On Sun., Dec. 13 during the 11:00 a.m. St. Lucia Celebration and Children’s Christmas Pageant, Boy Scouts from Boardman will deliver the International Peace Light to Bethel Lutheran Church, 425 Crestview Dr., and transfer the Peace Light flame to the church.
      Bethel Lutheran is hosting the International Peace Light and making it available to the public for the holidays, Mondays thru Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each day by coming to the church office thru Dec. 23; and once again on Dec. 29-30. Windproof candles or lanterns are good tools to take home the light, but are not provided, so please bring them with you to receive the flame. Contact the church office with any questions at 330-758-5745.
      In the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem there are 15 oil lamps that have been burning continuously for over 1,000 years. This is the Peace Light flame. The Peace Light from Bethlehem campaign was originally organized by the Austrian Broadcasting Company and was part of a large charitable relief mission, ‘Light into Darkness,’ for children in need in Austria and abroad. Since 1986, the Austrian Boy Scouts and Girl Guides have been distributing the Peace Light throughout Austria. The light has traveled from Vienna to more than 30 European countries.
      Austrian Airlines has been flying the Peace Light on to New York City since 2001. This year, the Light arrived at JFK International Airport on Nov. 28 and is traveling from there as far north as Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada and as far west as Los Angeles, California. through the efforts of many Scouters.
      For the fifth consecutive year, the Boys Scouts of America/Greater Western Reserve Council will bring the Peace Light flame to northeast Ohio and Boardman. Scouters and friends have accepted the challenge to become channels of peace by receiving the flame and passing it on to others in their communities and beyond.
      Jason Wolf, scout executive of the Greater Western Reserve Council commented that “People appreciate the opportunity of spreading the message of Peace in their communities, this is why we are a part of this effort.”
      People of all faiths are welcome to come and receive the light and a wish for peace.