvG2hsMXsfw4NW6
FREDERICK, MD — A group of six Frederick faith communities will host the fourth annual Frederick gathering in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Peace on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ, located at 25 E. 2nd Street in downtown Frederick.
The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. This indoor event will take place rain or shine.
Observed worldwide since 1981, the International Day of Peace is dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among nations and peoples. This year’s global theme, “Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” emphasizes that building peace extends far beyond financial investments—it calls on communities to contribute time, talents, ideas, care, and commitment to foster peace at home and across neighborhoods.
“Peace is not just made at conference tables, but in classrooms, neighborhoods, and everywhere people meet with open minds and open hearts. Together, day by day, we can build a more just world, with compassion, equality and dignity for all.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The afternoon program begins at 2:00 PM with welcome remarks from Rev. Chance Martinez-Colon of Grace UCC.
Key event highlights include:
- Personal Narratives & Dialogue: A session titled “Paths to Peace,” featuring personal reflections from featured community speakers followed by community dialogue:
- Lelie Sussan (Following my father’s footsteps to Hiroshima: My Father’s Journey in Film from Hollywood to Hiroshima)
- Dat Duthinh (Distant thunder on a clear night: when a child first heard B52s carpet bombing his country).
- Interactive Workshops:
- Peace Begins at Home: Raising Calm, Connected and Compassionate Kids, led by parenting expert Celia Kibler, providing practical tools for replacing power struggles with calm boundaries and communication.
- Toward Building the Beloved Community, led by Rev. Chance Martinez-Colon, providing valuable insights on the concepts of peace and justice and how churches can commit to the work of ending war.
- Hands-on Art & Family Activities: An all-day collaborative mural project, craft stations, and face painting.
- Live Music: Musical performances and group sing-alongs led by local singer-songwriter Mike Mancuso.
- Community Exhibits & Civic Action: Tabling from local organizations including Indivisible Frederick Forward, MACS (Multifaith Alliance of Climate Stewards of Frederick County), NAACP, the R.I.S.E Coalition of Western Maryland (Resources for Immigrant Support and Empowerment), and other regional civic groups.
- Donation Drive for R.I.S.E.: Attendees are encouraged to bring household or personal care donation items to support local immigrant families served by the RISE Coalition. Visit www.frederickfriends.org for a list of food and supply items.
Complimentary refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon. Parking is available along surrounding downtown streets and in nearby municipal parking garages.
While walk-ins are welcomed, advance RSVPs are requested to assist with event planning, particularly for families attending with children under age 12. RSVPs help our planning committee ensure there are enough materials for everyone to enjoy the activities.
