MLK Day Prayer Walk in Brewster

BREWSTER, NY — More than 60 people participated in a walking prayer vigil on Martin Luther King Jr. Day around downtown Brewster to raise awareness of the various issues of immigration in the area.

The event was a joined effort by First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Andrew’s Church and Temple Beth Elohim.

Participants gathered in front of First United Methodist for a brief prayer for the widening of welcome.

They then walked through the village, pausing for small talks from people about their own immigration experience. Many carried signs welcoming neighbors in English, Spanish and Arabic, and one walker had a huge sandwich board sign (an twist on the popular WWJD line of Christian accessories and apparel) that asked "Who Would Jesus Deport?"

The folks at H&R Block on Main Street offered hot chocolate and cookies to the crowd halfway through, and everyone gathered in the basement of First United for a snack afterward.

Rev. Wongee Joh of First United talked about the "Beloved Community," a theology developed by Dr. King, whose vision saw love and trust triumphing over fear and hatred. This community that is forming around Brewster, she said, will work to end current conflicts with reconciliation in a spirit of goodwill.